What is the weather like in Spain during December?

Spain's December weather differs across regions. Madrid sees temperatures of 35-50°F (2-10°C) with occasional rain or snow. The southern regions including Seville and Granada stay more moderate at 45-60°F (7-16°C) which works well for city walks. Barcelona maintains Mediterranean conditions around 45-55°F (7-13°C). A recent visitor noted "the weather in southern Spain was perfect for exploring - cool enough for comfortable walking but sunny enough for outdoor cafes." Hotels like the Abades Nevada Palace in Granada give guests clear views of snow-covered mountains from heated indoor spaces.

What special festivals and events can I experience in Spain during December?

December brings holiday celebrations across Spain with notable Christmas markets and festivities. Madrid's Plaza Mayor hosts a traditional market with local crafts while Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia sets up near the cathedral. The New Year's Eve gathering at Madrid's Puerta del Sol draws crowds for the traditional grape-eating at midnight. Cities like Granada and Seville put up extensive light displays throughout their streets. Many visitors stay at central locations like Hotel Riu Plaza España in Madrid to easily access these events.

What unique holiday foods can I try in Spain during December?

The Spanish holiday season brings out special treats across the country. Look for turrón (nougat) polvorones (shortbread cookies) and Toledo's famous marzipan. Street vendors in Madrid's Plaza Mayor sell hot roasted chestnuts. Local restaurants create special holiday menus featuring dishes like cocido madrileño a hearty winter stew. Hotels such as the Corinthia offer holiday dining that combines Spanish and Portuguese Christmas specialties.

Are major attractions open during December holidays in Spain?

Most key sites stay open in December with adjusted schedules for holidays. The Alhambra Granada's Sagrada Familia and Madrid's Royal Palace continue operations often featuring holiday exhibits. Visitors report fewer crowds at places like the Prado Museum which adds seasonal decorations. Note that attractions often close early December 24 and 31 with full closures December 25 and January 1. Hotels like the Alameda Palace help guests plan around holiday hours.

What are the best cities to visit in Spain during December?

Madrid Seville and Granada stand out as top December destinations. Madrid's Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol fill with holiday activities while Seville offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the Santa Cruz Quarter. Granada combines holiday spirit with views of snow-topped Sierra Nevada mountains near the Alhambra. Recent visitors note smaller crowds at major sites. Central hotels like Catalonia Giralda in Seville and Vincci Albayzín in Granada place guests near seasonal events.

How expensive is Spain in December compared to summer months?

December brings 20-30% lower prices than peak summer season. Multi-country tours like "Amazing Spain and Portugal" cost around 2695 USD in December versus 3500 USD in summer. Visitors report finding good deals on hotels and activities plus more attentive service at restaurants. Expect price increases during Christmas and New Year's especially at popular spots like Catalonia Barcelona 505.

Spain Tours in December 2026

10 best Spain trips in December 2026

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Explorer
Best of Spain (Classic - Winter)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Madrid, Burgos, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Zaragoza,Barcelona,Valencia,Granada,Toledo+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$1,625per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$London to Barcelona Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar \'27), Start Paris, Classic) Tour$
$London to Barcelona Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar \'27), Start Paris, Classic) - 4 destinations$
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Explorer
London to Barcelona Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar '27), Start Paris, Classic)
4.7 (17 traveler reviews)
"Great time, would definitely recommend."
Dan, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Barcelona
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$964per person
Price based on Shared Room
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Winter, End Barcelona) (including Gibraltar)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Gibraltar
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From $4,925
US$4,433per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Dec, 2026
1 space left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Thursdays
3.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"The places, the local guides, the hotels, the included meals everything exceed my expectations."
Brenda, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Madrid, Merida, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada,Toledo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
10% Off
From
US$899per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Absolutely Spain
4.8 (58 traveler reviews)
"The tour is amazing and we enjoyed the country. We highly recommend this trip!"
Maria, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona,Zaragoza+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
7% Off
From $2,150
US$2,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
7 Days in Madrid: Echoes of Empire: Madrid, Ávila & Segovia
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Madrid, Toledo, Avila, Segovia, San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $1,464
US$1,098per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Spain in 10 Days - Covering Barcelona, Seville and Madrid
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Barcelona was colorful and lively -- my favorite city, with the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral."
Mark, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Barcelona, Montserrat, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $2,935
US$2,054per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Spain and Portugal Uncovered (Classic - Winter)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Madrid, Burgos, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Zaragoza,Barcelona,Valencia,Granada,Toledo,Cordoba,Seville,Lisbon,Sintra,Cascais,Porto,Ciudad Rodrigo,Salamanca,Avila+13 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
30% Off
From
US$3,075per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Madrid and Barcelona
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Basically very good."
Nora, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Madrid, Zaragoza, Poblet, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
30% Off
From
US$729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Down South, Self-drive
4.7 (13 traveler reviews)
"the tour was really excellent."
Christian, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Seville, Jerez, Ronda, Granada, Cordoba
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
10% Off
From $938
US$844per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
In-depth Cultural
Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays
4.3 (44 traveler reviews)
"We saw and learned so much...even go to see the Feria (festival) in Seville. The hotels were wonderful and the meals delicious."
Amy, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada,Toledo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
10% Off
From
US$963per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Spanish Ring
4.1 (179 traveler reviews)
"We were very happy with the organization, the hotels and the wonderful places we visited."
Brian, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Madrid, Zaragoza, Poblet, Barcelona, Peniscola, Valencia,Alicante,Guadix,Granada,Nerja,Malaga,Ronda,Seville,Cordoba,Consuegra+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Andalusia & Mediterranean Coast with Barcelona
4.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"The tour was definitely as advertised, and the hotels were for the most part very nice, definitely four-star."
Storm, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona,Zaragoza+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Spain
10% Off
From $1,753
US$1,578per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Madrid and Andalusia
4.2 (16 traveler reviews)
"The wether is very warm."
Analyn, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Madrid, Puerto Lapice, Granada, Nerja, Malaga, Ronda,Seville+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$878per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Heart of Andalusia 11 Days, Self-drive
3.3 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Malaga, Torremolinos, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Jerez,Ronda+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
10% Off
From $1,350
US$1,215per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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