Things to Do in Spain in December

December Weather in Spain

15°C (59°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mild weather for walking - daytime temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) make exploring cities like Seville, Granada, and Madrid comfortable without summer's exhausting heat
Christmas markets and nativity scenes (belenes) transform cities - Seville's Plaza Nueva market, Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia, and Madrid's Plaza Mayor create magical atmospheres with artisan crafts and traditional foods
Lowest accommodation prices outside August - hotel rates drop 40-60% from summer peaks, with luxury properties in Andalusia offering exceptional value
Prime museum season with shorter queues - Prado, Guggenheim, and Alhambra have 50% fewer visitors than summer, plus extended winter exhibition schedules

Considerations

Limited daylight hours - sunset at 6:00pm means outdoor sightseeing effectively ends early, requiring careful itinerary planning
Many coastal restaurants and beach clubs close for winter season, particularly along Costa del Sol and Costa Brava
Unpredictable weather in northern regions - Basque Country and Galicia can experience sudden storms with winds up to 60 km/h (37 mph)

Best Activities in December

Alhambra Palace Winter Tours

December's cool 12°C (54°F) temperatures make exploring Granada's Alhambra complex comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. Morning tours at 9am offer the best light for photography, and you'll encounter 60% fewer crowds than peak season. The Generalife gardens maintain their beauty even in winter.

Booking Tip: Book Alhambra tickets exactly 60 days in advance when online sales open. Winter slots from €14-25 depending on access level. Morning tours (9am-11am) offer best conditions before afternoon clouds roll in.

Seville Cathedral and Alcázar Walking Tours

Perfect weather for extensive walking - December's mild temperatures let you comfortably explore both UNESCO sites in one day. The orange trees throughout the city release their fragrance in winter air, and cathedral's interior feels warming rather than stifling.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets typically €20-35 through official channels. Book 7-10 days ahead for December visits. Audio guide tours provide indoor warmth during the 8 rainy days typical in December.

Madrid Art Triangle Museum Tours

December is prime indoor cultural season. Museums extend winter exhibition schedules, and comfortable 8-12°C (46-54°F) walking temperatures between Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen make the art triangle easily walkable. Evening museum hours until 8pm take advantage of early darkness.

Booking Tip: Museum passes €25-40 for all three. Free evening hours at Prado (Monday-Saturday 6-8pm) and Reina Sofia (Monday/Wednesday-Saturday 7-9pm, Sunday 1:30-7pm). Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead.

Andalusian White Villages Tours

December transforms pueblos blancos with crisp air and dramatic cloud formations against whitewashed walls. Temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) make hiking between villages like Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra comfortable. Fewer tour buses mean authentic village experiences.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Seville or Málaga typically €45-75. Self-driving requires mountain experience as December brings occasional fog above 800m (2,625ft). Book accommodation in villages 14 days ahead as many rural hotels close mid-week in winter.

Basque Pintxos and Cider House Tours

December marks cider season in Basque Country - traditional sagardotegiak (cider houses) open for their peak season. Cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) weather makes walking between pintxos bars in San Sebastian's Parte Vieja comfortable, and winter specialties like kokotxas (cod throat) appear on menus.

Booking Tip: Pintxos crawls typically €35-55 per person including 6-8 tastings. Cider house menus run €35-45 for traditional set meals. Book cider houses 1 week ahead as they have limited December opening days. See current options in booking section below.

Catalonian Christmas Market Tours

Barcelona's Christmas markets reach full swing in December. Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Cathedral (running since 1786) offers unique Catalan Christmas traditions like caganers and tió de Nadal. Cool evening temperatures around 7°C (45°F) make mulled wine (vi calent) and hot chestnuts perfect.

Booking Tip: Markets run free admission from late November through January 6th. Guided cultural tours explaining Catalan Christmas traditions typically €20-30. Best visited early evening (5-7pm) when stalls are fully set up but before dinner crowds.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through January 6th

Christmas Markets (Mercados de Navidad)

Traditional Christmas markets appear in major squares - Madrid's Plaza Mayor, Barcelona's Cathedral area, and Seville's Plaza Nueva feature artisan crafts, nativity figures, and traditional sweets like turrón and polvorones

December 28th

Los Santos Inocentes

Spain's version of April Fools' Day on December 28th. Expect pranks, joke news stories, and playful atmosphere throughout the country. Many businesses and attractions participate with humorous promotions

Throughout December culminating December 31st

Nochevieja Preparations

December builds toward New Year's Eve celebrations. Madrid's Puerta del Sol hosts the famous grape-eating tradition broadcast nationally. Cities begin installing stages and preparing public celebrations throughout the month

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 5°C (41°F), afternoons reach 15°C (59°F), requiring easy adjustment throughout the day

Waterproof walking shoes - December brings 8 rainy days and wet cobblestones become slippery in historic centers

Light rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers typically last 45-60 minutes but can be heavy

Warm jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) after sunset at 6pm

Comfortable walking boots - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven medieval streets and museum floors

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more navigation and indoor photography

Dressy outfit for December dining - Spanish restaurants maintain dress codes year-round, and December brings holiday celebrations

Sunglasses despite winter - low December sun creates glare off white buildings, especially in Andalusia

Small daypack - museums don't allow large bags, and you'll carry layers as temperatures change

Hand warmers for northern regions - Basque Country and Galicia mornings can feel like 2°C (36°F) with wind chill

Insider Knowledge

Spanish lunch schedules shift later in December - many restaurants don't open until 2pm for lunch, 9pm for dinner, giving you longer morning sightseeing windows

Book AVE high-speed trains 2-3 weeks ahead for December travel - Spanish families travel for Christmas reunions, and popular routes like Madrid-Seville sell out

Many tapas bars offer 'menu del dia' lunch specials until December 23rd, then switch to expensive holiday menus - plan budget dining before Christmas week

Pharmacy and grocery store closures increase in December - stock up on essentials as many close December 24-26 and January 1st, with limited Sunday hours throughout the month

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all attractions keep summer hours - many museums, palaces, and monuments reduce hours or close entirely on December 25th, January 1st, and some Sundays

Underpacking warm clothes for southern Spain - even Seville and Granada have 5°C (41°F) mornings that catch tourists off-guard

Not booking December accommodation early enough - Spanish families book rural hotels and city centers for Christmas holidays, creating scarcity despite lower foreign tourism