Spain in December is a patchwork of climates — snowy sierras, sunny coastlines, and festive cities. Whether you’re hitting Madrid’s markets, Gaudí’s Barcelona, or exploring Andalusia’s warmth, one suitcase must handle it all.
Mornings are crisp, afternoons sunny, and evenings chilly. Smart layering is key. Bring mix-and-match outfits that feel stylish but keep you warm, and be rain-ready — especially in the north.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Spain 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 🌦️
- 🌡️ Madrid: 4–12°C (39–54°F), cold and dry
- 🌤️ Barcelona: 8–16°C (46–61°F), mild with sea breeze
- 🌧️ Seville: 9–17°C (48–63°F), with light rain possible
- ❄️ Sierra Nevada: -2–8°C (28–46°F), snow at higher altitudes
What to Pack for Spain 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.
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.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Rolling suitcase – Durable wheels for cobblestones
- 🎒 Daypack – Use for day trips or train rides
- 🧼 Packing cubes – Keep warm vs. light layers organized
- 👟 Shoe bags – Especially for muddy boots
- 🧴 Toiletry bag – TSA-compliant for carry-on
- 📁 Travel wallet – Secure and slim
- 👜 Tote bag – For beach towns or groceries
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Odor-proof is best
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Helpful for budget airlines
- 🔒 Lock – Train and hostel friendly
- 🪙 Pouch – For coins on local transit
- 🛁 Towel – If heading to hostels or thermal baths
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – For long rail journeys
- 😴 Sleep mask – Spanish nightlife = late noise
👗 Clothes
- 👕 Long-sleeve shirts (3–4) – Base for all weather zones
- 🧥 Sweaters (2–3) – Wool or fleece
- 🧥 Medium coat – Down or wool for Madrid
- 🧥 Rain jacket or umbrella – Barcelona and the north
- 👖 Jeans/trousers (2–3) – Dress up or down
- 🧦 Leggings – Layer under dresses or hike-ready
- 👗 Dress/skirt (1–2) – Style with tights
- 🛌 Pajamas – Warm and soft for tiled floors
- 👙 Swimsuit – Spa hotels or thermal areas
- 🩲 Underwear (7+) – Mix of cotton and seamless
- 👙 Bras (2–3) – Comfortable yet supportive
- 🧦 Wool socks (5–7 pairs) – Toasty toes
- 🧦 Tights (1–2) – For city style
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cleanser – Mild and winter-friendly
- 💧 Toner – Refreshes dry skin
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Add SPF if exploring midday
- 🌞 Sunscreen – Needed in southern Spain
- 🧽 Micellar water – Travel cleansing staple
- 🧼 Gentle exfoliator – Use sparingly
- 👁️ Eye cream – For air travel fatigue
- 💦 Hydration mist – Use during dry travel days
- 😴 Sheet masks – For hotel wind-downs
- 💋 Lip balm – Wind defense
- 🔴 Spot treatment – For stress acne
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Foundation – Natural finish
- 🖌️ Concealer – Brightens eyes or covers redness
- 🧽 Pressed powder – Set and forget
- 🌸 Cream blush – Adds glow in dry weather
- ✨ Highlighter – Subtle and shimmery
- 🌞 Bronzer – Optional but flattering
- 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Soft brown or bronze
- ✏️ Eyeliner – Waterproof preferred
- 👁️ Mascara – Lengthens lashes in selfies
- 🧴 Brow gel – Quick groom fix
- 💋 Lip tint – Color + moisture
- 💨 Setting spray – Fix makeup during long walks
- 🖌️ Mini brushes – For compact application
💇 Hair Care
- 🪮 Foldable comb – Anti-static in winter
- 🪢 Hair ties / clips – For windier towns
- 🧴 Shampoo + conditioner – Travel-friendly bottles
- 💨 Dry shampoo – Revive between washes
- 🔥 Heat protectant – For styling in dry climates
- 💇 Styling cream or serum – Adds shine
- 💨 Mini dryer – Most hotels provide one
