Sierra Nevada (Pradollano) weather in December

Spain

Sierra Nevada, Spain
Photo: Charlie Jordan · Pexels

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

#4 of 12 months in Sierra Nevada · #1177 of 1383 destinations to visit in December · comfort 49/100 (tier F)

Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

Traveller notes on Sierra Nevada in December

Other months in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada's forum calls January a solid bet for skiing, with the resort's 2,100m elevation preserving snow well into spring in a good year. Regulars flag it as much colder here than the nearby Costa del Sol, and note snow chains can be required for driving when conditions turn — Andalucía has had lighter snow years recently, so it's worth checking current conditions before a trip.
Tripadvisor community · January · 2 days 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.

Other months in Sierra Nevada

Compare Sierra Nevada in December

Warmer or cooler than Sierra Nevada in December

Similar destinations in Southern EuropeDecember

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