When is the best time to go to Spain? It depends on your goals. Ski holidays, beach holidays, exploring the history and sights of Spain, and, of course, festivals and bullfights - it seems that Spain has its own season for every purpose. You will find endless rhythms of incendiary music, bright fireworks, smiles on faces and a festive mood here all year round.
Holidays in Spain in winter
Of course, this is a vacation for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. In winter in many European countries it is difficult to find interesting activities for yourself. But in Spain the ski season starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of April. And at the ski resort you can start skiing even in early May, while other tourists are splashing in the gentle waters of the sea or ocean.
Although it is best to enjoy a holiday at this resort at the height of the winter season, in January and February. In central Spain you can visit the resorts of La Pinilla and Valdeschi. Winter in Spain is mild, although there are frosts at night, especially in the north of the country and in.
In the Canary and Balearic Islands it is customary to have fun all year round. Massive excitement on the islands occurs in winter. Of course, swimming here is not very comfortable, but the air temperature in winter warms up to +15-20ºС and many even manage to sunbathe.
The weather in Spain is quite cool in winter, although there are few places where you will find temperatures below freezing. Snow falls in the mountainous regions of the country, and the ski season begins here in December. February in Spain is similar to the beginning of April in central Europe. Nature wakes up after winter, it rains, and daytime air temperatures, depending on the region, range from +8ºС to +15ºС. When going to Spain in the winter season, do not forget about warm clothes.
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Holidays in Spain in spring
Spring is the season of festivals. Of course, regular fiestas in this country take place throughout the year. Experience the giant papier-mâché doll festival in Valencia in March. If you want to attend one of the Spanish festivals, book your room well before it starts. The beginning of spring in Spain is truly magical. This is the time of awakening of nature and almond blossom. The southern coast of the country welcomes tourists with good weather. An even tan and beach games will be provided to you.
The weather in Spain in spring ranges from very uncomfortable to pleasant for relaxation. In March there is a lot of rain, the air temperature warms up to +18-20ºС in the south of the country, and up to +15-16ºС in the north. The number of sunny days is increasing. In May, you can safely go to the resorts of the Costa Brava and other coasts of the country. Almost any seaside resort welcomes guests all year round, but it is in May that the influx of tourists begins.
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Holidays in Spain in summer
Beach holidays are popular from May to October. The swimming season in the resorts of northern Spain begins a month later, in June. July and August are the peak months, with an incredible influx of tourists from all over the world, although they also experience the hottest temperatures. In Madrid and Seville the scorching sun is unbearably hot. But if it so happens that the trip is planned precisely for these two summer months, it is better to go to the northern coast, for example, to the Costa Brava, and on excursions to the cities of Bilbao or Santiago de Compostela.
The weather in Spain in summer is hot almost everywhere. In some regions of the central country there are microclimate zones. June is considered the most comfortable month, the temperature here is around +30ºС, and the water has already warmed up to a comfortable +21-22ºС. July and August are hot, the heat subsides by September.
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Holidays in Spain in autumn
In September and October, most bathers return to their usual working rhythm. But lovers of measured relaxation can exhale. For active excursions that reveal ancient traces of civilizations and the rich historical past of this hospitable country, spring and the first two autumn months - September and October - are perfect. Visit the center of Spain, the cities around the capital, Madrid.
The weather in Spain in autumn is quite pleasant. The temperature stays at +30ºС, in the north of Spain +26-28ºС. Sea water warmed up over the summer does not cool below +23-24ºС. It rains more in September, but not much. In the second half of September in Spain, a lot of rain falls in the north of the country and in the area
Spain is the birthplace of the hot art of flamenco and brutal bullfighting. It is warm and sunny here all year round, and frost and cold have never been heard of even in the northern and mountainous regions. When planning a trip to Spain in winter, you will not regret it at all, because your vacation will be so varied and exciting that the love for this beautiful country and its temperamental inhabitants will forever settle in your soul.
Christmas festivities and fabulous New Year's celebrations
New Year's illuminations appear on the streets of Spanish cities at the end of autumn. This moment is considered the opening of the season of Christmas festivities and amazing festivals.
