15 Best Places To Visit In Europe In December (Winter Weather Tips!)

Are you ready to learn about the best places to visit in Europe in December? You are in for a treat! Europe in December is just absolutely spectacular!

A few of my favorite places to visit at this time of year include:

Santorini
Budapest
Zermatt
Paris

Whether you are looking for the hottest European countries in December, a snowy mountain escape, or something in between, there is a destination to fit your vibe. Let’s get started and find you the perfect place to visit this December!

aerial photo of a city on the french riviera, buildings, waterways, and trees are in the photo

15 Best Places To Visit In Europe In December ( Winter Weather Tips!)

Best Warm Places To Visit In Europe In December

Madeira, Portugal

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 55F (12.7C) and lows of 45F (7.2C); it rains around 11 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

For the best December weather in Europe, consider visiting Madeira, Portugal. This dreamy region of Portugal with stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, pebbly beaches, dolphin and whale watching, sunshine, and warmer winter temperatures is just what you need to escape the chill of December.

If you love spending time in the outdoors, you can go waterfall chasing, surfing, and hiking. This is a year-round destination and as such, the tours are still operating even in the off-season. There will be fewer tours at this time of year, but you can still find everything you are looking for!

buildings on the coast, water on the left, mountains in the background, palm trees around the buildings

Tenerife, Spain

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 61F (16C); it rains around 5 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

Spain is one of the best warm places in Europe to visit in December. (It is also one of the hottest countries in February as well!) In December in the city of Tenerife, you won’t have to worry about long periods of rain or snowfall. Instead, you can enjoy the largest and most popular of The Canary Islands in the sunshine!

In December there are events like the International Short Story Festival of Los Silos, experience the Regional Crafts Fair of Tenerife, enjoy food and music at Plenilunio de Santa Cruz, stroll through Christmas markets, and much more!

sandy beach on the coast, water on the left, mountains on the right, the beach is curved and there are palm trees on it

Sicily, Italy

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 61F (16C) and lows of 50F (10C); it rains around 7 days in December and you get around 4 hours of sunshine a day.

I absolutely have to recommend Sicily to anyone looking for fabulous European beaches in December. You can reach Sicily via ferry, car, or plane. While a plane is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Sicily, you can also drive your car onto a ferry or walk onto a ferry to reach the island as well.

There are many festivals and events for you to check out here during the month of December like the Festa Della Santa Lucia, Festa Dell’Immacolata, and the Presepe Vivente di Custonaci. Other than the beaches and festivals, you should check out the Botanical Garden and Cathedral of Monreale which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

hillside village in italy, one of the best place to visit in europe in december, mountains are in the backhround

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 54F (12C) and lows of 42F (6C); it rains around 10 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

Another one of the hottest places in Europe in December for you to consider while you begin your travel planning is the Dalmatian Coast. This stretch of coastline in southern Croatia is famed for its dramatic landscape and historic treasures.

You can find stunning coastal resorts here with pools, incredible views, and all of the luxury amenities you could ever want. Visiting during December allows you to enjoy them without as much crowding as the summer months!

There are also loads of historic sites like the historic city of Trogir, the famous archeological sites of Peljesac, and the baroque fairytale-like Kastela’s Castles.

coastal town, buildings along the coast, there are boast parked in the water along the waterside walkway, many clouds in the sky

The French Riviera

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 56F (C) and lows of 48F (C); it rains around 10 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

The French Riviera offers travelers one of the best December beach vacations in Europe! The sunshine, mild winter temperatures, and the jolly holiday spirit at this time of year are quite dreamy if I do say so myself!

When it comes to warm European cities in December, The French Riviera allows you to enjoy the comforting warmth of the sun while also enjoying the very festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, fairs, and decorations.

a hillside village of colorful buildings, there is a tower on the left, palm trees in the foreground and partly cloudy sky, french riviera, one of the best place to visit in europe in december

Best European Cities To Visit In February

Tallinn, Estonia

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 33F (.5C) and lows of 24F (-4.4C); it rains around 14 days in December and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.

Christmas in Europe doesn’t get much better than in Tallinn, Estonia. While the city is overwhelmingly beautiful all year around, December offers a truly breathtaking atmosphere. Walking the Old Town in cold snowy weather is like walking through a Christmas wonderland!

Other things to see and do in Tallinn include St. Olaf’s Church, ice skating, free walking tours, Christmas markets, and the Tallinn Winter Festival. All of these fantastic sites make this Estonian city one of the best places to visit in Europe in December.

snow covered buildings and trees, mostly clear sky, spires and towers can be seen poking up amongst the buildings

Zermatt

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 35F (C) and lows of 21F (C); it rains around 3 days in December and you get around 9 hours of sunshine a day.

Calling all skiers! Zermatt is among the best European cities to visit in December for those interested in participating in winter sports on their travels! You can ski at Sunnegga Paradise for impeccable views of the Matterhorn, take ski lessons from the pros, and ski the longest ski run in Europe from Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt!

If winter sports aren’t your thing, you can do things like taking the ski lifts for the views, grabbing a Gluhwein or hot chocolate, taking a helicopter ride around the Matterhorn, visiting the museums, taking the short walk to the Zermatt Village Viewpoint, or shop for handmade crafts.

snow covered mountains in switzerland with a village in between them, snow is on the roofs of the buildings, the sky is clear

Hallstatt, Austria

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 37F (2.7C) and lows of 26F (-3.3C); it rains around 4 days in December and you get around 8 hours of sunshine a day.

I am head over heels for Hallstatt in the winter! The scenic streets, Hallstatt Skywalk, museums, Catholic Church of Hallstatt, winter hiking, skiing, and the saunas and heated pools all make this one of the top cities to visit in Europe in the winter.

