What's The Weather Like in Algarve in December?
Decembers in the Algarve are usually much sunnier than over central and northern parts of Europe. The capital, Faro, has an average of 167 hours of sunshine, which is between five and six hours a day.
What's Christmas Like In The Algarve?
The relatively kind climate makes the region an attractive option for a December or Christmas destination for guests from colder locations. Christmas day is usually bright and sunny. 2019 was 16°C and 2018 was 13°C but the high peak is often around 17-18°C.
Is It Hot In The Algarve In December?
Temperatures are generally mild, with an average maximum of 17°C and an average minimum of 10°C. Frosts are generally absent near the coastline although they occasionally crop up in the hillier northern parts of the region.
Does It Rain In December In The Algarve?
December is usually the wettest month of the year in the Algarve. However, the rain is often heavier and shorter-lived than is the norm in northern parts of Europe. On average it rains on 11 days out of a possible 31.
Is The Sea Warm In The Algarve In December?
The sea temperature usually falls to around 15°C during December which means that it is not a great time of year to go swimming.
Hotels for Algarve in December
Quinta Jacintina Hotel
Accommodation options in the Algarve are numerous and there are many good hotels to choose from. Those on a romantic Christmas break can consider the Quinta Jacintina Hotel, at Quinta Jacintina, Almancil, which is a boutique hotel and offers wedding planners and golf packages, among other attractions, so it is particularly good for couples preparing to tie the knot early the following year.
Herdade da Corte
A less expensive option is the Herdade da Corte hotel at Santa Catarina Da Fonte Do Bispo, Tavira, which contains a lounge bar, a swimming pool and a relaxed atmosphere..
Praia Village
Self-catering accommodation options include Praia Village at Vilamoura.
Beaches for December for Algarve
Ilha de Culatra
December is not one of the best times of year to head for the beaches at the Algarve, but nonetheless the beaches still have some attractions. The island of Ilha de Culatra, just off the coast from Olhao, contains a wide range of facilities including villages, a mini market, and fishing outlets, making it a good resort for many tastes.
Praia la Luz
On the mainland, the beach at Praia la Luz is close to a good range of restaurants and even a couple of supermarkets.
Restaurants and Bars for Algarve in December
Oiliveira Dourada
There are many good restaurants available in the Algarve, catering for almost all tastes. High quality local cuisine is served at the Oiliveira Dourada restaurant at Sitio de Conseguinte, Vilamoura, which is a pleasant and relaxing family-run restaurant.
II Cappuccino
For those after a relatively light snack, high quality snacks are served at the Il Cappuccino café at R. Quinta da Correira, Albufeira, alongside a selection of main courses.
Tunes Bar
The Tunes Bar at Praca Miguel Bombarda 32, Albufeira, serves a variety of traditional pub food including cooked English breakfasts, and broadcasts sporting events.
Things to Do in Algarve in December
Fortress of Sagres
Given the relatively unreliable weather in December, it is quite a good time of year to check out the region's landmarks, rather than lazing on the beach. The Fortress of Sagres at Sagres on the coast of the Algarve is impressively mainly for its views over the nearby bay and ocean, and features an exhibition centre and centre for visitors. There is not a lot left of the fortress itself, though what remains is quite impressive.
Cerro da Villa
The Cerro da Villa ruins are located in Villamoura, and date as far back as the 1st century. Again the ruins are quite limited, but the premises also contain a museum which boasts some Roman mosaics in the adjacent outdoor area.
Alferce village
Another good place to visit is the village of Alferce at Monchique. It has numerous medieval-style buildings, and Roman remains, and contains good views over the nearby mountains. These attractions give some insights into the sort of settlements that the Romans developed in the Algarve region.
Quinto do Francees Estate Family
The Algarve has some good wineries and shops to try out. The Quinto do Francees Estate Family located at Odelouca River Valley, Sitio da Dobra, Silves offers and showcases a large range of wines, it has 8.5 hectares of wineyards and also an in-house wine shop. There are guided 15-20 minute tours showing the range of facilities that are on offer. The winery is open from 0900-1200 and 1400-1730 on Mondays to Fridays although it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Quinta dos Vales
Another good option is Quinta dos Vales at Sitio dos Vales, Estombar. This site offers some sculpture gardens to explore, and displays of farm animals, and many of the exhibits are free. They also offer golf and tennis and massage packages, among other attractions, and guided tours of the facilities, plus a farm shop and a web shop (where wines can be purchased online).
