For winter sun seekers in Europe, Spain is usually one of the first destinations that comes to mind. From mild city breaks in places such as Valencia and Barcelona, to beach holidays in the Canary Islands or the Balearics, Spain is a dream for warm winter holidaymakers. However, it’s also a place where you can spend your winter holidays and maybe even see some snow, especially if you head to the north of the country where the snow-capped Pyrenees dominate the skyline.
Find out all you need to know about visiting Spain in winter in this comprehensive guide
What is the Weather Like in Spain in Winter?
Because of its size and natural geography, Spain’s weather varies greatly in the winter months. Generally, the coldest months are January and February, although the temperature varies greatly. For example, in the Basque Region (Northern Spain), temperatures average between 4℃ and 10℃, but further south, in places such as Seville, temperatures fluctuate between 8℃ and 18℃ in February.
The islands which belong to Spain offer similar warm temperatures during the winter months: you can expect temperatures of around 10℃ to 15℃ if you visit the Balearics in January, while if you opt to visit the Canaries, you can expect temperatures of around 15℃ to 21℃, perfect for catching some much-needed Vitamin D during the winter months.
For those seeking cooler winter holidays without slush and ice, you should opt to visit places in northern Spain such as A Coruña, Bilbao or San Sebastián in the north. For those seeking a winter sun holiday, we would highly recommend a trip to the Canaries – especially the south of Tenerife in Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos for warm, dry weather.
The Best Places to Visit in Spain in Winter
Depending on what you want from your Spain holiday, there are plenty of places to visit in the winter months that will make your trip one to remember.
Madrid: The Spanish capital is just as vibrant in the winter as it is in the summer. While slightly cooler, the Christmas markets (25th November – 31st December) are some of the best in the country, while their New Year celebrations are known to be some of the most iconic in the world.
Barcelona: The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is an excellent city to visit in the winter. It is much quieter than in the summer, and it’s also the height of the La Liga football season, so it makes for a great chance to watch one of the world’s best football teams live in action.
Tenerife: The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a perfect place for some winter sun. Head to the south of the island for temperatures over 20℃ throughout the winter, or even brave a tour of Mount Teide, the highest Spanish volcano, as it is much more pleasant to climb in the winter than in the summer.
Costa del Sol: For warm weather on the Spanish mainland, consider visiting the Costa del Sol, for places such as Malaga and Marbella, where there is a lot to do, even in the winter. You could take a day trip to the famous Alhambra Palace, or spend a day strolling along the glorious seafront.
Nerja, Costa del Sol
The Best Things to Do in Spain in Winter
Despite a holiday to Spain being predominantly seen as a summer destination, there is still a lot to do in the winter. Spain’s economy is not necessarily seasonal, and as such, many attractions remain open year-round. Here are some of the best indoor and outdoor activities to do in Spain this winter.
Indoor Activities to Do in Spain in Winter
Visit the Alhambra Palace: Not far from Granada is the mighty Alhambra Palace, which dates back to Spain’s Islamic Age, before eventually being taken over by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. This Palace has been incredibly well-preserved, and the architecture is some of the most beautiful in the world. Visit here and enjoy some Spanish tapas in a bar in Granada afterwards.
Note: The Alhambra is a sprawling complex with indoor and outdoor areas. The indoor areas are the Nasrid Palaces, the Mexuar, the Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Charles V, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Alhambra Museum.
Big Fun Museum: Suggest a museum to the kids and you’re likely to be met with eye rolls, but not the Big Fun Museum in Barcelona! With nine different ‘worlds’ (themes) inside, it’s fun for kids and adults alike, and a fantastic way to spend a morning or an afternoon in Barcelona during the winter.
A Cultural Trip to Madrid: Whether you opt to visit the city’s many museums or experience the authentic Spanish bars and restaurants, the Spanish capital is one of the best places with numerous indoor activities if the weather is poor.
The Alhambra, Granada
Outdoor Activities to Do in Spain in Winter
Watch a La Liga match: La Liga is the top division of Spanish football, and many teams across the country compete. Winter is the peak of the La Liga season, so whether you’re in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Tenerife, Mallorca, Bilbao or many other places, the chances are you’ll be able to catch a live football game.
Visit a Water Park: If you find yourself in the Balearics or the Canaries in the winter, a great activity is to visit a water park – they’re much quieter in the winter months, and many are open year-round. Siam Park in Tenerife is even open on Christmas Day!
Winter Sports: If you’re staying in the Pyrenees region, you can partake in skiing and snowboarding, or if you’re in the south, you can visit Sierra Nevada, where you can ski on the mountain in the morning, and then visit the beach in the afternoon.
Skiing in the Pyrenees
Winter Events and Festivals in Spain
San Andrés Festival: Celebrated around the Canary Islands in late November and early December, this festival involves dragging wooden boards through the streets and large bonfires, while hot roasted chestnuts are served from street vendors.
New Year’s Eve: Most major Spanish cities have excellent New Year traditions, but few are as well-known as Madrid’s. When the clock strikes midnight, most people attempt to eat twelve grapes before the twelfth chime of the bell – a fun and unique tradition when it comes to NYE.
Día de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day): This is the main gift-giving day in Spain, and is celebrated publicly on 6th January. On the evening of the 5th, many families flock to the streets where people dressed as the Three Wise Men dish out sweets to children.
Carnival: Taking place in either February or early March (in 2026, the dates range from 14th-17th February throughout the country), this celebration takes place on the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. You can expect colourful street parades, masked balls, and parties.
New Year's Eve in Valencia
The Best Food to Try in Spain in Winter
Comfort food is a universal love language, and Spain is home to some of the very best around the globe:
Hearty Soups and Stews: Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup) is a must in the winter, as this warm and garlicky soup, made with crusty bread and topped with paprika and a poached egg, really helps to warm you up in the winter. Lentejas (Lentil Stew) is a good option too, as this is typically vegan-friendly, although some places add in chicken for the ultimate winter warmer.
Tapas: Evolved from a light summer option, tapas take on a wintry theme in the colder months, and some of the best options include Gambas al Ajillo (prawns cooked in a garlic and chilli-infused oil, served sizzling hot), Patatas Bravas (who doesn’t love these iconic potatoes?) and Albondigas (Spanish style meatballs served in a rich tomato sauce). Many restaurants – especially in the Canary Islands – offer cooking classes to learn how to master patatas bravas.
Churros and chocolate: Churros are one of the best options for a comforting and delicious snack – especially when they’re served piping hot from a street food vendor and dusted in cinnamon sugar.
Practical Tips for Winter Travel in Spain
Visiting Spain in the summer is easy – suncream, sunglasses and swimming gear. However, visiting in the winter requires a bit more careful planning, especially depending on where you’re visiting. Here are a few handy tips on winter travel in Spain:
Packing: Regardless of where you’re visiting, it’s always a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket. Even the sunny Canaries can experience the odd shower in the winter months, while if you visit northwestern Spain, you’re likely to experience heavy rain or even snow showers. Layers are also useful, as the evenings can get cooler, and unless you’re visiting a particularly sunny area, you’ll need a sweatshirt or a coat on if you’re out at night.
Transport: The majority of public transport in Spain runs all year round, but if you’re particularly unlucky and experience flooding or inclement weather, some services, such as buses or metros, may be cancelled. It’s a good idea to check timetables too, as some public transport services operate reduced hours during the winter months.
Book in Advance: While Spain is generally quieter in the winter than the summer, many activities and tours – particularly indoor ones – can fill up quickly in winter. Make sure to book any tours or activities in advance when visiting in the winter to avoid disappointment.