- 💇 Straightener/curling iron – Dual voltage
- 💧 Frizz control – Especially for coastal towns
- 🎀 Hair accessories – Add style variety
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Sneakers – Good grip for tiled streets
- 👢 Boots – Ankle or Chelsea style for smart looks
- 🥿 Flats – For Barcelona evenings
- 🧤 Gloves – Light pair for chilly mornings
- 🧣 Scarf – Stylish and practical
- 🎩 Beanie – Optional but cozy
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Spanish sun is bright even in winter
- 💍 Simple jewelry – Keep it subtle
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Anti-theft ideal in cities
- ☔ Small umbrella – Sudden showers happen
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + digital/printed copy
- 📄 Visa (if required) – Spain is in the Schengen zone
- 🧾 Travel insurance proof
- 🎟️ Reservations and boarding passes
- 📆 Trip itinerary
- 💳 Debit/credit cards and euros
- 📱 Emergency contacts saved offline
- 🗺️ Offline map app
- 🖊️ Pen for customs forms
- 👛 Travel wallet – Keep everything tidy
- 💎 Valuables – In carry-on only
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister bandaids – From long walks
- 🧻 Alcohol wipes
- 🩼 Gauze and tape
- 📏 Mini thermometer
- ✂️ Nail scissors – Checked bag only
- 🪥 Cotton pads/swabs
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds
- 💊 Painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- 🌸 Allergy meds
- 🌊 Anti-nausea meds (if road tripping)
- 💊 Daily vitamins
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene products
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer
- 🧻 Wet wipes
- 👁️ Eye drops
- 👓 Glasses + contacts
- 🪞 Travel mirror
- 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste
- 🧵 Floss picks
- 🧼 Deodorant
- 🪒 Razor
- 💅 Nail kit
- 🌸 Perfume rollerball
- 🤧 Pocket tissues
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – Unlocked
- 💻 Laptop or tablet (optional)
- 📷 Camera – Spain is super photogenic
- 🔌 Chargers for all devices
- 🔋 Power bank
- 📎 Cable organizer
- 🌍 Plug adapter (Type F or C)
- 💽 Cloud backup or extra SD card
- 🗺️ Offline apps: maps, metro, translator
- 📶 eSIM or SIM card – Cheaper data
- 📖 Kindle or e-reader
- 🎧 Earbuds or headphones
- 📱 Waterproof phone case (if near coast)
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Reading – Long train rides = book time
- 📺 Downloaded shows
- 🎙️ Podcast playlist
- 📓 Journal/sketchpad
- 🎲 Travel cards or games
- 📰 Travel magazines
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – For museums or buses
- 💧 Refillable bottle – Tap water safe
- 🛍️ Shopping tote – Eco-friendly and handy
- 🧴 Laundry detergent sheets
- 🧵 Sewing kit
- 📯 Safety whistle
- 🧽 Lint roller
- 🦶 Foot sling – Flight or train rest
- 👃 Odor spray – For shoes or laundry
- 🌙 Sleep aid – For jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📏 Check airline size/weight rules
- 📲 Download transport + translation apps
- 👕 Pack one outfit in carry-on
- 📸 Photograph luggage for reference
- 🏦 Alert your bank to travel
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🕐 Check if your passport needs a visa
- 🖨️ Print all confirmations
- 📸 Bring ID photos
- 🛫 Proof of onward/return travel
- 🚫 Check import/customs rules
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport + visa
- 🧾 Insurance documents
- 📱 Phone + backup battery
- 💳 Credit cards + cash
- 🧴 Medications + hygiene
- 🗺️ Offline maps
- 🎟️ Transport + booking confirmations
- 🎒 Day bag
- 💧 Water bottle
👍 Good-to-Have
- 🧺 Travel steamer
- 😴 Sleep mask + ear plugs
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🧣 Extra scarf
- ☔ Extra umbrella
- 📶 Spanish eSIM
- 🛍️ Foldable bag for shopping
