Christmas is coming! But what will the weather be like? Barcelona in December is one of the warmest places in Europe, but it’s still Europe: don’t expect beach weather and heat waves. In the month of December, the weather drops to even colder conditions than those experienced in November in the city, but fortunately, it is still dry. For this reason, if you are expecting a beach holiday, December is probably not the best time to visit Barcelona!
December is still incredibly festive throughout the city, as the Christmas season is in full swing, with markets, Christmas decorations, and many other unique events to keep visitors entertained.
Barcelona weather in December
Temperatures don’t drop too low at this time of year in Barcelona, despite being among the coldest months in the city. With temperatures generally ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius), the weather makes time for some nice winter walks.
- Average high: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)
Although one would expect mid-December to be colder than at the beginning of the month, Barcelona has had quite unusual weather at this time of year. Temperatures drop a few degrees toward the end of the month, though outliers can occur, and city records include a warm 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and a freezing 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius).
Barcelona receives an average of six hours of sunshine a day in December. In general, December in Barcelona is also quite dry, with minimal rainfall, averaging around 1.25 inches (32mm). (However, October and November are among the wettest months in the country.)
What to pack
Barcelona in December is not icy, but you will need some winter layers to be comfortable and some cold weather basics will come in handy. Prepare for temperatures in your mid-teens, but bring a t-shirt just in case, and a jacket for the evenings. To get started, a good packing list should include:
- Short Sleeve Layering Shirts
- Long-sleeved blouses or blouses
- A sweatshirt or cardigan
- A light jacket
- A light scarf or pashmina
- Jeans
- A slightly more formal dress or outfit for an evening out
December events in Barcelona
Christmas is coming up, so check out the Christmas markets and nativity scenes that will be all over the city at this time of year.
- Drap-Art : This annual creative festival dedicated to recycling is usually held in early December and includes concerts, performances, workshops, and a Christmas market.
- Fira de Santa Llúcia : this traditional Christmas market has more than 300 stalls. It is celebrated in the Pla de la Seu until the end of December. This market is the perfect place to stock up on nativity scenes, poinsettias, and more.
- Fira de Nadal de Sagrada Família : the famous cathedral’s annual Christmas fair that has been held since the 1960s. More than 100 different stalls visit the market to sell their festive handicrafts.
- Christmas Day (Nadal) and Boxing Day (Sant Esteve) : Both are widely celebrated in Spain. Barcelona hosts Christmas mass at midnight and families gather to perform feats and gifts.
- New Year’s Eve : December 31 is very much a holiday celebrated with the family, but revelers will still go to Plaça Catalunya to celebrate the coming year.
December Travel Tips
- A visit to Barcelona isn’t complete without seeing famous sites like the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, but you can skip the lines for these attractions by getting your tickets in advance online.
- Fall and winter bring fresh mushrooms to the markets of Barcelona. Look for wild varieties like rovellons that can be fried or incorporated with eggs for a delicious omelette.
- Do you want to go to the slopes? Surprisingly, it is possible! You can visit the ski resorts of La Molina and La Masella, which are accessible by bus and offer ski rental.
- While a city like Barcelona never has a low season, December is much quieter than the summer months and can be a great time to visit a traveler looking to save some money.
- Barcelona airport is surprisingly convenient for the city. In just 25 minutes, you can be in the city center. Take the blue Aerobus, which costs only 5 euros.
- Restaurants in Spain serve meals at unusual hours for many visitors. Most serve lunches (what most people think of as tapas) in the early afternoon. Dinner is not eaten until much later, usually at 9 or 10 p.m.
- While all the locals will speak Spanish, most everyday conversations take place in Catalan. It is helpful to learn a few phrases before you go.
