Is December A Good Time To Cruise The Mediterranean?

Traveling to the Mediterranean in winter is less popular but offers mild temperatures and lower prices. Christmas markets can be found in some cities during the Advent season, making for a memorable shopping experience. November through February can be the best time for Mediterranean cruises, with fewer crowds exploring classic port stops like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Genoa, and Istanbul.

December is a great time to explore the Mediterranean due to mild weather in some regions and fewer crowds. To book a cruise in December, it is recommended to book well in advance to secure preferred cabins and itineraries, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun. Winter months (December to March) are the quiet season, with lower prices and fewer crowds, making it a good time for Mediterranean cruises.

The primary Mediterranean cruise season runs during the warmer months of the year. If chilly, hot, or wet weather is a deciding factor for your Mediterranean cruise, rule out January, February, and December for the chill, July and August for the heat, and October, November, and December for rain and tides. November through February can be the best time for Mediterranean cruises, with fewer crowds exploring classic port stops like Barcelona.

Whilst winter is a good time to visit the Mediterranean, it is advised to avoid the Christmas New Year period as many of the main tourist sites may be closed. The Quiet Season in November and December is less crowded but still seasonally mild, offering fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and more affordable fares. Windstars winter Mediterranean cruises departing between November and March offer a variety of voyages on routes between Rome, Barcelona, and other Mediterranean cities.

What months is the Mediterranean Sea rough?

The Mediterranean Sea can be rough during fall and winter months due to winds and storms. The Meltemi winds on the Aegean Seas kick up during the summer affecting smaller ships the most.

What months is the Mediterranean sea rough?

The Mediterranean Sea can be rough during fall and winter months due to winds and storms. The Meltemi winds on the Aegean Seas kick up during the summer affecting smaller ships the most.

What is the weather like in the Mediterranean sea in December?

Although it doesn’t get as hot as the summer, in most coastal areas along the Mediterranean, the weather can still reach warm temperatures during the winter. Throughout the day, temperatures are often above 10-15°C (50°F/59°F), and present good winds making the experience more pleasant for the sailors.

Regardless of the weather, there are always things to do on your vessel. Winter is a particularly enjoyable season to catch great winds and appreciate the horizon.

During the day, when the sun is at its prime, relax onboard by reading or trying your hand at catching local fish you can cook later on!

What is the weather like on a Mediterranean cruise in December?

The best time to cruise the Med based on weather. Temperatures remain moderate across most of the Mediterranean year-round, but even Istanbul can be chilly, with an average high temperature of 48 degrees in January. Athens, Rome, Barcelona and most of the Greek islands see temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s in December and January, warming slightly in February.

Summer temperatures can be brutal in the larger cities. Athens regularly reaches 90 degrees and higher in July and August. Rome and Barcelona average roughly 2 degrees cooler than that in summer.

Rain is more common across the Mediterranean in October and November than most other months, but the average monthly rainfall, even in fall, is 3 inches or less. The northern ports in the Adriatic see a bit more rain than most of the Med. Don’t forget the famed Acqua Alta, or mega-tides in Venice, which will leave you sloshing through St. Mark’s Square in rubber boots. Though a genuinely rare occurrence, the high tides are most likely to happen in November and December, making them a concern when booking a cruise on one of the handful of ships with November stops in Venice.

If chilly, hot or wet weather is a deciding factor for your Mediterranean cruise, rule out January, February and December for the chill, July and August for the heat and October, November and December for rain and tides. That leaves March, April, May, June and September as the best weather months for cruising in the Mediterranean.

What month is the Mediterranean sea the calmest?

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Mediterranean?. Mediterranean cruises in Spring Spring is a great time to visit the Mediterranean. The seas are calmer by May and the temperatures start to climb into the mid-70s, which is a great temp for open-air plazas and beaches. The crowds will be thinner, as most kids aren’t out of school yet.

Pros: You’ll have more room at major attractions, as kids are still in school and families start vacationing in June.

Cons: Depending on where you cruise, water temps may be brisk for a swim in the sapphire seas.

Where is the best place to go in the Mediterranean in December?

If you want winter sun in Europe in December, your best bet is either Madeira or the Canary Islands. You can find warm temperatures and sunshine in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and Malta, but fine weather isn’t guaranteed. Morocco is also an excellent option, only three hours flying time from the UK.

Air fares start to rise the closer you get to Christmas, although if you want to celebrate Christmas Day abroad you might find some special packages on offer. Do take something warm for the chilly evenings, and it’s wise to pack a raincoat and umbrella, hopefully as a good luck charm.

1. Lanzarote. Average highs in December: 22ºCAverage daily sunshine: 6 hoursFlying time from UK: 4 hours.

Are cruises rough in December?

During bad weather, the size of your ship matters, but expect changes and be prepared if you don’t have sea legs. December seems to be the worst month to take a Caribbean cruise.

What is the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise?

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The weather is hot and sunny, the water is warm, and millions of people flock to the coast to soak up the sun and take a break from routine. The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October).

Travel to the Mediterranean – Best Times to Take a Cruise.

Summer is the high travel season in the Mediterranean. The weather is hot and sunny, the water is warm, and millions of people flock to the coast to soak up the sun and take a break from routine. The best time to take a Mediterranean cruise, however, is in the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October). Temperatures are comfortably warm, the sun is bright, and the crowds are far, far fewer than in July and August. During the spring months, the flowers are blooming and the landscape is verdant, while autumn days are mild and clear before the winter rains.

Those wanting to travel earlier in the season can visit some of the more southern destinations as well as the larger Mediterranean islands. Sardinia, Corsica, and Malta are lovely in April, with warm days and pleasant nights. Late March through April is also an ideal time to visit Morocco, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and the rest of the brilliant blue Adriatic Sea.

How rough is the Mediterranean sea in December?

Con: Open Seas Can Be Rough When Cruising the Mediterranean in Winter. Rough seas can strike at any time year-round, so it’s impossible to guarantee calm seas at any time of year. Chances are, though, there will be at least one bout of bouncy waves when cruising the Mediterranean in winter.

If you are prone to seasickness, be sure to pack preventative medication to help keep you steady. Pack ginger candy to offset feeling sick, and perhaps go easy on the drink package until you return to smoother seas.

Con: Some Things May Be Closed When Cruising the Mediterranean in the Off-Season. While the perk of less crowds is appealing, the downside of cruising the Mediterranean in the off-season is that some port towns will take this opportunity to refresh. Monuments or museums may undergo refurbishments, some attractions may temporarily close to prepare for the next high season, and some streets may be under construction with less pedestrians around.

Waterfront eateries and cafes may also take this quieter time to renovate or even close entirely for the off season. There will always be something to explore, something new to see, so do a little research before you cruise.

Are cruise ships decorated for Christmas in December?

Whether you relish a visit from Santa or celebrate by lighting a Hanukkah menorah, you can celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah on a winter cruise. Cruise lines go all-out with seasonal decor (generally from Thanksgiving through New Year’s), holiday activities, religious services and festive food and drink.

Christmas: Azamara ships will be decorated for the holidays from the beginning of December. Crew will perform carols at various times and in different venues, Christmas cookies will be served the entire voyage and a priest will be onboard to lead religious services. The cruise director will have a special Christmas Show on Dec. 25.

The ships will offer holiday-themed buffets in Windows Cafe, as well as special menus in the main dining room and specialty restaurants on Dec. 24 and 25.

Hanukkah: A rabbi is onboard all ships for the Hanukkah celebration.

Can you still swim on a cruise in December?

Onboard, the ships’ pools are heated should the temperature drop below 75 degrees, so swimming on the ship is always enjoyable. The ocean water temperatures near the beaches in the Bahamas tend to have average water temperatures in December of mid to upper 70’s, so again, pretty comfortable. When we’ve visited Castaway Cay and Nassau in the winter, our whole family has enjoyed snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and just playing in the ocean. I’m sure you’ll find the same!

Have fun as you begin planning your cruise, Amy! Marcy.

Is it worth going on a cruise in December?

6. Cruises in December or Other Winter Months Can Be Great for Your Travel Budget.

Winter can be the best season to cruise for your vacation budget. While it’s often a challenge to find a bargain for summer sailings, cruises in December and January tend to offer incredible deals. The exception to this, of course, are tropical cruises with limited availability.

To plan for the biggest savings, keep an eye on cruise deals year-round and note when pricing dips in your favor. Then you’ll be able to judge for yourself whether seasonal fall promotions or last-minute fares during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales offer the best value for cruising in the winter months.