When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spain is a diverse and stunning country with such a wide range of experiences and attractions for every type of traveler – it’s definitely a destination that should be on every Travel Bucket List! From vibrant cities to stunning beaches, alongside a rich and interesting history, and of course fabulous food, there’s something for everyone in Spain. However, if you’re planning a trip you might be wondering when is the best time to visit Spain?
There’s no easy answer to this questions as it really depends on what part of Spain you want to visit and what you want to do on your holiday. Generally the best time to visit Spain is spring to early summer (April-June) and autumn (September-October). In these months you’ll be able to avoid both the intense heat and the large crowds, as well as getting better deals on accommodation and flights.
The north of Spain is much cooler than the south, so you may want to choose what month you visit Spain based on which region you’re traveling to. For example, if you want weather warm enough to sunbathe then the north may be too cold in early spring or late autumn, while if you’re visiting Spain in October for example you could still be lying on the beach in southern Spain at this time. If you dislike hotter weather, then heading to the north of Spain during the summer could one of the best times to travel to Spain as the temperature is much lower and there’s less humidity, however it is more likely to rain.
As you can see, for this reason it can be difficult to say which is the best month to visit Spain due to how diverse the country is.
So, to help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at the weather in Spain during each season, plus what festivals and events are held in Spain throughout the year, to help you decide when is the perfect time for your visit…
What is the weather like in Spain?
Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe and the fourth biggest country in the whole of Europe, covering an area of 506,030 km². As it’s such a large country the weather can vary a lot across the 17 autonomous regions. It also varies from season to season of course so this is worth considering when you are choosing the best time to travel to Spain on holiday.
Generally though, Spain is a sunny country with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and a very mild climate all year round.
What is the weather like in Spain in Spring?
Spring (March – May) is one of the best times to visit Spain, especially if you want to experience pleasant weather without too much of the crazy Spanish summer heat. You’ll also be able to avoid too many crowds making it better to explore the main tourist attractions.
The climate in Spain is very diverse, but generally temperatures during spring in Spain are mild, ranging from 15 to 25°C. Depending which part of Spain you’re visiting, you could experience some rainfall during spring.
Average temperatures across Spain during spring:
Alicante – Average Spring Temperatures
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| March | 20° / 8° | 2 days |
| April | 21° / 10° | 2 days |
| May | 24° / 14° | 2 days |
Seville – Average Spring Temperatures
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| March | 21° / 9° | 5 days |
| April | 22° / 11° | 6 days |
| May | 26° / 13° | 3 days |
Madrid – Average Spring Temperatures
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| March | 16° / 6° | 5 days |
| April | 16° / 8° | 6 days |
| May | 22° / 11° | 7 days |
Barcelona – Average Spring Temperatures
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| March | 17° / 10° | 5 days |
| April | 20° / 13° | 6 days |
| May | 23° / 16° | 4 days |
Asturias – Average Spring Temperatures
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| March | 15° / 6° | 10 days |
| April | 16° / 7° | 12 days |
| May | 19° / 10° | 11 days |
May is definitely one of the best months to visit Spain for the both the weather and more affordable prices on flights and hotels. If you’re planning a spring holiday, check out these tips for visting Spain in May. If you’re visiting Spain in April or March you can expect some rainfall in most regions.
Spring one of the best times to explore cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona as you’ll miss both the summer heat and crowds. Spring is also the perfect season for outdoor activities like visiting national parks and going on hiking trails, as the scenery is truly breathtaking at this time of year.
The spring season in Spain is beautiful, you’ll see colorful flowers blanketing the landscapes, making it the perfect time to visit places like Andalusia and its famous orange blossom trail. On the Costa Blanca and in Murcia you will see pretty pink and white almond blossoms across the countryside during Spring.
What is the weather like in Spain in summer?
Summer (June-August) is the peak tourist season in Spain, and for good reason. The summer months bring plenty of sunshine and very warm temperatures. Expect large crowds, queues for the top tourist attractions, and higher prices for accommodation and flights.
Summer in Spain is hot and humid. Average daytime temperatures during the Spanish summer are usually over 30°C, and in the south it doesn’t cool down much of a night. It’s very rare to see rain in the south of Spain during the summer, making the landscape dry and dusty.
The north of Spain has a much milder climate with cooler temperatures and some rainfall in regions such as Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria.
