Pre-Christmas Mildness: A Sunny Weekend on Mallorca

Pre-Christmas Mildness: A Sunny Weekend on Mallorca

The island breathes a sigh of relief — time for walks, markets and short outings

The morning view from the window in Santa Catalina: cups clatter in the cafés, seagulls circle quietly over the harbour and the air smells of wet stone being dried by the sun. After a few windy and restless days a calmer phase is now setting in. According to the forecast from the national weather agency AEMET, conditions will calm noticeably over the weekend; temperatures of up to 22 °C are expected on parts of the north coast, with Palma and Llucmajor somewhat lower.

Friday will still be a transitional period — stronger gusts are possible and a cloud may drift in from the sea here and there. Those out and about in the city will notice it in the flapping awnings on Passeig del Born and the leaves rolling across Plaça Major. But models show: from Saturday the sun will break through more often, the sky will clear and the island will regain that soft, mild light that makes walks by the sea so pleasant.

Why this is good news for locals: winter activities move back outdoors. Fruit and craft markets fill up, florists set up seasonal displays outside, and on Palma’s seafront you can again see people jogging or walking their dogs. Right now, in the run-up to Christmas, it’s a small moment of relief for those who want to leave the city bustle behind.

Practically speaking: Saturday morning is a good time for a trip to the Bay of Pollença or Alcúdia — those are where the highest temperatures are possible and the easterly wind can be fresh but is usually moderate. For midday a light jacket is recommended, one you can loosen in the afternoon. If you stay in Palma you’ll find the Mercat de l’Olivar offering its usual fresh stalls and then plenty of sun for a coffee on a terrace.

A everyday scene I’ve noticed several times this week: retirees with shopping baskets strolling along the Ramblas, a young family handing out cookies in Ciutat Jardí Park, and boat owners using the time to carry out small repairs on their craft in Portixol. Scenes like these show how a mild December changes the island’s pace — public spaces are suddenly used more intensively again.

The coming days look friendly as well. Only on Monday might denser clouds pass through, without any significant rain expected. It’s a good opportunity to recharge outdoors — hikes in the Tramuntana mountains are less crowded at this time, and the quality of light there is especially clear.

Concrete tips for the weekend: if you have the time, go early to the markets in Inca or Sineu — the stalls are fresh and the streets aren’t crowded. A bike ride along the Playa de Palma promenade usually works best in the late afternoon when the sun is lower. For families, an afternoon in Alcúdia with a short beach walk and ice cream is an easy, pleasant option.

A small note for homeowners and gardeners: the mild days are ideal for checking Mediterranean plants — move sensitive pots to a sheltered spot if needed. For boat owners: after the recent wind it’s worth checking fenders and covers.

The result: a weekend that briefly shows Mallorca from its sunny, relaxed side. No cause for alarm, just an invitation to take off your jacket, take a deep breath and enjoy the island’s calm December rhythm. Those who make the most of the next few days have a good chance of clear air, Mediterranean scents and a bit of normality between Advent decorations and workshop jobs.