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Dorset in December is all about wild waves, cosy vibes and, of course, Christmas festivities.
With the festive season in full swing, Dorset comes alive in December with an array of fun Christmas events, pop-up ice rinks, and pantomimes. Bournemouth’s Festive Trail lights up the town centre, several historic estates host illuminated trails, and Christmas markets pop up across the county. December’s long, dark nights are ideal for stargazing, and the wild winter weather can bring spectacular waves to the coast.
At-a-Glance: Dorset in December
- Average temperature: 9.2°C high / 2.0°C low
- Rainfall: 104 mm
- Daylight hours: ~8 hours
- Sea temperature: ~10°C
- Tourism Level: Quiet-moderate (Christmas events bring a boost)
- Best For: Stargazers, quiet escapes, festive breaks.
TOP TIP: For about two weeks either side of the Winter Solstice, the sunrise perfectly aligns with the arch at Durdle Door, creating a special “through the keyhole” effect you can’t see any other time of year. READ MORE IN THIS GUIDE.
Weather in December
December is cold and often wet, with average highs around 9°C and frequent frosts. Rainfall is high, and the weather can be very changeable, ranging from calm, clear days to bucketing rain and extreme winds. Snowfall, however, is uncommon.
Despite the winter chill, Dorset often enjoys bright, crisp days between Atlantic fronts. This month has the shortest days, so early starts are a good idea to make the most of the light. But the short days also make it easier to catch a late morning sunrise or afternoon sunset – and there are some spectacular viewpoints in Dorset!
What to Expect in Dorset in December
December is cold, festive, and atmospheric, with short days and a wintry feel. Visitor numbers rise slightly around Christmas events and the school holidays, but the county is significantly quieter than in summer. Be aware that many tourist attractions close during winter, and others operate reduced hours.
It’s a lovely month for cosy getaways, festive events, scenic winter walks and watching fierce waves battering the coast on windy days. Many towns and villages feel especially charming with seasonal lights and decorations.
Highlights
- Festive markets and seasonal events.
- Fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices (outside the Christmas period).
- Atmospheric coastal walks and big waves.
- Short days but beautiful winter light.
- Late sunrises and early sunsets.
- Pub stays are great for cosy winter breaks.
Events & Festivals in December
- Geminid meteor shower (4-20 Dec, peaks 13-14)
- Sunrise through Durdle Door: 7 December – 4 January (approx)
- Bournemouth Festive Trail: 12 November – 3 January 2027
- Illuminate light trail at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens: 20 November – 31 December
- Illuminate Poole light trail at Upton Country Park: 20 November – 3 January 2027
- Nutley Farm Christmas Lights & Reindeer Experience: Selected dates between 27 November – 30 December
- Winter lights at Corfe Castle (photo above): 12 & 19 December
- READ MORE: Christmas Events in Dorset
- READ MORE: Christmas Markets in Dorset
- READ MORE: Pop-up Christmas Ice Rinks
- READ MORE: Pantos & Xmas Shows
Best Things to Do in December
- Watch sunrise or sunset: December’s short days make it easy to catch. The Hardy Monument, near Dorchester, and the clifftop carpark at Ringstead Bay are particularly good sunset spots.
- Ice Skating: The festive season brings several pop-up ice rinks to Dorset, including the UK’s longest outdoor ice rink, SKATE in Bournemouth. CLICK HERE for the full list.
- Kingston Lacy: In December, the historic stately home is decorated for a Christmas Ball.
- Wave watching: Strong winds and Atlantic swells create some serious coastal drama, with huge waves crashing against the cliffs. Portland Bill is the best spot for wave-watching – there are several blowholes along the coast here.
- Fossil Hunting: Rainfall constantly washes out new fossil finds, especially around Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Read my guide here.
Wildlife Highlights in December
December can be a very rewarding month for wildlife watching in Dorset, with large flocks of waders and wildfowl settled in the wetlands. Bare trees make sightings somewhat easier, and bright berries add a splash of colour to winter woodlands. After dark, listen out for fox mating calls and the haunting cries of owls.
Key species & where to see them:
Winter wildfowl: Over-wintering ducks, geese and waders can be seen at spots like Poole Harbour, the Fleet, and the RSPB reserves at Radipole and Lodmore. Look for goldeneye and pintail ducks, spoonbills, Brent geese, and more.
Foxes: Late December through January is breeding season for foxes; listen for the eerie, high-pitched screams of vixens and the responding barks and “hup-hup” calls of the males after dark.
Starling Murmurations: Thousands of starlings gather at dusk to perform swirling aerial displays before dropping into the reedbeds to roost; RSPB Radipole Lake in Weymouth and Little Sea in Studland are hotspots.
Roe deer: Although you can see them in Dorset year-round, roe deer are easier to spot in winter, when they graze in small herds, and the bare trees provide less cover.
Grey Seals: Again, these can be seen year-round, but tend to be more active in winter. Spot them on remote beaches and rocks as you walk the coast path.
Ivy Berries: In hedgerows and woodlands, ivy berries turn a deep purple-black as they ripen, providing a crucial high-energy food source for birds.
Holly & Mistletoe: Look out for these festive classics in Dorset’s woodlands. Holly berries turn red around the end of November, and you can spot clumps of mistletoe on the higher branches of bare trees.
Quick Tips for Visiting in December
- Book festive events in advance; popular ones sell out fast.
- Pack plenty of warm layers for coastal walks and evening outings – and don’t forget the waterproofs!
- Bring sturdy footwear for muddy countryside paths. Remember that paths can be slippery after rain, especially on the coast.
- Check winter opening hours for attractions and restaurants.
- Poor weather can lead to closures and detours on parts of the coast path; check the latest info on the official site before heading out.
December is a lovely time to experience Dorset. With its mix of coastal drama, cosy country pubs, and lively festive events, this month has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore my other Dorset guides to help you make the most of your trip.
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FYI: weather averages are taken from the Met Office’s official climate station page for Bournemouth Airport/Hurn. Source for daylight hours: timeanddate.com. Sea Temperature Source: Channel Coastal Observatory records for Weymouth.
Booking Your Trip
Airports Guide – An in-depth guide to the best airports for Dorset, including travel info for each one.
Booking.com – The best booking site for all types of accommodation. It usually has the lowest prices and the widest range. I highly recommend downloading the app to manage your bookings and search on-the-go (app prices are sometimes slightly lower, too).
Get Your Guide – Find and book tours and attraction tickets for your trip.
Discover Cars – Easily search for and book car hire for your Dorset trip.
Airalo – If you’re coming from overseas, buy a pre-paid eSIM for the UK to get online without roaming fees. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first purchase.
