Things to Do in Cadiz in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Cadiz
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures between 11-17°C (51-62°F) make December perfect for extended walking tours through the old town without the exhausting summer heat that hits 35°C (95°F) - you can comfortably explore for 4-5 hours without needing constant shade breaks
- December sits right at the beginning of Carnival season preparation, meaning you'll catch rehearsals and murga groups practicing in plazas around 8-10pm most evenings - locals are out socializing more than in quieter months, and the energy builds toward the February celebrations
- Atlantic seafood is at its peak in winter months, particularly prawns and cuttlefish from local boats - the fish markets along Calle Sagasta have the year's best selection, and restaurant prices for daily catch typically run 15-20% lower than summer tourist season
- Crowd levels drop significantly after the first week of December once the Puente de la Constitución holiday ends - major sites like the Cathedral and Torre Tavira rarely have waits longer than 10 minutes, versus 45-60 minute queues in July and August
Considerations
- December averages 10 rainy days with 76 mm (3.0 inches) total rainfall, and Atlantic storms can be unpredictable - when they hit, wind speeds off the ocean reach 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph), making beach time and boat trips to places like Sancti Petri completely unworkable for 2-3 days at a stretch
- Daylight ends around 6:15pm in early December, which cuts into evening exploration time - if you're planning to photograph the sunset from La Caleta beach or walk the sea walls, you'll need to finish dinner plans by 5pm to catch the light
- Many beach chiringuitos and seasonal restaurants close entirely from mid-December through early January for staff holidays - your dining options shrink by about 30%, particularly along Playa de la Victoria where summer spots go dark
Best Activities in December
Old Town Walking Routes
December's mild temperatures make this the ideal month for covering the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) of walking needed to properly explore Barrio del Pópulo and the cathedral quarter. Start around 10am when morning light hits the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, and you'll avoid both the limited winter crowds and the midday wind that picks up around 2pm. The 70% humidity feels comfortable rather than oppressive at these temperatures, unlike summer when the same humidity at 32°C (90°F) makes walking miserable. Focus on the ramparts walk along Campo del Sur - the Atlantic views are dramatic in winter light, and you'll actually have space to stop and photograph without tourists blocking every angle.
Sherry Triangle Day Trips
December is actually peak season for visiting bodegas in Jerez, El Puerto de Santa María, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda - the grape harvest finished in September, fermentation is complete, and cellar masters have time for proper tours before spring bottling begins. The 25-30 km (15.5-18.6 miles) drive to Jerez takes 30 minutes, and December weather is perfect for walking between bodegas without overheating. Most bodegas offer 90-minute tours with tastings for 12-20 euros. The Tío Pepe and Sandeman facilities in Jerez run English tours at 11am, 1pm, and 4pm daily except Sundays. Pair this with lunch at one of the tabanco bars where locals drink manzanilla straight from the barrel.
Mercado Central and Tapas Routes
The central market operates year-round, but December brings the best selection of winter seafood and seasonal produce. Get there by 10am when vendors are still setting up and locals are doing their daily shopping - this is when you'll see whole cuttlefish, fresh prawns from Sancti Petri boats, and winter vegetables like alcachofas (artichokes) at their peak. The market itself is free to walk through, and you can buy items to take away. Afterward, hit the tapas bars in the surrounding streets where locals eat standing at the bar - expect to pay 2.50-4 euros per tapa, and three tapas plus a drink makes a solid lunch for 12-15 euros. December means fewer tourists crowding the bar space, so you'll actually get served within 5 minutes rather than waiting 20.
La Caleta Beach and Coastal Walks
While swimming is questionable in December with water temperatures around 16-17°C (61-63°F), La Caleta beach and the coastal promenades offer the best winter walking in the city. The small beach sits protected between two castles, and December's lower UV index of 8 still requires SPF 30+ for extended time outside, but you won't get the brutal summer sun that makes midday beach time unbearable. Walk the Alameda Apodaca gardens along the waterfront around 4pm to catch sunset light, then continue to the Genovés Park. Total distance runs about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) one way. When Atlantic storms roll in, this walk becomes dramatic with waves crashing over the sea walls - just stay back 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) from the edge.
Roman Theatre and Archaeological Sites
December's mild weather makes this perfect for the indoor-outdoor combination of visiting the Teatro Romano and the archaeological museum. The Roman theatre, discovered in 1980, sits partially underground in the old town and takes about 45 minutes to explore properly. Entry costs 3 euros, and December sees minimal crowds - you'll often have sections to yourself. Combine this with the Museo de Cádiz (1.50 euros entry, free for EU citizens) which houses Phoenician artifacts and Roman statuary. Both sites provide excellent rainy day backup options when December's 10 wet days hit, and the museum's climate control makes it comfortable regardless of outside conditions.
White Villages Day Excursions
December offers ideal conditions for visiting the pueblos blancos in the nearby Sierra de Grazalema, about 90 km (56 miles) inland. Villages like Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema, and Zahara de la Sierra sit at 400-600 m (1,312-1,969 ft) elevation, and December temperatures there run 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than coastal Cadiz. The mountain scenery is green after autumn rains, and visibility is excellent on clear days. These trips require either a rental car or organized tours. The driving takes 90-120 minutes each way, and you'll want a full day to visit 2-3 villages properly. Roads are winding but well-maintained, though watch for fog in mountain passes during December mornings.
December Events & Festivals
Puente de la Constitución and Immaculate Conception
December 6 and 8 are national holidays in Spain (Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception), and when they fall near a weekend, the whole country takes a long weekend called a puente. In 2026, December 6 falls on Sunday and December 8 on Tuesday, creating a potential 3-4 day weekend for Spanish tourists. Expect higher hotel prices and fuller restaurants during December 5-9, then a significant drop in crowds afterward. Many shops and some restaurants close on the actual holiday dates, though tourist-oriented places stay open.
Christmas Market and Holiday Decorations
The Plaza de San Antonio hosts a traditional Christmas market from mid-December through early January, selling nativity figures, decorations, and seasonal foods. It's smaller than markets in northern Spain but worth a 30-minute browse if you're in the area. The old town gets decorated with lights around December 15, and the display along Calle Ancha and Plaza de San Juan de Dios stays up through Three Kings Day on January 6. Evening strolls around 7-8pm show the lights at their best, and locals gather in the plazas with takeaway drinks from nearby bars.