Santiago de Compostela in December
In December, Santiago de Compostela averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (187 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Santiago de Compostela. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Santiago de Compostela
December is one of the coolest months in Santiago de Compostela (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (18°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (15°C) and cools 1°C in January (12°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Santiago de Compostela
Times shown for Santiago de Compostela local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santiago de Compostela — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Santiago de Compostela's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santiago de Compostela in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Santiago de Compostela's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Santiago de Compostela
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Santiago de Compostela in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 53°F | 5°C / 41°F | 177 mm | 15 | — |
| February | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 141 mm | 14 | — |
| March | 14°C / 58°F | 6°C / 43°F | 133 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 17°C / 62°F | 8°C / 46°F | 111 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 20°C / 67°F | 10°C / 50°F | 79 mm | 11 | — |
| June | 22°C / 71°F | 13°C / 55°F | 78 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 26 mm | 6 | — |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 40 mm | 7 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 56°F | 65 mm | 9 | — |
| October | 20°C / 67°F | 11°C / 52°F | 176 mm | 14 | — |
| November | 15°C / 58°F | 8°C / 46°F | 176 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 187 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santiago de Compostela in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santiago de Compostela in December?
In December, Santiago de Compostela averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Santiago de Compostela in December?
December is quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela, with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Santiago de Compostela?
December is cool but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Santiago de Compostela in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Santiago de Compostela for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.