2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Marseille — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Marseille. Mild temperatures around 14°C make it comfortable for exploring. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 15°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.2
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

5°C

Rainy days

8days

Daylight

9h

Feels like 11°C / 2°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

53mm

Sunshine

6.3h/day

Humidity

82%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

2.3

Moderate
Wind

19 km/h (gusts 38)

Sea Temp

15°C ❄️ Cold

Is December a good time to visit Marseille?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:05

Sunset

17:04

9h daylight

Visiting Marseille in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Santon Fair & Christmas Markets
November–December Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Marseille Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 13°C 4°C 6d (33mm) 7h
77% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Good
Feb 15°C 6°C 6d (41mm) 8.2h
74% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Good
Mar 17°C 7°C 7d (57mm) 9.6h
68% Humid
6.2 High
Good
Apr 20°C 10°C 6d (50mm) 11h
64% Moderate
8.2 Very High
Excellent
May 24°C 14°C 8d (69mm) 12.1h
66% Humid
9.4 Very High
Excellent
Jun 30°C 19°C 7d (36mm) 13.3h
61% Moderate
10.4 Extreme
Excellent
Jul 33°C 21°C 1d (9mm) 13.6h
54% Moderate
10.8 Extreme
Good
Aug 33°C 20°C 3d (36mm) 12.3h
58% Moderate
9.3 Very High
Good
Sep 27°C 17°C 7d (84mm) 10.4h
69% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Oct 23°C 13°C 7d (67mm) 8.7h
77% Humid
4.6 Moderate
Excellent
Nov 17°C 8°C 7d (55mm) 7.4h
79% Humid
3.1 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 14°C 5°C 8d (53mm) 6.3h
82% Very Humid
2.3 Moderate
Good

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4.7

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Marseille – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Marseille

Vibrant Mediterranean port, including calanques, Vieux-Port harbor and Notre-Dame de la Garde, multicultural quarters, and bouillabaisse.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Warm Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Marseille?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Marseille?
December is typically good for visiting Marseille, with average highs of 14°C and around 8 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Marseille in December?
Nights in Marseille during December are cool at around 5°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Marseille in December?
With highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C in December, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Marseille in December?
Marseille typically sees around 8 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Marseille in December?
Swimming in Marseille during December is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 14°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Marseille in December?
In December, Marseille gets approximately 9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Marseille?
No, December is not peak season in Marseille. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Paris)

Last Updated: February 2026

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