Madrid in December: What's the weather like?

Visiting Madrid in December means coming prepared for winter. That said, though you should expect colder temperatures, Madrid’s weather is pretty mild and dry compared with other European destinations at this time of year, which makes sightseeing pleasantly comfortable if you wrap up warm. Add to that stacks of seasonal sparkle, and December amounts to a rewarding time to visit the culture-rich capital of Spain. Tempted to visit? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in December, along with tips on what to see and do, and how to plan your perfect trip.

Is December a good time to visit Madrid?

With the weather in Madrid in December seeing the city in winter mode, it’s not the best month for outdoor activities.

That said, it’s less rainy than November, with smaller crowds at the start of the month making visits to top attractions a great deal more pleasurable than they are during the packed, sizzling-hot summer peak season. 

At the same time, December sees the city sprinkled with more than a dash of seasonal cheer, with Christmas lights and markets making it an enchanting time to explore the city.

While it can be pretty cold, plenty of cozy cafes, museums and markets are on hand to warm up in.

Still making up your mind about where to go? 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 before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in December

Sitting in winter, the weather in Madrid in December sees an average low temperature range of 35°F to 40°F (1°C to 5°C), rising to average highs of 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C).

While this is cold for Spain, it’s warmer than many other popular European destinations in winter.

As an aside, if you’re still pondering where to vacation in Europe in winter, read up on the best winter destinations in eastern Europe.

But back to Madrid. When it comes to daylight, expect 4-5 hours of sunshine a day in December. On a par with November, this is significantly less than the preceding months, 

October, for example, sees around 6-7 hours of sunshine a day, while the summer months enjoy up to 11 hours.

In good news, rainfall in Madrid in December drops off from November, with just 1.4-1.8 inches (35-45 mm) compared with 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm).

For wider comparison, July, the driest month of the year in Madrid, experiences just 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm).

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

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in December.

What about the crowds and cost?

Early December sits in Madrid’s tourist low season. As a result, you can expect smaller crowds in even the most popular attractions, such as the Prado Museum and Royal Palace.

Then, as the month moves on towards the festive season, the city sees an increase in visitors, though Christmas crowds never reach the somewhat overwhelming numbers of the summer high season months.

When it comes to costs, prices tend to vary in December. In line with the visitor number patterns, flights and accommodation are likely to cost less in early December, with a spike in prices and demand seen around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

As a result, it’s essential to book early if you’re planning to stay in Madrid across the key holiday dates.

Traveling on a budget? Find out about fab free things to do in Madrid.

If you’re traveling beyond Madrid, read up on Barcelona's best things to do for free, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Madrid in December

Considering the cooler weather and Christmas events, here are some of the best things to do in Madrid in December.

These suggestions come in addition to visiting Madrid’s top museums, galleries and historic attractions, among them the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Be charmed by Christmas Markets 

Madrid’s Christmas markets (Mercados de Navidad) are a highlight of visiting in December. 

The most famous is in Plaza Mayor, where you’ll find festive stalls selling ornaments, gifts, and holiday treats. Other markets can be found around Puerta del Sol and Plaza de España. 

Take a walking tour to see Christmas lights and Nativity scenes 

Come December, Madrid is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights (Luces de Navidad) — take a walking tour to soak up seasonal magic while you explore the city.

Madrid is also known for its beautiful nativity scenes (belenes), which are displayed in churches, markets and public squares. 

Another seasonal highlight is Cortylandia —  an animated Christmas display on the side of El Corte Inglés department store near Puerta del Sol.

Go ice skating

Though the festive holiday season, Madrid serves as the majestic stage for several ice-skating rinks. 

One of the most popular spots is Plaza de Colón, where you can skate surrounded by twinkling lights.

Warm up with churros and chocolate

A classic winter treat in Madrid is churros con chocolate.

For example, we suggest visiting Chocolatería San Ginés to devour delicious crispy churros dipped in thick hot chocolate. There’s no better way to warm up in between sightseeing.

Editor’s tip: if you’re into Spanish food and drink in a big way, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Tuck into tapas in cozy taverns

December’s cold evenings are perfect for cozying up in one of Madrid’s many tapas bars. 

Be sure to try traditional Spanish dishes like jamón ibérico, croquetas, and patatas bravas, with neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña being especially loaded with great spots to do exactly that. 

Editor’s tip: another wonderful way to warm up in the evening is to experience an authentic flamenco performance at one of Madrid’s famous tablaos, such as Corral de la Morería or Casa Patas. 

Plan your trip to Madrid in December

Decided to visit Madrid in December for culture-packed Christmas vacation? Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect trip.

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

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, 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.

For example, our customisable five-day Made for Madrid itinerary will see you explore the city’s culture and cuisine in authentic style.

If you're short on time but don’t want to scrimp on experiences, check out our handy day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid.

We also suggest taking a look 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, Retiro!), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Malasaña), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Madrid.

Lastly, for advice on what to see and do in Madrid — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid.