The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Spain This Winter {2025}

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

(SPC)

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

Spain in Winter Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Madrid on New Year's Day

...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.

Barcelona rooftop in January

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?

Almudena Cathedral, Madrid (SPC)

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 Winter

What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​Casual Sweaters and Long-Sleeved Tops

First things first! With the relatively mild winter weather in Spain, you'll want to keep your base layer pretty light. Long-sleeved tops and light-weight sweaters/ cardigans are perfect to wear under the light jackets we'll discuss below. And, as it gets warmer throughout the day, a sweater should be enough to keep you comfy if you want to ditch the coat for the afternoon before the sun goes down.

What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​Light-weight coat

If you only buy one thing in preparation for your trip to Spain this winter, make it a lightweight puffer jacket, in black.

​Compared to most European countries, and certainly with our winters in North America, Spain in winter feels more like what I'd consider an autumn temperature. I wouldn't recommend bringing your large, wool winter coat that you might wear in Chicago. It'll take up a ton of room in your suitcase/under your seat on the airplane, and you simply won't wear it. The best way to save space in your suitcase is to leave things at home, and ditching your heavy winter coat is a slam dunk.

A light-weight puffer coat is more than enough to get you through the chillier mornings in Madrid, but not so warm that you have to take it off in the afternoons. And you'l fit right in. I'm serious - everyone had one. At one point, we started counting.

Visiting a little later in the year?
​Check out my Packing List for Spring in Europe

What to Wear in Spain in Winter: Ski hat

I was a bit surprised to see that many ladies in both Madrid and Barcelona were wearing cute winter ski/snow hats - almost always with the little furry poof on top. I hadn't packed mine (I normally save that for when it's 10 degrees in Indianapolis), and I wouldn't say you'd strictly need it to stay warm if you're used to a colder climate, but they sure are cute.

​What to Wear in Spain in Winter: A Topper

When spending time in the warmer, southern and/or Mediterranean portions of Spain, the omnipresent sort-of-winter coat/puffer jacket we discussed above might not even be necessary. 

For these warmer areas, I'd suggest a light jacket or topper. I actually ended up buying a cute jacket in Barcelona while we were shopping one day. Clean lines and basics colors and you'll fit right in! If it's warm enough, I like a nice, classic, dark blazer to finish off the outfit and stay warm. 

If you're planning to go out much at night, a leather jacket is a great option.

What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​A trench coat

If you haven't checked this box with the jackets we discussed above, I'd be sure to include a rain jacket outer layer that can handle precipitation, if needed.

​A light trench coat or classic Barbour jacket would be perfect.

What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​Picking the right pants

A good pair of jeans for day time

The Spanish aren't particularly formal, and a few nice pairs of jeans should do the trick for most of your day-to-evening wear. As we've discussed, it won't be too cold, so if you want to wear a dress or skirt (not my preference for tourism, but to each her own), be sure to include some warm tights

Some 'trousers' for evening

I'd also include a pair of 'formal,' non-denim trousers for nighttime wear.

A note on dress codes in Spain

Be sure to scan your itinerary to ensure that you have appropriate attire to meet the dress code at both "posh" restaurants and, if applicable, any religious sites you'll be visiting. Some high-end European restaurants do not allow jeans (more so for men) or "trainers" (sneakers).

​Though it'll be less of an issue in winter when you'll be fairly covered up, many religious sites will ask visitors to follow basic modesty precautions, usually asking for covered shoulders, but some will go as far as saying no shorts or short skirts.

Barcelona Cathedral (SPC)

​What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​Cross-body bag

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

An unfortunate reality for any tourist, particularly in Barcelona, is pickpockets. 

You *must* bring a bag that takes precautions against pickpockets.  You should select a bag that closes fully, and preferably one that has multiple barriers between your valuables and creeping hands. On days where we visited major tourist attractions, I wore a cross-body purse tucked securely under my jacket. Not interested in bringing a purse? A classic money belt can keep your valuables safe when you're out and about for the day.

Unless you *must,* do not bring a backpack. It's too easy for thieves to reach in without you noticing and sneak away before you've even realized you're being robbed. Also, as in most countries in Europe, you will have to "check" a backpack before entering museums, such as the Prado, which can add a lot of extra lines and hassle to a visit. If you do bring a backpack, use it to store only your easily replaceable items.

For more on pickpockets in Spain, check out 10 Common Tourist Mistakes in Spain.

​What to Wear in Spain in Winter:
​Comfortable shoes

No matter where you'll be visiting in Spain, and frankly regardless of season, you'll be doing a lot of walking. You didn't come all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to sit in your hotel room with sore feet, so be sure to include only shoes that you've broken in before your trip. Though it's not super chilly, the same generally rules will apply as for any trip to Europe: you'll definitely want full foot coverage, and I would definitely not wear sandals or flip flops. I'd recommend bringing a pair of classic loafers, short black booties, and sneakers.

Thanks for stopping by!

Puerta de Alcalá Gate (SPC)

I hope you have a phenomenal trip to Spain in the colder months and that you found these tips helpful when assembling your essentials! 
I hope you'll also take a minute to check out my many other resources on packing for Europe and exploring once you get there!

• The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for a 10-Hour Flight to Europe
• Packing the Perfect Carry-On Bag for a Flight to Europe
• Packing for 10 Days in Europe
• 10 Things to Know About Madrid
• A Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid
• Visiting Girona from Barcelona