Spain in December

Old Apr 27th, 2017, 03:36 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Spain in December

Hi,
We are a family of 2 Adults and 2 teenagers. We are planning to visit Spain in December second half (between 14th Dec and 1st Jan).
Fly into Madrid, spend 2 days in Madrid. A day trip to Toledo.

Then move South. Divide time between Seville, Granada, Cordoba (10 days) and spend last 2 days in Barcelona.

Please suggest if the weather will be fine for travel in these areas. Any suggestions on adding or dropping some cities?


Thanks.
naddy74 is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2017, 04:35 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,054
Received 17 Likes on 10 Posts
http://www.holiday-weather.com/madrid/averages/

http://www.holiday-weather.com/seville/averages/

http://www.holiday-weather.com/cordoba/averages/

http://www.holiday-weather.com/granada/averages/

http://www.holiday-weather.com/barcelona/averages/
cdnyul is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2017, 04:57 PM
  #3  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
IMO, two days is not much for Madrid.

Many people visit Toledo as a daytrip from Toledo; I thought it worth 2 full days (actually, more than 48 hours).

IME, 10 days is generally reasonable for Sevilla, Granada, and Cordoba, but I must admit that I’m not sure how the short days of winter might affect your planning.

IMO, two days is VERY little for Barcelona.

For historic climate statistics, consult wunderground.com or timeanddate.com

When I can’t see everything I’d like to see in the time I have available, I’m most likely to skip or skimp on places that have international airports, because those are the ones that I can most readily visit again. In this case, I’d skip or skim either Madrid or Barcelona, spending as much time as suits your interest in Andalusia. And I would fly into Madrid or Barcelona and out of Sevilla (or vice versa).

BTW, as you plan, note that many things in Spain are closed on Monday, and often for all or part of Sundays too; and many things in Spain will also be closed daily for a very long mid-day break. And some places might be closed for the holidays....
kja is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2017, 09:27 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know where you're from, but the days will be very short in late December-early January, so you'll need to plan your days to take advantage of the daylight. Also, a number of restaurants will be closed on Christmas and New Years Days, so make your lunch/dinner reservations well in advance at those that will be open. The 12 days of Christmas are a big deal in Spain, people like to go out to celebrate and restaurants will be busy.

And yes, it will be on the cold side, possibly wet with a little snow, especially in the mountains where Granada sits (think ski season), but a little milder in Barcelona.
Robert2016 is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2017, 11:14 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How can anyone tell you how the weather is going to be? maybe you expect us to have a talent that is wasted on this forum?

As for giving links to the weather history charts that too is a complete waste of time. They never ever give you a forecast and they are a waste of internet space. If the an OP wants to know that information they can surely find it themselves.

Question addressed to those who care to give links to weather history websites. How do they work out the statistics? How long and where from? How do these figures influence the statistical output?

Dearest OP you perhaps should be more concern about what is open and what is not during the Christmas period.
ribeirasacra is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2017, 11:52 PM
  #6  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@ ribeirasacra: If you consult any of the more reputable climate statistic sites, you will find that they actually have explanations of how one can (and can't) use historical climate data. You might find those pages informative, since you don't seem to have grasped the relevant concepts. Here's just one such page, and do, please, pursue the links it provides.
https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/faqs.html

If an OP asks for weather info, I don't understand why you criticize those of us who comply.

By your logic ("If the an OP wants to know that information they can surely find it themselves"), it would seem that you must think there is no reason for most of the questions we encounter, or the answers we provide! People can easily find what to visit, how to get from place to place, where to stay, etc. -- they just need to consult a few good guidebooks and a few good web sites! But they don't necessarily KNOW what resources are useful or reliable. Why do you criticize people who ask about the weather? (And why not criticize them for their other similar questions?) And why do you castigate those of us who direct OPs to relevant sources of information? (But not criticize the rest of us for directing posters to other information they can find on line, on their own?) If you don't want to provide information about weather, don't. But why criticize an OP for a legitimate question, and why criticize those of us who respond by providing responsive information? I really don't understand.

And I'll add that I can't imagine that your unwillingness to respond to travelers' questions of this sort -- and your criticism of them for asking -- is a great selling point for your establishment. JMO.

