What's The Weather Like In Barcelona In December?

December's too cold for a beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain, but it's a good time to explore this vibrant city's cultural delights and exciting nightlife. 

What's Barcelona Like At Christmas?

When the sun's out in December the temperatures feel quite mild, especially when compared to the usual dismal UK weather at the festive season. You'll be able to celebrate the Catalan Christmas traditions in style.

How Warm Is Barcelona In December?

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Barcelona with average daily temperatures of 11°C and highs of 14°C. The lows reach 5°C at night so you will need to bring some warm clothing.

Sunshine Hours In Barcelona

Barcelona in December has on average four hours of sunshine a day. And at a chilly 16°C, sea temperature will probably be too cold for water sports except for exceptionally brave souls.

How Wet Is Barcelona In December?

There are chances of rain on eight days in December and the average rainfall is around 32mm. That's pretty low compared to October and November where gets 70mm.

Cloud Cover

The sky is also relatively clear at this time of year. The cloud cover is a mostly clear 37% and does not vary substantially over December.

Does It Snow In Barcelona?

Snowfall is unlikely in December in Barcelona, however, in December 1962, Barcelona experienced a freak blizzard which dumped over 50cm of snowfall in some areas of the city and up to one metre of snow on the surrounding hills. This kind of weather is very abnormal in Barcelona but not impossible.

Is It Windy In Barcelona In December?

Throughout December typical wind speeds are generally a moderate 15 mph. 

Barcelona Hotels in December

The Silken Gran Hotel Havana

The Silken Gran Hotel Havana is an elegant four-star hotel located in the heart of Barcelona in L'Eixample. This hotel features a sauna, terrace, rooftop pool, restaurant and bar. If you plan on venturing out of the city or to different parts of Barcelona the Girona metro Station is only 200m away and Paseo de Gracia is just 5 minutes' walk from the hotel.

Chic & Baic Ramblas Hotel

On the other hand, the three-star Chic & Baic Ramblas hotel offers comfortable rooms in the centre of Ciutat Vella. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a TV, small kitchenette and private bathroom. Most rooms also have a balcony, if you especially want one; it is best to enquire beforehand. Barcelona harbor is within walking distance, as well as Plaza Catalunya Square and the nearest Metro Station, Drassanes, is only 2 minutes' walk away.

Granvia Hotel

Granvia is another elegant three-star hotel set in an impressive 19^th-century building. Located just 100m from Passeig de Gracia, this authentic Spanish hotel offers stylish, spacious rooms that all come with satellite TVs and air-conditioning.

 Aspasios Rambla Catalunya Suites

If you're looking for a self-catering apartment you may want to stay as the Aspasios Rambla Catalunya Suites in L'Eixample. These chic and modern apartments feature contemporary décor and wooden floors. Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter are also just a 10-minute walk away from the apartments. 

Barcelona Beaches in December

December may be too cold for sunbathing or swimming in the sea, but you are still guaranteed a few warm sunny days throughout the month.

Barceloneta Beach 

Barceloneta Beach is the most convenient beach to get to as it is right next to the city centre. This golden sand beach is a lot quieter at this time of year, but in the summer months it can get absolutely packed.  The beach features a number of facilities such as beach volleyball, ferriswheel, public toilets, and information point and restaurants.

Sitges Beach

Sitges Beach is situated just outside of Barcelona. You will need to catch a train from Sants Station to get to this beach; however, it is definitely worth it as it is relatively quiet at the time of year. Plus, the seawater is clean and the beach is well maintained to keep it litter free.

Somorrostro Beach 

Somorrostro beach is situated right next to the city. This sandy beach offers a number of amenities such as adapted showers, toilets, sun loungers, changing rooms, beach umbrellas, food and drink kiosks and even a children's game area.

St. Sebastia & St. Miguel Beaches

St. Sebastia & St. Miguel Beaches are two of the city's oldest beaches. Today the area features indoor and open-air swimming pools as well as direct access to the public beach. There are also a number of showers, public toilets, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, sports facilities and drinks and ice cream kiosks available to the public.

Bars and Restaurants in Barcelona in December 

El Passadis Del Pep

El Passadis Del Pep is a particular favourite for locals in Barcelona. This mouthwatering seafood eatery uses the freshest ingredients, delivered daily from the fishing ports along the Catalan coast. However, there is no menu at this eatery what's on offer depends on what has been caught out at sea on the day.

Bar Pinotxo

Bar Pinotxo has often been named Barcelona's best tapas bar. This popular eatery located in Mercat de la Boqueria offers all the Spanish favourites such as Garbanzos (crispy roasted chickpeas) and chilled Gazpacho.

Universal

If you're staying in Barcelona for New Year's Eve you may want to visit one of the city's many famous nightclubs. Universal is an emblematic, contemporary club situated on the border of Gracia. This place mainly plays house music but also beats out modern, funky, pop and classic 80s tune.

Shoko Barcelona

However, if you want an unforgettable night, make sure to head to Shoko Barcelona, which is also a restaurant but transforms into a nightclub later in the evening. This Japanese, style club is divided into five distinct areas and offers some of the best theme-style parties in the city.

Things to do in Barcelona in December

Barcelona Cathedral 

December is one of the best times of year to visit Barcelona as the festive season is in full swing. To celebrate Christmas and New Year why not visit the breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral, which towers over the rest of Pla de la Seu. Also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this is one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in the whole of Spain.

Plaça de Catalunya

Furthermore, thePlaça de Catalunya is definitely worth a visit during the winter season in Barcelona. This is a large square found in central Barcelona, where the old and new towns meet. In December the square is covered with a large outdoor ice-rink open to the general public.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is the main shopping street in Barcelona, and is a staggering 1.2km long, spanning all the way from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. During the Christmas period the street is lit up with Christmas lights and many of the shops are selling great gifts and souvenirs to take back home. The street is also very famous for street performers including human statues!

Casa Mila

Another place worth visiting in Barcelona at this time of year is Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera. This is one of Antoni Gaudi's most famous designs, which was built during the years of 1906 to 1912. This stunning and unusual building can be found in the Eixample district down Passeig de Gracia.