What's The Weather Like In Vilamoura In December
December is the heart of winter in Vilamoura, Portugal, but it still remains quite mild thanks to the warm, Mediterranean climate that characterises the region. The resort is pretty much empty at this time of year, and many of the restaurants and activities close down for the season, so be prepared to check availability before you do anything.
Rain
Rainfall is the main issue in December, as winter is also the wet season in Vilamoura. Throughout the month around 94mm of rain falls, with showers occurring several times a week. Be sure to pack an umbrella and waterproofs for when you inevitably get caught in a downpour!
Temperature
In between the rain, though, the temperatures are actually quite pleasant for this time of year and there is a fair amount of clear, sunny skies. Daily average temperatures sit at around 13°C, which often rises to 17°C during the hottest parts of the day. At night, temperatures rarely dip below 9°C, meaning the evenings are surprisingly mild it's best to pack a few warm jumpers to keep the winter chill at bay, though. The temperatures stay very consistent throughout the month, so you can expect similar temperatures at the start of the December to those at the end.
Sunshine Hours
December in Vilamoura has the shortest days, with only around 5 hours of sunshine per day. The sun sets early, but there is still a good few hours available to explore the resort every day.
Sea Temperature
Many visitors to Vilamoura head straight to the beach, but in December this can be a very chilly option, especially because the sea temperature is a cool 17°C. Add to this the Atlantic breeze which makes the sea choppy and unruly, so the casual swimmer might want to avoid taking a winter dip. If you're determined to get into the water, try your hand at some watersports where you can don a wetsuit to keep warm.
Vilamoura is very fresh in December, with cool temperatures that are mild for this time of year, crisp blue skies, and regular showers. It makes for a great winter break if you're looking to avoid all the crowds of the previous months and want to take long winter walks in the cool climate.
Vilamoura Hotels In December
Cegonha Country Club Hotel
Check into the four-star Cegonha Country Club Hotel, which boasts minimal but beautifully decorated rooms with their own kitchens and private gardens, a huge on-site pool with bar, and two tennis courts. Plus, it's close to the Millennium, Laguna, and Victoria gold courses and sits adjacent to a nature reserve, offering the ideal surroundings for a winter stroll.
Casa do Alto
Casa do Alto is a cute little guesthouse perfect for a winter getaway. The blue and white décor is typically Mediterranean, and the rooms are cosy with soft, plush furniture and lots of shades of terracotta. Outside, there is a private, secluded pool for guests to use with outdoor seating areas and a bar restaurant for all your dining needs.
Casal das Alfarrobeiras
Casal das Alfarrobeiras is conveniently situated close to the Oceanico Pinhal golf course, and is a short distance from Vilamoura Marina and the beachfront. The apartments all have their own kitchenettes, seating areas, and balconies or terraces. Plus, there's a large on-site pool for guests to use and nearby restaurants and bars are only 200m away.
Vilamoura Beaches For December
The sea water might be cold in December, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the vast selection of beaches surrounding Vilamoura. The crisp winter weather provides the perfect backdrop for walks, and the rugged scenery is great for exploring in the cooler temperatures. It's best to avoid swimming at this time of year, but there's always the numerous watersports opportunities dotted along the shores.
Praia de Carneiros
In the nearby village of Ferragudo, you can check out Praia de Carneiros, a cove beach surrounded by tall, imposing cliff faces that offer shelter from the harsh winter weather. The jutting rock formations that dot the beach and horizon provide an unusual landscape for you to get to know.
Praia de Monte Gordo
Alternatively, head to Praia de Monte Gordo which is a large expanse of sand stretching for miles down the coast. Its uninterrupted views out to sea and the never-ending landscape is the perfect place for a crisp, winter walk.
Bars And Restaurants
Parky's Bar
For a laidback evening, grab a table at Parky's Bar in Vilamoura Marina. It has a stylish interior with friendly staff and is very popular with the locals. Here, you can enjoy the expansive drinks menu which is filled with a selection of beers, cocktails, wines, and even pitchers. The bar often shows live sporting events and has themed evenings.
Restaurant Henrique-Leis
Restaurant Henrique-Leis offers a Michelin-star experience in the nearby town of Almancil. It combines a traditional Brazilian menu with infusions of French and other European cuisine, providing an exciting time for the taste buds. Be sure to order a dessert, which are more works of art than plates of food!
La Fragata Steakhouse
Craving a steak? Don't worry! La Fragata Steakhouse is there to meet all your steak needs. Choose from a variety of steak dishes from Tex-Mex to your standard sirloin, as well as a range of other dishes like crispy tempura prawns and pork ribs.
Things To Do In Vilamoura In December
Vilamoura Marina
Vilamoura Marina is the perfect place to escape the showers. Sitting in the centre of Vilamoura, it offers great views out across the harbour and sea, and boasts numerous shops and restaurants. There's even a supermarket and a Casino, too.
Laguna Golf
Golf is a hugely popular sport in Vilamoura and, in between the rain when the skies are clear and blue, it is a great activity to do to soak up the winter sun. Hit the Laguna Golf course, which was designed by architect Joseph Lee and is a warren of unusual water hazards and thin, forested areas. The course has all the essentials a clubhouse, restaurant and bar, and an on-site golf shop.
Vilamoura Bowling Club
If bowling is your thing, head to the Vilamoura Bowling Club, which has one of the best facilities for the activity in the whole of Europe. Set against beautifully manicured lawns, it's a great way to while away the short winter days.
