Palma de Mallorca in December – Weather & Travel Tips
December in Palma de Mallorca is all about festive lights, Christmas markets, and mild Mediterranean winter vibes. While the island is quieter than the summer months, Palma transforms into a charming winter destination with cozy cafés, holiday shopping, and seasonal gastronomy. Are you visiting for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or a peaceful winter escape, December offers a magical atmosphere, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds compared to mainland Europe’s chilly cities.
📌 Quick Facts – Palma in December
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🌡 Weather | Mild (7°C–17°C) with sunshine |
| 🌊 Sea Temperature | ~16°C (too cold for most swimmers) |
| 🎄 Events | Christmas Markets, New Year’s Eve |
| 🏖 Beaches | Quiet & scenic, great for walks |
| 🚶♂️ Outdoor Activities | Hiking, cycling, sightseeing |
| 🍽 Food to Try | Turrón, Roscón de Reyes, seafood |
| 💰 Travel Costs | Low season, but Xmas can be pricier |
🌤 Weather in Palma de Mallorca in December
✅ Average temperature: 7°C – 17°C (45°F – 63°F)
✅ Rainy days: Around 5–7 days of occasional showers
✅ Sea temperature: 16°C (too cold for swimming, but beaches are great for walks)
✅ Daylight hours: ~9 hours
💡 Tip: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, but daytime often feels spring-like in the sun!
🔗 Palma de Mallorca Weather Guide
What to Pack for Palma in December
✔ Warm layers – A sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
✔ Comfortable shoes – Perfect for walking around Christmas markets & Old Town.
✔ Sunglasses – Even in December, the sun is strong!
✔ Scarf & gloves – Not essential but good for colder nights.
✔ Umbrella or raincoat – Light showers can happen.
Christmas & New Year’s Events in Palma in December
December in Palma is all about festive decorations, street markets, and holiday cheer.
Christmas Lights in Palma ✨
📍 Where: Passeig del Born, Plaza Mayor, Avenida Jaume III
🕒 When: Lights are switched on in late November and shine all month
Palma’s Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere, covering the city in golden illuminations and festive displays.
Best streets for Christmas lights:
✔ Passeig del Born – The most elegant holiday lights in Palma
✔ Plaza Mayor – Beautiful decorations with live music & market stalls
✔ Avenida Jaume III – Stylish boutiques & festive shop windows
Christmas Markets in Palma 🎁
📍 Where: Plaza Mayor, Pueblo Español, Portals Nous
🕒 When: Throughout December
Palma’s Christmas markets offer handmade gifts, festive foods, and holiday decorations.
Best Christmas markets:
✔ Plaza Mayor Christmas Market – Artisan crafts & holiday sweets
✔ Pueblo Español Christmas Market – A magical setting with German-style stalls
✔ Puerto Portals Christmas Market – High-end shopping with glamorous winter vibes
New Year’s Eve in Palma – Nochevieja 🥂
📍 Where: Plaza Cort & Cathedral Square
🕒 When: Midnight on December 31st
Mallorca celebrates New Year’s Eve in Spanish style, with fireworks, live music, and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight.
Best places to celebrate:
✔ Plaza Cort – Palma’s main countdown & fireworks
✔ Palma Cathedral Area – Romantic New Year’s dinner spots
✔ Beachfront Clubs & Rooftop Bars – Fancy NYE parties with sea views
🏖 Winter Beach Walks & Outdoor Adventures
Coastal Walks & Scenic Beaches
Even in December, Mallorca’s beaches are stunning, making them perfect for walks, photography, and seaside cafés.
✅ Best beaches for a December stroll:
✔ Illetas Beach – Quiet & picturesque, great for a sunny afternoon
✔ Es Trenc – A wild and beautiful natural beach
✔ Port de Sóller – Cozy harborside cafés & sea views
Hiking & Nature in December
December is great for exploring Mallorca’s mountains & countryside.
✅ Best winter hikes:
✔ Castell d’Alaró – A historic hilltop castle with incredible views
✔ Barranc de Biniaraix – A lush valley trail near Sóller
✔ Serra de Tramuntana Routes – UNESCO-listed landscapes
🔗 Best Hiking Trails in Mallorca
Food & Winter Specialties in December
Mallorca’s winter food scene is comforting and festive.
What to Eat in December
✅ Turrón – Traditional Spanish nougat, a Christmas must-try
✅ Roscón de Reyes – A festive cake eaten on January 6th
✅ Seafood Specialties – December is the best month for fresh shellfish
💡 Tip: Try Paella de Marisco (seafood paella) for a perfect winter meal!
✈️ Travel Tips for Visiting Palma in December
✔ Book Christmas dinner in advance – Restaurants fill up fast.
✔ Pack for mild days & cool evenings – Palma is warm in the sun, but nights are chilly.
✔ Stay near Old Town or the beach – Best areas for festive vibes & convenience.
🌴 Palma in December: Summary
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Weather | Mild (7°C–17°C) with sunshine |
| 🎉 Biggest Event | Christmas Markets & NYE fireworks |
| 🎄 Christmas | Festive lights, markets & decorations |
| 🏖️ Beaches | Great for scenic walks & sunset views |
| 🚶♂️ Outdoor | Perfect for hiking & nature walks |
| 🍽️ Food | Turrón, seafood, Roscón de Reyes |
| 💰 Travel Costs | Low season, but Xmas is pricier |
🔹 Common Questions About Palma in December
❓ Is Palma warm in December?
Palma is mild compared to most of Europe, with daytime highs of 16-17°C (61-63°F).
❓ Is Mallorca worth visiting for Christmas?
Yes! Palma’s Christmas markets, festive lights, and winter food scene make it a magical destination.
❓ Can you swim in Mallorca in December?
Most people don’t, as the sea is too cold (16°C), but some locals do winter swims!
📌 Final Thoughts – Is December a Good Time to Visit Palma?
✅ Great for Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve, and festive city vibes.
✅ Mild weather – perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and coastal walks.
✅ Lower prices – but book early for Christmas & NYE events.
If you want a cozy, festive Mediterranean getaway, Palma in December is perfect for holiday magic & winter sun!
