Spain In Winter: The Complete Travel Guide
I met someone from Spain last year during my visit to Ohio. She was Spanish and had great things to say about Spain. She suggested me to come to Spain in winter to enjoy its charm and beauty.
I had visited Italy during winter and loved the experience. Honestly, I was thinking to travel to Spain during the summers. But I was very curious to know why she had suggested me to spend the winter in Spain. So I made up my mind and decided to go to Spain in the winter.
I am glad I listened to her advice and visited Spain in winter.
Here are the reasons to
Spend Winter in Spain
When I think of Spain, I think of beautiful weather, beaches, festivals, architecture, culture, food especially tapas, and of course amazing people.
Let’s start with the weather during the winter in Spain. Spain’s winter months are from November to February. The temperature varies from region to region if you go to the mountains the temperature is less than zero degrees but perfect to do skiing. The best ski resorts are Baqueira-Beret in Pyrenees, Teruel, the Sierra Nevada in Pradonallo, and La Rioja.
It rains in northern Spain during winter especially in areas like Cantabria and Asturias so it is better to get good quality outerwear and waterproof shoes. The temperature is around 10 degrees celsius in Madrid. Near the coast, during the daytime, the temperature is around 16 degrees celsius.
In Barcelona, during winters the temperature is around 9 degrees celsius.
In Southern Spain like in Malaga, the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius at night. The temperature is around 9 degrees celsius in Ibiza during winter. Located in southeastern Spain, Murcia is also a great place. The temperature is around 7°C in winter.
The rates for flights and hotels are also low in winter.
Let’s look at the weather in Spain on a monthly basis
Spain In December
It is very cold at night with an average low temperature of 6°C. If you go to San Sebastian it is a little warm there with a temperature of 11°C. Costa Brava is very cold at night. If you want mild weather then visit Andalusia. The temperature in Madrid is around as low as 5 degrees Celsius at night. Northwestern Spain is the coldest region during this month.
In Barcelona, the temperature is a little high at around 9°C. If you will go to southern Spain the chances of you seeing snow is quite unlikely. In December it rains for only 6 days in Costa Dorada and the temperature averages 15°C. In Costa del Sol the average rainfall is 100mm. The average temperature in December is 18°C.
If you are planning to go to Balearic Island in December the temperature is mild with an average temperature of 16°C.
Spain In January
It is colder in Northern Spain and warmer in Southern Spain. In Madrid, January is the coldest month. The average maximum temperature in Barcelona is 13°C and the minimum is 4°C, for Madrid it is 11°C and zero degrees, for Bilbao it is 13 and 5 degrees, for Malaga it is 15 and 8 degrees. For Santiago de Compostela it is 14 and 9 degrees Celsius.
Spain In February
It is warmer in Southern Spain but in Madrid, it is still cold with an average maximum of 13 and an average minimum at around 2 degrees Celsius, for Malaga it is 19 and 9°C, Seville is 19 and 8, Barcelona at 15 and 6°C. In Northern Spain, it rains a lot in February.
Places To Visit In Spain In Winter
There are a lot of amazing places to visit in Spain but I was very sure that I will be visiting the best destinations.
1.Barcelona
Barcelona was first on my Spain bucket list as it is one of the most famous places to visit in Spain. I am very inclined toward heritage sites so I visited UNESCO-declared world heritage sites like Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia.
Since not many tourists come in winter it is a good time to take advantage of Sales and promotions. The temperature in winter is around 5 degrees Celsius.
Things to do in Barcelona
There are a number of museums so I chose to visit the most famous ones like the National Museum Of Art of Catalonia and Cosmo Caixa which is a science museum. I also went to the biggest park in Barcelona, Montjuic. We enjoyed amazing food at The Coffee House Barcelona
Sent Sabastia, Somorrostro, and Barceloneta are the three biggest beaches which are frequented by a lot of visitors. Some other ancient monuments I loved are the Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and las Ramblas.
If you love the theatre you must visit Gran Theater del Liceu. Opera, ballet, live concerts and all kinds of music festivals happen here. La Fira de Santa Llucia is the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona. Fira de Reis is another one. Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is the newest Christmas market in Barcelona.
Where To Eat–El Bonic serves amazing Spanish food along with various international food.
Where To Stay
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas
Book Your Tour–Barcelona Sagrada Familia Fast Track Ticket
Barcelona: Park Guell Admission Ticket
Read:Weather Of Spain In December
2.Madrid
Madrid is definitely on the bucket list of Spain but it is very cold in winter especially in January. It has a lot to offer be it with a friend or with kids.
Things to do in Madrid
It is very famous for art museums. The most famous museum is the Golden Triangle of Art and includes three museums out of which the Prado museum is most famous.
I liked the nightlife here. The main attractions here are cocktail bars, live music venues, and flamenco theatres. For classical music lovers, Auditorio Nacional de Musica is the best option. If you like to see the famous bullfighting visit Las Ventas. Plaza Mayor is a famous Christmas market. Mercadillo del Gato and Feria Dulces de Navidad are other Christmas markets.
Where To Stay
Dear Hotel Madrid-A design boutique hotel Dear Hotel gives an amazing view of Gran Via, it is just 35 minutes from the metro.
