Spain in Winter

Officially, winter in Spain starts around mid-December and ends at the end of March. For people who come from the Northern countries, the weather in Spain might not look like winter. Indeed, in some regions, the weather is more like spring, though the climate is more chilly on the north side. Also, winter has gusty winds and increased levels of humidity.

Northern Spanish regions such as Catalonia, Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia are quite cold compared to other areas. For example, in Barcelona, the average temperature in December is 11°C (51.8°F), and BIlbao is 8°C (46.4°F). Meanwhile, the further south, you will experience more comfortable temperatures. The Southern Spanish areas, including Andalucia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Valencia, and Murcia, boasts spring-like winter climate. For instance, in Valencia, the average temperature in December is 17°C (62.6°F), and in the most southern region, the Canary Islands, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F).

Undoubtedly, traveling to Spain in winter is an excellent idea not only because of the weather but also because the prices significantly drop and there are fewer crowds. Those are one of the main reasons attracting tourists to Spain in the low season.

TIP:
Pack your waterproof shoes and umbrella. Storms are unexpected and can be intense.

Like all European countries, Spain also gets colder in the middle of the winter season. January is the most unpredictable month in Spain; it can be quite cold or very mild. While again in Northern Spain the weather gets even cooler than in December, in Southern Spain it is warmer. For example, in the Spanish capital, Madrid, the average temperature is 6°C (42.8°F), and in sunny Malaga, the average temperature is 17°C (62.6°F).

Even though Spanish cities' temperatures remain positive, visiting Spain in January is a perfect time to catch fun winter activities. One of the must-visit places for ski fans in Spanish Ski resorts is the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. Located along the French border, Pyrenees is a classic ski resort that boasts sunny weather with an average temperature of −2 °C (28 °F). But for those who are eager to enjoy skiing and go for a warm walk in the green parks, the perfect destination is Granada with its Sierra Nevada ski resort. In Granada, the average daily temperature is 12°C (53.6 °F), while in Sierra Nevada Mountains, the temperature drops to -6°C (21.2 °F) and becomes excellent to have exciting skiing.

Winter Carnivals in Spain

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, Tenerife (late February)
• The Sitges Carnival, Sitges (Late February - Early March)
• Aguilas Carnival, Murcia ( Mid February)
• La Palma Carnival, Canary Island (Late February)
• Las Palmas de Gran Ganaria Carnival (Late February)
• Madrid Carnival (Late February)

For most of Spain, February is the coldest month. The weather can change during the day many times, from sunny to rainy and even snowy. Meanwhile, in the southern part of Spain, January feels more like spring.

Visiting Spain in February is excellent for the same reasons as in other winter months. The northern Spanish side has lower temperatures; for instance, in Bilbao, the temperature drops to 5°C (41 °F). If it’s too cold, choose to go to South Spain; for example, in Seville, the average temperature in February is 18°C (64.4 °F).

February is a perfect time to visit the main cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Cordoba, and many other tourist towns that houses plenty of attractions and world-famous sights. Also, February is well-known as a month offering numerous events, carnivals, and festivals. One of the largest carnivals is the Sitges in Barcelona. Known for plenty of colorful costumes and liveliness, the celebration usually is held at the end of February. Another important festival is the Festival de Jerez near Cadiz. The large flamenco festival occupies the date from the end of February to the beginning of March. It’s only a couple of examples of the exciting celebrations in Spain during the wintertime; Spain is vibrant all around the year! Winter is also good season for taking a train ride between the biggest cities of charming Spain.