Faro in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Faro
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather - 19°C (66°F) highs make Ria Formosa trails comfortable all day without overheating
- Minimal crowds at major sites - December sees 70% fewer visitors than summer, meaning peaceful exploration of Faro's Bratislava and cathedral
- Excellent value accommodation - hotel rates drop 40-60% from peak summer prices, with luxury options under €80/night
- Ideal birdwatching season - December is peak migration time with flamingos, spoonbills, and avocets concentrated in Ria Formosa lagoons
Considerations
- Limited beach weather - while days reach 19°C (66°F), Atlantic water is 16°C (61°F) making swimming uncomfortable for most
- Shorter daylight hours - sunrise at 7:30am, sunset by 5:30pm gives only 10 hours of sightseeing time
- Unpredictable rain showers - 10 rainy days means 30% chance of rain disrupting outdoor plans each day
Best Activities in December
Ria Formosa Nature Park Guided Tours
December is prime season for wildlife viewing as migratory birds concentrate in the lagoons. Temperatures of 19°C (66°F) make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable, and low tourist numbers mean better wildlife spotting opportunities. Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best bird activity and avoid afternoon rain chances.
Faro Old Town Walking Exploration
Cool December temperatures make exploring the cobblestone streets and medieval walls comfortable for hours. The bone chapel and cathedral are pleasantly uncrowded, and the 11°C (52°F) evening temperatures are perfect for lingering at outdoor cafés. Rain rarely lasts more than 30 minutes, making indoor sites like Museu Municipal ideal backup plans.
Tavira Island Day Trips
December ferry rides to Tavira Island are peaceful with minimal crowds, and the 19°C (66°F) temperatures are perfect for exploring the 11km (6.8 mile) stretch of sand dunes. While too cool for swimming, it's ideal for shell collecting, photography, and long walks. Ferry schedules are reduced but more reliable than summer.
Lagos Coastal Hiking Adventures
The famous Ponta da Piedade coastal trail is spectacular in December with dramatic winter light and zero crowds. The 19°C (66°F) temperatures make the 6km (3.7 mile) cliff-top hike comfortable, and clearer December air offers better photography conditions than hazy summer days.
Sagres End-of-World Experience
December sunsets from Europe's southwestern tip are dramatically beautiful, and the 11°C (52°F) evening temperatures make the experience invigorating rather than scorching. The lighthouse and fortress are virtually empty, and December's clear air offers impressive views to Morocco on clear days.
Algarve Wine Estate Tastings
December is harvest season aftermath, making it ideal for wine tastings when cellars are full of new vintages. Indoor activities are perfect for Algarve's 10 rainy December days, and the cooler 19°C (66°F) temperatures make vineyard walks pleasant. Local wineries offer special December harvest celebrations.
December Events & Festivals
Faro Christmas Markets
Traditional Portuguese Christmas market in Jardim Manuel Bívar features local crafts, regional sweets like Dom Rodrigos, and live fado performances. The market creates a cozy atmosphere with fairy lights and warming drinks perfect for December's cool evenings.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Marina
Faro's marina hosts fireworks display over Ria Formosa lagoon with live music and traditional Portuguese midnight grape eating. The waterfront location offers panoramic views, and December's clear nights provide excellent visibility.