I get a lot of questions about whether it’s worth going to Ronda in winter, especially during Christmas time. The short answer is YES!
We spent a month in Ronda during winter, actually over Christmas and New Year, and loved it so much. Yes, it was cold, it’s in the mountains after all, but the town turns into magic with all the warm, festive lights.
Winter in Ronda is also a great time of the year to explore the nearby hiking trails, go on a wine tour, and go on day trips to nearby villages.
Read on to find out what to do in Ronda in winter, what to expect from the weather, and other useful travel tips.
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Ronda winter weather
Ronda winter weather is fairly cool if you ask me, with average low temperatures at 7-8 degrees Celsius and highs of 14-15 over the coldest months (December-February).
But trust me, temperatures can go down to around zero at night, so make sure you dress in layers, have a warm coat and mittens and a beanie will make wonders once the sun goes down.
Reasons to visit Ronda in winter
There are so many fabulous things to do in Ronda and winter is just as good a time as the rest of the year. Except summer. Please avoid Ronda in the summer, it’s way too hot!
I won’t go into too much detail here except for any winter-specific stuff, as I have a dedicated post on what to do that you can read here.
Enjoy the festive spirit
Ronda boasts a truly festive spirit throughout the Holiday season with lights and decorations throughout the town.
I really enjoy walking around in the evening when it’s all lit up, but it’s also cool to see all the children’s activities in the daytime and how they have set up several mailboxes where the kids can mail their letters to the Three Kings (who bring presents for the Spanish kids on the 6th of January as opposed to Santa in December.)
See the Three Kings Parade
On the evening of the 5th of January, you can witness Spain’s most important parade, the Cabalgada de Reyes.
This is a parade marking the Three Kings’ arrival in the town and entails music, dance, and large floats. There will also be plenty of candy thrown at the spectators which easily is the favorite part for the kids who usually bring bags to fill with candy!
Cool temperatures for sightseeing
While spring and fall might be the best times for sightseeing, I really enjoy the crisp air of the winter.
During the daytime, you can enjoy walking around without getting sweaty, and in the evenings, you can cover up in a warm jacket and take refuge in the bars and restaurants.
Celebrate Carnival
Ronda also celebrates carnival in February each year. This is also a fun experience to have while visiting Ronda in winter.
Parades with people dressed up in creative and colorful costumes, dance, and music dominate the town of Ronda during carnival week and it’s an absolutely fantastic time to be there!
See the almond blossoms
At the end of the winter, around February-March, the valley below Ronda explodes in almond blossoms. It’s really the most beautiful time of the year in my opinion.
The viewpoints are special and the walk down to the New Bridge goes through a whole lot of almond trees – just saying!
Perfect time for hiking
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, make sure you explore some of the hiking routes near Ronda. This time of the year is great because it’s not too hot, yet it’s far from too cold to explore the mountains near Ronda.
Try your luck at Torrecilla Peak and maybe you’ll find the peak with snow. If you prefer a more mellow hike, Cueva del Gato is a nice route to a beautiful waterfall and waterhole (great for swimming in the warmer months.)
Perfect time to warm up with local wine
Winter is the perfect time of the year to warm up with fine local wines from Ronda. Whether you choose to go on one of the many Ronda wine tours or step inside a bar and try what’s on the shelf you’re up for a treat.
The wines from the Serrania de Ronda region are some of the best in Andalucia.
January sales
After the Spanish Christmas celebration on the 6th of January (on this date everything will be closed!) the January sales start.
It’s the perfect time of the year to get good bargains on clothes and other stuff you might need. But it’s also a good time to get presents for those back home or look for unique souvenirs.
Try Roscon de Reyes
Roscon de Reyes is the traditional Spanish Christmas Cake that is served in every home on the day of Reyes, the 6th of January.
It’s a large doughnut-looking cake traditionally with dried fruits and cream inside. There’s also a small figurine inside and the one that gets it is crowned King for the day.
You can try Roscon de Reyes in most cafés and bakeries in the period leading up to Epiphany. While I’m not a huge fan of dried fruit, I do like the cake a lot. I haven’t found it vegan in Ronda yet, though.
Ring in the New Year with 12 grapes
According to Spanish tradition, the New Year is rung in by eating one grape per second in the 12 seconds leading up to midnight.
Make sure you get stone-free grapes and join the locals on the Plaza de España as they count down for the New Year.
If you manage to eat all the grapes it brings luck for the new year. Be prepared! It’s A LOT to swallow in very little time so if you manage to find small grapes and even peel them, they’ll slide down easier.
Where to stay
Wondering where to stay in Ronda? There are many epic places to choose from, but here are my top picks for every budget.
LUXURY: Parador de Ronda – hands down the best hotel in Ronda Spain, located in the old Town Hall, it overlooks the El Tajo Gorge and New Bridge. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and eat a delectable meal at the Parador restaurant.
MID-RANGE: Catalonia Ronda – a wonderful place to stay in Ronda with an infinity pool overlooking the bullring and spa and wellness center to relax after long days of sightseeing. Pets are allowed.
BUDGET: Hotel Maestranza – located near Plaza de Toros, this is a great, central hotel to stay in Ronda. There is a bar and restaurant on site. It is also accessible to people with disabilities.
Other useful posts about Ronda to help plan your trip
Summing up a Ronda winter trip
Summing up, it’s awesome to visit Ronda in winter, especially during the Holiday season. As I mentioned before, we spent a month in Ronda during the festive season and had a blast!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much. There are so many holiday-themed things to do and treats to try. It’s so different in winter in Ronda compared to coastal destinations like Malaga and Marbella.
Happy Travels!