Cold returns just in time for New Year’s Eve, AEMET warns

AEMET warns of a return of the cold just in time to celebrate New Year’s Eve


Spain will experience a colder new year’s eve, as temperatures are expected to fall across the country.
Credit : zmotions, Shutterstock

Spain’s weather may have other plans for your new year.

While families are finalising their plans for dinner, outfits, and where to watch the midnight bells on New Year’s Eve in Spain, AEMET, Spain’s weather agency, is preparing for a cooler-than-expected night. Falling temperatures, frost inland, and fog will likely complicate travel across several regions.

It comes after an unusual Christmas period that started mild and then quietly slipped into something far more wintry – a shift that many people across the country have already felt over the past few days.

It was a colder Christmas than expected

According to AEMET this Christmas was not typical. According to the agency, temperatures at the beginning of the holiday season were the coldest they’ve been since 2010.

This assessment may surprise some. For a time, it appeared that winter was dragging its feet. But the weather changed very quickly and cold air has settled.

The weekend that just passed was a reminder of the unpredictable weather. Heavy rain and flooding were brought by severe storms that hit parts of Andalusia. Three people lost their lives – two in Alhaurín el Grande, in Málaga province, after a van was swept away by the Fahala river, and another in Íllora, Granada, after intense flooding hit the area.

Earlier this week, temperatures stabilized slightly. But AEMET warns that this break will not last long.

What to Expect on New Year’s Eve

The forecast for Wednesday, December 31 is clear: temperatures in Spain will fall.

AEMET There is a warning of frost, especially in parts of the South-East and the Northern half of the nation. The Pyrenees could experience particularly severe freezing conditions.

For many people planning to celebrate outdoors – whether it’s a late-night walk, fireworks or heading out after midnight — it’s a reminder that winter clothing will be essential. This may mean changing outfits you wore a few days earlier but now feel more optimistic about.

Rain will not fall in large quantities, but the cold is expected to be severe. New Year’s Eve should be dry in general.

What I said AEMET The possibility of isolated showers along the Mediterranean coast or Strait of Gibraltar is not excluded.

Fog can be the worst nuisance

If there is one thing likely to cause problems on New Year’s Eve, it may not be rain or snow – but fog.

AEMET predicts fog formation in several inland locations, including interior Galicia and the Northern and Southern Plateaus. Fog could be persistent, dense and freezing in the Northern Plateau, causing slippery road conditions.

Driving late on New Year’s Day could cause visibility issues, particularly in rural and secondary areas, where fog can persist.

The Canary Islands are expected to be quieter than the rest of Europe, with periods cloudy, little change in temperature and winds generally from the south or east that can sometimes strengthen.

Start 2026 with a gentler pace

Good news: the cold snap will not last for long. Looking forward to 2026’s first days, AEMET predicts a rise in temperatures from 1 to 4 January. This will make the start of the year milder.

Spain will be saying goodbye to 2025 with a frosty note for the time being. Dress warmly, be careful when driving in fog, and enjoy the traditional Spanish culture.

After all, once the grapes are eaten and the bells have finished ringing, the new year will arrive – coat or no coat.


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About Liam Bradford

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Liam Bradford, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

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