Spain in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Barcelona, Spain: 59°F High • 48°F Low

Spain’s winter weather is mild and travelers can expect warmer conditions than in most other countries in Europe. While the temperatures differ between Spain’s regions, the odds of enjoying milder days with minimal rainfall are favorable when traveling the country, especially during Barcelona tours and vacations.

On southern Spain tours, travelers can expect relatively warm temperatures during the day, with colder conditions at night. In contrast, northern Spain vacations in winter are far colder as the top places to visit are further from the equator and closer to the snowy Pyrenees mountain range.

Depending on the type of trip you would like to have, you may chase the snow in the Pyrenees mountains or spend time exploring the warmer neighborhoods of Seville. From Spain food and wine tours to couples’ trips, the best places to visit in Spain offer plenty of fantastic travel opportunities in winter.

Seville • Best Place for Great Weather

Trips to Seville in winter offer great weather as temperatures hover in the 60s Fahrenheit during the day and clear days are frequent. While temperatures drop in the evenings, they are still far more manageable than in other places in Spain, specifically in the northern region.

Visiting Seville in winter, you can spend time exploring the Moorish influences of ancient palaces and unraveling the history in one of Spain’s best museums, the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. The wealth of heritage is yours to enjoy when touring outdoors or visiting indoor sites.

Barcelona • Best Place for Families with Children

Barcelona is one of Spain’s best places to visit with family and a fantastic winter destination for all ages, as history, culture, and adventure await parents and their kids stopping by the Catalan capital. The weather, though colder than in southern Spain, is still relatively mild during the day, providing great opportunities to explore the outdoors.

You can walk past Park Güell’s colorful mosaics, step inside the fairytale La Sagrada Familia, and watch flamenco performers twist and twirl to Spanish music. Every inch of Barcelona is a playground for families and in winter, the city will not fail to impress your entire family.

Learn more: Spain Family Vacations & Tours

Granada • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Positioned just below the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a pleasant winter escape that offers the best of Spanish culture and alpine adventure for history buffs and thrill-seekers.

Granada’s natural beauty is emphasized by the winter weather, covering the mountain peaks in powdery snow and providing breathtaking views from quaint cafés lining the streets. You can enjoy tapas and museum exploration when the restaurants and historical sites are far quieter than the rest of the year.

Learn more: Luxury Spain Tours & Vacations

Madrid • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Madrid is Spain’s fashion capital and a vibrant winter destination for couples or honeymooners seeking romance in the atmospheric cityscape, complete with historic architecture and modern luxuries.

Located in central Spain, Madrid experiences colder conditions than southern Spain in winter, which brings opportunities to spend evenings around the fire sipping a glass of Spanish wine. You can also visit the Spanish capital after Catalan on Madrid and Barcelona tours for a dreamy winter trip that captures the best of the iconic destinations.

Learn more: Spain Tours & Vacations for Couples • Spain Honeymoon Packages & Vacations

San Sebastian • Best Place for Spanish Food and Wine

San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, is one of Spain’s best places for food and wine and a beautiful place to spend the winter enjoying the delicious flavors of northern Spain, from pintxos to Spanish soups and stews.

Should the weather be warm enough to hit the beach, you can enjoy a light stroll along the promenade, coupled with a culinary tour of the local delicacies. From bolinhos de bacalhau, seafood fritters, to txangurro a la donostiarra, baked spider crab, the dishes of San Sebastian will take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey.

Explore Spanish Heritage Sites without the Crowds

From Antoni Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona to the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, you can experience the best of Spain’s top heritage sites without the crowds on a winter trip. As one of the quietest seasons, winter provides better opportunities for cultural immersion on history tours throughout the country.

When planning your custom tour, you can also opt into exclusive visits that skip the lines, further enabling you to explore the history of Spain without worrying about the crowds or navigating long queues at popular attractions.

Embrace Spanish Fashion in Shopping Districts

From Madrid to Seville, discover the fashion of Spain when shopping at boutique fashion houses or cultural markets sharing the distinct influences of Spanish history in winter.

Bustling market streets and world-famous stores invite travelers to explore exquisite winter fashion and unique Spanish pieces, textiles, and more. Shopping in Spain is an enchanting experience and you will be blown away by the sheer influence of fashion on the local lifestyle.

Enjoy the Vibrant Winter Festivals

Whether admiring the handcrafted nativity scenes at Christmas markets or partaking in colorful carnivals, Spain’s winter festivals offer an enchanting escape from everyday life and allow travelers to experience the cultural atmosphere enveloping Spain’s top destinations.

Christmas lights flood city streets in color, flamenco performers dance to the festive music, and the culinary delicacies highlight the seasonal flavors. Daily Spanish life is boisterous in winter as festivals let locals and travelers mingle in celebration.

Savor the Delicious Flavors on Food and Wine Tours

Whether exploring the best wine regions in Spain or tasting classic dishes in culinary hotspots, winter is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy Spanish food and wine.

Wine tours in December, January, and February let travelers enjoy the fruits of the harvest season, with exceptional vintages and blends on offer, and signature dishes served at top restaurants. From San Sebastian to La Rioja, you can discover the varied regional flavors during your winter vacation.

Escape to the Pyrenees for Skiing

While most flock to Spain for the beaches and sunshine, winter is a great time for trips to the snowy Pyrenees mountains for skiing.

Stunning resorts with powdery slopes invite all ages on family vacations in Spain or welcome romantics on couples’ tours eager to experience the best skiing in the country in December, January, and February.

Spain is a wonderful winter destination with milder temperatures than other European countries and plenty of exciting winter travel activities to fill up your itinerary. From wine tasting in La Rioja to exploring the art and architecture of Barcelona, our Spain tours and vacations in winter express the best of the season.

As you look ahead and consider your winter travel plans, you can learn more about Spain and what to expect on your trip, as well as top recommendations in our Spain travel guide.