Visiting Granada in December | A Local’s Guide for First Time Visitors

Planning to visit Granada in December and not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place! As a local who’s experienced several Decembers in Granada, I can’t wait to share with you all my insights on one of my favorite months in this city!

If you weren’t aware, Granada is on the northern side of Andalusia and sits right next to the famous and beloved Sierra Nevada. Due to this, despite being in the southernmost region of Spain, Granada is one of the Andalusian cities that experience cold winters.

From local insights on the weather to the best things to do in Granada in December, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Andalusian winter trip!❄️👇

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Everything You Need to Know About Granada in December

Is Granada good to visit in December?

December is a lovely time to visit Granada!

There aren’t specific statistics to prove this, but based on my past winters in Granada, these months are some of the busiest with tourists – foreign and local.

Something really nice about Granada, and Andalusia in general, is that we have late sunsets. In December, the sun sets around 6 PM.

If you don’t mind crowds and are looking for a slightly warmer winter destination, then you will love Granada!

Granada Weather in December

In December, you can usually expect a high temperature of 13 degrees and a low of 3 degrees – making it one of Andalusia’s colder destinations.

While December is not a rainy month like March or May, it is one of the months with the most amount of overcast – roughly 15 cloudy days. Aside from overcast days, Granada generally has dry weather!

What’s really nice about being in Andalusia is that the sun is strong and will quickly warm you up – even on the colder days.

Here, it’s not unusual for people to take off layers under the sun and then bundle up in the shade.

What to Pack and Wear in Granada in December

With everything I share above, when it comes to packing – I strongly recommend bringing warm winter clothes, but also a couple of light layers in case of sunny weather.

For roughly half of the month, December sees a lot of overcast and occasionally some rain. Due to this, I recommend bringing a small packable umbrella just in case you will need it.

Here is a quick list of things I recommend you pack!

• Warm coat or puffer jacket
• Cozy scarf, gloves, and hat
• Sunglasses for the bright, sunny days
• Comfortable (warm) walking shoes with grip
• Light layers for sunny afternoons
• Compact umbrella

Note: because the weather slightly changes throughout the years, make sure to double check the weather app while you pack!

Best Things to Do in Granada in December

Visit La Alhambra

What’s a visit to Granada if it doesn’t involve the one and only, La Alhambra Palace?😍

La Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second most visited monument in all of Spain – coming in close second to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Dating back to the 9th Century, the Alhambra Palace is a complex that played different roles throughout history. What began as a fortress, the Moors used to protect Granada, turned into the Nasrid Dynasty’s palace and Medina.

Here is everything you need to know before visiting La Alhambra

La Alhambra’s main attraction is the Nasrid Palaces, and those tickets sell out months in advance. Book your General Entry ticket or Guided Tour at least one month in advance to secure your spot or get the best visiting hour!

If you want to dive deeper into the history of the Alhambra and truly comprehend how much of a masterpiece this complex is, book yourself the best-rated guided tour!👇

Christmas Markets

Usually located in Plaza Bib Rambla and Plaza del Campillo (near El Corte Ingles), Granada has several Christmas market locations.

The Christmas Markets in Plaza Bib Rambla are usually religious ones that sell miniature statues for people to recreate the Nativity Scene in their own homes. Whether you have a Nativity Scene set up or not, it’s really fun to check these markets out!

Something to love about Granada is that it has a great artisan business scene and often has pop-ups throughout the year. During the pop-ups you usually see the same small businesses, but in December many more open up!

The artisan markets are usually located in both Plaza del Campillo and the nearby Plaza del Bibataubín.

Plaza del Bibataubín markets (in front of Corte Ingles) are mostly Christmas-themed, while those in Plaza del Campillo are regular small businesses full of incredible art, jewelry, and beyond.

As I always share, I don’t think there’s a better souvenir than one that’s handmade by locals.

Reminder: When you purchase from artisans and small local businesses, you’re helping support locals and artisan culture. Furthermore, you are purchasing a true authentic work of art – much better than the usual tourist gadgets.

Admire the Christmas Lights

One of the most magical parts of Granada in December is the stunning and playful Christmas lights!🌟

From Plaza Bib Rambla to Puerta Real (pictured) all the way to Gran Vía, Granada – an already magical city – manages to get even more magical.

Hike, Ski or Snow-Shoe in the Sierra Nevada

The snowfall in the Sierra Nevada tends to arrive in late November and early December. There isn’t as much snow in these months as there is later on in the new year.

If you are someone who loves adventure, sports, and day trips – a day trip to Sierra Nevada is something to not skip out on!😍

Because December’s temperatures can still reach 13°C, you can still enjoy Sierra Nevada’s low-altitude hikes, like the beautiful Cahorros de Monachil (Los Cahorros).

