If you’re considering visiting Valencia in winter, you’re up for a fabulous experience! The sunny coastal city boasts a lovely, warm winter with over 300 days of sun yearly.
It has been a popular winter retreat for decades and expats, nomads, and holiday-makers alike enjoy the low prices and fewer crowds that the winter months bring.
Read on to uncover all the best things to do in Valencia in winter and exactly what to expect.
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Valencia winter weather
Average winter temperatures in Valencia range between 5º Celsius at nighttime to 17º Celsius in the daytime. But with the warm Mediterranean sun shining over 300 days a year, you can easily get days with over 20º where you can stroll around in a t-shirt.
But when days are like that, be cautious in the shade and in the evenings, because the temperature differences are huge and you can easily get sick if you don’t layer up properly. Clothes that are easy to take on and off as you need to change are essential in winter in Valencia Spain.
I also recommend bringing an umbrella, as you might encounter a day or two of rain.
But does it snow in Valencia Spain? Not really, though it has happened. Being on the coast, the city has a mild climate and the last time it snowed was in 1983.
Getting around Valencia
Getting around Valencia is easy by metro, bus, and tram. The Valencia Tourist Card gives you free access to public transportation. The hop-on-hop-off bus is another easy way to get around to the main tourist attractions of the city.
However, as one who loves to walk, I’d say Valencia is a very walkable city. The City of Arts and Sciences is a bit far away from Valencia Old Town, but it’s a nice walk in the Túria Park.
Otherwise, there are many different bike tours in Valencia you can join like this city bike tour or this bike tour to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Where to stay in Valencia in winter
When visiting Valencia in the winter, I recommend staying centrally as you likely won’t be spending much time on the beaches.
I’ve written a complete guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia, but here are my overall top hotel picks for winter.
LUXURY
💰💰💰
Only YOU Hotel Valencia
a fantastic 5-star hotel set in Valencia Old Town with restaurants, a bar, and a fitness center. The service is great and its pet-friendly
MID-RANGE
💰💰
SH Ingles Boutique Hotel
a great boutique hotel with quirky decor set in the heart of the old town. It has a restaurant and bar on-site and welcoming staff
BUDGET
💰
Cosmo Hotel Boutique
a lovely hotel in the heart of the old town. Quiet and modern rooms with a warm and friendly atmosphere
Things to do in Valencia in winter
Enjoy the winter sun
In winter, Valencia is blessed with above-average sunny days compared to other European cities. Because it’s not as hot as in the summer, it’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy sunny strolls in the parks or in the City of Arts and Science.
Sit down for a cold drink in the sun and people watch as you take a break from sightseeing or sit on a bench in a park to feel the sun in your face.
Browse the Christmas Markets
Winter in Valencia also includes the festive season! As December comes along, make sure you explore the Christmas Markets.
Walk through the vibrant stalls, where the scent of spiced treats leads you to Spanish sweets like Turron and Churros con Chocolate. Shop for handcrafted ornaments, intricate nativity scenes, and locally made trinkets to take home as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
Go ice skating
On Plaza del Ayuntamiento you find the city’s ice skating rink which makes for a lovely contrast to the mild, sunny, winter of Valencia.
Make sure you rent skates and go for a swirl! It’s a lot of fun, even if you’re kinda rusty like I am. I recommend staying close to the edge if it’s been a while.
Visit all the museums
Valencia boasts a rich cultural scene with museums that showcase the city’s history, art, and innovation and there’s no better time to visit them than in the winter.
First of all, the City of Arts and Sciences complex is a highlight, housing the futuristic Hemisférico, Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, and the Oceanografic, but I’ll get back to that later.
The Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes) impresses with its collection of Valencian and Spanish paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries.
For a taste of local culture, the Fallas Museum showcases intricate sculptures used in the traditional Valencian festival of Las Fallas.
The National Ceramics Museum in Valencia showcases a remarkable collection of ceramics, pottery, and decorative arts. But the building itself is absolutely breathtaking.
Additionally, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into Valencia’s economic and artistic history. The Silk Museum is well worth visiting.
Whether exploring science, art, or history, Valencia’s museums offer a diverse and enriching cultural experience.
