Spain in December is a patchwork of climates โ snowy sierras, sunny coastlines, and festive cities. Whether youโre hitting Madridโs markets, Gaudรญ’s Barcelona, or exploring Andalusiaโs 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 โ especially in the north.
๐ 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 ๐ฆ๏ธ
- ๐ก๏ธ Madrid: 4โ12ยฐC (39โ54ยฐF), cold and dry
- ๐ค๏ธ Barcelona: 8โ16ยฐC (46โ61ยฐF), mild with sea breeze
- ๐ง๏ธ Seville: 9โ17ยฐC (48โ63ยฐF), with light rain possible
- โ๏ธ Sierra Nevada: -2โ8ยฐC (28โ46ยฐF), snow at higher altitudes
What to Pack for Spain in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereโs 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
๐งณ 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
- ๐งณ Rolling suitcase โ Durable wheels for cobblestones
- ๐ Daypack โ Use for day trips or train rides
- ๐งผ Packing cubes โ Keep warm vs. light layers organized
- ๐ Shoe bags โ Especially for muddy boots
- ๐งด Toiletry bag โ TSA-compliant for carry-on
- ๐ Travel wallet โ Secure and slim
- ๐ Tote bag โ For beach towns or groceries
- ๐งบ Laundry bag โ Odor-proof is best
- โ๏ธ Luggage scale โ Helpful for budget airlines
- ๐ Lock โ Train and hostel friendly
- ๐ช Pouch โ For coins on local transit
- ๐ Towel โ If heading to hostels or thermal baths
- ๐๏ธ Neck pillow โ For long rail journeys
- ๐ด Sleep mask โ Spanish nightlife = late noise
๐ Clothes
- ๐ Long-sleeve shirts (3โ4) โ Base for all weather zones
- ๐งฅ Sweaters (2โ3) โ Wool or fleece
- ๐งฅ Medium coat โ Down or wool for Madrid
- ๐งฅ Rain jacket or umbrella โ Barcelona and the north
- ๐ Jeans/trousers (2โ3) โ Dress up or down
- ๐งฆ Leggings โ Layer under dresses or hike-ready
- ๐ Dress/skirt (1โ2) โ Style with tights
- ๐ Pajamas โ Warm and soft for tiled floors
- ๐ Swimsuit โ Spa hotels or thermal areas
- ๐ฉฒ Underwear (7+) โ Mix of cotton and seamless
- ๐ Bras (2โ3) โ Comfortable yet supportive
- ๐งฆ Wool socks (5โ7 pairs) โ Toasty toes
- ๐งฆ Tights (1โ2) โ For city style
๐ Skincare
- ๐งผ Cleanser โ Mild and winter-friendly
- ๐ง Toner โ Refreshes dry skin
- ๐งด Moisturizer โ Add SPF if exploring midday
- ๐ Sunscreen โ Needed in southern Spain
- ๐งฝ Micellar water โ Travel cleansing staple
- ๐งผ Gentle exfoliator โ Use sparingly
- ๐๏ธ Eye cream โ For air travel fatigue
- ๐ฆ Hydration mist โ Use during dry travel days
- ๐ด Sheet masks โ For hotel wind-downs
- ๐ Lip balm โ Wind defense
- ๐ด Spot treatment โ For stress acne
๐ Makeup
- ๐ Foundation โ Natural finish
- ๐๏ธ Concealer โ Brightens eyes or covers redness
- ๐งฝ Pressed powder โ Set and forget
- ๐ธ Cream blush โ Adds glow in dry weather
- โจ Highlighter โ Subtle and shimmery
- ๐ Bronzer โ Optional but flattering
- ๐จ Eyeshadow palette โ Soft brown or bronze
- โ๏ธ Eyeliner โ Waterproof preferred
- ๐๏ธ Mascara โ Lengthens lashes in selfies
- ๐งด Brow gel โ Quick groom fix
- ๐ Lip tint โ Color + moisture
- ๐จ Setting spray โ Fix makeup during long walks
- ๐๏ธ Mini brushes โ For compact application
๐ Hair Care
- ๐ชฎ Foldable comb โ Anti-static in winter
- ๐ชข Hair ties / clips โ For windier towns
- ๐งด Shampoo + conditioner โ Travel-friendly bottles
- ๐จ Dry shampoo โ Revive between washes
- ๐ฅ Heat protectant โ For styling in dry climates
- ๐ Styling cream or serum โ Adds shine
- ๐จ Mini dryer โ Most hotels provide one
