Spain in December
December in Spain brings city walks, festive evenings and a milder island winter. In Madrid and Barcelona, days can move between museums and historic neighbourhoods; Málaga adds a waterfront promenade. In the Canaries, there is more room for ocean views and island scenery. One base works particularly well for a few nights away. After exploring by day, you can rest at the hotel before heading into the centre for dinner.
Choose a month
Selected month: December
Temperatures by month
Air temperature: range across the selected cities
Cities and resorts
Málaga in December
December suits a short Málaga break with museums, walks and festive evenings. Spend daylight hours beside the sea or on the fortress routes, then return to the decorated centre after sunset. Bring a warm layer for a longer evening out, even when the afternoon invites a sunny outdoor seat.
| City | Daytime | Sea | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Málaga | 18 °C | 16 °C | 5.7 |
Average air and sea temperatures, with the number of wet days per month.
All cities in this country in the catalogue
| City | Country or territory | Daytime high | Nighttime low | Precipitation | Days with at least 1 mm | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Spain | 11.4 °C | 1.8 °C | 42.9 mm | 6.4 | 9.3 h |
| Barcelona | Spain | 14.5 °C | 6.0 °C | 32.2 mm | 3.9 | 9.2 h |
| Seville | Spain | 17.1 °C | 6.5 °C | 52.5 mm | 6.4 | 9.6 h |
| Malaga | Spain | 16.5 °C | 13.2 °C | 46.3 mm | 5.9 | 9.7 h |
| Puerto de la Cruz | Spain | 20.4 °C | 18.0 °C | 31.5 mm | 5.6 | 10.4 h |
Is this a good month to visit?
December suits culture, Christmas atmosphere and New Year celebrations. The Canary Islands offer a milder trip, while Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga suit a city break. Well-placed accommodation and warm clothes make it comfortable to spend longer enjoying the streets after dark.
Winter weather across different parts of Spain
Madrid and other inland areas call for winter clothes, especially for early mornings and long evenings outdoors. The southern coast is milder, with rain and wind at times by the sea. For the north, pack a waterproof jacket and shoes. High mountains need a separate winter kit, as conditions are much colder than in coastal cities.
The Canaries have a milder winter, with clothing best chosen around the day’s route. Light clothes and an extra layer suit the shore, while higher ground calls for a warm jacket. December daylight is short. Keep viewpoints and longer walks for the morning and afternoon, then spend the evening on exhibitions, restaurants and festive streets.
Where to go, and should you expect a beach holiday?
Madrid, Barcelona and Andalusian cities suit architecture, museums and Christmas atmosphere. Málaga adds a waterfront walk. The Canary Islands are a good choice for a milder ocean stay. In the Balearics, December can focus on towns and short nature outings, with accommodation near cafés and transport making a useful base.
The mainland sea is cool in December. Daylight hours suit walks along the water, and a heated indoor pool is inviting for longer swims. Afterwards, a warm room gives you somewhere to change and rest before dinner. Comfortable warm shoes and a wind-resistant jacket are useful for spending plenty of time outside.
Early December, Christmas or New Year?
Temperatures on the southern mainland change little during December: Málaga averages about 18 °C by day in all three parts of the month. Choose dates around your holiday plans. Early and mid-December suit a city break with museums and excursions around Andalusia. Christmas and New Year bring festive dinners and evening walks through the centre into the itinerary. For that kind of stay, choose accommodation close to your evening plans and a courtyard-facing room for quieter nights.
Choose and reserve a restaurant in advance for a festive dinner. For a quieter stay, a courtyard-facing room a few streets from the busiest squares can work well. Even in the south, warm layers feel useful in the evening. Standing to enjoy the lights can feel colder than walking, so leave longer excursions for the daytime part of the holiday.
Common questions
Can I visit Spain in December for a beach holiday?
The Canary Islands suit a milder stay beside the ocean. On the mainland coast, December is a good month for walks and city breaks. Choose a hotel with a heated indoor pool if you want a swim every day.
What should I plan before Christmas in Spain?
Stay near the festive centre, choose a restaurant for dinner ahead of time and leave space to rest before going out in the evening. A warm jacket and comfortable shoes are useful for a long night outdoors.
Compare destinations
Funchal or Málaga in December: compare the trip
Compare Funchal and Málaga in December for city sights, walkable routes and the pace of a short break.
Trip ideas
Three cities for a three-day December break
In December, a short break works well when built around compact city routes and places to visit on a cool or wet day. Lisbon, Málaga and Paphos offer different combinations of old districts, museums and coast.