The weather in Spain in December, temperature, rainfall and climate
December in Spain is a month of meteorological contrasts, marked by the approach of winter. Influenced by oceanic and Mediterranean climates, cooler and milder weather replaces the harsher conditions of previous months. Plan your stay in Spain now with this article about the weather in Spain in December.
Weather in Spain in December, the perfect month to plan your Christmas vacations?
Temperatures in Spain in December generally range from 4°C (39,2ºF) to 12°C (53,6ºF), except in inland areas.
The climate in Spain in December varies considerably by region. In the north, temperatures are relatively cool, even dropping below freezing, especially at night, with snow in mountainous regions. In contrast, southern Spain enjoys a milder climate. Daytime temperatures are mostly pleasant, although evenings can be cool. If you’re planning to visit Spain during this period, it’s important to understand what you can expect in terms of weather in certain cities. Here’s a summary of temperatures in Spain’s main cities.
| City | Average Temperature (°C/°F) | Maximum Temperature (°C/°F) | Minimum Temperature (°C/°F) | Rain Risk (%) | Snow Risk (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 9 / 48.2 | 15 / 59 | -2 / 28.4 | 30 | 20 |
| Barcelona | 12 / 53.6 | 16 / 60.8 | 4 / 39.2 | 25 | 5 |
| Valencia | 13 / 55.4 | 17 / 62.6 | 8 / 46.4 | 20 | 1 |
| Seville | 12 / 53.6 | 15 / 59 | 7 / 44.6 | 25 | 0 |
| Zaragoza | 8 / 46.4 | 12 / 53.6 | -5 / 23 | 30 | 10 |
| Malaga | 13 / 55.4 | 17 / 62.6 | 9 / 48.2 | 20 | 1 |
| Murcia | 11 / 51.8 | 15 / 59 | 7 / 44.6 | 25 | 0 |
| Palma | 12 / 53.6 | 16 / 60.8 | 8 / 46.4 | 25 | 5 |
| Las Palmas | 18 / 64.4 | 21 / 69.8 | 15 / 59 | 15 | 0 |
| Bilbao | 9 / 48.2 | 13 / 55.4 | 2 / 35.6 | 35 | 10 |
Where to go in Spain in December?
- Where to go in Spain for sun and beach in December? For mild temperatures and sunny beaches, we recommend Málaga, Las Palmas, Cadiz, Ibiza, Mallorca and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Take advantage of the December weather to visit cities and museums: we recommend Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.
- Skiing in Spain: the ski resorts near Madrid and Zaragoza are great places to ski. You can also enjoy the Spanish Pyrenees (Eastern and Central Pyrenees).
The weather in Madrid in December
Madrid enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters.
During December, daytime temperatures generally hover around -2°C (28,4ºF) for minimums and rise to 15°C (59ºF) for maximums.
However, the weather varies from day to day, alternating between brighter and overcast periods. The weather in Madrid in December is relatively pleasant, and may surprise you with sunny afternoons. It’s also a very good time to visit Madrid.
What to do in Madrid in December
Visiting Madrid in December is a unique experience. The most popular way to visit Madrid is by Tuk Tuk. As well as taking a fun ride, you’ll be able to see the Christmas lights in different parts of the city.
It’s also a great time to visit the Prado and Reina Sofia museums. If you’d like to explore Madrid’s surroundings, you can also visit the cities of Toledo and Segovia.
The weather in Barcelona in December
Barcelona’s climate is mild, pleasant and easygoing, in contrast to the harsher winters found elsewhere in Europe. It’s a perfect time to explore and enjoy Barcelona’s attractions. The average maximum temperature is around 13.8°C (38,84ºF), while the minimum is 5.2°C (41,36ºF).
Rainfall is relatively low, averaging 35 mm. Sea temperature remains around 16°C (60,8ºF).
Seville in December: what's the weather like?
Seville, in southern Spain, has one of the mildest climates in December. Temperatures range from 10ºC (50ºF) to 17°C (62,6ºF). There’s also a progression in the weather over the month. This is characterized by a slight cooling and an increase in the number of rainy days as the month progresses. The low probability of rain also makes this a particularly pleasant month in which to visit Seville.
The weather in Malaga in December
In December, the weather in Malaga is rather wet, with 102.5 mm of precipitation spread over 9 days and an average temperature of 12.7 °C (54,86ºF). At night, the temperature drops to 8.6°C (47,48ºF), while during the day it rises to 17.6°C (63,68ºF).
The weather in Alicante in December
In December, Alicante enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures around 12°C (53,6ºF). Afternoons can reach 17°C (62,6ºF), while evenings remain cool at around 7°C (44,6ºF). This pleasant weather makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities and walks by the sea, even in winter.