A guide to the top things to know about Andalucia in December
From skiing to shopping in Christmas markets, Andalucia in December is a magical time.
December marks the start of winter in Andalucía. The weather can still be sunny and pleasant for most of the day, but evenings are way cooler.
There’s also a higher chance of rainfall than at other times of the year. It can even snow in the mountains, such as the Sierra Nevada in Granada.
While temperatures are colder than in the summer months, you’ll encounter fewer tourists in December, making it easier to explore cities and the countryside.
Traveling to southern Spain in December? Here’s what you need to know weather-wise, and some tips on what to wear, where to go, what to eat, and the top things to do.
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Overview: Our favorite Things to do in Andalucia in December
- Skiing in Sierra Nevada
- Christmas Markets
- Going to the beach in Malaga or Cadiz
- Visiting Christmas Village at Muelle Uno
1. Weather in Andalucia in December
The average daytime temperature ranges from 8°C to 17°C (46–63°F).
Generally, the weather in Andalucía in December is moderately chilly and breezy.
Expect average highs around 19°C (67°F) during the day. Then, it gradually drops to 11°C (52°F) at night.
As winter draws in, Andalucía starts to experience mild and cooler temperatures.
The Andalucía weather in December can be a pleasant time to explore the city and countryside.
December is the second-coldest month of the year, next to January, which reaches temperatures as low as 6.4°C (43.5°F).
Andalucía in winter is windy and chilly with a bit of rain.
The average rainfall is around 70 to 80mm with more or less 8 days of rain.
Make sure to wear layers and bring a light jacket with an umbrella so you won’t get wet.
The best thing about visiting Andalucía in December is that it’s generally less crowded, and you’ll enjoy sightseeing without hordes of tourists.
Despite the cold, sunshine is still quite abundant this time of the year.
Expect 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine on average. Days are also shorter with 10 hours in total.
Areas near the Mediterranean coastline, particularly Costa del Sol, can feel breezy with average temperatures around 16°C (61°F).
The coastal city of Malaga in winter has an average temperature of 9°C to 18°C (48–64°F).
Snow is rare but common in mountain areas with increased altitude, such as in the Sierra Nevada.
Temperatures can drop to 0–1°C (32–34°F) in these regions.
Inland areas of Andalucia, such as Seville, Cordoba, and Granada, also feel chilly with a bit of sunshine.
Winter in Seville is typically around 8°C to 17°C (46–63°F). Cordoba is around 5°C to 16°C (41–60°F), while Granada in winter is 3°C to 13°C (37–55°F).
2. Festive Atmosphere & Christmas Markets
Christmas in Andalucía becomes more festive with enchanting Christmas markets.
Don’t miss the world-famous Christmas lights display in Málaga.
It’s a wondrous spectacle on Calle Larios, where the main street glows with a spectacular light and sound show.
Visit the local Andalucía Christmas markets in Seville, Granada, and Córdoba.
All glittering with fairy lights, artisan crafts, and gourmet goods.
Feria del Belén in Seville features wooden nativity figurines (belenes), reflecting Andalucía Christmas traditions.
Festooned with lights, the Christmas market in Granada is held in Fuente de las Batallas from December 1st to January 6th.
In Córdoba, the Christmas market in Tendillas Square features stalls selling Christmas pastries like turrón (nougat), Roscos de vino (wine cookies), and mantecados (shortbread).
3. Things to Do in Andalucía in December
Where to go in Andalucía in December? Explore cultural cities with fewer crowds and experience Andalucía in winter beyond the tourist trail.
Andalucía in December is considered an off-season, and you don’t have to wait in long queues at many famous spots.
Add these things to do in Andalucía in December to your list: Visit the Moorish palace of Alhambra in Granada, discover the Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) of Córdoba, and see the 13th-century Alcázar Palace in Seville.
The best places to visit in Andalucía in December are coastal towns like Málaga and Cádiz, with mild weather.
It’s an ideal time to enjoy a pleasant beach walk.
Skiing in Andalucía in December, particularly in Sierra Nevada Ski resort(Granada), is a unique winter activity in southern Spain.
Spain’s second-highest mountain, Veleta Peak, is great for skiing.
It can get breezy and rainy in Andalucía in December, but most days are sunny and pleasant, perfect for hiking in natural parks such as Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and Caminito del Rey in Malaga.
