Madrid Weather in December

December weather in Madrid

December feels chilly, especially after sunset, when the temperature can drop to 2°C. Days reach about 11°C, with roughly seven rainy days, so you'll want indoor stops ready. The Prado Museum, Reina Sofía and cafés around La Latina make good rainy-day plans. On brighter days, stroll through Retiro Park or see the Christmas lights along Gran Vía.

It gets dark early, so fit outdoor sightseeing into the middle of the day. If you're hoping for long, warm afternoons on a terrace, December isn't the best month; spring and early autumn are more comfortable.

Christmas in the city

Madrid puts up festive lights and holds its well-known Christmas market in Plaza Mayor. Browse the stalls, then warm up with churros and chocolate at San Ginés, near Puerta del Sol. Christmas Day is a public holiday, so some shops and restaurants close or shorten their hours.

Travelling with kids? The lights along Gran Vía and the Plaza Mayor market make an easy festive outing, though the central streets can feel crowded.

Crowds and practical tips

December isn't uniformly busy. The days around Christmas and New Year draw more visitors, and prices can rise compared with quieter winter weeks. The first part of the month is often calmer. If you hate crowds, visit Plaza Mayor earlier in the day and save Gran Vía for a weekday evening.

For New Year's Eve, Puerta del Sol is the famous gathering spot for eating twelve grapes at midnight. It gets packed, so enjoy the square earlier if you'd rather avoid the crush. Check local opening hours around the holidays, especially for museums and restaurants.