Weather in Marbella in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Marbella and ranks 78th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Spain it is 50th of 87 (Spain in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Marbella is 7.7°C warmer by day and 7.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Marbella peaks at 15.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.0°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 10.4°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 21.9°C (2018-12-04) and the coldest night 3.2°C (2004-12-28).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 9 days with 1 mm or more, 115 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1996 with 441 mm, the driest 1994 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 15.9°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.4°C to 16.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (22.4°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 08:24 and sets about 18:05 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 51%.

Is December a good time to visit Marbella?

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

Mild afternoons, but pack for cool evenings

December warmth is useful rather than reliable enough for a summer wardrobe. The warmest days reach 18°C or more, which can feel pleasant for sitting outside in sunshine, but that is not the everyday expectation. Bring layers you can remove during a walk and put back on when you stop or the sun goes down. The coldest nights fall to around 7°C or below, so a proper jacket is more useful than packing only light tops. This month suits travellers who prefer being active in mild weather; it is less convincing if your main aim is lounging outside in minimal clothing.

Leave room for rain in your plans

Rain is a meaningful drawback in December, not something to dismiss as an occasional inconvenience. About 9 rainy days means you should bring a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet conditions. It does not mean every affected day will be a washout, but a rigid schedule of outdoor activities is a poor fit. Sunshine averages about 4.6 hours within 9.5 hours of daylight, so make use of brighter periods rather than saving all your outdoor time for late afternoon. Keep indoor alternatives in mind and treat sunny lunches or dry walks as opportunities, not promises.

The coast is better for walks than swimming

At around 16°C, the sea is cold, so December is not a sensible choice if comfortable swimming is central to your holiday. A mild afternoon does not change that: pleasant air and inviting water are different things. Think of the coast as somewhere to walk or sit when conditions allow, rather than somewhere to spend the day in swimwear. If you do intend to enter the water, expect a cold dip rather than a leisurely swim. For a holiday built around warmth, June, July and August are better choices here; December works better when swimming is optional.