4. Special Events & Celebrations
Planning to travel to Andalucía in December?
Book ahead on these important Andalucía holidays in December: Spanish Constitution Day (December 6), The Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas (December 25).
The main highlight of Andalucía in December is its Christmas traditions and festivities.
The cities are glowing with colorful lights, and the streets are filled with festive cheer.
Nativity scenes symbolize the birth of Jesus Christ, making it an important tradition in Andalucía.
Aside from nativity displays across city squares, you can also visit Belén de Chocolate de Rute in Córdoba and Museo de Belenes in Malaga.
Christmas in Costa del Sol is as magical as it can be in other cities.
Visit Christmas Village at Muelle Uno by the sea, or witness the dazzling Calle Larios light show in Malaga.
You can also catch flamenco shows and seasonal cultural performances.
One of the must-see events in Andalucía in December is The Verdiales, a form of traditional flamenco developed north of Málaga.
Don’t miss Día de los Inocentes on December 28th, the Spanish version of April Fools’ Day, where people play jokes and pranks.
Come New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), it’s a tradition to eat lucky grapes when the clock strikes at midnight.
You can also catch spectacular fireworks in the main squares or join parties in bars and clubs.
5. What to Eat in Andalucía in December
If you visit Andalucía in December, you’ll never get hungry. From traditional festive dishes to Christmas sweets, you’ll have many options to choose from.
Andalusian dishes are typically rich in flavor. In small inland villages like Ronda and Frigiliana, you can enjoy local Christmas specialties like roast lamb.
If you’re craving comforting soups, don’t miss salmorejo (traditional bread soup), rabo de toro (slow-braised stew), and cocido andaluz (Andalucían stew).
A typical Andalusian Christmas dinner includes seafood like prawns, paired with cured cheese, and jamón ibérico or Serrano ham as a centerpiece.
Then, cap it off with a glass of fino or sherry wine.
If you go to shops and supermarkets just weeks before Christmas, you’ll find traditional Christmas sweets on display, such as turron, mantecados, and polvorones from Estepa village.
Other famous Spanish Christmas treats are Alfajores (cookies with caramel filling) and Roscos de vino (wine donuts).
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Andalucía in December
Andalucía in December is the best time to visit, as you’d be enjoying the sights without hordes of tourists, yet everything is fairly accessible.
Expect breezy mornings and cooler evenings in Southern Spain in winter.
Christmas time is perfect for exploring, and you’d also get budget-friendly deals on tours and accommodation.
Pack layers, light jackets, and scarves for chilly evenings.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Book your flight months before your trip to secure the lowest deals. It’s also best to book your accommodation outside peak holiday weeks.
Plan your tours in advance and book tickets early for popular attractions like the Alhambra, as these can sell out quickly.
Reservations are also required in restaurants if you’re planning to dine on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Take note that many shops and museums are closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
During the winter holidays, transportation is limited. You can book car rentals in advance, as this is more convenient than taking a bus.
Trains also operate between Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville; however, timetables can be limited.
Bottom line on Southern Spain in December
Andalucía in December is a mix of mild weather, rich traditions, and fewer crowds.
While most of the region is mildly warm and sometimes rainy, there are areas with snow where you can go skiing.
El Lodge Ski & Spa and Meliá Sol y Nieve is perfect for those looking for where to stay in Sierra Nevada.
Christmas markets are everywhere, too. Taste traditional sweets while shopping for gifts and gazing at the sparkling lights.
Experience both the festive city vibes and outdoor adventures in Southern Spain in December.
Did we miss your favorite Andalucía experience? Feel free to share in the comments below!
FAQ about December in Andalucia
Where is the best place to visit in Andalucia in winter?
Seville, Malaga, Cordoba, and Granada are the best places to visit in Andalucía in winter.
For beach breaks and scenic walks, the Costa del Sol offers mild temperatures and sunshine.
Is December a good time to visit Andalusia?
Yes, December is a good month to visit Andalucia.
You can avoid intense summer heat and peak season crowds.
Is southern Spain warm in December?
Yes, southern Spain is warm in December with daytime highs from 8°C to 17°C (46–63°F).
The weather conditions in December are perfect for sightseeing, even though you might need a jacket.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!