Packing for a trip to Spain in the winter months can be a tricky task. It's undoubtedly the season of overcoats and scarves, but it's really just not that cold in Spain for most American travelers. Let's discuss what to wear in Spain this winter!
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Visiting Spain in Winter
When most of us think of traveling to Spain, we envision sunny days, sandy beaches, and the tourist throngs baking in an oppressive Spanish heat.
Our first-ever trip to Spain actually happened in winter, in the coldest months of the year, at the tail-end of the holidays. We left the US just a couple days after Christmas, spent New Year's in Madrid (soon to be the topic of its own blog post - if you're considering it, reach out and I can give you my thoughts), and then travelled to Barcelona on January 2, where we spent the remaining 5 days of our time in Spain before heading home. Winter is a genuinely lovely time of year to explore Spain (or Europe, in general, frankly). We were surprised to find that we were able to spend as much time out-of-doors as we normally would on a Europe trip at a more traditional time of the tourism year, which is frankly phenomenal. And that's certainly a lot more time outside than we're managing per day in January in Indianapolis! In 10 days, we didn't have a drop of precipitation until we were already in the cab heading to the airport, and certainly no snow. And, most importantly, we dealt with far fewer tourists, suffered in no aforementioned blistering sun, and we got to experience a generally laid-back, holiday atmosphere! Oh and did I mention the Christmas markets? It's worth noting that there were some closures and limited opening hours to keep in mind because of the season, but with a bit of research, those can be navigated easily enough. {2024} What to Wear in Spain This Summer FAQ: What's the weather like in Spain in the winter?
Alrighty, as we start thinking what we need to actually pack for a trip to Spain this winter, it's worth discussing the weather conditions you can expect to encounter in Spain. Unsurprisingly, winter in Spain is just "not that cold." As the two main cities you're likely to visit enjoy significantly different weather, regardless of the time of year, it's worth discussing the weather in Madrid and Barcelona separately.
...in Madrid
In Madrid, the average temperatures in January are 50/37, with 5 days of rain. The temperature warms up steadily as the day goes on, with the mornings being a bit chilly, but the sun often shining and becoming more comfortable in the afternoon. So, you should expect daytime temperatures at the much higher end of the spectrum. In general, in Madrid in winter, you can comfortably grab a drink or lunch outside, particularly on a warm day, or with a heat lamp, even without a warm jacket.
...in Barcelona
Barcelona is significantly warmer than Madrid in winter, both in objective temperature (59/48), and in the sun's intensity. Mornings in Barcelona aren't nearly as chilly as in Madrid, and you'll see plenty of people eating and drinking perfectly comfortably outdoors throughout the day! You'll want to leave the tank tops at home, and I'd say dress for early Fall weather in the US.
Now that we've discussed the weather basics of winter in Spain, let's move on to the actual packing! Don't forget the packing cubes!
Keep your suitcase organized throughout your trip to Spain with packing cubes. When I'm moving hotels during a trip, as we did in Spain, being able to maintain order in the suitcase is paramount.
I put small items in one cube, sweaters in another, pajamas in a third, and then I bring an empty one for either shoes, trinkets, or dirty clothes. For even more Europe Travel Essentials, check out the full list! FAQ: What do people wear in Spain?
In general, in Spain's major cities, Spanish people are nicely dressed, but fairly casual. The Spanish definitely bundle up in winter, and they tend to wear a lot of black - which surprised me. I was envisioning a lot more vibrant colors, when packing for my trip. Throughout our trip, I mostly wore my nice pair of jeans and felt like I fit right in. If you've been following the blog for a bit, you'll know I can get weird about jeans in Europe, but I really wouldn't worry about it in Spain
The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Spain in WinterWhat to Wear in Spain in Winter:
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Perfect timing for this post! Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in-depth information you offer. You’ve really covered up almost all the possible info and the explanation was so clear. Worth sharing! Please do continue sharing updates! Thanks!
Great post! Thanks for sharing this amazing post. This is very helpful for me. I really like this post. Thanks and keep sharing.
Just discovered your blogs. I'm from London and holiday in Europe frequently. I love seeing how we are perceived from an American perspective. Each one is a modern anthropology lesson! Fabulous reading on this very cold winters day. Thank you.
Hi! I came across your post and find them to be so informative! I’m actually planning on traveling to Madrid and Spain on January 1st! What would you recommend I do during this time? Is there any one thing I must see/do?
Hi Jasmine - Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful trip! Hmm we visited a few Christmas markets, which were lovely, if they're still open (The one in Toledo was right under the cathedral, which was nice). The one thing I'd really recommend is the Royal Palace in Madrid - it's absolutely incredible You should be missing most of the holiday closures, with your timing. Bon voyage!
Traveling in Valencia and Madrid next month. I know it’s still winter. Any suggestions on outfits to pack?
Love your blog! So informative.
I wondered if you have a link for the “topper” you are wearing in your photo “Barcelona rooftop in January”? It’s lovely.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog!! And thank you! I wish I did - I do love it! I actually bought it in Barcelona, not far from where I took this picture! One of my favorite vacation finds!! xx
🙌 Thank you for sharing your expertise! Your breakdown has added depth to my understanding. 💡 I've explored a similar topic on my blog, particularly examining travelling. Let's continue this conversation—looking forward to more insights! 🌟"
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