All You Need to Know (2023)
Everyone and their mother know that Barcelona is a great place to visit. But how many people know Barcelona in December is even better? Surely not that many. And that’s one of the reasons why spending December in Barcelona is such a great idea.
You don’t believe me? You’re adamant that Barcelona is a summer destination? Quite frankly, I enjoy winters in Barcelona better than the summers. And I’m sure after your visit you’ll agree with me. Not that the Catalan capital is bad in the summer, but there are just so many perks in December.
Ready to see them all?
Let’s go!
Barcelona Weather in December
While in the summer, the city gets uncomfortably hot, Barcelona in December will offer you mild temperatures ranging between 6°C/43°F at night and 14°C/54°F during the day. In addition, you have around 9 hours of sunshine (because even during winter Barcelona is sunny) and only about 6 rainy days. How awesome is that?
All you need is a light jacket or a hoodie, and you’re good to go. On some days you can even go outside with nothing but a t-shirt. Quite a non-European Decemberly weather, if you ask me.
See more about the December weather in Barcelona
Pros of being in Barcelona in December
So, now you know the weather is quite good. But that’s not the only pro of spending your December in Barcelona.
- Winter escapade
There are not many towns in Europe where you can escape the gloomy winter weather. If you are sick of gray skies and negative temperatures, just a quick flight to Barcelona will transport you a few months ahead into Spring. I do it quite often, and it is rejuvenating like nothing else.
- Half the tourists
Being one of the most popular towns on the continent, Barcelona is swarming with tourists. Well, Since very few people connect the winter months with such a summery city, Barcelona in December has half the tourist as regular. I don’t know about you, but I love visiting world wonders without having to fight tourist hordes.
It’s like Gaudi built Sagrada Familia just for you.
It’s like Gaudi built Sagrada Familia just for you.- Christmas decoration
Festive Barcelona is quite the look. It feels weird seeing Santas and raindeers with palm trees in the background, but it works, and it works pretty well. Of course, most people will never see this (as we know, most people don’t see Barcelona as a winter destination), but that’s their loss since it’s truly a unique experience.
See Also: all you need to plan your December trip in Berlin
Cons of being in Barcelona in December
I won’t try to convince you December is the perfect travel month, and there’s not a single downside to it. Of course, there are cons. Here are the major ones:
- Short days
Barcelona is quite big, and there is plenty of stuff to see and do. However, in December, the days are short (9 hrs), and you have less time to explore the city attractions.
- Too cold for the beach
While we established that the weather in Barcelona in December is quite mild, it’s not exactly beach weather. I’m aware some people love cold waters, but for the majority, the beach is a no-no, and that’s a part of the city you won’t be able to enjoy properly.
I’m aware some people love cold waters, but for the majority, the beach is a no-no, and that’s a part of the city you won’t be able to enjoy properly.- Expensive during the Holiday week
December accommodation (and tour) prices are among the best of the year, excluding the festive week when it’s the complete opposite. Barcelona is a great deal in December, but the holidays are not, so I suggest picking one of the other weeks to visit.
- No snow
I guess you won’t care about this one if you’ve picked the Catalan capital as your winter getaway, but I had to mention it. Don’t expect a snowy Christmas in Barcelona. Instead of snowflakes and raindeers, there are palm trees and parrots.
Castaway Tip
December 6th and 8th are public holidays in Spain, and many locals use the time for a trip to Barcelona, making it unusually crowded for December.
Getting Around Barcelona in December
Since there’s no excessive rainfall (or snow) and the temperatures are mild, getting around on foot is still the best option.
For more considerable distances, you can rent a bike or use public transport (the metro is quite handy). Using the hop-on-hop-off bus is also a great option.
Taxis are rather expensive, so I would skip them.
See more about Barcelona public transport tickets
See Also: How to Spend the Winter in Dubai
What to do in December in Barcelona
Barcelona is full of amazing things to see and do. The ones below are great for December but definitely not all there is. For a clear picture, check out my detailed Barcelona guide, where you can find everything noteworthy in the city, including working hours, prices, online tickets, maps, etc.
- Sagrada Familia
No matter the season, Sagrada Familia is the most prominent landmark in Barcelona and a definite must-see. Although tourists are way fewer in December, I still recommend getting your online ticket at least a week ahead to guarantee a good timeslot.
- The other Gaudi buildings
If there were no Gaudi, Barcelona would’ve been just an average big city. Instead, the legendary architect turned the town into the masterpiece that is today, and it’s only natural that his biggest masterpieces are Barcelona’s top tourist attraction.
Casa Mila (La Pedrera), Casa Batlló, and Park Guell are the heavyweights here, but Palau Guell and Casa Vicens are also worth checking out. Unlike in summer, they would be relatively free of tourist crowds, so you can enjoy them properly.
- Christmas Markets
I’m sure you never thought of Barcelona as a Christmas market destination. Neither had I. Thanks to a long connection for Morocco, I took a walk in Barcelona in December to discover them. And to my surprise, Barcelona’s Christmas markets turned out to be incredibly charming.
