Spain, Europe

Mallorca in December

Palma's Christmas lights and markets, low hotel rates, and mountain walks. Not a beach month.

Quiet valueCool, highs near 62F (17C), some rain

The harbor at Cala Figuera, Mallorca — MallorcaPhoto: pjt56 ---, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Mallorca. Palma's Christmas lights and markets, low hotel rates, and mountain walks. Not a beach month.

Weather: Cool, highs near 62F (17C), some rain
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What December is like in Mallorca

December is cool, with highs near 62F (17C) and some rain. Palma's Christmas lights and markets make the city festive. Hotel rates are low and mountain walks are pleasant on dry days. Beach resorts are closed, and the sea is too cold for most people.

It suits couples and families who want a mild, festive city break. It is not a beach month, and the resort towns are shuttered. If you want a beach holiday, wait until June. If you want almond blossom and quiet countryside, February is a lovely winter alternative.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Mallorca this month.

Palma's Christmas lights

The old town is lit up for the season. Evening walks around the cathedral are lovely.

Christmas markets

Palma's markets sell local crafts and food. They are a nice stop with kids.

Winter walks

Mild days suit short hikes in the Tramuntana, with clear views on crisp days.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket
Layers for mild days
Comfortable walking shoes
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Base yourself in Palma for the markets and lights, and check which restaurants stay open over the holidays.

Book Mallorca for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Mallorca
Opens a hotel search for Mallorca in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Mallorca
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Mallorca
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Mallorca for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Mallorca

Full guide

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

The Gothic cathedral on the waterfront, with an interior touched by Gaudi. Go at opening or late afternoon to avoid cruise groups.

Tickets and tours →

Soller train and tram

A wooden train running since 1912 from Palma through the mountains to Soller, then a tram down to the port. Book ahead in summer, and check for winter maintenance closures.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Valldemossa and Deia

Two stone villages in the Tramuntana, the first famous for Chopin's winter stay, the second for the writers and artists who settled there. Visit early before coaches arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Cap de Formentor

The island's dramatic northern tip. In peak summer private cars are restricted on the final stretch; check before you go and consider the bus.

Tickets and tours →

Hiking the GR 221

The Dry Stone Route traverses the Tramuntana with mountain refuges along the way. Best from February through May and in October and November.

Tickets and tours →

Mondrago Natural Park

Protected coves with clear water and pine woods in the southeast. Arrive before 10am in summer.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit the most famous calas, such as Cala Varques or those in Mondrago, before 10am or after 5pm. Midday parking often runs out entirely in July and August.
Check Palma's cruise schedule and save the cathedral and old town for non-ship days, or early mornings.
Stay in an inland village, Soller, or a finca instead of the big resorts, for calmer nights and easier access to the mountains.
Drive the Sa Calobra and Formentor roads early. Tour coaches and cyclists fill them from mid-morning.

Know before you go

Many hotels and restaurants in beach resort areas close from about November to March. Palma, Soller, and the larger inland towns stay open year-round.
In summer, access to Cap de Formentor and some protected beaches can be restricted for private vehicles; check current rules before driving.
Mallorca has tightened rules on holiday rentals and on drinking in some resort zones. Book licensed accommodation.
Late summer and autumn can bring sudden heavy storms that close roads and beaches for a day.

Mallorca in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Mallorca?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Mallorca. Palma's Christmas lights and markets, low hotel rates, and mountain walks. Not a beach month.

What is the weather like in Mallorca in December?

Cool, highs near 62F (17C), some rain.

Is Mallorca crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Mallorca; most sights can be done without long waits.