Want to visit Andalucia in December?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, attractions and events.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Traveling to Andalucia in December: Quick Answers
Is the weather nice in Andalucia in December? Is this a good time to visit?
December is a month we like to recommend to those who want to escape the cold of Northern Europe without necessarily heading to the beach. Temperatures remain mild along the coast—16°C to 18°C in Málaga during the day—and visitors can explore the historic sites in a very special winter atmosphere, with no lines and easy access to everything. Sevilla in December is a revelation: the orange trees are heavy with fruit, Christmas markets are setting up in historic squares, and the festive lights give the Baroque facades an unexpected glow at night. On the other hand, the days are short—with less than 10 hours of daylight—and rain is possible, especially during the first half of the month. We recommend December as the best time for a cultural and urban immersion, with Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba as top destinations. The Sierra Nevada ski resort usually opens in December, making it a unique time of year to combine culture and the mountains.
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Traveling in Andalucia in December: A Summary of Conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cool, with a significant difference between the coast and the inland areas. Along the coast, daytime temperatures in Málaga range from 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F), with nighttime temperatures around 8°C to 10°C. Inland, Sevilla and Córdoba see daytime temperatures of 13°C to 17°C (55°F to 63°F), with cool nights around 6°C to 8°C. Granada is the coldest city: expect temperatures of 10°C to 13°C (50°F to 55°F) during the day and nights that can drop to 2°C to 4°C, with a risk of frost toward the end of the month. A warm coat, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes are essential.
Water temperatures
In December, the Mediterranean Sea ranges from 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 64°F) along the Costa del Sol. Swimming is reserved for the bravest.
Crowds and prizes
December has two distinct phases: a very quiet off-season until around December 20, followed by a significant increase in visitor numbers for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Accommodation rates follow the same pattern: very low at the beginning of the month, then a sharp increase between December 23 and January 1, especially in Sevilla and Granada. Sites likethe Alhambra are easy to visit at the beginning of the month, but reservations are required.
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Opening conditions
Major attractions and landmarks operate on their winter schedules in December, generally from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Some sites are closed on December 25 and January 1: check the specific hours before your visit. Christmas markets bring the historic centers of Sevilla, Granada, and Málaga to life starting in the first week of December. Restaurants and bars are operating as usual, with dinner service beginning at 9 p.m. Several restaurants offer special menus for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Length of day
The average length of the day is 9 hours and 45 minutes, reaching its shortest around the winter solstice on December 21. The sun rises around 8:00 a.m. and sets around 5:45 p.m. at the beginning of the month, then around 6:00 p.m. in late December after the solstice. The days are the shortest of the year: plan your outdoor visits for the morning, and spend the afternoons and evenings enjoying indoor activities, Christmas markets, and the festive atmosphere of the illuminated streets.
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Top Attractions in Andalucia in December
December is a particularly good time for an in-depth cultural exploration during the off-season, with the festive atmosphere of the holiday season as an added bonus. We particularly enjoyed that month:
- The Alhambra in Granada, a 14th-century Nasrid masterpiece
- Cordoba’s Mezquita-Catedral
- Sevilla’s cathedral and the Alcázar, whose orange trees, heavy with fruit, brighten up the gardens
- The Christmas Markets in Sevilla, Granada, and Málaga
- The museums of Málaga, including the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga
- The Albaicín neighborhood in Granada under the Christmas lights
- The Sierra Nevada ski resort, which usually opens in December
- White villages like Ronda
- Walks along Málaga’s waterfront are pleasant on clear days, even in December
- …. See the Andalucia’s top attractions.
And lots of activities like these:
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Guided Hike on the Caminito del Rey
Climate in Andalucia in December – Weather Forecast
The climate in Andalusia in December is that of a mild winter by European standards, but it is definitely winter. The Mediterranean coast remains surprisingly mild, which surprises visitors from the north: having lunch on a terrace in Málaga or Cádiz on a beautiful December day is entirely possible. Inland, it’s colder, especially in Granada, where morning temperatures can dip close to freezing. Rain is likely, with a mix of sunny days and rainy spells. We’ve learned to make the most of the sunny spells in Andalucia in December: after a rainy night, the clear mornings bathe the monuments and landscapes in exceptionally bright light.
On the coast
The Costa del Sol remains the most welcoming area in Andalucia in December. Málaga is often described as the sunniest city in Europe during the winter: its unique microclimate ensures clear, mild days even in the middle of winter. Temperatures stay between 15°C and 18°C during the day, making for very pleasant walks along the Paseo del Parque or through the old town. We regularly had coffee on a sidewalk café in Málaga in December—a pleasure that stands in pleasant contrast to winters in the rest of Europe. The Costa de la Luz, on the Atlantic side, is more exposed to winter winds and rain, but its deserted beaches have a very special charm on clear days.
