Bordeaux in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Bordeaux

10°C (51°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

107mm (4.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets transform Place Pey Berland and Cours de l'Intendance into festive wonderlands (Dec 1-30) with local Bordeaux wine vendors offering mulled wine tastings for €5-8
Wine châteaux offer exclusive winter cellar tours with intimate tastings - Saint-Émilion and Margaux estates see 60% fewer visitors than summer, allowing deeper conversations with vignerons
Hotel rates drop 40-50% compared to harvest season (September-October) with luxury properties like InterContinental averaging €180-220 vs €350+ in peak season
Perfect temperature range 4-10°C (39-51°F) for walking Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed center without summer's sweltering heat - ideal for the 2.5km (1.6 mile) architectural loop from Place de la Bourse to Cathédrale Saint-André

Considerations

Limited daylight hours with sunset at 5:15pm restrict château visits to single afternoon slots rather than full-day wine tours possible in summer months
Atlantic weather brings sudden rain showers on 10 days throughout December - outdoor river cruises on Garonne often cancelled with 24-hour notice
Many Médoc wine estates close for winter maintenance from December 15-January 15, limiting Left Bank château options to larger commercial properties

Best Activities in December

Saint-Émilion Underground Monument Tours

December's cool weather makes exploring the 8th-century underground catacombs and monolithic church comfortable - summer temperatures inside reach uncomfortable levels. Winter lighting installations illuminate the limestone corridors beautifully. Tours run every 30 minutes with smaller groups (8-12 people vs 20+ in summer).

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through official Saint-Émilion tourism office. Tours cost €15-20 and include English audio guides. Morning slots (10am-12pm) have better lighting. See current availability in booking section below.

Bordeaux Wine Museum and Tasting Experiences

La Cité du Vin offers special winter exhibitions December 1-31 focusing on mulled wine traditions across Europe. The 8th floor panoramic bar serves seasonal wine cocktails while indoor climate control makes this perfect for rainy December days. Views over Garonne are dramatic in winter light.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets save €5-8 per person. Combined museum-tasting packages range €25-45. Book skip-the-line options 3-4 days ahead. Indoor activity perfect for December weather. Check current packages in booking section.

Pessac-Léognan Château Winter Cellar Tours

December through February is harvest reflection season when winemakers have time for detailed discussions about the year's vintage. Pessac-Léognan estates like Château Smith Haut Lafitte offer exclusive winter programs with barrel tastings of current vintages. Cool cellar temperatures feel comfortable when outside air matches.

Booking Tip: Contact châteaux directly 10-14 days ahead for winter programs. Private tours range €35-75 per person including 4-5 wine tastings. Many offer lunch pairings for €85-120. See château tour options in booking section below.

Bordeaux Historic Center Food Walking Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like oysters from Arcachon Bay (peak season November-February) and winter truffle preparations. Cool weather makes 3-4km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking tours comfortable while indoor market stops at Marché des Capucins provide warmth between outdoor segments.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (10am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain patterns. Group sizes smaller in winter allow personalized attention. Tours typically €45-65 including 6-8 tastings. Book 48 hours ahead for weekend slots. Current food tours available in booking section.

Arcachon Bay Oyster Farm Winter Visits

December marks prime oyster season when Arcachon Bay produces its famous Gravette d'Arcachon oysters. Winter months offer calm bay conditions for boat tours to working oyster farms. Cool temperatures keep shellfish fresh during tastings, and fewer tourists mean intimate experiences with local ostréiculteurs.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Bordeaux include transport and cost €75-95 with oyster tastings and white wine pairings. Book through licensed operators 5-7 days ahead. Morning departures best for weather. See current bay tours in booking section.

Dordogne Valley Medieval Village Tours

December's bare trees reveal architectural details of villages like Beynac-et-Cazeaux hidden by summer foliage. Cool weather perfect for climbing castle steps and exploring fortifications. Tourist-free villages allow photography without crowds, and local restaurants offer winter cassoulet and confit specialties.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Bordeaux range €85-120 including transport and guide. Small group tours (6-8 people) more common in winter. Castle entry fees additional €8-12 per site. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend departures. Current valley tours in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

December 1-30

Bordeaux Christmas Market

Traditional wooden chalets line Place Pey Berland selling regional specialties like Bordeaux wine jellies, Arcachon oysters, and handcrafted items. Live music performances feature local choirs singing French carols. Mulled Bordeaux wine stands offer tastings of local vintages mixed with winter spices.

Mid December

Festival des Vins Primeurs

Wine bars throughout Bordeaux center celebrate new wine releases with special tastings and reduced prices on current vintages. Local vignerons visit participating bars for meet-the-winemaker evenings, offering rare opportunity to discuss December's quiet season preparations.

December 31

New Year's Eve Garonne Fireworks

Spectacular fireworks display launched from Pont de Pierre reflects over Garonne River. Viewing areas along Quai des Chartrons offer unobstructed views. Local restaurants serve special réveillon menus featuring Bordeaux wine pairings with regional dishes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - December rain comes as sudden 15-20 minute downpours rather than all-day drizzle

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with grip - limestone streets in old Bordeaux become slippery when wet

Layering pieces for 4-10°C (39-51°F) range - mornings start cold but afternoons warm up significantly

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - essential for Christmas market browsing and outdoor wine tours

Wool scarf and light gloves - wind from Atlantic makes temperatures feel 2-3°C colder along Garonne riverfront

Dressy casual clothes for wine tastings - châteaux maintain formal atmosphere even in winter

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more navigation and photo usage

Small day backpack - for carrying layers as weather changes and purchases from Christmas markets

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity plus central heating in hotels can dry skin

Cash in small bills - Christmas market vendors and small wine bars often don't accept cards for purchases under €20

Insider Knowledge

Book restaurant reservations before 2pm for same-day dinner - December is locals' dining season with many establishments fully booked by mid-afternoon

Château visits work best 11am-2pm in December when natural light supplements cellar lighting and winemakers are available before evening tasks

Purchase wine transport services at châteaux for €15-25 rather than carrying bottles - December rain makes walking with purchases challenging

Many wine shops offer free delivery to hotels for purchases over €100 - take advantage during December shopping season rather than shipping internationally

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking full-day wine tours in December - limited daylight and weather changes make half-day tours more enjoyable and practical

Expecting summer opening hours at châteaux - many reduce hours or require advance reservations in December that aren't needed in peak season

Packing only for cold weather - December afternoons can reach 10°C (51°F) making heavy winter coats uncomfortable during active sightseeing