What December feels like in Marseille
Early winter arrives in Marseille with December. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Marseille in December
Most days stay dry; rain arrives about one day in 4. Wet days average about 8.6 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Marseille averages about 8.4 mm per rainy day, so December is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Marseille gets 9 h of daylight, from sunrise near 8:04 am to sunset near 5:04 pm. Days are getting shorter: 45 min less daylight than in mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 79% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Marseille's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 3°C (5.4°F) lower, with 33 mm less rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are 11.3°C (52.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Marseille in December
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Marseille in December?
Expect around 12.3°C (54.1°F) in the afternoon and 6.7°C (44.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Marseille in December?
Only moderately: roughly 7 wet days and 60 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Marseille in December?
The numbers point to a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Marseille?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#9 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.