The most famous ones are La Fira de Santa Llucia (in front of Barcelona Cathedral), Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família (held in the park beside the basilica), and Fira de Nadal del Port Vell (next to the Colombus monument.
A great way to explore them is via a private Christmas tour, but even on your own, I’m sure you’ll have a good time.
More about Barcelona Christmas markets
- Flamenco
Although originating in Andalucia, Flamenco is extremely popular in Barcelona and an ideal option for your Catalonian December nights. The one I visited was named Tablao Flamenco Cordobes and was incredible. You can book a ticket here or search for another one on the spot, but I strongly recommend seeing a Flamenco show.
- Camp Nou
Probably the most recognizable export of Barcelona is its football team – FC Barcelona. The stadium and club museum tour is mostly an indoor activity, so it’s perfect for your December in Barcelona trip.
Check the prices here
- Ice Skating
Ice rinks are among my favorite winter activities. Barcelona may lack snowy evenings, but it still has some ice rinks.
Unfortunately, the one on Plaça Catalunya is no longer active, but there are three others that can compensate. More info about them – here.
See Also: What is Munich like in December
December in Barcelona FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Barcelona?
I think I managed to convince you that December is not only a good time to visit Barcelona but one of the very best times to do it.
Is Barcelona cold in December?
Temperatures in Barcelona in December average between 6°C/43°F at night and 14°C/54°C during the day. The weather is relatively mild for a European city.
Can you swim in Barcelona in December?
Swimming is…possible but not recommended. Unless you’re used to cold-temperature swimming, that is. The water averages around 15°C/59°C, a bit warmer than the air but still suitable only for penguins.
Is it sunny in Barcelona in December?
Barcelona is primarily sunny in December. Therefore, visiting the city that month would feel like a spring visit to most other European cities.
How safe is Barcelona?
Overall, Barcelona is relatively safe, but the city is infamous for petty crimes like pickpocketing. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most pickpocketed cities in the world, so stay vigilant around the tourist attractions and on La Rambla.
Is Barcelona expensive to visit?
Barcelona is not that expensive compared to London or Paris, but I can’t say it’s cheap either. The good thing is you can find accommodation and food options for almost any budget, so Barcelona is as expensive as you want it to be.
Example Barcelona prices
What are the major events in Barcelona in December?
December 6th isDía de la Constitucion Espanola (Constitution Day), and December 8th is Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception), both Spanish public holidays celebrated with festivals.
The public New Year’s party is celebrated on Plaça Espanya.
There are plenty of other concerts and events during the month. You can find them all here.
That’s all from me, I hope you have a great December in Barcelona.
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Why Barcelona In December Is The Best Time To Visit |
Barcelona in December is an unbeatable destination to escape the winter cold. It might not be beach weather in Barcelona in December, but it’s warm enough to walk around without boots and a parka! Plus, there are about half the number of tourists walking around and you might even be able to save some money on your visit!
So here are all the reasons why you need to consider travelling to Barcelona in December next year!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Plan your Barcelona vacation with these tools!
Digital Travel Planner Printout: Etsy
Book plane tickets: Skyscanner
Book hotels: Booking.
com
Rent a car: Enterprise
Find A Tour: Viator.com
Buy Tickets To Barcelona Attractions: The Barcelona Pass
Quick Barcelona Reads:
Stay In Gràcia in Barcelona| Easy Ways To Save Money in Barcelona
The Reality of Summers in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the hottest tourist European destinations in the summer. That doesn’t mean it’s the best time to visit though.
It can go up to a scorching 30+ °C (86°F) in the summer… that’s HOT! Imagine walking around the streets in that heat, most of the time you’ll just be looking for a way to escape it.
So although it might be the perfect time to relax at Barcelonetta beach and drink Sangria, you can’t do much else.
Plus don’t even get me started on the number of people that visit during the summer months… the streets are so populated it’s hard to go anywhere anyway!
Weather In Barcelona in December Is Much More Manageable
December in Barcelona sees arguably the best weather throughout the entire year (in my opinion anyway).
As I said, the summer is a scorcher, perfect for the beach but hard for touring.
It might not be beach weather, and you’ll have to wear a jacket some days, but it’s nonetheless still beautiful. It’s a moderate 15°C (60°F) and sunny throughout the month.
You can’t wear shorts, but pants and a light sweater are perfect for the whole day!
Barcelona Organized Tours
For more activities and tours in Barcelona, click here.
Half The Tourists = No Advance Planning Needed
Barcelona in December also sees half the number of tourists than during the summer. Even in December some places were packed; I can only imagine how bad it would be in the summer.
The main bonus of travelling to Barcelona in December is that you don’t have to plan your activities in advance as much. Summer travellers have to book the Sagrada Familia a few weeks in advance (especially if you want first choice of times), otherwise say goodbye to seeing the inside of the church! I
Plan the ultimate vacation
My digital travel planner template has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc.
. You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.
t’s a very similar case for Gaudi’s other popular attractions like Casa Batllò and Park Güell. You can book the day of in December!
While you’re visiting each attraction, it’s also a much nicer experience. You aren’t crammed into a small apartment or museum with dozens of other people, and you have all the space and time in the world to visit at your own pace.
Watch Out! Mini High Season In Barcelona December
If you’re in Barcelona around December 6, you’re in for a real surprise. December 6 is Constitution Day in Spain, so a lot of locals are off school and work and make the trip to Barcelona for the weekend… we learned this the hard way.
The city centre was total madness! It was so busy, it took us double the time to get anywhere and restaurants were PACKED… This was our first weekend in the city and it was so bad that we swore to ourselves to never go back.
We later learned that locals describe this weekend as a mini high season, replicating what it’s like in the summer, but the rest of December isn’t like that.
I couldn’t even imagine spending every day in Barcelona like that.
The locals were right; once we mustered up the courage to visit again, there were about half the amount of people. The city was back to low season standards!
Bonus! Save Money Visiting Barcelona In December
Barcelona is an EXPENSIVE city to visit – there’s no hiding that! From the high ticket prices at the attractions to the food and drinks you’ll want to indulge in. But, visiting Barcelona in December you’ll be traveling during low season.
As with any low season travel, there are usually ways to save money. For one, your flight could be half the price, and attractions typically have low season discounts.
You might also be interested in reading…
My top ways to save in Barcelona
Save money on Barcelona attractions with the Go City Barcelona Card
Later Sunrise Barcelona in Winter
If you’re interested in watching the sunrise in Barcelona (like at Park Güell) it’s a lot easier in December.
The sunrise is almost two hours later than during the summer months.
Instead of having to wake up at 5:00 AM, you can sleep in until 7:00! That makes it quite a bit more manageable to wake up and see.
P.S. Sunrise at Park Güell is PACKED! But, if you’re there before it officially opens you actually get in for free!
Unique Things To Do In Barcelona In December: Holiday Markets!
Visiting Barcelona in December also means you’re there right in time for Christmas markets. It does bring a small influx of tourists, but nothing compared to the summer months (or the weekend of December 6).
There are so many different markets you can shop at throughout the city. There are markets with holiday nick-nacks, like traditional cagatió (logs) and caganer (shitters). These markets are installed next to the Cathedral of Barcelona in Plaça Nova and the Sagrada Familia.
But around the city, there are also the holiday markets selling local products.
You might have to pay to get into some of these, but they’re worth it! I love the Palo Market Fest.
There is also be the free local market in Plaça de Catalunya that has some really neat finds!
Make Your Own Espadrilles
For more activities and tours in Barcelona, click here.
Where To Stay In Barcelona In December?
When we visited Barcelona in winter time, we stayed in Gràcia. A small neighbourhood about a 20 minute walk from the city centre. It let us debrief from the craziness of the city, and gave us the opportunity to experience more of local Barcelona.
I stayed at an Airbnb in Gràcia for a more home away experience. I highly recommend booking a stay in Gràcia to experience more of the local Barcelona life. Book a room at Casa Gràcia – See room rates & availability here.
If you’re looking to stay closer to the city centre, a great neighbourhood is El Born. Stay in a local apartment El Patrón with friends or family.
With a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, AND 2 bathrooms! See room rates & availability here.
Or why not stay like royalty at Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. This is the nicest street in Barcelona! See room rates & availability here.
For more accommodation options on Booking.com here, or book find one of the top 3% of home rentals on Plum Guide here.
Booking.com
Thinking of visiting Barcelona? Read my other posts about this wonderful city! Like how you can save money in this city, or how (and why) you should spend the entire day at Montjuïc!
I also wrote some day trip guides from Barcelona. Like why not visit Montserrat, Girona, or Salvador Dalí’s hometown?
Interested In Fall Travel?
- See What Edinburgh Is Like In October
- See What Belgium Is Like In September
- See What The South of France Is Like in November
- See The Pros and Cons of Fall Travel
- Experience The Best of Montreal in the Fall: The Ultimate Guide
Plan your Barcelona vacation with these tools!
Digital Travel Planner Printout: Etsy
Book plane tickets: Skyscanner
Book hotels: Booking.
com
Rent a car: Enterprise
Find A Tour: Viator.com
Buy Tickets To Barcelona Attractions: The Barcelona Pass
Find A Hotel In Barcelona
Booking.com
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Weather in Barcelona in December 2023, water temperature in Barcelona
Check the weather for December before planning your holiday in Barcelona.
Average weather data includes daytime highs and nighttime lows in temperature, rainfall, hours of sunshine, and water temperature data.
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Weather Now
758 |
4 |
Evening |
+8 |
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759 |
4 |
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757 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Evening | +10 |
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756 | 3 |
Purely. Everything is working. The staff responds quickly.
Number of cloudy and clear days, pressure and wind speed.
| Day | +11 | Clear – | 4 days Overcast – 27 days |
| Clear – 5 days Overcast – 25 days |
| Day | +13 |
|
766 | 5 | |
| Evening | +8 |
|
767 | 5 |
Barcelona december temperature archive
The graph displays the average temperatures in Barcelona in December in the evening and during the day.