Among the traditional celebrations, the most celebrated are Nochebuena (Christmas), Nochevieja (New Year's Eve) and Día de los Reyes Magos (the celebration of the worship of the Magi). They are celebrated on December 24, January 1 and January 6, respectively.
What to do during the holidays, besides waiting for a miracle, sincerely congratulating loved ones and exchanging memorable gifts? It is definitely worth visiting at least one of the major churches in Spain to see with your own eyes Belem - a composition depicting the beautiful birth of the Son of God. Meanwhile, the streets will gradually turn into a big stage for thousands of actors - exciting costumed processions will begin, accompanied by songs, scattering of sweets, impromptu performances and, of course, the endless sounds of firecrackers and fireworks.
The magical Christmas holidays in Spain are the best time to make a wish, feel the flavor of the country and have a lot of fun.
Winter excursions to amazing Spanish attractions
Walking around the sights of Spain is as good as ever in the winter months, when the gentle rays of the sun do not burn the skin, and the heat does not interfere with enjoying the beauty of architectural and natural masterpieces.
Wherever you go: to Valencia or Andalusia, to island resorts - Ibiza, Mallorca, Tenerife, to large cities - Barcelona, Valencia or Madrid - you will find unique cultural and historical masterpieces everywhere. Enjoying the beauty of nature (parks, beaches, gorges, capes, volcanoes), amazing architectural values (palaces, temples, cathedrals, etc.), museum exhibits and monuments is doubly pleasant if the weather is favorable for travel.
The main natural attraction of the country is the Pyrenees mountain system, which stretches for 450 kilometers. The delights of winter holidays on its snow-covered slopes are worth telling separately.
Extraordinary Christmas markets and shopping
It is impossible to imagine a trip to Spain in winter without a promenade through boutiques, shops, shops, shopping centers and outlets. From the beginning of December until Christmas, there are special holiday fairs where people go not so much to buy nice souvenirs and delicacies, but to have fun. Plunging headlong into the pre-holiday bustle, residents and guests of the country rush to ride carousels, see street shows and gawk at the Christmas abundance of goods.
It is better to postpone large purchases and global long-term shopping for the period from mid-January to the end of February. After all, at this time in Spain it is time for global sales, when products from famous brands are literally sold for pennies.
For ceramics in winter it is better to go to Barcelona, Toledo or Valencia, for pearls - to Mallorca. Souvenirs with a truly Spanish touch are sold in winter in Alcaceria (Granada district), but the largest number of retail outlets are concentrated in Madrid (Salamanca district) and Barcelona (the “shopping line” runs from Plaza Maria Cristina to the Columbus Monument).
Active recreation and extreme sports on the snow-capped peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees
Despite the fact that the mild climate of Spain does not favor heavy snowfalls and the usual winter blizzards in Russia, the ski season begins on the Iberian slopes from the beginning of December. In total, more than thirty ski resorts are opening, some of which have received the highest tourist ratings and the attention of the royal family.
The most popular of the southern ski resorts is Sierra Nevada (32 km from Granada). And the most difficult trails can be tried at the Masella resort. If you go on holiday to Bikera Beret, you may meet the President of Spain and members of the royal family who come here to ski. The largest and most modern of all the resorts is Formigal, located in the Western Pyrenees. There are 56 kilometers of excellent trails and 24 lifts open here for beginners and professionals.
Winter holidays on the Spanish coast
Winter holidays in Spain are so multifaceted that immediately after skiing you can go to the beach to swim and soak in the hot sand. It is in the southern part of the country, namely the Canary Islands, that the swimming season continues all year round. The most exotic place is a black sand beach, which is located on Tenerife, one of the islands of the Canary Archipelago. If you still haven't decided what to do in Spain in winter, pack your swimsuit and head to the coast.
Thermal springs
The thermal springs of Spain retain their temperature and rich mineral composition even in winter. Thousands of tourists come to enjoy divine SPA treatments and improve their health on the eve of the New Year holidays.
In total, there are more than two thousand springs and more than 120 SPA resorts in the country, the most famous of them are Panticose(province of Huesco) and La Garrigue(near Barcelona). The programs of Spanish “sanatoriums” include not only healing procedures for the body as a whole, but are aimed at rejuvenation, weight loss, and relaxation.
Winter hunting and fishing in the vastness of Spain
And what could be better than a winter holiday, during which health and beauty return? Real men know the answer to this question. Winter hunting and fishing in the vast expanses of Spain is the key to spiritual harmony and pleasure, passion and excitement for many tourists. Tourists go on such tours to feel the taste of victory and enjoy the game or catch they prepared with their own hands.
You can indulge in a noble activity and get acquainted with the intricacies of foreign hunting in one of 35 special reserves, the total area of which is more than 2000 hectares, as well as in private territories where the number of animals is strictly regulated. The most such lands are in Andalusia, Malaga, Aragon, Oviedo and Huesca. Also, tours (the price includes the services of a Russian-speaking guide, hunting permission, rental of equipment and weapons, food and drinks) are organized from the Costa del Sol.
In Spain there are deer and fallow deer, roe deer and wild boars, rams and goats, Perinean ibex and chamois, hares, foxes and other animals. Among birds of particular interest are ducks, partridges, pheasants, quails, snipe and wood grouse. The royal family often goes hunting in winter, paying tribute to the ancient traditions of “Monteria”.
Fishing is worth talking about separately. In winter, the holy of holies and a real dream for fishermen is the Ebro River. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can catch trophy pike perch, huge albino catfish, selected trout, tuna, wild carp and other river species with your own hands. No less attractive is fishing on lakes surrounded by forests and mountain cliffs of unprecedented beauty.
But perhaps the most desirable pastime is fishing on a yacht on the open sea. Squid fishing is carried out at night, and tuna, albacore, yampuga, and imperial needles are caught during the day. The weight of one fish can reach 120 kilograms. To pull such prey out of the water requires all the strength, skill and courage. The winners get an adrenaline rush and dinner at one of the restaurants, where the trophy will be prepared.
A license is also obtained for fishing activities, which is valid only in a certain territory. However, for tourist groups, the organizers prepare not only licenses, but also all the necessary gear, equipment, and gear.
What else to do in winter in Spain? Attend one of the matches of the Barcelona football club, play tennis and golf, take to the skies in a helicopter and see stunning scenery, or even learn how to fly an aircraft. Any activity should be combined with the pleasure of exquisite Spanish cuisine and divine wines. Whatever winter activity you choose, your holiday in Spain will be delightful.
Visa to Spain
Spain is one of the Schengen countries, so you will need a visa to enter its territory. You can apply for a visa yourself by submitting documents to one of the Spanish visa centers, or with the help of a travel agency. Despite the impressive list of required documents, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome if you are diligent in your preparation.Communications and Internet in Spain
Communication problems in a particular country are not limited to signal quality and coverage area. In some countries, a traveler may be unpleasantly surprised by high tariffs; in others, even the basic purchase of a SIM card is fraught with certain difficulties. Let's check how things are with communications in Spain.
general information
Spanish providers offer 2 types of tariff plans, called contract and prepaid.
Where to stay in Spain
One of the reasons for the popularity of Spain among European countries is the large selection of tourist accommodation: of different levels, prices and comfort. Before settling on any of the options, of course, you need to decide where exactly you want to go: the best beaches, according to the Spaniards themselves, are in Galicia, Basque San Sebastian, on the island of Lanzarotte, in Ibiza; on Costa Almeria there are many immigrants from Russia; beach holidays and ski resorts - on the Costa del Sol; cozy beaches among the rocks - in Mallorca; extensive excursion program - in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante.When choosing a place for a winter holiday in Spain in winter, pay attention to the southern resort coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol. The gentle sun of Andalusia, the absence of sweltering heat, and the mild Mediterranean climate are what attract tourists to Spain in winter. The air temperature here rarely drops below 18ºC, the sea water temperature of the beaches never drops below 16ºC.
The Mediterranean coast of Spain is the southernmost resort area of the European continent, separated from the Strait of Gibraltar, fifteen kilometers wide.
The resort coast of the Costa del Sol stands out among other resorts in Spain, due to its proximity to the ancient cities, guardians of the history of the state of Spain, five-star hotel service, magnificent fields for sports, a mild unique climate that nature has generously awarded this fertile region.
Thanks to the high mountain range that runs along the coast, blocking the path of continental air currents that bring heat in summer and cold in winter, a unique microclimate is created here between the sea and the mountains, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
In winter, the seaside embankments of resort towns in southern Spain are filled with tourists from northern Europe, who love to spend their holidays, holidays, and weekends basking in the gentle winter sun of Andalusia. Men swim, women sunbathe or sip cocktails on the coastal terraces. For Europeans, British, Swedes, Finns, who are not spoiled by warm weather, sea water does not seem cold, and the air temperature in winter exceeds the average for European countries.
In winter, the southern resorts of Spain are visited by significantly more older people than in summer. This fact can be explained by two reasons.
The first is the climate, as we already know, in winter the comfortable mild weather of the southern resorts of Spain attracts those tourists for whom the summer heat is tiring or is simply contraindicated by doctors.
The second, no less important component of any trip is economic, because everyone knows that a winter holiday in Spain in winter will cost much less than a traditional summer beach holiday in Spain.
The winter months are the time of the so-called low Baja Temporada season, when in the resorts of Spain, the Costa del Sol, the cost of all tourist services is reduced, for example: if the July room price is 90 €, then the December price will be 40-45 €.
Many offer offers during which if you buy one cocktail, you will be offered a second one for free.
This system of discounts in winter is visible in literally everything, even grocery supermarkets, where prices are not high anyway.
Spain is traditionally an inexpensive European country, and the huge winter sale is the best time for.
For tourists who know how to take advantage of regional offers, with a well-planned budget, a winter holiday in Spain at the resorts of the Costa del Sol will cost significantly less, even compared to Arab resort countries.
Spain has a rather hot climate, therefore, due to the climatic characteristics of the central regions of Spain and the southern provinces of Andalusia, in winter it is better to organize excursion tours to Spain with a vacation on the resort coasts.
Spain, especially its southern region, is an interesting region, a storehouse of historical attractions protected by the state and UNESCO, belonging to the world historical heritage, monuments of the ancient Arab-Muslim medieval civilization that existed on the territory of modern Andalusia (VIII-XV centuries).
All the main attractions, which are included in Tours of Spain, are located here, in the provinces.
Fans of active recreation will find tennis clubs and equestrian schools. Winter is the best time for hiking in the mountains of Andalusia. Those in need of the services of a plastic surgeon will benefit from clean Mediterranean air, peace and tranquility, because the Spanish winter is the ideal time for cosmetic surgery. The combination of relaxing on the beach under the gentle winter sun with spa treatments in balneological thalassotherapy centers creates excellent conditions for rehabilitation after surgery.
, Carnival is traditionally bright, noisy, cheerful celebrations.In winter, many colorful religious holiday celebrations are also held, the most significant of which, of course, is the Catholic Easter Semana Santa, a grandiose spring holiday.
Come for the winter holidays in Spain.
Specialists of the Starlet travel company will organize an interesting tourist program, during which the interests of all age groups will be taken into account; it is possible to organize a special one.
Find out if it's worth going to Spain for a winter holiday 2019-2020. What is the weather and air temperature like at the resorts in December, January and February? Where is the best place to go on vacation and what to see during your vacation? Review of beach and ski resorts. Tips and reviews from tourists.
Holidays in Spain in winter delight with their diversity: in the Canary Islands you can enjoy real winter sports, and winter sports lovers can visit any of the popular ski resorts. In addition, Spain has almost two thousand thermal springs and a developed network of balneological centers where you can improve your health.
Where to go on holiday in Spain in winter 2019-2020?
Many hotels in Catalonia and Andalusia offer thalassotherapy, balneo treatments and spas. In Valencia there are about a dozen balneological centers and several thalasso hotels, almost two dozen spa hotels, and there are more than 40 of them in the Canary Islands. Wine treatment (baths and wraps) is practiced. The most famous spa resorts are Panticosa in the province of Huesca and La Garriga near Barcelona.
Spain is worth visiting in winter for excursions: this country is replete with ancient architectural monuments and museums; it is interesting to wander the city streets here, exploring the numerous sights. And in between excursions, tasting or tasting local wines - many tourists extol the cuisine of Tenerife.
After the New Year holidays, the sales season in stores begins, as eloquently evidenced by signs with the words Rebajas. They last almost until the beginning of spring, so winter holidays in Spain can be perfectly combined with shopping.
Beach resorts in Spain in winter
In the popular resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada in December, January and February it becomes too cool for a beach holiday, although there are more sunny days than cloudy ones. Everyone who wants to soak up the sun goes in winter to the southernmost resort in Spain - the Costa del Sol. The air temperature here in winter is not too high, +16°C, sometimes it becomes rainy and windy, so full swimming is only possible in the pools, but you can walk and go on excursions as much as you like.
Other tourists prefer the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, etc. Winter never happens here, due to the close proximity to the African continent. In fact, this is the only year-round beach resort in Europe: in winter the air temperature is +20... +22°C, the sea water is +20°C. The island of Tenerife is very popular among our compatriots (including for holidays from December to February): unusual volcanic landscapes, exotic vegetation and sandy beaches invariably attract tourists. In addition, there is a duty-free zone, which greatly contributes to an exciting shopping experience.
(Photo © Armando G Alonso / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)
Ski holiday
There are several mountain ranges in Spain, but most of the ski resorts are concentrated on the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains, mainly in the northern part of the country.
The best resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees are the respectable Baqueira Beret, La Molina and Porto del Compte; professionals will be more interested in Masella. All resorts are known for their high level of service and quality of pistes; they have Russian-speaking staff.
In the Western Pyrenees there is the largest and most modern ski resort of Formigal: 33 professional slopes and 17 slopes for beginners. It is convenient to get here from major cities. Not far from Granada is the Sierra Nevada resort. This place was chosen by representatives of the royal family; the Spanish king spends a couple of weeks here every year.
The high season opens in November and ends in April, but the resorts are open all year round and offer mountaineering and other extreme sports. All ski resorts in Spain are well equipped, have developed infrastructure and guarantee a high level of comfort.
(Photo © DOS82 / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
What to see in Spain in winter?
Tourist routes in Spain cover trips to Malaga, Valencia, San Sebastian and Bilbao. The choice is so huge that it can be difficult for a traveler to decide. Fans of the work of Miguel de Cervantes will be able to visit the birthplace of the writer Alcala de Henares, and architecture lovers will finally appreciate the beauty of Granada and Toledo with their own eyes.
What else to see on holiday in Spain in December, January and February 2019-2020? Numerous churches and monasteries of the city of Avila, as well as holy relics in Santiago de Compostela. No less interesting to visit are the birthplace of Spanish flamenco Seville, the hanging houses of Cuenca, the Arab fortress of Alcazar in Segovia, Roman buildings in Cordoba and the palace city of Madina al-Zahra, the palaces of Caceres and other historical sites.
Natural attractions attract vacationers with children. Tenerife has many natural parks, one of the largest is Loro Parque, where you can take a walk and watch shows with dolphins, killer whales and other animals. Particularly popular among holidaymakers are the Teide volcano and the Los Gigantes gorge.
Anyone who thinks that Spain is a country exclusively for summer holidays is deeply mistaken. Holidays in Spain in winter are no less good than in summer. Moreover, there is no winter in the generally accepted sense on the Iberian Peninsula. And a holiday in Spain in January, during the so-called low season, has great advantages over a holiday in the high season. Fewer tourists allow for better sightseeing. In addition, the winter southern sun does not burn mercilessly, but gently warms.
Where to go in Spain in winter?
- If you don't know what to do in Spain in winter, go skiing. There are more than 30 ski resorts in the kingdom! Among the most famous are Baqueira Beret, La Molina, Masella, Formigal, Sierra Nevada. They are found in Catalonia, the Basque Country and near Granada.
- If you are not an athlete, but an active fan, then look for the answer to the question “what to do in Spain in winter” from football fans. Any La Liga match is a real holiday. Just look at the game of the current national champion Barcelona against Valencia on December 5th! Or a meeting between the implacable enemy of the blue garnets, Real Madrid, and those at the top of the standings. Villarreal om" December 13th!
- Seven Spanish teams are playing in European competition this season. If you're wondering where to go in Spain in winter, head to Madrid on December 8th, where the Royal Club will host Sweden's Malmö, or to Valencia on December 9th, where the local team will play France's Lyon. Formula 1 fans will also be able to tell you where to go to Spain in January. At the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona, drivers usually test new cars. At the Catalan track, you can take the speed test yourself, sitting behind the wheel of a car under the watchful eye of an instructor.
- It is impossible to imagine Spain in January without hunting and fishing! There are 35 game reserves in the kingdom with a total area of more than one and a half million hectares. Most of them are in Asturias, Aragon and Andalusia. Hunting of ibex, chamois, mouflon and red deer is allowed here. For more detailed information, please contact our specialists. service center . The dream of fishermen from all over the world is the Ebro River, famous for the abundance of two-meter catfish, the average weight of which is about 80 kilograms!
- And, of course, the best thing to do while holidaying in Spain in December and January is going to museums, when there are no crazy lines at the box office. Visit the Prado Gallery in Madrid, see Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona and visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. In Spain, 11 cities - Santiago de Compostela, Cordoba, Salamanca, Avila, Segovia, Toledo, Cuenca, Caceres, Alcala de Henares, Ibiza and San Cristobal de la Laguna - are declared by UNESCO as a heritage of humanity, so many There are no unique cities in one country anywhere else in the world.
Shopping in Barcelona and Christmas discounts in Spain
Winter sales in Spain begin on January 7 and last for two months. Christmas discounts in Spain on branded items and equipment reach 90%! Of course, the best place for shopping for a Russian-speaking tourist is Barcelona. There are 35,000 stores in the city and its surroundings! The so-called “shopping line” runs through the city center, from the Columbus monument on the embankment to Maria Cristina Square. These are five kilometers of boutiques, entire streets of luxury and high style. Fans of winter sales in Spain have plenty to enjoy! Christmas discounts in Spain are offered even by such expensive brands as Dior, Chanel, Marina Rinaldi, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Bally, Cartier, Calvin Klein.
Events and activities in Spain in December and January
- If you are planning a holiday in Spain in December, check out the exhibition “Dali - Master of Metamorphosis”. It is open at Barcelona's Mayoral Gallery until December 31st. About 30 works by Salvador Dal are presented here: watercolors, collages, sculptures, paintings and drawings. Entrance to the gallery is free.
- It is impossible to imagine a holiday in Spain in December 2015 without a trip to San Sebastian. Here at the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum there is an exhibition that allows you to learn more about his contribution to the history of fashion and design. Entrance tickets costing from 7 to 10 euros will allow you to enjoy 62 magnificent models brought from Paris by the famous Bascon couturier.
- If you haven't decided where to go in Spain in January, look for Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante. One of the most ambitious exhibition projects of recent times, The Lord of the Rings, is presented here. It is dedicated to the filmed novel by John Tolkien and has more than 700 exhibits. These are life-size recreated characters, their costumes, equipment and weapons.
- Families with small children will also find where to go in Spain in January. A colorful retrospective exhibition in Malaga will show the evolution of Walt Disney characters from the 1930s to the present day. On films, posters and photographs, in newspapers and magazines, visitors will see how Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck have changed over time.
Weather in Spain in December and January
Spain is considered one of the warmest European countries. The weather in Spain is favorable for holidays both in winter and summer. But it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question “how many degrees in winter in Spain,” since the winter climate in Spain depends on the proximity of a particular region to the sea and mountains. In winter, temperatures in the mountains remain consistently below zero, and there is snow on the slopes. In the lowlands of Spain, the weather in winter is warm but rainy.
The climate in Spain is especially humid in winter - on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Galicia, the Basque Country and Asturias receive up to 140 mm of precipitation per month. As for the air temperature, on the coast of Catalonia it does not fall below –5–8 degrees, and on the central plateau it sometimes reaches zero. At the same time, at the beginning of the calendar winter in Spain it is still quite comfortable. The temperature in Spain in December is quite high by Central European standards, about +12 degrees.
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