Things to Do in Faro in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Faro
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures averaging 14°C (57°F) mean you can comfortably explore the Old Town cobblestones and Ria Formosa trails without the punishing summer heat that hits 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Locals actually prefer December for outdoor activities.
- December sits squarely in the off-season sweet spot, with accommodation prices dropping 40-60% compared to summer peaks. Three-star hotels that cost €150 per night in August run €60-80 in December, and you'll have beaches and restaurants largely to yourself.
- The Algarve's famous 300+ days of sunshine still delivers in December, with roughly 6 hours of sun daily. While northern Europe shivers through grey winter, Faro typically sees clear blue skies interrupted only by occasional brief showers.
- Fresh Atlantic seafood peaks in December as winter fishing brings in percebes (gooseneck barnacles), amêijoas (clams), and robalo (sea bass). Local markets like Mercado Municipal overflow with catch that's noticeably better than the frozen summer tourist fare.
Considerations
- Ocean temperatures drop to 16-17°C (61-63°F), which is genuinely cold for swimming unless you're particularly hardy or wearing a wetsuit. Beach activities shift from swimming to walking, though the sun can still feel warm on your skin.
- Daylight runs short, with sunset around 5:15pm early December and 5:30pm by month's end. This cuts into afternoon exploration time and means dinner reservations that feel late in summer (9pm) are actually quite normal for the reduced daylight hours.
- While Faro gets minimal rain compared to northern Portugal, those 10 rainy days in December tend to bring proper downpours rather than drizzle. When it rains, it often means a lost afternoon, though storms typically clear within 2-4 hours rather than settling in for days.
Best Activities in December
Ria Formosa Natural Park boat tours and birdwatching
December is actually peak season for birdwatching in this protected lagoon system, as thousands of migratory species winter here, including flamingos, spoonbills, and avocets. The cooler temperatures make the 2-3 hour boat tours comfortable rather than scorching, and the lower water levels concentrate birds in visible areas. Morning tours around 9-10am offer the best light and bird activity before afternoon winds pick up.
Faro Old Town walking and photography tours
The historic center's white-walled streets and orange-tiled roofs look spectacular in December's angled winter light, particularly between 3-5pm when golden hour stretches longer than summer. Crowds thin to almost nothing, meaning you can actually photograph the Arco da Vila and cathedral square without dodging tour groups. The mild temperatures make the uphill climbs to city walls comfortable rather than sweaty.
Coastal hiking along Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
This 12 km (7.5 mile) clifftop route between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes is genuinely miserable in summer's heat but perfect in December's 14-16°C (57-61°F) temperatures. The trail stays open and dry most days, offering dramatic Atlantic views without the sunstroke risk. Winter swells make the ocean views more dramatic, with waves crashing 30 m (98 ft) below the limestone cliffs.
Traditional pottery and tile painting workshops
December's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural activities particularly valuable, and Faro's azulejo tile tradition offers hands-on workshops perfect for rainy afternoons. The cooler, humid air actually helps clay work better than summer's dry heat. These 2-3 hour sessions teach traditional Portuguese techniques and you take home your creation.
Tavira and Eastern Algarve day trips
The Roman bridge town of Tavira, 30 km (19 miles) east, sees even fewer December tourists than Faro while maintaining its charm. The castle ruins and Igreja de Santa Maria provide excellent exploring in mild weather, and the town's authentic restaurants serve locals rather than tourists in winter. The train journey costs €3-4 each way and takes 35 minutes through scenic coastal landscapes.
Fresh seafood market tours and cooking classes
Mercado Municipal comes alive early morning with December's prime seafood catch. The combination of fewer tourists and peak fishing season means better quality and lower prices than summer. Cooking classes (typically 3-4 hours) teach you to prepare cataplana (seafood stew) and other Algarvian dishes using ingredients you select at market that morning.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Markets and Nativity Displays
Faro sets up a modest Christmas market in Jardim Manuel Bivar from early December through January 6, featuring local crafts, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. More impressive are the elaborate presépios (nativity scenes) displayed in churches throughout the Old Town, particularly at Sé Cathedral and Igreja do Carmo. These handcrafted displays represent months of work by local artisans.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Marina
The marina hosts Faro's main New Year celebration with fireworks over the Ria Formosa at midnight. Unlike the massive crowds in Lisbon or Porto, this stays relatively intimate with a few thousand locals and visitors. Waterfront restaurants offer special menus (€50-90 per person) with guaranteed views, though the public promenade provides free viewing.