The Weather in Madrid in December Does not Disappoint.

Are you thinking of coming to Madrid in December but have doubts about the weather? Today we are here to clear them all up by telling you what the climate is like and what to expect from the city in the last month of the year.

However, we can tell you in advance that it’s not about avoiding winter, but about coming to enjoy the city with a scarf around your neck and a chocolate with churros from San Ginés in your hand while the Christmas atmosphere runs through all the streets of the center.

Average temperatures and climate of Madrid in December

Okay, the first thing you’re probably wondering is: what’s the weather like in Madrid in December? The average moves between 5 and 12°C, although on the coldest nights you can see the thermometers easily approach 0°C.

It is not uncommon to find frost at dawn and, although it does not usually snow in the center —some years it does and it becomes quite a spectacle—, the air is dry and that makes the cold more bearable than in more humid cities.

The other side of the coin is that many days are sunny. You stand in El Retiro at noon and —with sun and no wind— you even appreciate opening your coat a little. Come on, Madrid in December is one of those places where winter doesn’t mean being at home all day.

What clothes to pack in your suitcase

When you think about what to pack in your suitcase, the first thing is to remember what the weather is like in Madrid in December.

The important thing here is to dress in layers. A good coat is essential and underneath it is best to wear a sweater and a T-shirt; several garments that you can take off because indoors the heating is on full blast. Add a scarf, gloves and hat to your list of things to bring, as things get much cooler in the evening.

For your feet, forget about thin shoes, bring comfortable and closed shoes, preferably boots. And if they are waterproof, even better. If you are very cold, also pack thermal shirts and good socks. And don’t worry, the weather in Madrid in December is usually dry, with quite a few sunny days that make the cold more bearable. Trust that.

What to do according to the weather in Madrid in December

Although temperatures drop, the weather in Madrid in December does not allow the city to turn off for even a second. Walking through the center and getting to know the best neighborhoods in Madrid is still a great plan. There is nothing like getting lost in Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, La Latina or Malasaña, which in December maintain their atmosphere of bars and terraces —yes, with heaters—.

And if you like enjoying the weather in Madrid in December with cultural plans… it’s a perfect month! You can get carried away by the flamenco shows in Madrid, with tablaos full of art where the singing, dancing and guitar will give you goosebumps. Although it may not seem very Madrilenian, the best shows and artists in the country meet here.

It is also a good time to discover some of the best plays in Madrid or attend a musical, because the billboard is always overflowing and there are proposals for all tastes, from the most classic to the most groundbreaking.

And be careful, whatever the weather, in December in Madrid there are always plans that include gastronomy: a warm Madrilenian stew, tapas in a lifelong bar or, why not, a glass of wine in a gourmet market like San Miguel.

In December in Madrid, the weather also accompanies you to visit its museums. The Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofía are the order of the day, but the Sorolla Museum, smaller and very special, is also worth a visit. And if you like architecture and history, the Royal Palace is another must-see.

Christmas events

The streets of Madrid in December are filled with lights, giant trees and an atmosphere that hooks you. The Plaza Mayor is a must-see; it is transformed into a giant Christmas market with stalls of ornaments, figurines for the nativity scene and typical sweets. And if you stop by the Gran Vía, get ready to see an authentic spectacle of lights that turns the city center into a perfect setting for your photos.

But Christmas in Madrid is not just about walking around; you can get on the Naviluz, the bus that runs through the more than 200 illuminated streets or get a ticket for the Madrid Hop On Hop Off Tourist Bus, which also runs through a large part of the city in just a couple of hours.

Also note skating on one of the many ice rinks that are set up in the city and treating yourself to churros and hot chocolate at the mythical Chocolatería San Ginés. These two things have to be on your list of things to do in Madrid in December regardless of the weather.

In addition, there are nativity scenes throughout the city, such as the one in the Palacio de Cibeles or the one in the convent of Las Carboneras, each with its own style.

Come and enjoy the weather in Madrid in December

Are you thinking of coming to Madrid in December but still have some doubts lingering in your head? Well, forget about them, because the city knows how to fall in love even in its coldest month.

Yes, it’s time to wrap up warm, wear a scarf, gloves and hat… but in return you have a city full of plans and a Christmas atmosphere that is impossible not to enjoy.

Surely you already know how to get to Madrid and, if you come on your own, you have probably already checked which cars can enter Madrid in 2025… but the big question is: have you chosen where to sleep?

Because this is where the difference begins between any trip and a well-rounded experience. And nothing like staying in one of the accommodations of WAOU Rentals to be in the heart of Madrid and not miss anything.

That is the magic of staying with us, that you have the entire city and all its great plans at your fingertips. Because in the end, the weather in Madrid in December is not just what the thermometer says, it’s how good you have it!