Want to go to Corsica in December?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Corsica in December (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- What to do in Corsica in December, special activities and events
BEFORE OUR ADVICE + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR GOOD PLACES IN Corsica
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to plan your road trip: eBook
Our essential boat trip: Piana and Scandola
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Canyoning
Our favorite cities to stay in:
- Saint-Florent – see the best rated accommodations
- Calvi – see the best rated accommodations
- Bonifacio – see the best rated accommodations
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visit the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Going to Corsica in December: quick answers
What is the weather like in Corsica in December? Is this a good time to visit?
In December, the climate in Corsica is mild. The north and west of the island are subject to cold and powerful winds. Rains are more frequent on the west coast. The temperatures allow pleasant walks. Skiing and surfing enthusiasts will also find their happiness, if the weather conditions allow it. Nevertheless, this is not the best time to visit Corsica.
Travelling to Corsica in December – summary of conditions
Temperatures
The thermometer shows an average of 12°C (54°F), and 14°C (57°F) during the day.
Water temperatures
In December, the sea is cool, around 15°C (59°F). Those who are not so cold can go surfing or swimming with a suitable wetsuit.
Crowds and prizes
There are very few tourists in Corsica in December. The rates are much lower than in the spring and summer.
Opening conditions
Many establishments are closed in December: seasonal attractions, museums, parks, hotels and restaurants.
Day
The sun rises a little before 8am and sets around 5pm.
Our favorite activities in December
In December our favorite activities are:
- Walking along empty beaches
- Visit the charming villages without the tourists and listen to the stones speak
- Bathing in the hot springs as in the Caldane Baths near Sartene
- Visit the citadels of Bonifacio and Calvi
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. Climate in Corsica in December – weather forecast
The climate of Corsica is Mediterranean. It has dry summers with high temperatures, and rainy but relatively mild winters.
In December, the weather is not ideal. Cold and sometimes powerful winds are blowing on the north and west coast of the island. The days are short and rain is frequent on the West Coast. This can make it difficult to organize your visit.
Don’t worry: the rides are still pleasant. Indeed, temperatures rise to about 12°C (54°F) during the day. Are you a surfing fan? The winds raise beautiful waves towards Ajaccio and the north of the island!
In the mountains, temperatures are even lower. It can rain or storm, but also snow a lot. We like to go to the ski resorts, if they are open.
2. Temperatures in Corsica in December
Temperatures in Ajaccio:
- 11°C (52°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Porto-Vecchio:
- 13°C (55°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Calvi:
- 10°C (50°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
- Number of days above 18°C = 0
Temperatures in Bastia:
- 12°C (54°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
- Number of days above 18°C = 1
Temperatures in the mountains:
The temperature in the mountains depends on your altitude. In Corte, the thermometer shows an average of 10°C (50°F). On the other hand, the higher you go, the colder it gets.
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DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
3. Rain in Corsica in December
In December, the west of Corsica is quite rainy.
- Rainfall in Ajaccio: 146 mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Porto-Vecchio: 84 mm
(over 4 days on average) - Amount of rain in Calvi: 122 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Bastia: 60 mm
(over 3 days on average)
There is little snow on the whole island, but much more in the mountains. The higher you go, the greater the snowfall. Depending on the weather, the ski resorts may be open.
- Snowfall in Ajaccio: 0 cm
- Snowfall in Porto-Vecchio: 0 cm
- Snowfall in Calvi: 2 cm
- Snowfall in Bastia: 1 cm
4. Sunshine in Corsica in December
In December, you will experience the shortest days of the year. The sun rises around 7:45 am and sets before 5 pm, with 8 hours of sunshine.
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5. Water temperature – swimming in Corsica in December
December is not the best time to swim in Corsica, unless you have a suitable wetsuit. Discover below the average temperature of the sea.
- Ajaccio: 16°C (61°F) on average
- Porto-Vecchio: 15°C (59°F) on average
- Calvi: 15°C (59°F) on average
- Bastia: 15°C (59°F) on average
6. Wind in Corsica in December
The wind in Corsica depends on the place and the season, but rarely prevents tourist activities. In December, it blows harder.
The north is windier than the south. Indeed, the tramontana and the mistral, violent and cold winds, can blow for several days. In the mountains, the libeccio brings rain and storms.
The east of the island is protected from the winds. On the west coast and to the north, they raise waves ideal for surfing.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
7. Crowds and other conditions
December is not a popular month to visit the island. There are very few tourists: the hotel occupancy rate is about 32%. The weather conditions are not ideal, but you will be able to recharge your batteries in the calm. Attention: most hotels, restaurants and cultural places are closed.
8. What to do in Corsica in December
Walking along empty beaches
What happiness to be able to enjoy these magnificent landscapes between mountain and sea without anyone!
The water being cold, you will certainly not go swimming. But take the opportunity to walk on the sand along the water to admire the bays, the hills, the scrubland and the Genoese towers…
See our list of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
Visit the museums of Ajaccio and Bastia
Not all museums in Corsica stay open during winter, but in Ajaccio and Bastia you can still visit the main museums like the Palais Fesch and the Palais des Gouverneurs.
To know more about the museums of Corsica.
Explore the villages
As soon as you go up a little bit on the Corsican heights, you discover charming villages with old houses.
In winter, once well covered, explore them. Without the hustle and bustle of tourists, the impression of traveling back in time is even stronger.
Discover the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
Visit the citadels of Bonifacio and Calvi
These citadels are fascinating whatever the month of the year.
Learn more about the citadel of Calvi here, and about the one of Bonifacio here.
Bathing in the hot springs
At the end of the day, after your explorations, relax in one of the hot springs of Corsica. Some are natural, others less so…
Consider, for example, the Baths of Caldane near Sartene, the thermal baths of Pietrapola (in South Corsica), the baths of Guitera (in South Corsica)…
9. December events in Corsica
Fair of the chestnut of Bocognano
Up to 15 000 visitors gather around the stands of the Corsican producers. On the program: presentation of their products, culinary demonstrations and various activities.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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10. Prices for the month of December
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. The accommodations offered are very diverse, from camping to 5 star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget.
In December, it is the low season. Rates are generally much lower than in the summer. Attention: many hotels close at this time. Depending on your exact destination, the low number of available accommodations can push prices up.
