what country in europe is hot in december

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02-12-2024

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Dreaming of December Sun? Which European Country Offers the Warmest Weather?

December in Europe conjures images of snow-dusted landscapes and crackling fireplaces. But for those seeking warmth and sunshine during the holiday season, a surprisingly sunny escape is possible. While no European country guarantees consistently tropical temperatures in December, several offer significantly milder weather than their northern counterparts. Let's explore some options, drawing on climate data and insights.

Where's the Warmest December in Europe? A Closer Look

Finding definitive "hottest" is tricky; daily temperatures fluctuate. However, several countries consistently see above-average temperatures for December in Europe. While pinpointing the absolute warmest requires specifying a particular year and location, we can analyze general trends.

Many sources, including meteorological data, point towards Southern Europe as the most likely region to experience warmer Decembers. But "warm" is relative! Expect pleasant, not scorching, temperatures.

The Contenders:

• Spain (Canary Islands): The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa, are known for their year-round spring-like climate. According to climate data (though specific citations are challenging to uniformly source across multiple years and locations), the average daily highs in December often range from 18-24°C (64-75°F) in popular locations like Tenerife and Lanzarote. This makes them a popular choice for those escaping the European winter chill. This agreeable temperature allows for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming (in the ocean, possibly).

• Portugal (Algarve): Southern Portugal's Algarve region enjoys a milder climate than the rest of the country. While temperatures won't reach summer highs, you can expect average daily highs in the range of 15-18°C (59-64°F) in December. This is still significantly warmer than many other parts of Europe. Coupled with the beautiful coastline, this region offers a great place to explore and enjoy the milder weather.

• Malta: This Mediterranean island nation boasts sunshine and relatively warm temperatures throughout the year. December in Malta is still mild, with average highs typically around 16-18°C (61-64°F). The advantage to Malta is that it has many historical sites to explore and is much smaller in size making exploring much easier.

• Greece (Crete & other Southern Islands): While mainland Greece experiences cooler temperatures in December, the southern islands like Crete tend to maintain milder weather. Average highs may hover around 15-17°C (59-63°F). Bear in mind this is an average, and some days will be warmer, others cooler.

Factors Influencing December Temperatures:

Remember, weather is unpredictable. Microclimates and variations from year to year can impact daily temperatures. Factors influencing these seasonal variations include:

• Altitude: Higher elevations experience colder temperatures.
• Proximity to the sea: Coastal areas tend to have more moderate temperatures due to the moderating influence of the ocean.
• Specific location within the country: Even within a country, regional variations are considerable.

Beyond Temperature: Consider other factors

While temperature is a primary concern, consider other factors:

• Sunshine hours: Even if temperatures aren't scorching, ample sunshine can make a big difference in feeling warm.
• Rainfall: Check rainfall averages for your chosen destination. Some regions may experience increased rainfall in December.
• Cost: Prices for flights and accommodation can vary significantly across different destinations.

Conclusion:

While no European country guarantees "hot" weather in December, the Canary Islands, Algarve, Malta and parts of Southern Greece often provide the mildest temperatures and most sunshine. Do your research, check weather forecasts closer to your travel dates, and pack accordingly to maximize your chances of enjoying a warm and sunny European escape in December. Remember, "warm" is relative to the rest of Europe in December, so adjust your expectations accordingly.