While in Hallstatt, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Bräugasthof for incredible vibes, views, and food! Austria on the whole is one of the best countries in Europe to visit in December, so if you have the time, consider taking a day trip to one of the beautiful nearby towns like Salzburg, Werfen, or Vienna.

water on the left, buildings on the edge of the water on the right, snow covered mountains are in the background

Bruges

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 45F (7.2C) and lows of 38F (3.3C); it rains around 12 days in December and you get around 1 hour of sunshine a day.

By far one of the best places to visit in December in Europe, Bruges offers festive fun at this time of year! The Christmas markets this month are particularly magical. Market Square and Simon Stevinplein Square both have beautiful decorations, tasty food, and winter wonderland vibes.

Bruges in December is the perfect time to go gift shopping, taste incredible hot chocolates, visit the Basilica of The Holy Blood, chow down on Liege waffles, get cozy in a snug pub, walk the canals, and try mouthwatering Flemish and Belgian cuisine.

water in the foreground, buildings line the edge of the water in the centre of the image and there are tree covered mountains in the background, one of the best places to visit in europe in december

Paris

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 47F (8.3C) and lows of 39F (3.8C); it rains around 9 days in December and you get around 2 hours of sunshine a day.

Is Paris really one of the best European destinations for December? Absolutely! Winter in Paris in general is a total dream as snow covers the streets and lights decorate every nook and cranny of The City of Love.

You can check out the twinkling lights along the Champs-Elysees, visit the Tuileries Gardens and Notre Dame Christmas Markets, sip delectable hot chocolates, go ice skating, see the Jardin des Plantes lit up for the holiday season, and indulge in a Bûche de Noël while in Paris in December.

Eiffel tower in the middle of the photo in the background, a carousel is in front of it and there are trees om both sides of the image

Best Cheap Places To Visit In December

Prague

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 40F (4.4C) and lows of 32F (0C); it rains around 5 days in December and you get around 2 hours of sunshine a day.

Another treasure when it comes to must-see European countries in December, Prague is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a city that is dreamy at Christmastime. The Christmas markets in Prague start in early December and the best one is on Old Town Square.

You can watch the Nutcracker, attend Christmas concerts, and visit the top sites in the city during your visit. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Lennon Wall are all must-see spots in the city.

aeiral photo of a christmas market in a town square, there is a christmas tree in the middle and stalls and tents around it, one of the best places to visit in europe in december

Santorini

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 59F (15C) and lows of 52F (11C); it rains around 12 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

Your Europe trip in December can be made affordable by visiting Santorini. The island is budget-friendly and isn’t crowded at this time of year so you can enjoy the top activities like wine tastings, visiting the Oia Castle, and exploring the cliffside villages.

You can either fly or take a ferry to reach Santorini from Athens. In the winter, the ferry options aren’t as plentiful and you will be better off taking a plane if that is an option for you. Either way, Santorini should be on your radar as it is one of the best places to visit in Europe in December.

Lisbon

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 59F (15C) and lows of 49F (9.4C); it rains around 10 days in December and you get around 5 hours of sunshine a day.

If you visit Lisbon in December I highly recommend visiting the Christmas markets for roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, local treats, and artisanal goods. You can also attend a live Fado music show which gives you an inside look at Lisbon culture.

Portugal is one of the most cost-effective destinations in Europe, and it is even better in December! With the mild winter temperatures, budget-friendly prices, and fewer crowds, it is easy to see why Lisbon is among the best places to travel in December in Europe.

Budapest

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 40F (4.4C) and lows of 32F (0C); it rains around 6 days in December and you get around 2 hours of sunshine a day.

Another city that I have to recommend for those wondering where to go in Europe in December is Budapest! The Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market has incredible poppy seed strudel, chimney cakes, and mulled wine for you to try. It also has over 100 stalls where you can purchase craft chocolates, handmade items, and more.

Christmas in Europe is truly a dream and Budapest is one of the best places for you to experience the holiday. However, there’s more fun to be had as well. You can go ice skating, spend time in the spas or thermal baths, or visit the Hungarian State Opera House.

a town square with a christmas tree and lights in it as well as tents/stall in a Christmas market, the city stretches out into the back of the image and there are mountains in the background, one of the best places to visit in europe in december

Istanbul

Average temperatures and weather: highs of 51F (10.5C) and lows of 41F (5C); it rains around 10 days in December and you get around 3 hours of sunshine a day.

Looking for cheap European countries in December? Turkiye is one of the best! In Istanbul, you can enjoy not only budget-friendly prices but also a festive atmosphere, fewer crowds, and tons of cozy cafes to warm up in. There is also a ski resort two hours away if you fancy a December ski!

While in the city, you should hit up all of the top attractions like the Hagia Sofia, The Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace Museum. And when it comes to food, Kestane, Lahmacun, Borek, and Baklava are all must try’s

a mosque in the snow, there are trees in front of it and they are also covered in snow

Tips For Visiting Europe In December

English Speaking Tours

Visiting Europe in December means that many of the tours given in English in the summer months will not be as available at this time of year. If visiting a destination with English-speaking tour guides is important to you, make sure you keep this in mind when choosing your December travel destination.

Everything Takes Longer

While you are planning your travels to one of the best places to visit in Europe in December keep in mind that everything takes a little longer this time of year. No matter your mode of transportation, you should be prepared for delays due to weather.

Comfortable Waterproof Shoes

A comfy pair of waterproof shoes is exactly what you need for visiting Europe at this time of year. The last thing you want is soggy socks and blistered feet while you are trying to enjoy your dreamy European destination!

a waterway in a city, on the left there is a walkway lined with trees and on the right there are buildings along the water

Now that you have learned a bit about the best places to visit in Europe in December, which of these exciting destinations will you be adding to your winter travel plans this year? We love to hear from you!