Funchal or Málaga in December: compare the trip
Compare Funchal and Málaga in December for city sights, walkable routes and the pace of a short break.
Travel month
Average temperatures in the cities on this page, °C
Contents
Compare the weather by city
| City | Daytime | At night | Sea | Wet days | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funchal | 19 °C | 16 °C | 19.5 °C | 9.7 | 52.7 mm | 10.0 h |
| Málaga | 18 °C | 11 °C | 16 °C | 5.7 | 43.7 mm | 9.7 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
How to choose
Funchal pairs an old town and waterfront with island scenery beyond the centre. Málaga offers a compact Andalusian city programme: historic streets, the Alcazaba, museums and distinct beach districts. In December, plan shorter walks in daylight and leave the city centre for an evening stroll.
Routes and pace
In Funchal, walk from the old town towards the market or western promenade, and keep mountain excursions for another day. In Málaga, combine the centre with the Alcazaba and Soho; save La Malagueta or El Palo for a separate coastal walk.
Who each city suits
Choose Funchal when island character and ocean views matter most. Málaga works well for a short visit where history, museums and beach neighbourhoods complement one another.
Detailed city guides
Funchal in December
December in Funchal brings garden walks and festive evenings beside the Atlantic. Spend daylight hours among greenery or on the promenade, then return to the decorated centre after dark. For New Year, a place within walking distance of dinner and the fireworks makes the evening easier to enjoy.
Málaga in December
December suits a short Málaga break with museums, walks and festive evenings. Spend daylight hours beside the sea or on the fortress routes, then return to the decorated centre after sunset. Bring a warm layer for a longer evening out, even when the afternoon invites a sunny outdoor seat.
Common questions
Which city suits museums and waterfront walks?
In Málaga, combine the historic centre, Picasso Museum and port, with a separate walk through Soho. Funchal centres on the old town, market and oceanfront; give Monte’s garden its own day.
How should I divide three days in Málaga?
Start with the historic centre and Alcazaba, use the second day for the Picasso Museum and unhurried walks, and spend the third around Soho, the port and La Malagueta. Put the longest waterfront walk on a dry day.
How can I make the most of a short December day?
Start with the farthest or most exposed part of the route. Use daylight for the coast, gardens and archaeological sites, then return to museums, cafés and restaurants near your accommodation. Start with Zona Velha in Funchal or the historic centre in Málaga.
Compare destinations
Funchal or Lisbon in December: compare the trip
Compare Funchal and Lisbon in December for city sights, walkable routes and the pace of a short break.
Trip ideas
Three cities for a three-day December break
In December, a short break works well when built around compact city routes and places to visit on a cool or wet day. Lisbon, Málaga and Paphos offer different combinations of old districts, museums and coast.