Valencia in Winter: Weather, Things to Do & What to Wear

Wondering if you should visit Valencia in winter? Valencia is a fantastic winter destination and a great choice if you want to enjoy some winter sun. When visiting Valencia in winter, you can shed several layers of clothing, enjoy the city in a completely different light, and mingle with the locals.

Valencia is one of the southernmost cities in Europe and has some of the mildest winters on the continent. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about spending winter in Valencia, from weather and packing tips to what to do and what to eat in Valencia in winter.

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Why visit Valencia in winter

Valencia is a wonderful destination year-round. Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider visiting Valencia in winter.

1. Nice weather

Winters in Valencia tend to be mild and pleasant. This, of course, doesn’t mean T-shirt weather. But compared to most European destinations, Valencia has great weather. Winter temperatures in Valencia remain in the two digits during the day. During the night, it rarely gets close to freezing. Another important thing is that it doesn’t rain much either.

2. Lower prices

Except for Christmas, winter in Valencia is considered off-season. From flights to accommodation, everything tends to be cheaper. This means you might be able to stretch your budget and book a nice boutique hotel or even one of these luxury hotels for a truly memorable experience. Curiously enough, prices for certain seasonal food items also go down. For example, cocktail prices in Valencia tend to see a decline in winter.

3. Fewer crowds

Although fewer people visit Valencia during the winter months, the city does not come to a halt. Locals enjoy going out before and during the holidays. You will find them catching up with old friends and at company-sponsored dinners. Families get together around café and restaurant tables. And the city center and shopping malls are packed, especially on weekends. Everybody gets into a Christmas shopping frenzy come Black Friday! But the city becomes quieter after January 6th.

Weather in Valencia in winter

Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters. This makes Valencia a nice place to spend the winter months.

Temperatures during the day stay between 10ºC and 20ºC (50ºF and 68ºF), but maximum temperatures can be even higher. During the night, temperatures are either in the low two digits or one digit.

As a general rule of thumb, temperatures in Valencia never get below zero.

Due to the proximity to the sea, winters in Valencia can be windy and humid during the winter months. This can feel uncomfortable. Luckily, this is not a daily occurrence and for the most part, you can enjoy beautiful blue skies and pleasant winter sun.

Winters in Valencia are usually dry, with the city claiming more than 300 sunny days per year. This means that you can easily enjoy Valencia for weeks without getting out your umbrella.

Yet, if you happen to visit during a storm, it’s good to know that in Valencia, when it rains it pours and storms can last for days on end.

What to do in Valencia in winter

• Go to the spa or hammam (or stay in a hotel with a spa)
• See a concert at Palau de la Música
• Go to a candlelight concert 
• See a musical or ballet at Olympia Theater
• Catch an opera at Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofía
• Visit the Fine Arts Museum
• Bike around the city
• Visit San Nicolas church 
• See a flamenco show 
• Go on an old town tour
• Dive into the Christmas spirit 
• Show your talents on the ice rink
• Enjoy the sun
• Have a drink in a cozy bar
• Do some Christmas shopping
• Go to the Fun Fair or circus 
• Catch a winter sunset
• Take a paella cooking class
• Visit the San José caves

What to eat in Valencia in winter

Roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob: Come winter, you can find street vendors selling roasted chestnuts and grilled corn on the cob. They are all around the city center and close to major attractions such as the City of Arts and Sciences.

Chocolate and churros: Decadent churros and thick hot chocolate are what winter mornings in Valencia are made of. But there’s really no such thing as bad timing when it comes to enjoying this delicious snack.

Local wine: Winter is a wonderful time to go wine tasting in Valencia and even visit some of the nearby wineries. Valencia has its own appellation. Plus the nearby Utiel-Requena wine region is the oldest in Spain. I highly recommend this tapas and wine tour in the Old Town and this Utiel-Requena wine country tour.

Turrónes, mantecados, and marzipans: Some of the most anticipated Christmas sweets in Valencia, turrónes, mantecados, and marzipans start appearing on supermarkets’ shelves and in specialist shops as early as October.

Candied almonds and nuts: Nothing beats the delightful aroma of candied almonds, even more so if infused with spices, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Once the temperatures start dropping, you’ll find all kinds of candied nuts and seeds sold by street vendors, in specialist shops, and at Christmas markets across Valencia.

