Winter in Barcelona is cool, pleasant and manageable unlike the harsh winters you may find across the rest of Europe. The weather is ideal for sightseeing and enjoying all that Barcelona has to offer.
Average Temperature: High - 13.8ºC Low - 5.2º
Average Rainfall: 35mm (Very low chances of fog or snow)
Daily Wind Speed: 15mph. Moderate breezes from the north.
Temperature of the sea: 16ºC
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
The Lights of Sant Pau is a dazzling Christmas light show that transforms the stunning Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, a former hospital complex in Barcelona, into a wonderland of twinkling lights, vibrant colors, and captivating installations.
Barcelona’s most visited tourist destination is far less crowded in December. You will witness tall towers, intricately designed facades that take inspiration from nature with fruit motifs, seashells and angled pillars. This monument is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and attracts more than 4.5 million visitors each year.
December Timings: 09AM - 6PM except 25th and 26th December- 09AM - 2PM
from €47
Spread over 18 acres of hilly land, Park Güell is a sight to behold. Stroll through this picturesque location in December with the lovely weather making the experience all the more memorable. It is also home to some of Gaudí's best works such as the Dragon Stairs, and the Guardian House.
December Timings: Open daily from 08:30AM to 6:15PM
from €10
Casa Vicens was Gaudi’s very first design for a house. It has now been transformed into a museum offering glimpses of the past. It is structured on four floors and Gaudi used the traditional Catalan technique of building load-bearing walls and enclosures with vaults and wooden joists.
December Timings: Open daily from 10AM - 8PM, with last entry at 7PM. Closed on 25th December, 1st and 6th January.
from €16
A highlight of Barcelona in December is all the holiday markets you will find in the city. These markets sell holiday nick-nacks, like traditional cagatió (logs) and you’ll find them installed next to the Cathedral of Barcelona in Plaça Nova and the Sagrada Familia. There is also a free local market in Plaça de Catalunya.
If you find yourself in Barcelona towards the end of December you have to watch the New Year arrive in style! There’s a public fireworks display every year at the Magic Fountain on Plaça Espanya (starts around 11 pm) and the nightlife is unmissable during this time.
New Year's Eve in Barcelona
What could be better than lounging in a thermal bath during a cool winter? Visit an ancient Roman bath that has been restored in the Gothic Quarters in Barcelona. At Aire de Barcelona you can enjoy hot baths at varied temperatures. You can choose between options like a normal bath, a red wine bath, and a scented room.
December Timings: Mon-Fri: 9AM-11PM. Sat-Sun: 9AM-12AM.
Barcelona is renowned for its diverse museums. Explore some of the best museums in Barcelona like Picasso Museum, FC Barcelona Museum, Fundació Joan Miró,Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and many more. Art, history and entertainment define each of these museums that offer you a glimpse into Barcelona’s heritage and culture.
Best Museums in Barcelona
Casa Mila is one of Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces and the final residential building he designed. It is also one of the first Antoni Gaudí's buildings to hold nighttime rooftop activities like the fascinating summer concert. Casa Mila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of Barcelona from its rooftop.
December Timings: December 26 - January 3: Monday to Sunday: 9AM - 8:30PM. Night tour: 9PM - 11PM
from €24
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Casa Batllo is quirky and unique with a curvy, colorful facade. Gaudi used his pioneering design technique called Trencadis for this building. Casa Batllo is known for an augmented reality guided tour that allows for a dynamic and immersive experience. It is an unmissable landmark!
December Timings: Open daily from 9AM - 9PM, with last entry at 8PM
from €35
You cannot leave Barcelona without experiencing a traditional Flamenco show. Flamenco is known for its intricate dance moves, the use of the classic flamenco guitar and elaborate costumes. You can sip on a glass of wine as you enjoy watching Spain’s folkloric traditions. This traditional Spanish dance form is unmissable!
Barcelona’s most popular street is wonderful to explore in December owing to the great weather and less crowds. While you stroll through La Ramblas, you will come across old-school florists, gelaterias and candy stalls. You'll find Christmas lights and decorations all around.
