Spain in December
Just wanting to get some info on traveling to Spain in December .. Have about 10 days or so; Dec 22 thru Jan 2.. Just curious as to what I can expect as far as weather goes and what will be going on with Christmas being right there as well. I want to do some sight seeing but I really want to dive into the culture and make new friends. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks!!2
In Seville it only freezes for about an hour in very early morning.3
I would like to go to Madrid and Barcelona . Not being able to walk around outside due to weather would not be good. I want to make sure I get everything out of my trip possible. Would you recommend not going in December? Also should I be worried about not getting to do much due to businesses being closed for Christmas?Edited by: TXDusten
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We travel when we get the chance. Without comfort zone.Must be willing to accept unusual (to us) situations.
One thing I like about cheap digs is; If I don't like the hostel oor mom and pop hostAl, I can leave in middle of night and not feel ripped off.
In my many years of world wandering, I only slept in front of a bus station once. And in a church once.
Keep it simple.
Watch your back.
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Not being able to walk around outside due to weather would not be good.Don't worry, weather won't be that cold (unless you were so unlucky to find exceptional weather conditions on your travel dates). Of course, if you plan to go to the mountains, things change.
You can look for historical weather data in this web. We can't predict what weather will be on your travel dates (i.e.: if it'll be sunny, rainy or snowy) but, in any case, you should be able to walk around both in Barcelona and in Madrid.
Thoughts on what I can expect during the CHristmas season?
Less public transport on some days, tons of people celebrating the new year in Puerta del Sol (Madrid)... Be aware Dec. 26th is public holiday in Barcelona (along with Dec. 25th).
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X-mas is a typical family-affair in Spain with the main meal on X-mas eve (24th). This means that from around 4 or 6 most shops, restaurants etc close till the next day.My in-laws also have a family-meal on the 25th around three a'clock. This, in my experience is rather normal in all families. After the meal the younger people go out to meet with friends somewhere in a bar for a drink."I want to do some sight seeing but I really want to dive into the culture". Do you speak any spanish? Of not, how do you plan to dive into the culture?
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Whenever people ask about the weather in Barcelona in December, I always like to send this picture: Barna in DecIt was taken across the street from my apartment in the Vallcarca area of Barcelona in December 2001. It doesn't snow every year in Barna, but it can get damn cold; 6 or 8 deg. Celcius, for example. So, don't expect beach weather. That's all I'm saying. There's plenty to do indoors anyway.
Badger
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Details on Christmas period transport in Barcelona at http://www.tmb.cat/en/transport-per-nadal14
Hi,Barcelona and Madrid are both "touristic" cities during the whole year. You can do exactly the same than in summer (except swimming in the beach). The weather is colder in Madrid than in Barcelona, but nothing to do with central or northern Europe. As "anillos_de_saturno" said, if you are not unlucky, the weather shouldn't be a problem.
From my view (I lived in Barcelona), it is a right period to visit both cities avoiding the high touristic season; but, of course, it will depend on your preferences.
REgards
Joana
