Jorge Rey’s December weather forecast: Cold temperatures, frost and snow

Spain has already experienced unusually cold temperatures in December. Meteorologist Jorge Rey was highlighting upcoming weather shifts through his forecasts based on cabañuelas (a traditional Spanish long-range weather prediction method). Rey, the man who predicted 2021’s Filomena Storm using this method, released his December outlook via his YouTube channel.

While the cabañuelas method is traditional rather than scientific, it provides a long-standing cultural perspective on seasonal weather patterns, offering an interesting glimpse into potential trends for December.

First two weeks of December: fog and frost

Mixed weather forecast

Rey forecasts The first half of the month will be marked by a persistent system of high pressure, which will bring fog and frosty nighttimes to low-lying regions, along with relatively mild temperatures during the day. Sunshine is expected to improve the daytime temperatures in many parts.

There will also be brief periods of unsettled weather, primarily around 18–19 December, though Rey suggests these will not bring heavy rain. These events could bring about a temporary increase in temperature and provide a break from the colder weather.

Siberian winds and Snowfall during Christmas

Arctic-like air could arrive

Rey predicts that conditions most reminiscent of winter will prevail in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday. He predicts that around 22–23 December, a continental wind system will influence the Iberian Peninsula, drawing cold air from Siberia. This could cause snow at higher elevations, and in some cases, lower ones. Rey jokes that “the lotto might freeze a bit,” in reference to Spain’s annual, largest lottery draw, the Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad.

Rey does predict a coldwave, but no extreme storms. He also expects the precipitation to be minimal. His predictions suggest the Christmas period could be one of the colder segments in early winter.

The end of the year, and early in January: calmer conditions

Transition into 2026

Rey anticipates low rainfall for the end of 2025. This will mainly affect Mediterranean regions. Temperatures are expected to stabilize as the year comes to a close, but some humidity is possible in the Levante.

Rey warns of polar air masses returning in late January. These could bring stronger wind and snow, even at moderate elevations. These are only preliminary forecasts, and like all long-range predictions conditions can change over the course of winter.

Key Points

• Jorge Rey predicts colder than usual temperatures in Spain for December 2025 using the traditional cabañuelas method.
• Under a persistent system of high pressure, the first two weeks of December can bring mild temperatures, fog, and frost.
• Brief warmer periods are possible around 18–19 December, due to transient weather systems.
• Rey forecasts 22–23 December could see Siberian-style winds, colder temperatures, and snow at high and some low altitudes.
• No extreme storms are expected for Christmas 2025.
• Temperatures should be slightly stable in late December, but there may still be some humidity in the Levante region.
• Early January 2026 might bring polar air masses and stronger winds. Snow could fall at moderate elevations.
• Cabañuelas are a traditional method; forecasts are not scientifically verified and should be considered speculative.

Residents and expats in Spain can enjoy the festive season as December progresses while keeping an eye on changing conditions. Rey’s weather forecast predicts periods of fog, frost and snowfall in the higher elevations. However, there will be plenty of sunny and mild days. This combination of conditions allows for people to plan their seasonal activities from skiing in the mountains to celebrating holidays, all while being prepared to deal with colder spells. 

It also serves as a good reminder of Spain’s varied climate. Microclimates and geography in different regions can produce very different experiences. Locals and expats alike can take advantage of the winter months by being flexible and staying informed.