Spain in the winter?

[orangello]

Has anyone spent time in Spain in December/January? We are thinking of going to Barcelona and the surrounding area over New Year's eve 2016/2017.  Just wondering if we should wait to visit the area during a warmer season, or if this is a good time to visit. We would probably spend a few days in Barcelona, and then head to a smaller town over NYE.

[Deleted]

I visited Barcelona and Madrid in March, and I would have preferred to visit Barcelona in warmer weather, because we didn't get to the beach or do any beach town day trips in the region. It did get very chilly at night, and Barcelona is definitely a late-night town. Madrid was chilly and rainy, we did mostly museums and indoor stuff. My day trip to Toledo was ruined because it was pouring buckets. I was in northern Spain for the last week of March and the first two weeks of April, and it was cold.

Are you open to any other destinations in the region? We spent Christmas and New Years in Lisbon a few years ago and it was perfect. The weather was really mild and sunny, and there were no crowds. I think Lisbon has a more moderate climate than Madrid, and I enjoyed Lisbon more than Madrid.

[meowmaps]

I spent nine days at the end of December/beginning of January in Madrid and Andalusia back in 2009/2010 and it rained the entire time. If I could do it over again I would not have gone at that time of year. I mean, the rain was torrential at times. We barely saw the sun except our last few days in Ronda.

But maybe you'd have better luck in Barcelona. We weren't able to squeeze that in during our trip.

[majesty318]

I studied in central Spain, and it was January when I arrived. It was cold but not nearly as cold as it gets here (NJ). I haven't been to Barcelona in the winter, but it's usually warmer there than central Spain. While it won't be beach weather, I don't think you will freeze either.

[residentdj]

Feb 4, 2016 15:53:17 GMT -5 orangello said:

Has anyone spent time in Spain in December/January? We are thinking of going to Barcelona and the surrounding area over New Year's eve 2016/2017.  Just wondering if we should wait to visit the area during a warmer season, or if this is a good time to visit. We would probably spend a few days in Barcelona, and then head to a smaller town over NYE.

I lived in Spain, so I spent 3 NYE there....winters in Barcelona tend to be on the mild side. In fact, my last NYE there, we were sitting at an outside cafe having coffee and a bite to eat. NYE is quite awesome in the city - the people love to party down and will carry on well into the next day.

Of course if you are looking for more beach weather, spring and summer are a better time to go. H, DD, and I are actually going in 3 weeks and I can't wait!

[orangello]

Thanks everyone! We are trying to book some mileage tickets before American devalues their points, and this was one of the less expensive destinations. The feedback about lots of rain is making me hesitate; we live in Seattle so it would be nice to have a good chance at mostly sun. But, Spain would be pretty amazing.

[Deleted]

Feb 5, 2016 10:35:40 GMT -5 orangello said:

Thanks everyone! We are trying to book some mileage tickets before American devalues their points, and this was one of the less expensive destinations. The feedback about lots of rain is making me hesitate; we live in Seattle so it would be nice to have a good chance at mostly sun. But, Spain would be pretty amazing.

I was contemplating Portugal and Malaga, Spain for my vacation last month. But after feedback about the possible cold/rain, I changed my plans. I wanted somewhere that was going to be reliably warm. My cousin's husband is from Spain and said if you stick to the south of Spain there is a good chance the temps will be mild, but you just never know.

I actually visited Montreal last Dec/Jan and had a great time. So I don't mind a cold vacation. But I just thought the fact that it could be cold and rainy wouldn't be very enjoyable, especially in a country with beaches and beautiful outdoor scenery. 

So I ended up traveling to Guatemala and Belize and am very happy with my decision. I'm going to save Spain for spring/summer time. 

[daisypaloma]

You can't do the Carribbean/Central America with the points? Because that would be my choice during the time of the year.

We went to Barcelona and Ibiza Memorial day holiday and the beach water was still chilly. 

[lolo]

I have visited Spain, and Barcelona specifically, multiple times in January. I actually lived there for a month in January 2004. While you can't do the beach, it's warm enough to walk around with a light jacket. We got to observe the epiphany processions, which was fascinating. The boqueria is still in full swing and tourist attractions are open with the exception of holidays. When I was there for Jan 1, we had a hard time finding anything open so stock up the day before.

[orangello]

Feb 5, 2016 23:54:51 GMT -5 daisypaloma said:

You can't do the Carribbean/Central America with the points? Because that would be my choice during the time of the year.

We went to Barcelona and Ibiza Memorial day holiday and the beach water was still chilly. 

Round trip tickets are 40k miles to most European destinations for us. Caribbean, Mexico, Central America are all upwards of 80k miles. 

[shygirl]

I went to Barcelona for NYE a few years ago. It was mild - jeans, long sleeved shirt with a fleece. we didn't have any rain. Definitely not beach weather, but mild and comfortable to walk around all day.