Book Your Tour–Toledo and Segovia Tour From Madrid
Read:
Which part of Spain has best Climate-find out
3.Seville
Seville is located in the Andalusia region. It is one of the biggest tourist places in Spain.
Things to do in Seville
There are gardens, museums, parks and all kinds of tourist spots, an ideal place to visit in winter in Spain.
Seville in winter looks spectacular. I loved to do kayaking here. Seville is famous for its landmarks, some of the famous ones include Royal Alcazar of Seville, Plaza de Espana. There are some famous museums here, the most famous is the Museum Of Fine Arts Of Seville and The Flamenco Art Museum.
Parque di maria Luisa is one of the most popular monumental parks. The Alcazar garden is really spectacular. Feria de Artesania Creativa,a handicraft fair is the most popular Christmas market here. Gran Mercado de Navidad Nervion and Feria del Belen are two other options.
Read:
Spain Off the Beaten Path-Top 10
Things to do in Andalusia Spain-Top 10
Marbella in Andalusia is one of the best places -Things To Do
Where To Stay
Book Your Tour–Seville: Alcazar, Cathedral & Giralda Guided Tour– Tour Guide Seville
4.Granada
Granada is located in southern Spain and also called as Moorish Jewel.
Things to do in Granada
The famous parks are The Gardens Of Alhambra, Generalife and Zaidin Park. The Sierra Nevada is a perfect place for hikers during winter.
Albaicin and Mirador Of San Nicolas is a UNESCO world heritage site and is quite popular among tourists. The Gypsy Quarter of Sacromonte is my favorite place in Granada as it offers the best view of Granada.
The science park is also known as Parque de Las Ciencias is very popular, especially with kids.
I liked the three Wizards Parade which is held on 5th January. The Christmas markets in Granada are Mercado de Navidad and Puerta Real de Espana.
Related:
Where To Stay
What to wear in Spain in Winter
Book Your Tour–Day Trip To Granada from Seville: Alhambra and Albaicin
Granada:4WD Safari of the Sierra Nevada
5.Valencia
Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and also know for its beaches. Paella is one of the most popular dishes here.
Things to do in Valencia
Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe is a famous museum for science lovers. Other famous attractions include L’Oceanografic, L’Agora, Catedral de Valencia and Ciudad de las Artes. The Christmas markets are Plaza del Mercado de Valencia and Mercado de Colon.
Where To Stay
Eurostars Gran Valencia Hotel-From the airport it takes near 15 minutes by car, Eurostars Valencia Hotel is very close to Casino Cirsa and just 2 km away from Valencia Biopark zoo.
Expo Hotel Valencia-Who doesn’t like a rooftop bar, amazing pool, and amazing food, Expo Hotel Valencia is located near Turia Garden and a great place to stay.
Book Your Tour-Valencia: Hemispheric Science Museum and Oceanographic Pass
Few Other places to travel in winter are Canary Islands, Cordoba, Toledo, Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Costa Brava in Catalonia and Bilbao.
Must Read:
Things To Do In Mallorca-Spain
Events and Attractions In Winter
The winter events are huge from 15th December to 6th January. Christmas and New Year are celebrated in a huge way. Mallorca which is the biggest island in the Balearic Islands looks spectacular in winter. The island is covered with white flowers. Mallorca almond trees look so beautiful. Dia de Los Reyes Magos is celebrated on 6th January.
Carnival is celebrated in a huge way. The street parades, dances look so entertaining. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the most popular carnival here. Sitges carnival held every February is another major attraction. This is basically a gay-friendly carnival. If you are looking for a bike festival then visit Valladolid to see the International Winter Motorcycle rally.
Tamborrada is a big festival in San Sebastian to witness spectacular parades.
The Gastro festival held every January is another big event. You will enjoy the best cuisines here. Festival de Jerez is another big event. Winter is the best time for shopping as you have sales in all the biggest malls. Madrid and Barcelona are the best places for shopping January to March are the best time to shop with huge discounts.
In February you can attend one of the biggest art festivals called ARCOmadrid International Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid.
Thermal Bath
If you are looking for best hot spring in winter then you must visit Outariz Thermal Station.
Food in Winter
Caldo is one of the most famous soups. Churros is also loved during winters. Fabada Asturiana, a bean stew is also one of the popular food in winter.
Which Are Spain’s Warmest Places in Winter
Marbella is one of the warmest places in winter. Almeria is another good option. Malaga has some beautiful beaches. Another option is the Canary Islands. Andalusia is also one of the options. You can go to Southern Spain to enjoy the warm weather. Cartagena in southeast Spain and Cadiz in southwestern Spain are the other two options.
Travel Essentials
Since you are traveling in winter there are some travel essentials
For Accommodation
I always prefer to book through Agoda.com as it gives the best deals and is a part of world leader Booking Holdings.
For Flights
Trip.com always gives the best deals.
For Travel Insurance
When we travel any unfortunate thing can happen anytime, we may lose our luggage or miss flight or have an accident so it is very important to have good travel insurance so I always prefer Worlds Nomad
So let me know when you are traveling to Spain, I would love to know about your experience. Did you like this Spain winter itinerary? I would love your opinion.
Spain is a perfect destination for travel, try to travel to Spain in winter and if somehow you can’t, visit Spain in other seasons, it is still the perfect place.
Must Read:11 Hidden Secret Destinations In Europe
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