A Guide to La Rambla Barcelona
Plaça d’Espanya is one of the biggest squares in Barcelona and offers the best views of the city in December. It was designed by Josep Amargos and features a gorgeous fountain at the center that was designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. It is especially beautiful during Christmas.
Venue: Plaza Catalunya
Dates: End of November
Plaza Catalunya has the biggest ice rink in all of Europe that opens to the public in the third week of November. December is the perfect time to take part in ice-skating and enjoy its thrills! This ice skating rink has enough room for many visitors with a skating area of 1200 square meters.
Venue: La Sagrada Familia
Dates: End of November
The Christmas Fair at the Sagrada Família has been running since 1962. It is a traditional Christmas market with over 100 stalls selling a variety of gifts and decorations along with craft products, costume jewellery and clothes.
Venue: Pla de la Seu & Avda de la Catedral
Dates: End of November
Dating back to 1786, this traditional Christmas fair has more than 300 stalls selling all kinds of handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts, along with mistletoe, poinsettias and Christmas trees. You’ll find a Nativity scene contest, musical parades and exhibitions.
Time Zone: GMT +2
Currency: Euro - EUR - €
Country code: +34
Emergency numbers: 112
By Metro: Barcelona metro is an extensive electric railway network. It runs mostly underground and has eight lines and 161 stations. Metro map.
By Bus: With 200 lines that run till late in the night extensively covering the city, exploring Barcelona by bus is convenient and cost-efficient. City bus map.
By Cable Car (Funicular): There are three cable car lines in Barcelona that you can hop onto and take in majestic views of the city. Two lines reach Tibidabo while others offer access to Montjuïc.
On Foot:Exploring Barcelona by foot, especially in December, is a great idea given the temperature. Many attractions are at a short distance from each other making for the perfect walk.
With Christmas cheer and joy all around you, Barcelona in December is a treat! Choose from a variety of gorgeous hotels to spend the perfect December in Barcelona.
Budget Hotels – Hostal Boqueria, Vincci Bit, Hotel Oasis, Casa Kessler, Violeta Boutique
Mid Range - Murmuri Residence Mercader, Hotel Cuatro Naciones, Mayerling Schumann Barcelona
Luxury Hotels – Mercer Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Grand Hotel Central, Majestic Hotel & Spa, Soho House
Try these traditional Christmas dishes in Barcelona for a memorable holiday!
Escudella: This is a stew made from chicken, beef, pork backbone and ham bone’s bouillon.
Cannelloni: This traditional dish is eaten on December 26 and is made from chicken stuffed with meat and bechamel sauce.
Cochinillo Asado: This traditional Spanish dish is essentially a roast pig served with potatoes and a brown sauce. It is very popular during Christmas.
Mantecados and Polvorones: These are tiny, baked Christmas cookies often served with wine.
Yes, Barcelona in December has a cool, pleasant weather and fewer tourist crowds.
The best things to do in Barcelona in December include visiting top attractions such as Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou and Casa Batllo among many others. You can also explore Barcelona's theme parks, watch a flamenco show or go on a day trip while visiting Barcelona in December.
The average temperature of Barcelona in December ranges between a high of 13ºC and a low of 5º.
Barcelona in December is cold as it is a winter month. Expect temperatures averaging between 13ºC and 5º.
The sea is cool in December and might be difficult to swim in because of the temperature.
Though it is winter in December, the days are sunny and pleasant.
Bring jackets, light coats, sweaters, scarves and other things to layer yourself with.
It rains for not more than 5 days in Barcelona in December.
Barcelona in December is budget friendly because it is off season. Hotel and air fare prices are lower than the rest of the year. You can plan an inexpensive vacation by booking your tickets in advance online.
Barcelona is generally safe for tourists. Watch out for pickpockets and petty thieves.
La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Vicens, Casa Mila, Christmas Markets are some of the many attractions you can visit with much fewer crowds in Barcelona in November.
Fira de Santa Llúcia, El Dia dels Sants Innocents are some major events in Barcelona in December.
The average high is 13.8°C and the average low is 5.2°C in Barcelona in December.
Take your kids to a traditional Christmas market and museum hopping are exciting things to do with your kids in Barcelona in December.