Oranges and orange juice: Among the things Valencia is most famous for are the sweet and juicy oranges cultivated in the region. Luckily, if you’re visiting Valencia during the winter months, you’ll land right in the middle of the orange harvest season.

Arroz al horno: This baked rice dish made with pork ribs, bacon, and blood sausage is as heartwarming as it is delicious. It’s a typical winter dish from the Valencia region, and during the colder months, you’ll find it on restaurant menus all around the city. See what else to eat in Valencia.

What to pack when visiting Valencia in winter

When preparing for a winter trip to Valencia, the first thing you should pack is warm clothes. This is easily overlooked. Many people assume that just because temperatures during the day can reach 20ºC, it’s warm. That’s not always the case.

The highest temperatures are reached in the early afternoon, between 1 pm and 3 pm. But mornings can be chilly – the lowest temperatures are reached around 6 am.

Evenings can also get a bit cold, so it’s good to take this into account if you plan to stay up late. This means packing a jacket and a scarf.

Locals wear light puffer and biker jackets on warmer days and switch to parkas and coats when temperatures drop. Ankle boots are also quite common, even if they are often more a fashion statement than a necessity.

If you plan to spend the whole winter in Valencia or if the weather forecast predicts rainy conditions for your visit, consider packing a jacket that is both windproof and waterproof.

If you’re staying in an apartment rental, look for one with central heating. Central heating is fairly uncommon in Valencia. Combined with poor insulation, this means temperatures indoors can match the ones outdoors.

Central heating or not, it’s best to pack some warm PJs and loungewear to wear around the apartment, just in case. Many apartments in Valencia have tile flooring and no carpets. So packing warm slippers can come in handy as well.

Apart from this, you should also pack an umbrella, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle with a filter.

Tap water in Valencia is safe to drink, but it doesn’t have a pleasant taste. If you like to have a reusable water bottle with you at all times, make sure it has a filter so you don’t end up buying bottled water sold in plastic from the supermarket.

Last but not least, if you’re traveling from a country outside of the EU, check if you need to pack a converter and/or adapter for all your electronics.

What to pack for winter in Valencia:

• Jacket/coat
• Scarf
• Ankle boots
• Warm PJs and loungewear
• Warm slippers
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle with a filter
• Converter and/or adapter for your electronics

Frequently asked questions about winter in Valencia

Is Valencia worth visiting in winter?

Yes, Valencia is definitely worth visiting in winter. While restaurants, tapas bars, and cafés remain busy in winter, most tourist attractions are not busy at all. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Additionally, even during the winter months, it’s possible to enjoy leisurely strolls along Valencia’s beautiful beaches. On warm sunny days, this can be a truly exceptional experience.

What is Valencia like at Christmas?

In the weeks before Christmas, many streets and buildings throughout Valencia are adorned with twinkling Christmas lights. Wonderful displays of nativity scenes pop up around the city and there are many Christmas treats to be enjoyed. While Valencia is not big on Christmas markets, it does have several small ones where you can buy all kinds of locally produced, handmade goods. Read more about Christmas in Valencia.

Does it snow in Valencia in winter?

No! Since temperatures don’t get below freezing, it almost never snows in Valencia. In fact, snow has settled in Valencia on just three occasions since 1856, the year when meteorological data started being officially recorded. The last time the streets of Valencia were covered in a snow blanket was on January 11, 1960. At the beginning of February 2015, a few snowflakes fell, most of them melting before reaching the ground.

How cold does it get in Valencia in winter?

Winter temperatures in Valencia can approach freezing levels, but they rarely reach 0ºC (32ºF). Nonetheless, the perceived temperature can be several degrees lower than the thermometers indicate. This is particularly noticeable on windy days when cold winds from the east or north can create a chillier sensation.

Is Valencia nice in January?

Valencia is very nice to visit in January. Winter holidays in Valencia last until January 6th culminating with a dazzling parade on January 5th. The Cavalcade of the Magi is one of the best celebrations in Valencia. After that, things slow down, but January sees plenty of sunny days. This means you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee on a terrace throughout the day. Read more about visiting Valencia in January.

Is Valencia warm in February?

The first half of February tends to be colder than the second half. During the second half of February, temperatures start to climb slowly. A light jacket is usually all you need on the last days of February. March is already considered spring in Valencia, with some days bringing T-shirt weather. Read more about visiting Valencia in February.