Inland
Inland cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada experience a very real winter in December. Mornings in Granada can get as low as 2°C to 3°C: a warm coat is essential for morning visits to the Alhambra. Sevilla, with its milder climate, retains a special charm in December: the city’s orange trees are laden with ripe, bright-yellow fruit, and the Christmas lights lend the streets of the old town a warm, festive atmosphere. The patios and interiors of neighborhood bars become natural havens for evening outings: this is where you can best experience local Andalucian life in the winter, far from the crowded summer terraces.
In the mountains
December marks the start of the ski season in the Sierra Nevada. The resort, located at an altitude between 2,100 and 3,300 meters, is the southernmost in Europe and offers one of the most unique experiences in the region: skiing in the morning with a view of the Mediterranean, and visiting Granada or the villages of the Alpujarras in the afternoon. Opening dates depend on snow conditions, which vary from year to year: check the trail conditions before planning your trip. The Alpujarras, at more moderate altitudes, are covered in snow at higher elevations in December, and their stone and adobe villages take on a very picturesque wintry appearance.
Temperatures in December in Andalucia
December is the coldest month of the year in Andalucia, although temperatures remain mild compared to other European destinations. Here are the averages for the main destinations.
Weather in Sevilla
- Average daytime temperatures: 15°C (59°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 7°C (45°F)
Temperature in Málaga
- Average daytime temperatures: 17°C (63°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Temperature in Granada
- Average daytime temperatures: 11°C (52°F)
- Average nighttime temperature: 3°C (37°F)
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Rain and Wind
December is one of the rainiest months of the year in Andalucia, comparable to November. Atlantic weather systems are moving in one after another at a steady pace, bringing rain—sometimes for extended periods—across the entire region. The Costa del Sol remains the most sheltered area thanks to the mountains that border it to the north. The provinces of Huelva, Cádiz, and Sevilla are the most likely to experience rainfall. Between rain showers, the sunny days are particularly bright and pleasant, with the deep blue sky that is characteristic of Andalucia even in winter.
- Rainfall in Sevilla: 65 to 90 mm
(over 6 to 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Málaga: 75 to 110 mm
(on average, 6 to 8 days) - Rainfall in Granada: 55 to 80 mm
(over 6 to 7 days on average)
Snow is possible in December in several areas of the region. It snows regularly in the Sierra Nevada at elevations above 1,500 meters. The villages of the Alpujarras located above 1,000 meters can receive a few centimeters of snow during the coldest spells. In lowland cities, snow is still a rare occurrence: Granada may see a few flakes during the harshest winters, but it rarely lasts more than an hour. In Sevilla, Córdoba, and Málaga, snow is extremely rare and is a notable event when it does occur.
The prevailing westerly and southwesterly winds bring moisture from the Atlantic. Gusts are possible during the most active weather systems, particularly along the Costa de la Luz and in exposed coastal areas. Inland, conditions are generally calm between rain showers. On the other hand, the wind can be quite strong in the narrow passageways and alleys of the old quarters of Sevilla and Córdoba on days when the winter mistral blows.
Sunshine
In December, the length of the day ranges from 9 hours and 45 minutes to 9 hours and 45 minutes, reaching a minimum on the winter solstice on December 21, followed by a very slight increase toward the end of the month.
Sunrise is around 8:00 a.m., and sunset is around 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunshine is limited in December: we recorded an average of 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, with significant variation depending on the week and the area. Málaga remains by far the sunniest city in the region during the winter. Days of beautiful weather have a very special quality to the light: the winter light, low on the horizon, creates contrasts and long shadows that highlight the monuments in a way that can’t be found in any other season. Photographers are familiar with this extended “golden hour” lighting effect that can be seen in December in Sevilla and Córdoba.
The very short days call for a different approach. The sun sets before 6 p.m., which means that outdoor visits must be finished by mid-afternoon. On the other hand, December evenings in Andalucia have a special charm: Christmas lights transform the streets of the historic centers, open-air markets create a festive atmosphere, and tapas bars are packed with customers starting at 7 p.m. December is undoubtedly the month when Andalucian nightlife gets started the earliest.
Water Temperature – Swimming in Andalucia in December
Swimming in the ocean in December is only for those who really love cold water. The Mediterranean Sea continues to get colder as the month goes on, and the beaches are deserted.
