Sierra Nevada (Pradollano) weather in December

December in Sierra Nevada: cold, a little rain, with clean air — a hit-or-miss time to visit.

Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

Sierra Nevada🇪🇸 Spain · Andalusia & the Algarve · Ski49
  1. 59Jan
  2. 54Feb
  3. 51Mar
  4. 37Apr
  5. 23May
  6. 15Jun
  7. 17Jul
  8. 16Aug
  9. 13Sep
  10. 21Oct
  11. 40Nov
  12. 49Dec

#4 of 12 months in Sierra Nevada · #1202 of 1413 destinations to visit in December · comfort 49/100 (tier F)

Days
8°C
Nights
0°C
Wet days
7
Sun
7.7 h
Humidity
71%
Daylight
10 h
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Photo: Charlie Jordan · Pexels

Traveller notes on Sierra Nevada in December

Other months in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada-forum threads on an April visit describe the season as genuinely running to the last Sunday of the month, posters naming a recent year's close around the twenty-sixth as standard for the resort. Regulars call snow genuinely slushy by mid-April, several posters naming this the expected shift even as the resort stays open through the end of the month. Posters call April genuinely still a solid time to ski here despite softer conditions, several regulars naming this a real reason not to write off the month entirely. Regulars call the season's exact length genuinely dependent on February through April snowfall, several threads naming this the reason closing can extend or stay on schedule depending on the winter. Posters recommend checking current snow conditions before an April trip, several regulars calling this standard given how much late-season conditions vary year to year. The record: 11.6C days, 2C nights, 69.2mm across over 10 days and 64 percent humidity.
SierraNevadaAprilRegular · April · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
Sierra Nevada-forum threads on October hiking call this a genuinely strong month overall, posters describing conditions as favorable for birdwatching, climbing, wildflowers and general exploration across the wider protected area. Regulars call the High Alpujarras, including villages like Pampaneira, Capileira and Trevelez, real standouts for anyone combining a hike with local culture and crafts. Posters recommend buses from the Granada bus station for day trips, both guided tours and self-drive car rental mentioned as realistic October options. Regulars call early to mid-October a real sweet spot specifically, several posters asking about this exact window for public transport access. Posters recommend real layers regardless of how mild Granada feels below, elevation here delivering a considerably different October climate. The record: 16C days feeling like 15C, 6.6C nights, 62.8mm across nearly 8 days and 47 percent humidity.
SierraNevadaOctoberRegular · October · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
Sierra Nevada-forum threads on a June visit describe higher elevations as still capable of holding real white cover late in the month, posters calling this a genuine holdover most years rather than anything unusual. Regulars call the area easily reached by public transport from Granada, a real option for anyone without a car. Posters recommend checking current shuttle bus schedules directly, service here running seasonally rather than year-round. Regulars call the High Alpujarras on the southern slopes a genuinely different, greener experience compared with the exposed high peaks. Posters recommend real layers regardless of how warm Granada feels below, the elevation here delivering a considerably different climate. Regulars call June a strong window overall for anyone wanting real mountain scenery without full winter conditions. The record: 21.8C days feeling like 21C, 10.6C nights, 21.1mm across nearly 4 days and 45 percent humidity.
SierraNevadaJuneRegular · June · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
Sierra Nevada-forum threads on a March visit call this Europe's most southerly ski resort and among its longest seasons, typically running late November into early May. Posters describe March as genuinely dynamic weather-wise, mild temperatures paired with one of the more precipitation-prone stretches of the season. Regulars call the range from calm and comfortable to properly cold and snowy all plausible within the same week, real flexibility standing advice for anyone planning a specific date. Posters describe late-March conditions as often icy in the morning, softening to genuine slush by afternoon. Regulars call access via Pradollano genuinely easy, well-maintained roads and regular buses running the roughly thirty kilometers from Granada. Posters recommend checking a current forecast rather than the mild Andalucian reputation. The record: 8.9C days feeling like 6C, -0.4C nights, a notably high 126.5mm across over 13 days and 67 percent humidity.
SierraNevadaMarchRegular · March · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗

Add your own note from Sierra Nevada's card on the map.

Sierra Nevada climate normals — December

Daytime high8°C / 46°F🧥 cold
Nighttime low0°C / 31°F
Feels like (high)5°C / 41°F
Rainfall63 mm / 2.5 in🌦 some rain
Rainy days7 days
Humidity71%💧 humid
Dew point-2°C / 28°F
Sunshine7.7 h/day
Daylight9.7 h
Wind9 km/h / 6 mph
Snowfall1.6 cm / 0.6 in
Air quality (US AQI)28🍃 good

Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.

Crowds in Sierra Nevada in December

How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.

BusyChristmas holidays in Spain, school holidays in 6 of the markets that fill it(estimated)

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Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet

Best months for Sierra Nevada's weather

Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).

Fair weatherSierra Nevada's weather peaks January–March.

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Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather

What's on in Sierra Nevada in December

Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.

  • Season

    Ski season

    25 Nov – 30 Apr · usually

    Europe's most southerly resort usually opens at the end of November and runs to late April, three weeks past the Pyrenean resorts. Almost everything is above 2,100 m, which is why.

What's on around the world in December →

Nearby, and something's on

Within 300 km of Sierra Nevada — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.

Where is Sierra Nevada?

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Sierra Nevada in December — FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Sierra Nevada?
December in Sierra Nevada: cold, a little rain, with clean air — a hit-or-miss time to visit. It ranks #4 of 12 months for Sierra Nevada on SeasonMap's comfort score (49/100).
What is the weather like in Sierra Nevada in December?
In December, Sierra Nevada averages a daily high of 8°C and a low of -0.5°C, with about 63 mm of rain over roughly 7.2 rainy days.
What is the air quality in Sierra Nevada in December?
Sierra Nevada has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 28 in December.
Does it snow in Sierra Nevada in December?
Sierra Nevada sees roughly 1.6 cm of snowfall in December.

Within 300 km: Granada's Olive harvest around 15 Nov – 10 Feb, and Málaga's Calle Larios lights on 25 Nov – 6 Jan.