I am guessing you are planning to spend your winter in Spain but don’t know where to start or what to choose.

I know this sounds biased, but Spain is your perfect destination if you want cold, mild, and warm winter experiences during December, January, and February. 

In this article, we will talk about the weather during winter in Spain, the best places to visit for winter sports, beach holidays, and cultural experiences. We will also review Christmas in Spain and the warmest destination in the country. 

I will leave you the following link in case you want to compare any destination in Spain to your home country or any other goals you have been to; that way, you know what to expect!

👉Weather Spark

What’s the weather like in Spain in winter?

The weather in Spain can vary across different regions during winter, adding a touch of diversity to your travel experience. In each section, I have added weather charts to give you a basic idea of the temperatures in each autonomous region.

Madrid in Winter

Madrid is right in the middle of the Iberian peninsula, and it’s affected by a continental climate. The average temperatures in winter range from around 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C), which can feel very cold and dry, especially on cloudy days. 

 Still, there is no reason to avoid visiting Madrid during the winter. There is plenty to do, such as visiting enchanting Christmas markets, skiing in Navacerrada, and visiting all the landmarks!

For more information on what to do in Madrid in winter, check out our featured article:

• Madrid in Winter: 13 Cool Things to do in this Magical Season

Barcelona in Winter

In winter, Barcelona has average temperatures from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). It’s the perfect escape from colder climates like Madrid, but you still need to take a coat.

The winter in Barcelona is mild, and the cold months are January and February. 

Pack some comfortable layers, and you’re good to go! Barcelona knows how to celebrate the winter season in style. The city comes alive with vibrant Christmas markets, offering a fun blend of handicrafts and local treats. And for New Year’s, you love the firework shows around the city!

Even in winter, you can explore the architectural wonders of the legendary Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Família. 

For more information on what to do in Barcelona in winter, check out our featured article:

• Explore Barcelona’s Winter Charm: 11 Cool Things to Do

Northern Spain in Winter

Let’s start with the basics, what autonomous communities are classified as Northern Spain? Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias, Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castille-Leon, Aragon, and Catalunya. So everything above Madrid. 

In Northern Spain, winter brings cooler temperatures and rain; but the amount of precipitation will depend on each region’s climate type. 

In Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias, and the Basque Country, you will find an Oceanic climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which brings very cold and rainy winters. 

Autonomous communities like Castille-Leon, Navarre, La Rioja, and Aragon have a continental climate, meaning their winters are very cold, windy, and snowy.

Catalunya has a continental and Mediterranean climate that makes its winter a bit less cold than the other regions in Northern Spain. 

What should you know when you visit Northern Spain in winter?

Be sure to pack a trusty raincoat and some comfortable shoes for your adventures. In cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, and the stunning Picos de Europa region, temperatures range from around 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C). 

But don’t let that discourage you! Northern Spain offers a unique winter experience with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For example, if you go to Galicia during the winter, especially in Ourense, you can experience natural hot springs for major relaxation. And if you visit San Sebastian in the Basque Country, you will eat the best pintxos in the country.

Winter is also an excellent time to see the Picos de Europa, the Lakes of Covandoga, and the Spanish Pyrenees.

Southern Spain in Winter

When people talk about Southern Spain, they usually refer to Andalusia. But to categorize a little, I am going to mention all the autonomous regions under Madrid.

Let’s start with the basics, what autonomous communities are classified as Southern Spain? These are Andalusia, Extremadura and Castille- La Mancha.

In this case, each autonomous region has a different way of living in the winter.

For instance, Castille-La Mancha has very cold and dry winters, similar to Extremadura, while winter in Andalusia will vary according to the city’s location. For example, winter temperatures are not the same in Granada as in Cádiz. 

During the three months of winter in Granada, the city experiences maximum temperatures of 13° to 12°, while Cadiz has a hot winter with temperatures reaching 17° to 16°. 

So, now you know that cities in the bottom south of Spain tend to be hotter during winter than the ones closer to the center. 

Unlike, Extremadura, and Castille-Leon, you can absorb plenty of sun in Andalusia, even in winter!