- ๐ Straightener/curling iron โ Dual voltage
- ๐ง Frizz control โ Especially for coastal towns
- ๐ Hair accessories โ Add style variety
๐ Shoes & Accessories
- ๐ Sneakers โ Good grip for tiled streets
- ๐ข Boots โ Ankle or Chelsea style for smart looks
- ๐ฅฟ Flats โ For Barcelona evenings
- ๐งค Gloves โ Light pair for chilly mornings
- ๐งฃ Scarf โ Stylish and practical
- ๐ฉ Beanie โ Optional but cozy
- ๐ถ๏ธ Sunglasses โ Spanish sun is bright even in winter
- ๐ Simple jewelry โ Keep it subtle
- ๐ Crossbody bag โ Anti-theft ideal in cities
- โ Small umbrella โ Sudden showers happen
๐ Documents & Essentials
- ๐ Passport + digital/printed copy
- ๐ Visa (if required) โ Spain is in the Schengen zone
- ๐งพ Travel insurance proof
- ๐๏ธ Reservations and boarding passes
- ๐ Trip itinerary
- ๐ณ Debit/credit cards and euros
- ๐ฑ Emergency contacts saved offline
- ๐บ๏ธ Offline map app
- ๐๏ธ Pen for customs forms
- ๐ Travel wallet โ Keep everything tidy
- ๐ Valuables โ In carry-on only
๐ First Aid
- ๐ฉน Blister bandaids โ From long walks
- ๐งป Alcohol wipes
- ๐ฉผ Gauze and tape
- ๐ Mini thermometer
- โ๏ธ Nail scissors โ Checked bag only
- ๐ชฅ Cotton pads/swabs
๐งผ Health & Hygiene
- ๐ Prescription meds
- ๐ Painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- ๐ธ Allergy meds
- ๐ Anti-nausea meds (if road tripping)
- ๐ Daily vitamins
- ๐ฉธ Feminine hygiene products
- ๐งด Hand sanitizer
- ๐งป Wet wipes
- ๐๏ธ Eye drops
- ๐ Glasses + contacts
- ๐ช Travel mirror
- ๐ชฅ Toothbrush + toothpaste
- ๐งต Floss picks
- ๐งผ Deodorant
- ๐ช Razor
- ๐ Nail kit
- ๐ธ Perfume rollerball
- ๐คง Pocket tissues
๐ฑ Tech & Electronics
- ๐ฑ Smartphone โ Unlocked
- ๐ป Laptop or tablet (optional)
- ๐ท Camera โ Spain is super photogenic
- ๐ Chargers for all devices
- ๐ Power bank
- ๐ Cable organizer
- ๐ Plug adapter (Type F or C)
- ๐ฝ Cloud backup or extra SD card
- ๐บ๏ธ Offline apps: maps, metro, translator
- ๐ถ eSIM or SIM card โ Cheaper data
- ๐ Kindle or e-reader
- ๐ง Earbuds or headphones
- ๐ฑ Waterproof phone case (if near coast)
๐ง Entertainment
- ๐ Reading โ Long train rides = book time
- ๐บ Downloaded shows
- ๐๏ธ Podcast playlist
- ๐ Journal/sketchpad
- ๐ฒ Travel cards or games
- ๐ฐ Travel magazines
๐ Extras
- ๐ซ Snacks โ For museums or buses
- ๐ง Refillable bottle โ Tap water safe
- ๐๏ธ Shopping tote โ Eco-friendly and handy
- ๐งด Laundry detergent sheets
- ๐งต Sewing kit
- ๐ฏ Safety whistle
- ๐งฝ Lint roller
- ๐ฆถ Foot sling โ Flight or train rest
- ๐ Odor spray โ For shoes or laundry
- ๐ Sleep aid โ For jet lag
๐ Travel Tips
- ๐ Check airline size/weight rules
- ๐ฒ Download transport + translation apps
- ๐ Pack one outfit in carry-on
- ๐ธ Photograph luggage for reference
- ๐ฆ Alert your bank to travel
๐ Visa Tips
- ๐ Check if your passport needs a visa
- ๐จ๏ธ Print all confirmations
- ๐ธ Bring ID photos
- ๐ซ Proof of onward/return travel
- ๐ซ Check import/customs rules
โญ Must-Haves
- ๐ Passport + visa
- ๐งพ Insurance documents
- ๐ฑ Phone + backup battery
- ๐ณ Credit cards + cash
- ๐งด Medications + hygiene
- ๐บ๏ธ Offline maps
- ๐๏ธ Transport + booking confirmations
- ๐ Day bag
- ๐ง Water bottle
๐ Good-to-Have
- ๐งบ Travel steamer
- ๐ด Sleep mask + ear plugs
- ๐ง Headphones
- ๐งฃ Extra scarf
- โ Extra umbrella
- ๐ถ Spanish eSIM
- ๐๏ธ Foldable bag for shopping
