Weather in Vilamoura in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Vilamoura. Within Portugal it is 8th of 13 (Portugal in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Vilamoura is 8.3°C warmer by day and 7.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Vilamoura peaks at 16.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.1°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 10.6°C; one night in ten drops to 7.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 22.6°C (2018-12-06) and the coldest night 3.0°C (1994-12-26).

Rain in December

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 76 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2009 with 242 mm, the driest 1993 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 16.6°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.9°C to 17.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (20.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:39 and sets about 17:16 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is December a good time to visit Vilamoura?

December is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Vilamoura on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Mild afternoons, but pack for cool evenings

Vilamoura is noticeably milder than London in December: its average daytime high is 16°C, compared with London's 7.7°C. That makes it a useful option for spending time outdoors without summer heat, rather than somewhere to rely on shorts and a T-shirt. The warmer days reach 18.1°C or more, but they are not the everyday expectation. Nights average 10.6°C, with the coldest falling to 7.4°C or below, so bring a jumper, long trousers and a jacket for evenings. Removable layers are more useful than a wardrobe built around warm afternoons. If heat is the main reason for travelling, June, July or August would be a better fit.

Keep outdoor plans flexible and swimming optional

Rain is a meaningful part of the December picture, though it need not rule out an outdoor break. About 8 days have measurable rain, so pack a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet weather. Avoid making every day's enjoyment depend on staying dry. There are about 4.6 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight, which favours using the brighter part of the day for walks rather than leaving them until late. The sea is cold at 16.6°C: time by the water is a more realistic focus than leisurely swimming. This month suits travellers happy to adjust their plans, rather than those who need dependable sunshine.