Barcelona in December: What's the weather like?

In a nutshell, visiting Barcelona in December means you’ll experience mild winter conditions. Though temperatures are cool at this time of year, the weather is pretty pleasant compared with many other parts of Europe, which makes it a good winter destination for travelers who are looking for a crowd-free culture-oriented trip. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in December, along with tips on how to plan your trip, and suggestions for what to see and do. 

Is December a good time to visit Barcelona?

While there’s no bad time to visit arty Barcelona — capital of Catalunya in the northeast of Spain — deciding when’s a good time to visit depends on what you most want from your trip.

Considering the mild weather in Barcelona in December, it’s a pretty fine time for culture vultures to visit, especially those who aren’t keen on huge crowds and high temperatures. 

Though this is winter — which means blissing out on Barca’s beaches won’t be on the cards — rainfall is low, and the cooler weather makes visiting the city’s cultural attractions all the more comfortable.

At the same time, Christmas markets and lights add seasonal sparkle to vacations, rendering iconic attractions like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter all the more magical.

Still making up your mind? While there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Barcelona, you might want to weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing  five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip, and talk to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in December

Sitting in winter, the weather in Barcelona in December typically experiences an average low temperature range of 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C).

At the other end of the scale, expect an average high range of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C), and around 5-6 hours of sunshine a day.

Barcelona in December also enjoys relatively clear skies, and moderate rainfall. In terms of the numbers, we're talking an average of 1.8 to 2.2 inches (45 to 55 mm) across the month. 

In summary, Barcelona in December is mild, pretty dry and often sunny.

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in December, and the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

December sits within Barcelona’s low season for tourism, which means the city will be far less crowded than it is during the peak summer months. 

That said, be aware there’s usually a spike in visitor numbers around Christmas and New Year.

You can also expect travel costs to be lower in December, with cheaper flights and accommodation available, especially if you book early and take advantage of low season early-bird deals.

As with crowds, note that prices may increase slightly during the peak holiday season i.e. right around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

On a budget? Discover Barca’s best things to do for FREE! 

Traveling beyond Barcelona? Find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Barcelona in December

Considering the Barcelona weather in December — along with this being festive season — here are some of the best things to do in the city through the month.

Discover Gothic glory and Gaudí icons in crowd-free conditions

Offering cooler weather and smaller crowds, December is a marvellous time to do a deeper dive into Barcelona’s biggest icons.

For example, while Sagrada Família — one of Gaudí’s most iconic works — is a must-visit whenever you visit the city, December’s milder temperatures and less busy conditions are well-suited to more immersive exploration of both its interior and exterior.

In addition, Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece, is much quieter in winter, which means you can truly take in the innovative majesty of its mosaic designs without vying for space.

We also love strolling the city’s glorious Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) in winter. Come December, festive lights give the winding streets, historic buildings and charming plazas added atmosphere. 

Explore Christmas markets

Staying on the seasonal theme, visiting Barcelona in December means you’ll be able to enjoy the festive fun of Fira de Santa Llúcia  — Barcelona’s most famous Christmas market.

Located in front of Barcelona Cathedral, it’s a great place to pick up festive gifts, decorations and traditional Catalan holiday items, among them Caga Tió — a log with a smiling face that "poops" presents for children.

Go ice-skating

Adding to the festive vibe, a temporary ice-skating rink is usually set up in Plaça Catalunya in December. 

There's no better way to spend a seasonally-charged afternoon in the city.

Meander magical Montjuïc

Take advantage of December’s mild winter weather to explore Montjuïc, where you can marvel at Montjuïc Castle and enjoy epic views of the city. 

December is also an atmospheric time to soak up Montjuïc’s Font Màgica (Magic Fountain). On certain nights the fountain is illuminated by a kitschy, kaleidoscopic show of sound and light that’s free to view.

Relish regional cuisine

While we recommend checking out the best tapas bars in Barcelona whenever you visit, December has the bonus of being a great month to indulge in hearty traditional Catalan dishes like escudella i carn d’olla (a moreish meat stew), calçots (grilled green onions) and churros with hot chocolate. 

La Boqueria market is also a must-visit for foodies.

Editors tip: not to detract you from Barcelona, but if you’re into Spanish food in a big way, our culinary experience in Seville has been curated to make your mouth water.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in December

If, after considering the weather in Barcelona in December, you’re starting to plan your own trip, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, check out our customisable Spain itineraries. 

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect trip, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

We also recommend diving into our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Poble Sec), you'll want to read up on the best places to stay in Barcelona.

Lastly, for in-depth expert advice on what to see and do in Barcelona — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Rough Guide to Barcelona, with a handy pocket guide available for shorter trips.