Weather lowdown
Located in the south east of Spain, Murcia is a small province that's full of charm. The area is a popular destination for tourists all year round thanks to its stunning scenery and amazing culture. From coastal resorts to a historical city, the region has something for everyone.
Winter arrives in December, and with it comes lower temperatures compared to the summer and autumn months. The weather can vary tremendously, so visitors during this time should bring a wide selection of clothing to choose from. The average temperature in December is 12°C but the average low temperature is a chilly 7°C at night. However, high temperatures can still reach 17°C at times.
While the month isn't the best time to visit if you're planning on sunbathing, December does still sees some sunshine. There are 2 sunny hours per day and a 39% chance of a sunny day which is perfect for enjoying some outdoor activities in the region.
Swimming in the sea is not usually recommended in December. The average sea temperature is only 17°C which is considered too cold by most people. Therefore, December is not a month that draws tourists to the beaches.
During December, Gota Fria can come at any moment, bringing torrential rains. However, this is not an occurrence every year. The average precipitation of just 10mm per month, which comes on an average of just 7 days, proves that Gota Fria is not something that tourists should worry about or attempt to plan around when considering a December vacation in Murcia. There is only a 15% chance of a rainy day in December which is much less than October or November.
If you're looking for a relaxing holiday and don't mind risking the odd shower and cold day, December is a great time to visit Murcia. As the weather is a little unpredictable and temperatures are low, the whole region is quiet at this time of year, so you can avoid the crowds of tourists that flock here during the summer months.
Take a look at the 14 day weather forcast for Murcia.
Where to stay
December is a recommended time to visit Murcia if you're looking for a great value stay. As it's outside of the peak tourist season, hotels often reduce their rates.
The AC Hotel Murcia by Marriott is a luxury four star hotel in Murcia. Located just 1.6 miles north of the city centre and close to the Terra Natura wildlife park, the hotel makes a great base for exploring the area. Guests can enjoy comfortable and stylish accommodation here for around £30 per night.
If you're looking for a place to stay in the heart of Murcia, look no further than the Hotel Hesperia Murcia. This hotel is located in the centre of the city, just 50 yards from the cathedral. All of the rooms here offer free Wi-Fi and satellite TV while a buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge.
Hit the beach
December tends to be too cold for sunbathing and swimming, but Murcia's coastline is beautiful enough to appreciate all year round. Visitors to the area can enjoy an evening stroll or a picnic on one of Murcia's beautiful beaches. With over 250km of golden sand, there's plenty to choose from!
La Azohia is a charming coastal village with a long stretch of golden sandy beach and crystal clear water. The fishing village is one of the lesser developed beaches on the Costa Cálida and is a wonderful natural setting with stunning mountain views. Located between Puerto de Mazarrón and Cartagena, La Azohia beach is easily accessible from all over the region.
Eating and drinking
Visitors to Murcia should make sure to sample everything that the region has to offer in terms of food: stews, salads, rice dishes, seafood, and wine made with produce from the local area. Traditional tapas can also be found in almost every restaurant and bar in Murcia.
To start, head to El Jumillano which serves great value and authentic tapas alongside a fantastic range of drinks. Guests can sample a real Spanish eating experience here, with dishes such as octopus and empanada served in the restaurant or at the bar. The restaurant is located close to the River Segura, just a 5 minute walk from Murcia city centre.
Las Mulas is also a recommended choice. Situated near the Plaza de las Flores, the small restaurant gets busy at times thanks to its fresh and tasty tapas dishes. While December may be a little too cold to take advantage of the restaurant's outdoor seating area, the stylish and contemporary décor inside Las Mulas will not disappoint. A great location for lunch or dinner in the heart of Murcia.
However, it's not just Murcia city centre that has great food. El Toro is located in the small town of Los Belones, on the Mar Menor coast and receives great reviews for its mouth-watering Spanish and international menu. The tapas dishes are unique with a subtle Asian-fusion flavour.
Things to do
While it may be a bit cold to hit the beach in December, Murcia has many other great attractions and events to keep tourists busy.
Those staying in Murcia city centre can visit the famous Roman Catholic cathedral which combines Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical architecture and Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 14th century, it is still in use today. Other must-see sights include the Episcopal Palace, Real Casino Murcia, and many churches and convents.
On the 8th, 9th and 10th of the month there is a moving religious festival in the town on Totana in honour of St. Eulalia. The festival includes a traditional procession which holiday makers can witness.
With Christmas just around the corner, visitors to Murcia is December may want to partake in some shopping. The city centre has an array of boutiques and stores. Alternatively, you can head out of town to Nueva Condomina, a huge shopping centre in the north of Murcia. Here, you will find international shops such as H&M, the Disney Store and Mango. This makes a great day out with the family when the weather is cold or wet.
