Weather in Mallorca in December: Cool Mild Winter, Fresh Sea and a Calm, Festive Island (with Smart Deals via mallorcard.es)
Mallorca in December feels like a cool but gentle Mediterranean winter, with average daytime highs around 15–18°C, nights near 7–10°C and sea temperatures typically around 17–18°C. It is not classic beach‑holiday season, but compared with much of northern Europe it remains mild and is perfect for quiet escapes, hiking, Palma city breaks and Christmas lights – especially if you combine it with clever hotel and car rental savings and discounted activities via mallorcard.es.
Quick overview – Mallorca weather in December
December is one of Mallorca’s cooler and more changeable months, but still moderate by European winter standards.
A realistic “at a glance” for December in Mallorca:
- Average daytime temperature: about 15–18°C
- Average night temperature: roughly 7–10°C
- Average sea temperature (Mallorca / Palma): around 17–18°C, with recent averages near 17.5°C and daily values between about 16 and 19°C.
- Sunshine: roughly 5–6 hours of sun per day, with around 9 hours of daylight.
- Rainfall: about 50–60 mm over roughly 8–10 days, often concentrated in short, wetter episodes.
In practice, expect cool mornings and evenings, mild afternoons on clear days and a mix of sunny, cloudy and some rainy days.
Temperatures in December – what it really feels like
Mornings typically start around 7–9°C and can feel chilly in the shade or with wind. Long trousers, closed shoes, a jumper and a proper jacket are standard when you first step outside, especially away from direct sun.
By late morning and early afternoon, daytime highs usually reach 15–18°C, particularly in sunshine and sheltered spots. Many visitors say that on clear December days they can happily sit on a sunny terrace in light layers at lunchtime, as long as they stay out of the wind.
Evenings cool quickly after sunset, dropping back to around 7–10°C and sometimes lower inland. For Christmas markets, festive lights and evening walks, a warm jacket and maybe a scarf are important, especially if sea breezes pick up along the coast.
Cloud cover and wind strongly influence how December feels. Analyses show December is overcast or mostly cloudy around 40% of the time, which makes the air feel cooler, while clear, wind‑protected days feel much milder. On such bright days, many people combine outdoor exploring with relaxed café stops – and those are perfect moments to take advantage of hotel and car deals you’ve secured via mallorcard.es to upgrade your stay without stretching your budget.
Can you swim in Mallorca in December? (sea & pool weather)
The sea around Mallorca in December is fresh but not ice‑cold, with average water temperatures around 17–18°C and typical ranges from about 16 to 20°C. Early in the month, averages around 18°C are common; towards the end of December, values closer to 17°C are typical.
For most visitors, that is too cool for long, relaxed swims, but hardy swimmers and locals still enjoy short, invigorating dips on sunny, calm days. If you are used to colder seas, December can feel refreshing; otherwise, you will probably prefer to enjoy the water visually rather than spend extended time in it.
Outdoor hotel pools without heating usually feel similar to or colder than the sea, so they are rarely a core feature of December holidays. Most travellers treat the coastline more as a setting for walks, viewpoints and seaside cafés than a base for daily swimming.
Because water‑based activities shift away from swimming, December is a great time to focus on indoor or weather‑flexible experiences such as aquariums, spa days, wine tastings, caves or guided city tours. Booking these via mallorcard.es helps you pick from curated options that run in winter and often come with discounts, ensuring you still have plenty to do when the sea feels too fresh.
Weather by region – north, south, east, mountains
In the north (Alcúdia, Port de Pollença), December brings quiet bays and long, empty beaches, ideal for fresh‑air walks and photography. On clear days, views across the bay and up to the Tramuntana mountains are particularly striking, though exposed stretches can feel cold in the wind.
The south, including Palma and Playa de Palma, is one of the best areas in December thanks to a combination of mild coastal climate and vibrant urban life. Palma is especially atmospheric around Christmas, with lights, markets and a strong local crowd. Many visitors choose to base themselves here and use hotel deals through mallorcard.es to stay in more central or higher‑category properties without paying summer prices.
On the east coast (Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada, Cala d’Or), many resorts are very quiet, with some seasonal hotels and venues closed or on limited opening hours. This suits travellers looking for solitude and winter seaside walks, but nightlife and dining choices will be more restricted.
In the Tramuntana mountains, December is cool and sometimes crisp, with occasional frost at higher elevations after cold nights. Short hikes and scenic drives with viewpoint stops work well on clear days, but you should bring proper layers and check weather for wind, cloud and rain before committing to longer routes.
Best things to do in Mallorca in December (weather‑friendly ideas)
December is ideal for nature, culture, gastronomy and festive experiences, rather than classic beach holidays.
Strong December‑friendly ideas include:
- Hiking and coastal walks: low‑ to mid‑altitude routes and seaside promenades on dry, clear days.
- Palma city days: cathedral, old town, museums, cafés, Christmas markets and shopping under festive lights.
- Village markets and local life: weekly markets, bakeries and bars that show Mallorca’s everyday winter rhythm.
- Wine, olive oil and gastronomy tours: bodega visits, tastings and long lunches in rural restaurants.
