Have you ever thought about traveling to Spain in the winter? There are so many advantages to exploring Spain at this time of year! Let us tell you all about the Spain winter months, what weather to expect, and some of our favorite places to visit during the off-season.
Why Visit Spain in Winter?
You may be wondering… why you would visit Spain in the winter in the first place? Well, between the months of December and March is actually one of the best times to explore this beautiful country.
Specifically in the South of Spain, you’ll find sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and all the delicious Spanish food your heart desires. Here are some of our favorite reasons why winter in Spain can be so much fun!
→ Planning a Trip to Spain: 10 Step Easy to Follow Vacation Guide
6 Reasons We Love Spain in Winter
1. Fewer Tourists
The first reason is fairly obvious, but still needs to be said! The summer months bring the most tourists to Spain, and it is far less traveled during winter.
While the cities like Madrid and Seville may still be bustling with locals, the beach towns and beautful mountain villages are far less crowded. This alone makes winter here more enjoyable!
In popular destinations like Nerja Spain, some days you will have the beaches all to yourself! We love the peace and quiet of winter in Spain.
2. Lower Prices Visiting Spain in Winter
Another great thing about visiting Spain in winter is the prices. During the off-season, you can find some absolutely crazy deals!
Over the years, we’ve spent large parts of Europe’s off-season in the south of Spain. In doing so, we’ve paid less than half the price we would’ve normally for hotels, rental cars, and long-term apartments.
Food and drink prices mostly remain the same, as they are already great value compared to other countries. However, tours and other fun excursions are typically cost less than the summer time.
You mean I can tour famous sites like the Alhambra de Granada for cheaper, and with less tourists? No complaints here!
3. Enjoyable Winter Weather in Spain
So what about the weather in Spain during winter? Well, the actual temperatures depend on where you go. The southern and southeast coast of Spain stays warm enough all year round, with winter temperatures even getting to the mid-70’s Fahrenheit.
Yes, that’s still warm enough to get in the water! In fact, it’s possible to swim year-round in destinations like Calpe, Javea, and Moraira on Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca.
While the water may not be as amazing as the summer, it’s still more than tolerable. Also, there are plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy in other parts of Spain, which we will get into soon.
4. Tropical Islands
Before we go too much further into ACTUAL cold in Spain you should know about the island life. Believe it or not, there are actually more than 60 islands that are part of Spain.
One of our favorite places to spend the winter in Spain are the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura all offer stunning beaches, delicious food, and unique nature activities.
Off the southeast coast, you’ll also find the world famous islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. The Balearic Islands are just a quick flight or ferry ride away. So even if you’re straying from the mainland, know that there are so many incredible islands to visit during the winter months!
→ 12 Best Beaches in Fuerteventura: Corralejo Dunes to Morro Jable
5. Christmas Time & Markets
Now that you know about Spain’s tropical islands, there is some fun seasonal stuff to enjoy during the wintertime. One of the best reasons to visit Spain’s cities during the month of December is the Christmas markets!
Cities like Madrid and Barcelona hold magnificent markets that will surely get you in the holiday spirit. However, it’s the Christmas celebrations of the small towns that always capture our hearts. Plan your trip to Spain around these gorgeous winter markets for a fun-filled holiday.
→ 22 Fun Facts About Spain That Might Surprise You
6. Spain Winter Activities
There is an abundance of other winter-themed activities to take on in Spain. As an extremely mountainous country, you can find great skiing in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees.
Spain is also home to some of Europe’s best museums and art galleries. This makes for a fun way to warm up if the Spain winter weather is not to your liking. Here are some fun destinations to visit for Europe in winter!
7. Amazing Spanish Cuisine
It’s no secret that Spain has some of the best food in the world! This is yet another reason why travelers flock here in the winter. The heartier dishes and flavors come out as it gets colder, especially in the northern areas of Asturias and Galicia.
From paella in Valencia to seafood in the Canary Islands and the best Granada tapas bars, there’s so much to love about Spanish cuisine. Also, be sure to take a San Sebastian pintxos tour if you’re heading to Basque country!
→ 40 Popular Spanish Foods & Drinks: Best Tapas, Seafood & More
Have any questions about visiting Spain in winter? How about sharing some of your own experiences or favorite places to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
We are visiting Andalusia in mid December. We come from Singapore where its summer all year long.
Do we need winter jacket or a hoodie is sufficient even at night for Andalusia?
Hi Brigitte & Jake:
Your travels adventures sound amazing.
We are Canadians & live in Ottawa. In the past 25 yrs, have been spending three months in the winter months in Florida.
It’s become very expensive. So, we are looking at other places & Spain sounds very interesting.
I don’t use Instagram but will include my email address.
Author
Spain is a great place to live year round. Definitely take a visit there soon and check it out for yourself. We have a ton of information and guides that should be helpful. Feel free to email us or comment with any questions (-: