Europe · December
Best time to visit Spain in December 🇪🇸
December in Spain is off-season — extreme weather or closures. generally a tough month — extreme heat, monsoon, deep cold or widespread closures. Plan carefully or pick another country.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Spain? Quick answer
Not ideal — consider another month or country.
| Verdict for December | Off-season — extreme weather or closures |
| Average temperature | 11°C high / 3°C low |
| Rainy days | ~5 days |
| Crowds | med |
| Prices | med |
| Events this month | Christmas markets, NYE 12 grapes tradition |
| Peak months overall | May, June, July, September, October |
| Insider tip | Spanish dinner starts at 9–10pm; reservations matter in tourist season. |
Spain year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Spain are May, June, July, September, October. December isn't one of them — consider shifting your dates or seeing alternatives below.
What Spain is like in December
Cold inland but festive — Christmas markets, late-night turrón shopping, NYE in Madrid. Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct are perfect for cities. Summer is hot inland (Madrid, Seville often 40°C). Coast best Jun–Sep. Canaries are year-round.
Insider tip
Spanish dinner starts at 9–10pm; reservations matter in tourist season.
December by region in Spain
Madrid, Seville, Andalucía
shoulderBeautiful Apr–May & Oct. Avoid Jul–Aug inland heat.
Barcelona & Mediterranean coast
shoulderBeach Jun–Sep; mild shoulders.
Canary Islands
bestSpring weather all year.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Spain in December
Is December a good time to visit Spain?
Not really — most travellers should shift dates or pick another country. December in Spain is off-season — extreme weather or closures. Expect average highs around 11°C and lows near 3°C, with roughly 5 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Spain in December?
Average daily high around 11°C, low around 3°C, with about 5 rainy days. Cold inland but festive — Christmas markets, late-night turrón shopping, NYE in Madrid.
What events or festivals happen in Spain in December?
Key events in December include Christmas markets, NYE 12 grapes tradition.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Spain in December?
Prices in December are typically mid-range, with moderate crowds.
Should I book Spain in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.