Matt
It’s that time of year again when Christmas is around the corner, and you’ve planned to travel to Spain in December. So, it’s only natural that you may be wondering: what is the weather like in Spain in December?
Look no further because below, you’ll find a concise guide providing details about festivals to look out for, the best things to do, as well as the weather in Spain during December. Even if you only have one week in Spain, there’s plenty of fun to be had over the festive season.
Let’s jump right into it.
Weather in Spain in December
Winter arrives in Europe in December. So, during this time, it will undoubtedly be cold in Spain. The average temperature in Spain in December can reach as low as 32°F (0°C), but it totally depends on where you are in the country. Luckily, Spain is considerably warmer than the rest of Europe during winter, so you can expect some sunshine and milder temperatures.
Experience a chilly Christmas inland Spain in the capital city, Madrid, where the temperature in December can get as low as 50°F degrees (10°C). In San Sebastian, you may experience an average high temperature of roughly 53°F degrees (12°C). If you would like to get away from the icy winter, then Spain’s Mediterranean coastline is the perfect place for you.
In Barcelona, you can expect warmer temperatures and sunshine as the temperature here can reach an average high of 59°F (15°C). However, just because winter may be mild in these areas doesn’t mean you should only pack shorts and sandals. Thick, heavy jackets and scarves are a must-have.
Things to Do in Spain in December
There are many reasons why you should spend December in Spain. Spending some of winter in Spain is the perfect trip if you’re not a fan of crowded areas and prefer traveling on a budget. Here are some cozy winter activities to do.
1. Go Skiing
Head to the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia or the Pyrenees mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there are plenty of slopes for you to try. Most skiing resorts are family-friendly and cater to all levels of skiers. In the Sierra Nevada, you can ski in the morning and spend the afternoon relaxing or walking on its sun-kissed beaches.
2. Attend a Live Flamenco Show
Experience the passion of well-known Spanish dance and music, the flamenco. Attend a live show at different venues and be prepared to be mesmerized by the dancer’s moves. You have the opportunity to better your experience by adding a dining choice and feel the Spanish full effect. Check for ticket prices and show dates on Get Your Guide.
3. Visit Park Güell
Barcelona is one of Spain’s many cities that has sunny winters. Since December in Barcelona is pleasant, it’s the perfect time to visit one of Barcelona’s outdoor architectural wonders, Park Guell. This park was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site. Barcelona Turisme says more than nine million people visit this park annually. There is so much to see and learn at Park Güell, such as the Guard Museum or Antoni Gaudi’s family home (which has been transformed into a museum) and different exotic plants in the Garden of Austria.
4. Experience a Christmas Market
To get yourself into the spirit, visit a Christmas Market in Spain. There is no better feeling than being surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights and a cheery ambiance, buying nativity figurines, and eating mouth-watering food to warm up your winter evenings. Traditional and crafted items such as apparel, jewelry, Christmas decorations, pastries, and sweets are all sold at most markets. You can find some of the best Christmas Markets in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Valencia, Seville, Plaza Mayor, and Madrid.
5. Hike in Montseny
Hiking might be one of many activities you plan to do in winter. However, because parts of Spain have sunny winters, it’s the best time to see beautiful plants and forestry in the snow. Montseny has a variety of routes you can hike, from short trails for beginners to challenging courses for more experienced hikers. Santa Fe del Montseny has one of the most attractive routes in winter. The L’Empedrat de Morou route is a good route for beginners as it is four miles (six kilometers) and has a spectacular landscape.
Festivals and Events in Spain in December
Carnival of Alcazar de San Juan
The Carnival of Alcazar de San Juan occurs on Christmas Day, the 25 December. It was named National Touristic Interest on 12 December 2024. You can expect a parade of children dancing in costumes, the Grand Parade of Troupes, and people wearing bedazzled masks. So, join the fun and dance with the rest of the parade.
Festivity of the Immaculada Concepcion
Christmas Day is known as the day that Jesus was born. In Spain, The Day of the Immaculada is celebrated on 8th December every year in Seville Cathedral. The Seises dance marks this day, a liturgical dance many centuries old. On the eve of the celebration, songs of glory and tribute honor the Mother Mary.
FAQs About Spain in December
Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling to Spain in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Spain?
If you’re not a fan of large crowds, visiting Spain in December is the perfect vacation for you. Because it’s off-season during the winter, you can save costs because places are cheaper. There are also fewer people in tourist attraction spots.
How do I Prepare Myself for Visiting Spain in December?
December weather in Spain requires you to pack warm as it is winter time. The temperature in the country can drop as low as 32°F (0°C), and a sunny day can quickly turn freezing. As a tourist, it’s important to respect the local holiday customs, regardless of how they differ from your own.
Wrapping up: Travelling to Spain in December
To close, December comes with chilly weather throughout Spain. However, visiting Spain in December comes with many perks. Fewer people are visiting the country, which means you avoid long lines in public places, activity tickets and accommodations are cheaper, and you’ll be drooling over the variety of breathtaking neighborhoods.
If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Spain, you’ll be drooling over the wide variety of amazing neighborhoods and mind-blowing locales the country offers.
Experience Spain’s Christmas weather and enjoy hearty meals to attending festival events, this beautiful Spanish country is brimming with culture and has enjoyable activities for everyone to participate in. Although Spain’s weather in December brings in cold and chilly times, you can still have fun in this cold weather.
