Overview of Barcelona in December
Christmas is approaching, and many travelers are curious about the weather conditions in Barcelona during December. As one of the warmer locations in Europe, Barcelona offers a milder climate, yet visitors should not anticipate beach weather or heatwaves. This month tends to be cooler than November, with a dry spell that makes it less than ideal for a beach holiday.
Despite the cooler temperatures, December brings a festive spirit across the city. The Christmas season is filled with vibrant markets, beautiful decorations, and a variety of unique events that promise to keep visitors engaged and entertained.
Barcelona Weather in December
The temperatures in Barcelona during December don’t drop too low, even though it is one of the colder months there. Generally, the temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius), making it suitable for pleasant winter strolls.
- Average high: 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius)
- Average low: 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius)
While mid-December may seem colder, Barcelona can experience unusual weather patterns during this time. Towards the end of the month, temperatures may dip a few degrees, yet outlier conditions occasionally arise. Historical records include highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius).
Visitors can expect around six hours of sunshine each day in December. Typically, this month is quite dry, with low rainfall averaging approximately 1.25 inches (32 mm). It’s important to note that October and November are considered the wettest months in the region.
What to Pack
Although winter in Barcelona is not freezing, it is wise to include layers in your packing for optimal comfort. Prepare for mid-teens temperatures and have a T-shirt handy for warmer moments, complemented by a jacket for the evenings. An effective packing list for your trip should contain:
- Short-sleeve shirts for layering
- Long-sleeve tops or blouses
- A sweatshirt or cardigan
- A light jacket
- A lightweight scarf or pashmina
- Jeans
- A dress or slightly more formal outfit for evenings out
December Events in Barcelona
With Christmas festivities buzzing, Barcelona showcases various markets and nativity scenes throughout the city.
- Drap-Art: A creative festival focused on recycling, this event occurs in early December and features concerts, performances, workshops, and a Christmas market.
- Fira de Santa Llúcia: This traditional Christmas market boasts over 300 stalls and is situated at the Pla de la Seu until late December. It’s the perfect spot to find nativity scenes, poinsettias, and more.
- Fira de Nadal de Sagrada Família: Known for its longstanding tradition, this Christmas fair has been hosted since the 1960s, featuring more than 100 stalls offering festive handicrafts.
- Christmas Day (Nadal) and Boxing Day (Sant Esteve): Celebrated widely across Spain, these days see Barcelona hosting midnight Christmas mass, with families coming together for hearty meals and gift-giving.
- New Year’s Eve: On December 31, families generally celebrate at home, yet crowds gather at Plaça Catalunya to ring in the new year together.
December Travel Tips
- Complete your visit to Barcelona with iconic sites like the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum. Securing tickets in advance online allows you to bypass lengthy queues.
- Autumn and winter introduce fresh mushrooms in Barcelona’s markets; consider trying local varieties like rovellons, which are delightful when fried or included in an omelet.
- For those interested in skiing, options exist! Reach accessible ski resorts like La Molina and La Masella by bus, where rentals are conveniently available.
- While Barcelona never has an official off-season, December is significantly quieter than the bustling summer months, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers.
- Barcelona’s airport is conveniently close to the city, allowing travelers to reach the center in just 25 minutes via the blue Aerobus for roughly 5 Euro.
- Dining in Spain follows a unique schedule; lunch is typically served in the early afternoon, while dinner is enjoyed later, around 9 or 10 p.m.
- Though residents primarily speak Spanish, everyday communication often occurs in Catalan. Familiarizing yourself with a few phrases can be helpful.