Experience the Fallas Festival
The Fallas Festival in Valencia is a vibrant and iconic celebration held annually at the beginning of March to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
Monumental sculptures, known as “fallas,” are erected throughout the city, depicting satirical and artistic scenes, and you can expect parades and lively street festivities throughout the festival. The festivities include daily fireworks, traditional processions, and cultural events.
The climax occurs on the night of March 19th, known as “La Nit de la Cremà,” when the fallas are set ablaze in a spectacular display symbolizing the end of winter.
Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is a must when visiting Valencia in winter. It’s a futuristic architectural marvel featuring several cutting-edge structures and even though I’m not into modern architecture, this site is really cool!
To break down the area, the Hemisférico houses an IMAX cinema and planetarium for immersive cinematic experiences. The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum provides interactive exhibits and engaging displays, focusing on science and technology, and the agora hosts cultural and sporting events.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance:
But even if you don’t want to enter the museums, this is a must-visit just for the beautiful outdoor space and unique architecture.
There are many bike tours in Valencia taking you to this impressive complex. As it’s located a bit of a walk from the old town, it can be a great way to explore the recreational park. I recommend joining this bike tour. If you prefer a segway tour, this is a great alternative.
Ring in the New Year at Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Join locals at the lively Plaza del Ayuntamiento for the countdown festivities, where the main clock marks the strokes of midnight.
Expect a spectacular fireworks display and don’t miss out on the tradition of eating twelve grapes, symbolizing good luck for each stroke. You can usually purchase packs of 12 stone-free grapes in the days leading up to New Year’s.
Many restaurants, hotels, and bars offer special New Year’s Eve menus and parties where you can dance the night away in the after hours.
Go shopping
The city offers diverse shopping experiences catering to various tastes making it a fabulous Valencia winter activity.
For fashion, head to Colon Street, home to international brands and trendy boutiques while the bohemian neighborhood of Russafa is the place to go for unique finds and vintage treasures. Additionally, Xàtiva Street is known for its shoe shops.
There are also shopping malls like El Corte Inglés and Centre Comercial Saler, which is located by the City of Arts and Science, offer a wide array of shops. These are perfect to explore on rainy days.
Visit Albufera Natural Park
Right outside the city center, Albufera Natural Park is a serene haven, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant biodiversity. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to various avian species.
Traditional fishing methods are still practiced in the expansive freshwater lagoon, La Albufera and it’s home to vast rice fields. Not surprisingly, Valencia is famous for its paellas – and you can easily get a vegan vegetable paella!
I highly recommend taking a boat ride on the lake. There are organized tours from Valencia so you don’t have to navigate the local bus system.
Try Roscon de Reyes
If you’re visiting Valencia in December or early January, you’re in for a treat. Roscon de Reyes is a traditional Spanish pastry, typically enjoyed during the Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day or Reyes in Spanish) festivities on January 6th.
It’s a sweet, ring-shaped bread adorned with candied fruits, representing jewels and usually filled with cream.
You can find it in bakeries, pastry shops, and cafes throughout Valencia in the weeks leading up to Reyes – the official end to Spanish Christmas celebrations.
See the Three King’s Parade
For the ultimate Spanish Christmas celebration, make sure you don’t miss out on the Three Kings Parade on the evening of the 5th of January.
This is when the Three Kings arrive with presents for the baby Jesus and the city celebrates with a colorful parade, music, and tons of candy thrown into the crowds.
You’ll be joining one of the most festive parades in Valencia, so don’t forget your camera.
Get lost in the Old Town
It’s a must to add the Old Town to your Valencia winter itinerary. This is where you find most of the city’s attractions. Visit the iconic Valencia Cathedral, home to the Holy Grail, and climb its Miguelete Tower for panoramic views.
Another must-see is the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO site, showcasing beasutiful Gothic architecture.
Wander through Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen, vibrant squares surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
With its narrow streets, charming squares, and architectural marvels, Valencia’s Old Town invites you to immerse yourself in centuries of history and vibrant local life.
To get the most out of your visit, I recommend going on this walking tour of the old town which covers the main attractions. If you want to take it all out, why not join this tour which also includes a tapas dinner and wine?
Final thoughts on winter in Valencia
Summing up, visiting Valencia in winter is a great experience with plenty of festivities from the Christmas season until the end of winter with the coming of spring.
The city is lovely with mild temperatures so you’ll get a fabulous break from the cold regions of the world.
Happy travels!
