Spain in Late Nov - Early Dec?

You are unlikely to experience truly cold weather in Spain at that time of year, the weather is rather mild. Actually, knowing how oppressive summer's there can be, I would say that is a better time to visit. Although I'm less familiar with Spain in the winter, other locations like Paris are quite lively in the winter. Temperatures aren't particularly cold, and most of the outdoor cafes have heating lamps... they're just as crowded as in the spring or fall (if not summer).

As for shortened daylight hours, this really only becomes an issue in the countryside. The cities are well illuminated.

I haven’t visited Spain yet, but I’ll be in Madrid and central Spain about this same time this year and expect the daytime highs to be in the low 50s F, while lows should be in the mid to upper 30s F. Weather can change, but these are the averages for November. I understand that Madrid’s Christmas lighting is unmatched, and I believe there's a large Christmas market in Plaza Mayor. Throw in the tapas bars, flamenco, famous nightlife, world-class art/architecture, & fewer tourists, and it seems Madrid rivals Paris for being a festive world-class city. I love Paris & it's a good choice, but I’ve been there. Do some research…I think you’ll find the Madrid-Barcelona option to be a great destination for November or December. And, perhaps you can catch a Real Madrid or FC Barcelona match?

We have been both in Paris and southern Spain over New Years. First understand your geography. Paris is as far north as the Canadian border while Spain is closer to St. Louis and southern Spain even further south. The result is the daylight hours are shorter in Paris -- roughly 8 to 4 with a much weaker sun. The Paris weather is moderated by the ocean so that it is not as cold but it is damp and can be rainy. When we were there a few years ago it rained lightly ever afternoon. It was chilly so outdoor activities were limited. Southern Spain daylight would be similar to Atlanta at that time of year.

This past New Years we flew into Madrid and traveled to Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and come home for Malaga. It was cool, but not unpleasant to be outside. Had one day of serious rain and a couple of gray, overcast days. At that time of year I would opt for southern Spain and save Paris for the Spring or Fall.

The other posters have been spot on about weather conditions. Paris can be pretty gray in November, and it will generally be warmer and sunnier in Madrid and Barcelona those months. I've been in Madrid in mid-November with temperatures well into the 70's. More rain can be expected in both cities around then, but Madrid is generally a drier city than Paris. Just avoid heading into the north of Spain....November's usually a very cloudy and wet month up there.

We spent last 26 December through 2 January visiting Spain, including Barcelona (3 nights) and Madrid (4 nights, with day trips to Sevilla and Toledo via high-speed trains). The weather was wet, damp, and dark...about 50 degrees. Now compared to Chicago, this was actually an improvement for us! We had a great time. But there were moments when the cloudiness did get us down a bit...just pushed on! My report on this trip can be found at http://moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com/2009/01/report-from-spain.html