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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City & Culture
Best of Spain (Classic - Winter)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
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$1,650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$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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City & Culture
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$961per person
Price based on Shared Room
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11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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City & Culture
9-Day tour From Madrid to Barcelona through Andalusia and the Mediterranean Coast
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"The tour offers an overview of each city, you have to do your homework and book extra tours."
JOHN, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Julia Travel
From
US$1,959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
19 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Spain in 10 Days - Covering Barcelona, Seville and Madrid
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"We got to Barcelona, Montserat, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Granada all in ten days of fun amidst the culture and architecture of the Old World."
Eric, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Barcelona, Sagrada Família, Montserrat, Madrid, Toledo,Seville,Granada+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $2,958
US$2,071per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Absolutely Spain
4.8 (58 traveler reviews)
"This was the ideal tour for a couple traveling to Spain for the first time who wanted to see as much as possible in a week."
LeAnn, 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
50% Off
From $3,800
US$1,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
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
50% Off
From
US$3,075per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Thursdays
3.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"If you are looking for a good but brief overview of southern Spain, then this is the tour for you."
Paul, traveled in April
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
15% Off
From $885
US$752per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Madrid and Barcelona
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"This trip was so much fun. Hotels were very nice."
Ronald, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Madrid, Zaragoza, Poblet, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
15% Off
From
US$729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Spanish Delights, 7 days from Madrid
4.3 (22 traveler reviews)
"Nice hotels with the majority of meals included. Great excursions with knowledgeable guides."
Anne, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Madrid, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Costa del Sol,Granada,Valencia,Barcelona+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
15% Off
From $1,297
US$1,102per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Must of Andalusia, Self-drive
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The Alhambra in Grandada (not included, book in advance) was the highlight of the tour."
Richard, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Seville, Cordoba, Granada
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Spain
10% Off
From $716
US$644per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
City & Culture
Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays
4.3 (47 traveler reviews)
"Really great tour, beautiful places and tour guide was great, made some lovely friends along the way."
Gavin, traveled in October
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
15% Off
From $982
US$835per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Spanish Ring
4.1 (179 traveler reviews)
"it was the most amazing experience, full of unseen sights that were breathtaking and a fantastic itinery."
NIGEL, traveled in April
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
15% Off
From
US$1,729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
6-Day Andalucia & Toledo from Madrid
4.8 (10 traveler reviews) award winner
"The places are stunning and the whole experience was very pleasant. I just loved the way she cared for all of us."
Olena, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Madrid, Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Torremolinos,Granada,Toledo+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
15% Off
From $1,068
US$908per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Andalusia & Mediterranean Coast with Barcelona
4.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"Spain was wonderful; each city we visited was amazing!"
Gloria, traveled in March
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 $1,726
US$1,553per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Food & Wine
Flavors of Spain: A 11 Day Journey Through Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were top notch and in great locations."
Denise, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Barcelona
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern SpainAndalucia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
10% Off
From
US$4,411per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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