I've already given you the example of Chicago to illustrate why questions about typical weather conditions can make sense, but let me repeat it:

Like many, many parts of the U.S., Chicago experiences major temperature variations over the course of the year. In July, the average high temperature is about 29 degrees Celcius (average low in July: about 17 degrees Celcius). In January, the average high temperature is about -1 degree Celcius (average low in January: about –11 degrees Celsius). I would never tell a visitor to Chicago to "dress for every occasion" (as you have done in your recommendations to travelers to Spain) – that would be absurd! There is no reason why some visiting Chicago in July should bring a winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves, balaclava, boots, and thermal underwear -- things they would need in winter. And there is no reason why someone visiting Chicago in January should pack a suitcase full of shorts and beachwear, as they might want to do for July. I would tell them to consult a reliable source for information about average temperatures (and precipitation) for the time they expect to visit and plan accordingly, which means planning for a range of temperatures around the average. I assume that most people can figure that out. JMO.

And anyone in the US with these kinds of experiences will find it perfectly reasonable to want to have SOME sense, however limited, of the range of weather conditions they are likely to encounter when traveling to a place they have never been.

Asking about typical weather is, truly, completely legitimate and understandable. What is difficult to understand is your position. IMO.
kja is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2017, 12:00 AM
  #7  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
@ naddy74: Sorry for the aside! Please don't let it keep you from asking other questions you have.
kja is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2017, 05:43 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Note that average temperature is not useful information. What you want is average high and average low. And maybe average precipitation and humidity.
Mimar is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2017, 07:50 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ooo KJA off on one again.

Thanks in confirming exactly my thoughts these statists are rubbish. I do understand the weather that it is not predictable and there are a lot of micro climates.
My question was never to point the figure at you in particular, but everyone who give links to the rubbish (as you have kindly confirmed) statistics.

Oh considering the weather is changeable advice in dressing in layers is good IMHO. Like now in Spain. After a few glorious days, in the south is raining. If you had gone with the statistics a member of this forum could well have been without a rain coat. http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/e...frias/3997922/
http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/e...ancha/3997374/
The OP should be worrying more about the hours of darkness then what the weather will do. That is certainly going to affect plans.
ribeirasacra is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2017, 09:21 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,054
Received 17 Likes on 10 Posts
@ribeirasacra.

I don't feel like wasting any more and internet resources finding out when you were appointed the judge of what is or isn't useful, so I will assume you and not.

Therefore, in the future try to mind your own business, don't comment on other's advice, offer your own if you think it has any value, and don't be a busy body.

@ naddy74:
if weather is so important , wait till the last minute, check the 5 or 10 day forecast and go where it is sunny.

Mark
cdnyul is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2017, 11:07 PM
  #11  
kja
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
FWIW, timeanddate.com shows sunrise and sunset times. Good climate information sites provide historic information about rainfall levels in addition to temperature information. Good guidebooks provide all three.

@ ribeirasacra: I showed you the courtesy of treating your question as a sincere one. Your response? Well, I’ll let others be the judge. I am confident that you will continue to demonstrate how willing you are to be responsive and sensitive to the concerns of those who consider visiting your corner of the world, and how respectful you are of other posters.


I don't know naddy's circumstances, but I do know that many people just want an idea of how to prepare for a trip that they are planning well in advance. And I think doing so is perfectly legitimate. JMO.

I hope you enjoy your trip, naddy74, and please let us know if we can help with any of your other planning questions!
kja is offline  
Old May 1st, 2017, 01:07 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you go to the South of Spain in December, you should consider 3000 year old Málaga city by the Med, the best climate in Europe and something special in December/Christmas time. Will normally be warmer than inland Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada, and a different and more laid-back vibe. http://www.spainforpleasure.com/2014...ime-in-malaga/
http://www.guidetomalaga.com/5-reaso...mas-in-malaga/

Málaga is the major museum city in the South of Spain, a fabulous food and bar scene and historic sights right in the city center (the Roman theater, the Moorish Alcazaba Palace fortress, the huge 16th century cathedral, the Picasso birth house etc. etc.). http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/

Weather statistics for Málaga in December says highs at 60-65F, average 5 hours sun/day and rainfall one in five days.(wetteronline.de).
kimhe is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
winniethepooh
Europe
8
Feb 18th, 2017 02:48 PM
vdixon2
Europe
9
Nov 15th, 2015 03:38 AM
Lisa1212
Europe
14
Jan 3rd, 2013 08:04 AM
MiamiBeachMomma
Europe
13
Oct 25th, 2012 04:32 PM
curlysue
Europe
12
Mar 4th, 2008 07:09 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -