❄️ Not really. Average temperature: 16°C
It's cool at 16°C — not ideal for beach weather, but pleasant for exploring and outdoor activities. Algarve in December has an average air temperature of 16°C with sea temperatures around 17°C. You can expect 6 hours of sunshine per day and 80mm of rainfall, which means moderate rainfall — some wet days expected.
At 17°C the sea is quite cold. A wetsuit is recommended if you plan to swim. With 6 hours of daily sunshine, there's plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and closed-toe shoes. Evenings can feel chilly.
If you're looking for heat in December, you might want to consider warmer alternatives. The average flight time from the UK is comfortable and there are usually good deals available for this time of year.
Here's how Algarve stacks up against similar destinations in December:
| Destination | Air °C | Sea °C | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algarve | 16°C | 17°C | 80mm | 6h |
| Azores | 15°C | 18°C | 110mm | 3h |
| Cyprus | 15°C | 19°C | 65mm | 5h |
| Malta | 15°C | 18°C | 95mm | 5h |
| Crete | 14°C | 17°C | 70mm | 4h |
| Madeira | 18°C | 20°C | 85mm | 5h |
See how Algarve's temperature changes throughout the year:
Looking for somewhere warm in December? These destinations are all 25°C+:
No, Algarve in December has average temperatures of 16°C. It is not particularly warm this time of year. Sea temperatures are 17°C.
The sea at 17°C is cold — a wetsuit is recommended.
Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and closed-toe shoes. Evenings can feel chilly.
There are warmer months to visit Algarve. Consider checking January or other warm destinations for this time of year.
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