- Water temperature in Málaga: 17°C (63°F) on average
- Water temperature in Marbella: 17°C (63°F) on average
- Average water temperature in Cadiz: 16°C (61°F)
Crowds and other conditions
December is clearly divided into two periods in terms of visitor numbers. From around December 1 through 20, the region is as quiet as it is in November: you can visit heritage sites with almost no other visitors, the historic districts feel like they belong to the locals, and accommodations are very affordable. We highly recommend the first half of the month for a carefree cultural exploration. From December 21 through January 2, the situation changes: Spaniards themselves travel for the holidays, Sevilla and Granada attract many foreign visitors, and accommodation prices rise significantly.
A few practical tips to keep in mind: Many museums and monuments are closed on December 25 and January 1, and sometimes also on the afternoons of December 24 and 31. Check the specific hours for each location before planning your itinerary. Dinners are still served late, in keeping with local custom: even in December, the people of Seville don’t sit down to eat until 9 p.m. Christmas markets usually close in the evening around 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve on December 31 features outdoor celebrations in the squares of major cities, with fireworks and the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight—an experience worth having at least once.
Holidays and Traditions in December
December is the month of major Christmas traditions in Andalucia, which have characteristics that are quite distinct from those found in Northern Europe. The nativity scene (belén) is at the heart of the celebration: every year, tens of thousands of people visit the large nativity scenes set up in city halls, cathedrals, and public squares in major cities. Sevilla is famous for its monumental nativity scenes, Granada for its handcrafted nativity scenes, and Málaga for its spectacular holiday lights in the historic center. Christmas markets (mercadillos navideños) sell nativity scene figurines, handmade crafts, and traditional treats such as turrón, polvorones, and mantecados.
The true major Spanish folk festival, however, is January 6—Epiphany, or Día de los Reyes Magos—which marks the end of the Christmas season. The Three Wise Men are the central figures of Christmas in Spain, much more so than Santa Claus. On the eve of January 6, processions of the Three Wise Men parade through towns in Andalucia with great fanfare, handing out candy to children. In Sevilla, the Three Kings Parade is one of the largest and most spectacular in Spain, winding its way through the city’s main neighborhoods for several hours. If your stay extends into early January, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Events in December in Andalucia
- Christmas Markets (Mercadillos Navideños): Christmas markets open in the first week of December in the historic centers of Sevilla, Granada, Málaga, and Córdoba. Local crafts, nativity scene figurines (figuras de belén), traditional treats, and family-friendly activities bring the historic squares to life through January 5. The market at Plaza de la Constitución in Málaga and the one on Avenida de la Constitución in Sevilla are among the busiest.
- Opening of the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort: The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, Europe’s southernmost ski resort, typically opens in December, depending on snow conditions. It’s a unique experience to ski less than a 1.5-hour drive from Granada and the Mediterranean Sea. Conditions vary from year to year: check the resort’s website before making plans.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): This religious holiday is celebrated with particular fervor in Sevilla. The Basilica of La Macarena and the cathedral hold solemn Masses that draw large crowds. In Granada, a solemn procession sets out from the cathedral. It is also a public holiday in Spain, which brings an influx of Spanish visitors to the major cities of Andalucia for a long weekend.
- New Year’s Eve (December 31): New Year’s Eve is celebrated outdoors in all major cities of Andalucia. Plaza Nueva in Sevilla, Plaza del Carmen in Granada, and Plaza de la Constitución in Málaga welcome thousands of people for the midnight countdown. The tradition of the twelve grapes—one for each chime of the bell—is observed with enthusiasm. Fireworks light up the iconic landmarks of each city.
- Parade of the Three Kings (January 5): Although it is officially held on the evening of January 5 in anticipation of January 6, the Parade of the Three Kings is the most eagerly awaited event marking the end of the holiday season in Andalucia. In Sevilla, the procession lasts several hours and winds through the city’s liveliest neighborhoods. It’s a family-friendly, popular festival that’s very different from Northern European Christmas celebrations, and a great way to wrap up a trip to Andalucia in early January.
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Prices in December
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget. In December, rates follow a highly varied seasonal pattern: very low through December 20, then rising sharply between December 23 and January 2. If you travel at the beginning of the month, you’ll enjoy the lowest prices of the year, comparable to those in November. For holiday stays, book several months in advance: the best hotels in Sevilla and Granada are fully booked between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The post-holiday period, from January 2 to 6, offers great value for the money, with the atmosphere of the Three Wise Men still in the air.
Other months
When to go to Andalucia, other months…
- Andalucia in January
- Andalucia in February
- Andalucia in March
- Andalucia in April
- Andalucia in May
- Andalucia in June
- Andalucia in July
- Andalucia in August
- Andalucia in September
- Andalucia in October
- Andalucia in November
Or read our article on the best time to visit Andalucia.
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