If you are looking to ski in Granada, this year’s season is projected to start in early-mid December. However, it is important to know that the snow in December is not the best, nor most consistent. On the bright side, there will be fewer crowds on the slopes!

Note: If you’re planning to ski in Sierra Nevada, want the best snow and don’t mind the crowds – January through March are the best months to come ski.

Another thing you could do is go snow-shoeing! If this is of interest, here is the best-rated guided tour that brings you directly from Granada and includes everything you need!👇

Indulge in Hot Chocolate & Churros at Café Fútbol

Churros con Chocolate, or hot chocolate and churros, is the most iconic sweet breakfast of Spain.

While it’s a year-round delicacy and traditional breakfast to enjoy – the combo of churros and hot chocolate tastes best with a warm sweater and cold winter weather.

And an even better way to enjoy it? By going to Café Fútbol! This is the oldest cafe of Granada and the best spot for freshly made churros and hot chocolate.

Celiac? No worries! Here are the best Gluten Free Churros in Granada

Relax and Warm Up in the Hammam

With its Arab influence and history, Granada is home to several Hammams, also known as Arab Baths.

If you are looking for a cozy and relaxing activity, especially after walking all of Alhambra – a Hammam experience could be just what you’re looking for!

Located on Granada’s most beautiful street, Carrera del Darro, one of the best-rated Hammams is Hammam Al Andalus.👇

Winter Wonderland and Ice Skating (Great for Kids)

Located in Plaza del Humilladero is a cute, pop-up winter-wonderland park full of fun rides for children. Here you will find a beautiful carousel, winter-themed train ride, fast slide, and beyond.

While this is more of an area for children, there is also a small outdoor ice skating rink where all ages can join in! I’ve personally gone ice skating here and always had a great time.⛸️

Attend a CandleLight Concert: Christmas Classics

Year round, Granada hosts candlelight concerts at least once a week. This year, on December 21st and 28th, it will hold the Christmas Classics concert.

Some songs you can expect are O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas and even movie songs like Once Upon a December and The Holiday main song.

The location for this concert changes, but if you have the chance – I hope you’re able to attend the one in the Carmen de los Martires (pictured).

This is one of my favorite December memories!🥹 As the musicians played, attendees began singing along – some in the Spanish version, others in English. This was encouraged by the musicians and host and it was a very heartwarming experience.

Eat 12 Grapes on New Year’s eve

One of the best parts of being abroad during a holiday is learning other countries’ traditions, customs, and foods.

In Spain, the tradition is to eat 12 golden grapes during the 12 second countdown to the New Year. People flood the city center of Granada, near the City Hall, to eat grapes together, enjoy fireworks, and the New Year excitement.

If you don’t like crowds, you could do it from your hotel or seek out a different area to celebrate – just avoid the area near the City Hall.

Visit El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is Spain’s iconic, and one of the largest, department store chains where you find everything from fashion to electronics, kid toys, and beyond.

In Granada there are two different Corte Inglés locations, and the most central one is a short walk from Plaza del Campillo – where they usually host Granada’s Christmas markets.

In December, Corte Inglés sells some really beautiful Christmas home decor that’s genuinely fun to look at, even if you’re not planning to purchase anything.

Plus, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re looking to escape bad weather, or simply enjoy some window shopping.

Granada in December FAQs

Is there snow in Sierra Nevada in December?

Yes, there is snow in the Sierra Nevada in December, and it usually starts around mid-late November.

If you are looking to ski in Granada, the season is projected to start in early-mid December. However, it is important to know that the snow in December is not the best, nor most constant, which means it’s generally a quieter time to ski.

If you’re looking to ski on Sierra Nevada’s best snow, and don’t mind the crowds, January through March are the best months to come ski.

Is the Alhambra open in December?

Yes! La Alhambra is open every day of the year except on December 25th and January 1st.

Is Granada Colder Than Seville?

Because Granada sits on the northern side of Andalusia and next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is much colder in the wintertime than Seville.

Seville sits more south and sees a high of 17 degrees and low of 8 degrees in December, while Granada sees a high of 13 and low of 3 degrees.

Want more help with your Granada travels? Check out my Posts!

• The 27 BEST Things to Do in Granada | Local’s Guide
• Where to Stay in Granada | Deep Dive on the Best Area for Tourists
• How to Spend the One Day in Granada, Spain
• 2 Days in Granada, Spain: The Ultimate Itinerary
• The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada
• 8 Best Flamenco Shows in Granada: All You Need to Know
• When is the Best Time to Visit Granada? The Ultimate Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Granada’s Hidden Gems
• 17 Best Day Trips from Granada
• Alhambra vs the Real Alcázar

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I have to ask…

What are you most excited to see or experience this December, in Granada? Will this be your first time visiting? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇

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