What December feels like in Madrid
December is early winter in Madrid. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. Evenings bring a clear drop in temperature, and nights are cold. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Madrid in December
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 5. Wet days average about 6.9 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Madrid averages about 6.6 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:31 am and sets around 5:49 pm local time, giving 9 h 19 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 40 min less daylight than in mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 71% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Madrid. Against November, the average high is 3.4°C (6.1°F) lower, with 11 mm less rain. January is cooler again. January averages a high of 9.9°C (49.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Madrid in December
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Madrid in December?
Expect around 10.6°C (51.1°F) in the afternoon and 2.4°C (36.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Madrid in December?
Not especially. There are about 6 rainy days (42 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Madrid in December?
The numbers point to versatile layers and warm layers. Add a layer for after dark.
Is December or January better for visiting Madrid?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has more rainy days.