Spain Weather in December

Season: Winter

In Short: Cold and wet

Old Town of Sevilla in December

Spain weather in December is cold, with the average monthly temperature of 5-13°C (41-55.4°F). Temperatures are dropping slightly in eastern and southern Spain, but it remains mild as whole. Although northern and northwestern Spain experience relatively low temperatures, few cities have temperatures below 0°C (32°F). Occupied by temperate continental climate, central Spain also has a relatively low temperature in December. With 11 days of rain on average according to historical records, Spain in December is wet and the total precipitation is 68mm averagely.

Although the climate of Spain in December may not be friendly for traveling, it is the holiday season of Christmas and New Year there. You will have chances to enjoy local unique culture and customs of Christmas and New Year.

The warmest cities in Spain in December

Alicante:7-18°C (44.6-64.4°F); Gran Canaria:16-22°C (60.8-71.6°F); Tenerife:16-22°C (60.8-71.6°F)

The coldest cities in Spain in December

Teruel: -1-10°C (30.2-50°F); Burgos: 0-8°C (32-46.4°F); Avila: 0-8°C (32-46.4°F)

What to Wear for Spain Tour in December 

Travel to Spain in December, you need to dress warmly. Hoodies, wool sweaters and thin thermal shirts are better to wear at noon on sunny days. When you’re feeling cold in the morning or at night, layer on a thick coat like a windbreaker, wool overcoat, padded jacket, or downcoat; they will also help you adapt to windy and cloudy weather. The suitable bottoms to be worn include leggings, windproof pants, or winter pants. If you intend to go skiing, please remember to pack scarves, hats, and gloves. You can also bring some Christmas clothes to cope with the festive atmosphere. A red wool coat, a black belt around the waist and a pair of Martin boots will undoubtedly complete your stylish Christmas ensemble. And please pack an umbrella for possible rainy days. 

Top Things to Do in Spain in December

Tourism Rate: 

1. Join in Christmas Celebrations

Happy Festive Atmosphere

Christmas celebrations in Spain are abundant, but one of the most special is the Christmas lottery. The winning numbers will be revealed in a song on December 22nd. You may find fewer people on the streets that day because many are waiting for the lucky arrival in front of the TV. If interested, you may buy a lottery and experience the special fun of the local Christmas. Christmas lights are of course essential, especially in Barcelona and Madrid, where they light up the entire city. The festival’s cozy atmosphere will be enhanced by bands performing traditional Christmas music in the streets. Major cities also set up Christmas markets, where you can buy gifts, decorations, snacks and wine. If you have a sweet tooth, Turron (marzipan), Polvorones (cookie) and Churros will give you sweet Christmas memories.

2. Pray for Good Luck for New Year

There is a tradition in Spain to welcome the New Year by eating grapes. On New Year’s Eve, people go to the churches or squares with 12 grapes. When the clock strikes 24 o’clock, they will eat the grapes for good luck in the coming year. After, some people will put their rings in a glass of champagne, also to pray for good fortunes in the New Year. If you are there at that time, try these unique customs on New Year’s Eve from 2024 to 2025. New Year music show and fireworks show are also worth seeing. You can watch these events at Plaza de España square in Barcelona, Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, and Plaza del Ayunta-miento square in Valencia. However, if you want to get an excellent viewing position, arrive and wait in line early. In addition, there are activities such as fountain shows and drone shows, and you can see happy atmosphere everywhere. 

3. Experience Winter Granada

Snowfall is possible in Granada during the winter, despite it is in southern Spain. At the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountain, the Alhambra Palace looks like a wonderland in winter. Tickets are more easily to get in the winter because there are fewer tourists in low tourism season. From the San Nicolas Viewpoint, you can see the Alhambra backed with the snow-capped mountains. When the sun gradually goes down, the snow mountain changes colors with the passing of time, which is truly amazing. In the evening, you can relax your body by visiting the Arabian baths. Sierra Neveda is the southernmost ski area in Europe, where you can have fun with your family in ski runs of different levels. The food here is tasty and inexpensive, and you csample traditional Andalusian dishes like migas and oxtail.

The Alhambra in December

Magnificent Alhambra Palace

 

Travel Tips for Spain Tour in December

1. During the Christmas holiday, some attractions, shops and restaurants may be closed, so you’d better check the opening time in advance.

2. Apart from locals enjoying their holiday, there are many Northern Europeans and Germans coming to Spain in December to enjoy relatively warm winter, so your travel costs will be higher and be sure to make reservations in advance.

December Weather of Major Spain Cities

City	Temp.	Rainfall (mm)	Humi- dity(%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Madrid	4-10°C (39.2 - 50°F)	56	74	08:17-08:36 / 17:49-17:59
Valencia	8-17°C (46.4 - 62.6°F)	52	65	08:01-08:20 / 17:39 -17:49
Barcelona	6-14°C (42.8 - 57.2°F)	51	73	07:56-08:15 / 17:23-17:33
Segovia	2-8°C (35.6 - 46.4°F)	50	77	08:20-08:39 / 17:49-17:59
Sevilla	7-17°C (44.6 - 62.6°F)	95	75	08:18-08:36 / 18:07-18:17
Granada	2-14°C (35.6 - 57.2°F)	53	76	08:08-08:26 / 17:58-18:08
Bilbao	6-14°C (42.8 - 57.2°F)	116	73	08:22-08:42 / 17:37-17:47
San Sebastián	7-12°C (44.6 - 53.6°F)	141	76	08:35-08:44 / 17:48-17:58
Salamanca	1-9°C (33.8 - 48.2°F)	42	85	08:35-08:55 / 17:55-18:06
Valladolid	0-8°C (32 - 46.4°F)	55	84	08:25-08:44 / 17:50-18:00
Malaga	8-17°C (46.4 - 62.6°F)	88	73	08:10-08:28 / 18:02-18:13
Toledo	3-12°C (37.4 - 53.6°F)	44	81	08:17-08:35 / 17:52-18:02
Córdoba	5-15°C (41 - 59°F)	89	70	08:14-08:33 / 18:01-18:11