Spain is a popular European tourist destination known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches along the coastline. But what about a winter trip to Spain? While the winter may not offer the same warm and sunny experience, there are still plenty of reasons to make a trip to Spain in winter memorable.
Here are some tips for traveling to Spain in winter:
When you think of Spain, you likely envision sandy beaches and Mediterranean swims. However, if you're considering a winter visit, you'll need to explore other activities to keep yourself entertained.
What’s the Weather Like in Spain in Winter?
Winters in Spain are generally mild and rarely reach freezing point, except in higher elevations. So, if you want to escape sub-zero temperatures in Northern Europe and are content with highs of up to 16°C, Spain is a great choice. However, don't expect beach weather.
Temperature varies by location. Coastal areas tend to be milder and wetter, while northern inland regions can get much colder. Even in the south, in Andalusia, some areas can get very cold. For example, Granada sometimes experiences snow due to its high altitude, and the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains offer skiing and snowboarding. On the other hand, just an hour away in Malaga, you can enjoy an average of 25 days of sunshine each month during winter with temperatures sometimes reaching 17°C. It's not ideal for a beach holiday but much better than the weather back home.
If 17°C isn't warm enough, you can head further south to the Canary Islands. For instance, Tenerife boasts an average January temperature as high as 20°C, and sometimes even more.
Can You Swim in Spain in Winter?
Swimming in Spain during winter depends on your tolerance for cold water. On the northern and Atlantic coasts, the water can drop as low as 11°C, which is too cold for most people. Even on the Mediterranean coast, water temperatures can reach the low teens or even lower in extreme cases. Even the highs of around 18°C along the Costa del Sol are considered too cold for most swimmers.
The Canary Islands provide an alternative. In Tenerife, water temperatures can drop to 18°C but can also reach 20-21°C during the winter months.
Tourist Attractions
One advantage of visiting Spain in winter is the reduced number of tourists. This makes visits to popular attractions like the Alhambra in Granada or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Additionally, Spain's rich cultural heritage leads to various winter celebrations, such as the Three Kings parade in January and Carnival in February, with Santa Cruz on Tenerife hosting one of the most popular celebrations.
Christmas
Christmas is a great time to visit Spain, especially after the British/American Christmas is over. While Christmas markets in the UK may be gone by December 26, in Spain, they thrive until January 6. Visiting Spain between Boxing Day and New Year offers bustling streets, Christmas markets, unique Christmas cribs, and delicious festive foods.
Christmas cribs are a highlight in Spain, often found in town squares, churches, and shopping malls. They are impressive, detailed walk-through models of the nativity scene, and there's usually a prize for the best crib in most towns.
The Food
Spanish cuisine is a constant delight, regardless of the weather. Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga, for instance, have year-round markets full of fresh produce and seasonal delights. While cold gazpacho or salmorejo soup might not be ideal in winter, there are plenty of hearty, warming dishes to savor, from paella in Valencia to tapas in Sevilla.
Summary
While Spain might not be the perfect destination for a beach vacation in winter, it offers numerous other advantages for a memorable experience and a break from the cold and wet weather at home. Learning Spanish during your trip is also an excellent way to combine a holiday with a passion for foreign languages. Our Spanish schools are open year-round and offer a wide range of courses for all ability levels.