What temperature should you expect in Southern Spain?

Seville in winter

Seville in winter is very pleasant, it doesn’t compare to Malaga or Cadiz which are warmer due to their location, but you can explore the city with a light jacket.

Merida in winter

Merida is Spain’s best conserved Roman City; I honestly believe it is an undervalued city that should be more appreciated.

Toledo in winter

Toledo is the iconic city of Castille-La Mancha! Known for its cathedral and the history of the three cultures is one of the most famous day trips from Madrid. Cloudy days are very common in Toledo, and its winters are icy!

Eastern Spain

The autonomous communities in Eastern Spain are Valencia, Murcia, and Catalunya, but we already talked about the winter weather in that region.

Valencia and Murcia have a Mediterranean climate, meaning that winter in Eastern Spain is quite pleasant, with low precipitation and mild maximum temperatures. 

The most popular cities in this area are Valencia, Alicante, and Benidorm, all of them right next to the Mediterranean Ocean. The lowest temperatures in this side of the country are between 6°C and seven °C, and the highest reaches 18°C during winter. 

If you decide to visit any of these cities, know that you should bring a light coat and closed shoes, but it is unnecessary to become a polar bear like you would have to do in Madrid or Northern Spain.

What temperature should you expect?

Valencia in winter

If you want a warm winter holiday, you know where to go! Valencia offers mild winters with tolerable temperatures.

Alicante in winter

The same goes for Alicante, the city located to the south of Valencia is privileged with temperatures up to 18 degrees. Alicante has the beach of Postiguet right next to the city center where you can lay down to get some sun on winter days.

Murcia in winter

Benidorm in winter

Best places to visit in Spain in winter

Winter in Spain can be everything you need for your perfect holidays, whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a beach lover seeking a sunny escape, or a cultural explorer searching for rich heritage.

Best places for winter sports in Spain

Spain has over 20 ski resorts and stations across the country, but the two most notable destinations for winter sports are the Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees. 

Surprisingly, one of Spain’s most famous ski stations is located in Andalusia, very close to Granada. Sierra Nevada is renowned for its excellent ski and snowboarding facilities. With its impressive range of slopes, it caters to both beginners and experienced skiers or snowboarders. 

Then, if we move to the Pyrenees, two other famous ski resorts are Formigal in Aragon and Baqueira Beret in Catalunya. 

Formigal is famous among young adults and university students because of its Marchica party. Although there are spaces for every level, Formigal is known for its steep slopes for advanced skiers. 

Likewise, Baqueira Beret has intermediate to difficult slopes and is the biggest resort in the country. 

To know more about when and where to ski in Spain, check out the following article:

• Spain in February: 8 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather

Best places for beach holidays in winter in Spain

In Spain, you can experience any type of weather, even subtropical, if you visit the Canary Islands. So, if you want a warm or beach destination for winter in Spain, keep reading.

The following are the “best places” to go on a beach holiday in Spain; you might not get as much sun or ocean time as you would in summer, but these destinations will save you from the cold. 

• Costa del Sol
• The Canary Islands

Spain has three famous vacation coasts: Costa Brava in Catalonia, Costa Blanca in Valencia, and the Costa del Sol from Malaga to Cadiz in Andalusia. 

Costa del Sol is the best of these three to spend beach holidays during the winter, known for its pleasant climate all year round. Places like Cadiz and Tarifa enjoy temperatures between 5° and 17° during winter.

Another excellent option is the Canary Islands, where you can find a subtropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. 

The Canary Islands offers stunning beaches, where you can engage in water sports like surfing or diving or relax in charming coastal towns. 

On the island of Tenerife, people enjoy the weather of 21° and 15° during winter. 

Best places for cultural tourism in winter in Spain

Winter in Spain presents a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich heritage and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural scenes without the crowds of the peak tourist season.

Anywhere you choose to go, you will have indoor experiences. However, the best museums, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are in the biggest cities.

You will find world-class museums in Madrid, such as the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum.

