Weather in Volos in December
December is early winter in Volos: cool and often wet. Expect highs of about 12°C / 54°F and overnight lows near 5°C / 40°F. Nights are chilly, so bring something warm for the evenings. Rain falls on around 7 days, with about 50 mm in total, usually in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. The sea averages about 16°C / 61°F, too cold for most people to swim. Volos sits at the foot of Mount Pelion, on the sheltered Pagasetic Gulf. Northern Greece has proper winters, with cold northerly winds and the occasional snowfall. Daylight lasts about 9½ hours, so plan sightseeing for the middle of the day. Pack a warm jacket, layers and a waterproof, plus shoes that can handle wet paths. Short days and changeable skies are part of the appeal, with fewer visitors and a more local feel. Make the most of the middle of the day, when it's warmest and brightest.
Swimming in Volos in December
At around 16°C / 61°F, the sea in Volos is too cold for most people to swim in December. The best time for swimming is July and August, with August usually the warmest. Beaches like Milopotamos and Papa Nero on the Pelion coast are still worth a visit for the scenery and a walk along the shore. There are no lifeguards or beach services out of season, so swim with care. If you do go in, a wetsuit is a good idea.
Crowds & Prices in Volos in December
You'll have Volos largely to yourself in December. Prices are at their lowest of the year, although fewer hotels are open. The festive season brings a brief rush around Christmas and New Year. It's a good time to see everyday life, away from the summer bustle. With so few visitors, the atmosphere is genuinely local, and people have time to chat. You can usually book at short notice.
What's Open in Volos in December
Everyday life carries on in Volos in December, as it does all year. Everyday businesses stay open, while beach hotels and seasonal tavernas close. Museums and archaeological sites are open on winter hours. Most sites close on 25 and 26 December. Cafés and tavernas are busy with locals, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Public transport and services run as normal.
Festivals & Holidays in Volos in December
Christmas is celebrated with church services, carols sung door to door by children and festive sweets like melomakarona and kourabiedes. On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, is honored in harbors across Greece, and decorated boats appear alongside Christmas trees. In Volos, as across Greece, these traditions are very much alive. Beyond that, it's a month of everyday life, with locals filling the cafés and tavernas in the evenings.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Volos?
Yes, if you're after a quiet, local-feeling trip. In numbers: highs of about 12°C / 54°F, lows of 5°C / 40°F and rain on around 7 days in a typical December. In December, Volos is ideal for exploring Mount Pelion, museums and long lunches, with few other visitors around. Don't come for swimming or nightlife, though. For sun and sea with fewer crowds than summer, choose June, September or October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sun set in Volos in December?
Through December, sunset in Volos moves from around 5:05 pm to around 5:15 pm in Greek local time, bringing some of the earliest sunsets of the year. In mid-December, expect it at around 5:05 pm. With short days, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Does it snow in Volos in December?
Occasionally. December is cold and often grey in northern Greece, and snow is possible during cold spells, although it rarely settles for long near the coast. The surrounding mountains usually have snow. Pack warm winter clothes.
Can I visit the villages of Mount Pelion in December?
Yes. You can explore the villages of Mount Pelion any time of year. In December it's quiet, with few visitors, and some tourist shops and cafés close for the season, but it feels authentic and peaceful. Makrinitsa and Portaria are a short drive from the city.
Do I need a car in Volos in December?
Not for Volos itself, which is easy to explore on foot. A car is the best way to reach the villages of Mount Pelion, as bus connections are much less frequent in winter.
Is December or January better for visiting Volos?
December, for the festive atmosphere, with decorations, events and New Year celebrations. January is quieter and cheaper, with Epiphany on 6 January. The weather is similar, so it comes down to your dates.
Volos Weather by Month