- Caves, aquariums and indoor attractions: weather‑proof options for rainy or windier days.
- Christmas and New Year events: festivities in Palma and other towns with lights, music and local traditions.
When you plan these experiences, mallorcard.es can act as a central planning and savings hub: you can select winter‑appropriate tours, city experiences, tastings and indoor attractions that run in December and often come with discounts or promo codes, helping you build a rich programme at low‑season prices.
Is December a good time to visit Mallorca? Pros & cons
Pros of visiting Mallorca in December
- Mild winter climate compared to much of northern Europe, with many days usable for hiking and city walks.
- Very few crowds: quiet roads, beaches, cities and trails.
- Authentic local feel, especially in Palma and villages, plus Christmas markets and festive lights.
- Lower prices for flights and accommodation than in spring and summer.
- Great for slow travel, gastronomy, culture and relaxed outdoor activities.
Cons of visiting Mallorca in December
- Not beach‑holiday weather: sea and pools are cool, and sun is weaker and lower.
- Higher chance of cloudy, grey or rainy days than in summer; weather can be changeable.
- Many seasonal services, beach clubs and resort hotels are closed or working limited hours.
- Shorter days, so less daylight for excursions.
If you want hot beach weather and daily swimming, December is not suitable. If you prefer quiet travel, mild winter hikes, culture, food and festive city atmosphere – and you appreciate lower prices – December can be an excellent choice, especially when you enhance it with strong hotel and car deals via mallorcard.es.
How busy and how expensive is Mallorca in December?
December is clear low season, apart from a small bump around Christmas and New Year.
- Accommodation: Prices are significantly lower than in spring and summer; you can often book nicer hotels or more central locations for the same budget you would spend on simpler summer options.
- Car rental: Base rates are much lower than in high season; car hire is generally very good value, though Christmas/New Year weeks can be slightly higher.
This is where mallorcard.es becomes particularly useful:
It highlights some of the best hotel deals on Mallorca, with strong discounts compared to standard rates, especially in low season.
It provides promo codes for major car rental companies on the island, allowing you to save roughly 10–50% on car hire depending on partner and dates.
It aggregates discounted tickets for tours, excursions and activities, so even in winter you can fill your days with high‑quality experiences while keeping your daily spend under control.
By combining low‑season base prices with targeted savings from mallorcard.es, December trips often feel more “premium” than their actual cost.
Mallorca weather in December for different types of travellers
Families with children
For families, December works best if children enjoy city days, markets, playgrounds, hikes and occasional beach walks rather than expecting pools and warm sea. It is a good option for budget‑friendly pre‑Christmas breaks, and using mallorcard.es to secure family‑friendly hotel deals, discounted attraction tickets and car rental promo codes keeps the total cost competitive.
Couples
Couples who like city breaks, cosy evenings and exploring without crowds will likely enjoy December. Palma in particular offers a very atmospheric combination of historic architecture, Christmas lights, restaurants and bars, plus easy day trips to coastal areas and villages. Booking a nicer hotel in Palma or a characterful rural stay via mallorcard.es at winter rates makes a romantic escape much more affordable than in summer.
Hikers and cyclists
For hikers and cyclists, December can be good, but slightly more weather‑dependent than October or November. Cool air is ideal for moderate routes, but shorter days and higher rain risk mean you need flexibility and backup plans. Many active travellers use December for shorter or medium‑length routes, complementing them with indoor or cultural activities booked at a discount via mallorcard.es.
Beach‑lovers and swimmers
If your priority is sunbathing and swimming, December is not the right month. You might enjoy sunny beach walks and, if you are brave, a quick dip, but you cannot rely on daily beach‑holiday conditions. For warm‑water, lie‑on‑the‑sand holidays, late spring to early autumn is a better target.
Digital nomads and long‑stay guests
For digital nomads and long‑stays, December offers low costs, mild weather relative to northern Europe and a calm working environment. You can work comfortably, take walks or short hikes on good‑weather days and enjoy Palma’s cafés and restaurants without crowds. mallorcard.es helps you keep monthly costs down by combining longer‑stay hotel offers, car rental promotions and discounted activities, turning Mallorca into a very attractive winter base.
What to pack for Mallorca in December
For December, pack for cool, mild winter conditions with variability:
- Long trousers and comfortable closed shoes (trainers or light boots)
- Long‑sleeve tops, jumpers or fleeces
- A proper jacket, ideally wind‑ and water‑resistant
- A scarf and possibly a hat, especially for evenings and mountain or coastal walks
- Optional: light gloves for early‑morning or higher‑altitude hikes
You can bring swimwear if you are a hardy swimmer or optimistic about a couple of mild days, but it should not be central to your plan. Also include:
- Sunglasses – winter sun can still be bright on clear days
- A compact umbrella or lightweight raincoat for showers
- A small daypack for hikes, markets and city exploration
With this setup - plus a few carefully chosen, discounted tours, tastings and city experiences booked via mallorcard.es - you will be well prepared for Mallorca’s December mix of cool mornings, mild afternoons, occasional rain and plenty of opportunities for relaxed winter exploration and festive city life.