Barcelona offers a captivating blend of art and architecture with its architectural wonders like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

In Andalusia, discover the Alhambra, explore the magnificent cathedrals, and get lost in the narrow streets of the old towns.

Winter allows you to soak up the cultural treasures of Spain at a more relaxed pace, providing an unforgettable experience.

Read more about cultural museum in Spain:

• The Best 11 Museums in Barcelona: Its not all about Gaudí!
• The Best 13 + 1 Museums in Madrid: It’s Not All About Art!
• Seville Museums: 9 Must-Visit Palaces & Art Galleries

Christmas in Spain

Another great reason to spend winter in Spain is the Christmas season.

• 9 Spanish Traditions for a Holly Jolly Christmas in Spain
• Spanish Christmas: How We Celebrate a Merry and Bright Holiday

Spain has its delightful twist on Christmas traditions. One highlight is the celebration of the Three Kings on the 6th of January. In Spain, children don’t wait for Santa Claus to bring presents. Instead, they eagerly await the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who bring them gifts. 

On that day, parades featuring majestic floats and joyful music fill the streets as the procession makes its way through the cities and towns.

Families attended Midnight Mass on Christmas Day, known as “La Misa del Gallo,” another cherished Christmas tradition in Spain. 

Read more on “Misa del Gallo” here:

• Misa del Gallo: What and Why Do Spanish Celebrate Rooster’s Mass?!

Each city and region in Spain adds its own unique touch to Christmas celebrations. In Barcelona, the streets are adorned with colorful lights, and the Christmas markets offer an array of crafts and delicacies. Madrid hosts the famous Christmas market in Plaza Mayor, where the handmade nativity scenes are the stars. And in Seville, the streets also come alive with traditional nativity scenes tours.

This are Spain’s best Christmas markets:

11 Santa-approved Christmas Markets Worth Visiting in Spain

To learn more on holiday traditions in Spain, check out our featured articles:

• Spanish Christmas Lottery and the Secret to Win “El Gordo”
• 9 Spanish Cities with Surprisingly Good Christmas Lights
• 7 New Year Traditions in Spain for Powerful Beginnings
• Why is Spain The Perfect Place to Celebrate New Years?

The warmest (and sunniest) place in Spain in winter

Two destinations stand out as Spain’s warmest and sunniest spots during winter: the Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands. 

 Costa del Sol is a Mediterranean Bliss in Summer

The Costa del Sol, or “Sun Coast,” is located in Andalusia. The Costa de Sol stretches approximately 300 kilometers from Malaga to Gibraltar. 

With average temperatures ranging from 59°F to 64°F (15°C to 18°C) during winter, this coast is the perfect place to go if you are looking for paradise to hide from the winter. 

If you choose to visit during the winter holiday, you can tour the white towns in Spain, such as Arcos de la Frontera, Villaluenga del Rosario, Zahara de la Sierra, and Nerja. 

More on the “Pueblos Blancos” in Spain: 

“Pueblos Blancos”: The 13 Most Fascinating White Cities in Spain

The Canary Islands is the perfect subtropical escape

The Canary Islands appear as an idyllic destination when winter escapes for sunshine and warmth. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, this archipelago enjoys a subtropical climate that blesses it with pleasant temperatures and abundant sunshine throughout the year. 

During the winter, the Canary Islands are the only place in Spain to offer the closest experience to a summer destination. Thanks to their location, the Canary Islands benefit from warm temperatures ranging from 64°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C) during winter and over 6 hours of sunshine per day.

The islands you can enjoy in this archipelago are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, all with full pristine beaches and world-class windsurfing spots.

Read more about them in the following article:

The Canary Islands: 8 Beautiful Spanish Islands in Africa

Check out our article:

Top 10 Highest Mountains in Spain: From Teide to Mulhacén

From winter sports to subtropical beaches, if you decide to spend your winter holidays in Spain, you have plenty of plans to choose from. If case you are looking for a specific month in winter, I recommend the following articles:

• Spain in December: 10 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather
• Spain in January: 9 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather
• Spain in February: 8 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather