What to Pack for Granada in December: Don’t Miss These Cozy Andalusian Must-Haves

Patricia Themakeup Magazine
By Patricia Rios
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Planning a trip and not sure what to pack for Granada in December? This Granada packing list will help you balance comfort, warmth, and Andalusian style.

Granada in December is an atmospheric dream: crisp mountain air, snow-dusted Sierra Nevada peaks, and warm city lights glowing against centuries-old architecture. It’s a time when you’ll sip hot chocolate under Moorish arches and bundle up for strolls through AlbaicΓ­n’s cobbled hills.

what to pack granada packing list DecemberPin

Though the skies are often sunny, Granada sits at a higher elevation, so evenings can get downright cold. Expect bright days, chilly nights, and festive energy in the air. Your wardrobe needs to be winter-ready with a southern twist β€” think layers, warmth, and lots of comfort.

πŸ“Note: This article is all about what to pack for Granada in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

  • Average high: 12Β°C / 54Β°F
  • Average low: 2Β°C / 36Β°F
  • Rain: ~6 days/month, light to moderate
  • Snow: Rare in city, common in Sierra Nevada
  • Vibe: Mountain-meets-Moorish, festive, cozy, hilly terrain

What to Pack for Granada in December

Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.

Travel Must HavesPin

Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging  / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan 

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.

Luggage & Packing Tools Must HavesPin

1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes

  • Hard-shell suitcase – Protects layers and boots 🧳
  • Carry-on backpack – Great for mountainous day trips πŸŽ’
  • Duffel bag – Extra space for winter layers πŸ‘œ
  • Daypack – For Alhambra visits & city walks πŸŽ’
  • Packing cubes – Organize warm vs. cool outfits πŸ“¦
  • Shoe bags – Keep shoes from soiling clothes πŸ‘ž
  • Waterproof toiletry bag – Avoid product leaks 🧴
  • Travel wallet – Keep IDs and tickets safe πŸ“
  • Reusable tote – Use for market finds or layers πŸ›οΈ
  • Laundry pouch – Separate worn thermals 🧺
  • Luggage scale – Prevent overweight surprises βš–οΈ
  • Travel lock – Secure your bag πŸ”’
  • Neck pouch – Handy for pickpocket-prone spots 🎟️
  • Microfiber towel – For mountain day trips 🧼
  • Neck pillow – For buses or flights πŸ›οΈ
  • Sleep mask – Helps adjust to time change 😴

πŸ‘— Clothes

  • Thermal base layers (2–3 sets) – Essential for cold nights ❄️
  • Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – Great for layering πŸ‘•
  • Knit sweaters (2–3) – Stylish warmth 🧢
  • Wool cardigan or fleece – Lightweight but warm πŸ§₯
  • Warm jeans or lined pants (2–3) – Day-to-night wear πŸ‘–
  • Midi dress or skirt – Pair with tights for style πŸ‘—
  • Thick leggings – Comfortable and insulating 🧘
  • Winter coat – Insulated for Sierra wind πŸ§₯
  • Packable rain jacket – For occasional rain 🌧️
  • Activewear – Great for hikes or palace gardens 🚢
  • Pajamas – Warm and breathable πŸ’€
  • Swimsuit – Many hotels have heated pools πŸ‘™
  • Underwear (7+) – Bring warm, comfy pairs πŸ‘™
  • Bras (2–3) – Include a sports bra πŸ‘š
  • Wool socks (5–7) – Warm feet = happy traveler 🧦
  • Tights – Layer with skirts or dresses 🧀

πŸ’† Skincare

  • Hydrating cleanser – Prevent winter dryness 🧴
  • Balancing toner – Great after travel πŸ’§
  • Rich moisturizer – Cold air dries skin fast 🧴
  • SPF sunscreen – Still needed in mountain sun β˜€οΈ
  • Makeup remover – Wipes or oil 🧻
  • Gentle exfoliator – 1–2 times a week 🧽
  • Eye cream – Tired eyes from jet lag πŸ‘οΈ
  • Hydrating mist – Refresh on the go πŸ’¦
  • Face masks – Rehydrate post-hike πŸ§–
  • SPF lip balm – Dry mountain air cracks lips πŸ’‹
  • Acne/spot cream – Cold-weather breakouts 🩹

πŸ’„ Makeup

  • Hydrating foundation or BB cream – Light but protective πŸ’
  • Concealer – Cover dark circles πŸ‘οΈ
  • Setting powder – Optional, for longer wear πŸ’¨
  • Rosy blush – Winter glow 🌺
  • Cream highlighter – Adds hydration + shine ✨
  • Bronzer – Warm up your tone 🌞
  • Neutral shadow palette – Day-to-night looks 🎨
  • Waterproof eyeliner – Avoid misty smudges πŸ–ŠοΈ
  • Mascara – Open up eyes πŸ’§
  • Brow pencil – Cold can lighten brows πŸ‘οΈ
  • Lip balm tint – Hydration + color πŸ’„
  • Setting spray – Lock in for long days 🌬️
  • Brushes – Mini travel set πŸ–ŒοΈ

πŸ’‡ Hair Care

  • Travel brush or comb – Anti-static if possible πŸ’‡
  • Hair ties + clips – Windproof styles 🌬️
  • Shampoo/conditioner – Travel size 🧴
  • Dry shampoo – Extend styles πŸ’
  • Heat protectant spray – For tools πŸ”₯
  • Anti-frizz serum – Cold + dry = flyaways πŸ’§
  • Mini hair dryer – If hotel doesn’t supply πŸ’¨
  • Straightener/curler – Compact option πŸŒ€
  • Knit hat or beanie – Stylish warmth 🧒
  • Hair accessories – Scarves, bands, or clips πŸŽ€

πŸ‘Ÿ Shoes & Accessories

  • Waterproof boots – For exploring cobbled streets πŸ‘’
  • Walking sneakers – Must be warm + cushioned πŸ‘Ÿ
  • Stylish flats – For indoor venues πŸ‘ 
  • Wool scarf – Add texture and warmth 🧣
  • Touchscreen gloves – Still use your phone 🧀
  • Wool hat – Essential in evening chill 🧒
  • Compact umbrella – Rain comes quick β˜”
  • Sunglasses – Mountain glare is real 😎
  • Jewelry – Small statement pieces πŸ’
  • Crossbody or anti-theft bag – Safety & comfort πŸ‘œ

πŸ“‘ Documents & Essentials

  • Passport + copies – Keep one separate πŸ›‚
  • Visa – Spain is Schengen zone πŸ“
  • ID card – For EU travelers πŸͺͺ
  • Travel insurance – Required for most 🧾
  • Tickets/reservations – Alhambra needs advance booking 🎟️
  • Cash + card – Use both πŸ’Ά
  • Emergency contact info – Offline access πŸ“‡
  • Offline map – For AlbaicΓ­n’s tricky streets πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • Notebook + pen – Notes, journaling πŸ–ŠοΈ
  • Travel wallet – Organize docs πŸ‘›
  • Hotel safe pouch – Secure valuables πŸ”

πŸš‘ First Aid

  • Blister pads – Hilly walks are no joke 🩹
  • Antibacterial wipes – Always useful 🧼
  • Gauze/tape – Minor scrapes 🩺
  • Tweezers – Multi-use βœ‚οΈ
  • Mini scissors – TSA-safe βœ‚οΈ
  • Thermometer – Good to monitor illness 🌑️
  • Q-tips – Hygiene & touch-ups ☁️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

  • Prescription meds – Bring all needed πŸ’Š
  • Pain relievers – Cold + walking = soreness πŸ€•
  • Cold/allergy meds – Protect against winter bugs 🀧
  • Motion sickness tabs – If driving to mountains πŸš—
  • Daily vitamins – Stay healthy πŸ’Š
  • Feminine hygiene – Preferred brand 🩸
  • Hand sanitizer – For museums/markets πŸ‘
  • Antibacterial wipes – Train tables, doorknobs 🧽
  • Eye drops – Dry air = dry eyes πŸ‘οΈ
  • Contact lenses/glasses – Bring spares πŸ‘“
  • Mirror – For touch-ups πŸͺž
  • Toothbrush + paste – Essentials πŸͺ₯
  • Floss – Compact and crucial 🦷
  • Deodorant – Stick or cream 🧼
  • Razor – With cover πŸͺ’
  • Nail kit – Clippers + file πŸ’…
  • Perfume – Travel size 🌸
  • Tissues – For chill winds 🧻

πŸ“± Tech & Electronics

  • Phone – Main camera, map, & planner πŸ“±
  • Tablet/laptop – For work or Netflix πŸ’»
  • Camera – Capture the Alhambra πŸ“Έ
  • Chargers – All your cords πŸ”Œ
  • Power bank – Long days = low battery πŸ”‹
  • EU adapter – Spain uses Type C/F ⚑
  • Offline apps – Maps, translator, bookings πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • SIM/eSIM – Cheap Spanish data 🌐
  • USB/cloud storage – Back up photos πŸ’Ύ
  • Headphones – For travel + downtime 🎧
  • Waterproof phone case – If you go snowy πŸ“±

🎧 Entertainment

  • Book – Spanish lit or historical fiction πŸ“š
  • Download movies – For chilly nights 🎬
  • Spotify/Podcasts – Long walks, long meals 🎢
  • Journal – Document your cultural trip πŸ““
  • Travel games – Cards or compact πŸƒ
  • Magazine – Light reading β˜•

🎁 Extras

  • Snacks – For hikes or long lines 🍫
  • Water bottle – Stay hydrated πŸ’§
  • Shopping bag – Local markets πŸ›οΈ
  • Laundry soap – Wash thermals 🧼
  • Sewing kit – Button rescue 🧡
  • Whistle – For safety in quiet areas πŸ”Š
  • Lint roller – Dark layers attract fuzz πŸ‘•
  • Travel footrest – For buses ✈️
  • Shoe deodorizer – Combat sweaty boots πŸ‘ƒ
  • Melatonin – Help with time zone 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

  • Book Alhambra early – Slots fill up fast 🎟️
  • Granada Card – Bundle transport + attractions πŸ’³
  • Layer your outfit – Temperature swings daily πŸŒžπŸŒ™
  • Watch for steep hills – Wear supportive shoes πŸ‘Ÿ
  • Try tapas – Many are free with drinks 🍷

πŸ›‚ Visa Tips

  • Spain is in the Schengen Zone πŸ›‚
  • Print hotel & return travel confirmations πŸ“„
  • Stay under 90 days unless visa obtained πŸ—“οΈ
  • Know customs limits for gifts or goods 🎁
  • Bring passport photos for backup IDs πŸ“·

⭐ Must-Haves

  • Passport – Valid for 6+ months 🌍
  • Insurance – Covers illness or delays πŸ›‘οΈ
  • Phone + SIM/eSIM – Stay online πŸ“±
  • Cash + card – Carry both πŸ’Ά
  • Plug adapter – Type C/F ⚑
  • Health kit – Cold meds, pain relievers 🧼
  • Maps or apps – Navigate easily πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • Printed confirmations – Especially Alhambra 🧾
  • Day bag – Comfy, compact πŸ‘œ
  • Reusable bottle – Stay hydrated πŸ’§

πŸ‘ Good-to-Have

  • Blanket scarf – Warm and stylish 🧣
  • Backup charger – Just in case πŸ”Œ
  • Mini steamer – Freshen wrinkled clothes 🧺
  • Extra tote – For shopping or souvenirs 🎁
  • Earplugs + eye mask – Light sleepers rejoice 😴
  • Luggage tag – Easy to spot your bag πŸ“›
Pat

Patricia Rios

I have been writing makeup and beauty content for more than ten years. My passion is to uplift you, my reader, to feel better about yourself.

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