Average temperatures across Spain during summer:
Alicante – Average Summer Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| June | 28° / 18° | 1 day |
| July | 30° / 21° | 0 days |
| August | 31° / 21° | 0 days |
Seville – Average Summer Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| June | 32° / 17° | 1 day |
| July | 36° / 19° | 0 days |
| August | 35° / 19° | 0 days |
Madrid – Average Summer Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| June | 28° / 16° | 3 days |
| July | 32° / 19° | 1 day |
| August | 31° / 19° | 1 day |
Barcelona – Average Summer Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| June | 27° / 20° | 3 days |
| July | 29° / 23° | 1 day |
| August | 29° / 23° | 2 days |
Asturias – Average Summer Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| June | 21° / 13° | 7 days |
| July | 23° / 15° | 6 days |
| August | 24° / 15° | 7 days |
June in Spain can still be quite pleasant, but many people find August unbearable in the southern regions of Spain. If August is the only time you can visit due to school holidays, you may want to consider some of the cities in the north for your trip to Spain, where it’s cooler, less humid, and easier to explore.
What is the weather like in Spain in autumn?
Similar to spring, autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit Spain as the summer heat starts to fade away, making it more comfortable to explore the cities and attractions.
Average temperatures in Spain in autumn range from 28 – 15°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing, and still warm enough for the beach. It starts to cool down at night and the humidity levels of the summer start to drop.
Average temperatures across Spain during autumn:
Alicante – Average Autumn Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| September | 29° / 19° | 2 days |
| October | 25° / 15° | 2 days |
| November | 20° / 10° | 3 days |
Seville – Average Autumn Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| September | 32° / 18° | 2 days |
| October | 26° / 14° | 5 days |
| November | 20° / 10° | 5 days |
Madrid – Average Autumn Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| September | 26° / 15° | 3 days |
| October | 19° / 11° | 6 days |
| November | 13° / 6° | 6 days |
Barcelona – Average Autumn Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| September | 26° / 20° | 4 days |
| October | 23° / 17° | 6 days |
| November | 18° / 12° | 5 days |
Asturias – Average Autumn Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| September | 23° / 14° | 7 days |
| October | 19° / 11° | 10 days |
| November | 15° / 18° | 11 days |
Early September can still feel like summer but as you head towards November you will definitely need to pack coats and trousers rather than t-shirts and shorts. In the northern regions you’ll see the changes of autumn appear as the leaves change colour and it starts to rain a bit more, but in southern Spain it’s rare to feel Autumnal!
What is the weather like in Spain in Winter?
Winter in Spain (December to February) is relatively mild compared to other European countries, especially in the southern regions.
The temperatures range from 5 to 15°C, making it a great time to visit cities like Seville and Madrid without the high temperatures and hustle and bustle of the peak season. If you are after some winter sun, then the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol can still experience some very warm temperatures during the day, so if you travel to Spain in December or January you can still have a beach day though the sea is likely to be too cold to swim in. Be prepared for it to be quite cold at night and early in the morning.
Other regions of Spain get a lot of snow during the winter season, so if you’re a ski enthusiast, then the winter months are perfect for hitting the slopes in the Sierra Nevada or the Pyrenees Mountains.
Average temperatures across Spain during winter:
Alicante – Average Winter Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| December | 18° / 7° | 2 days |
| January | 17° / 6° | 2 days |
| February | 18° / 7° | 2 days |
Seville – Average Winter Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| December | 17° / 8° | 6 days |
| January | 16° / 6° | 6 days |
| February | 18° / 7° | 5 days |
Madrid – Average Winter Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| December | 10° / 4° | 6 days |
| January | 10° / 3° | 5 days |
| February | 12° / 4° | 5 days |
Barcelona – Average Winter Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| December | 15° / 9° | 3 days |
| January | 15° / 9° | 4 days |
| February | 15° / 8° | 4 days |
Asturias – Average Winter Temperatures:
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rain |
| December | 13° / 6° | 11 days |
| January | 12° / 5° | 11 days |
| February | 13° / 5° | 10 days |
If you want to ski or do a lot of walking or hiking, winter can be one of the best times to visit Spain. Make sure you bring your warm winter clothes, as although it can be sunny with blue skies, it does still get quite cold.
Ready to book your Spanish holiday?
If you’re ready to book your holiday to Spain, these links may help…
– Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
– Search for transport options at Omio
– Check hotel and restaurant reviews at TripAdvisor
– Book your tours and excursions at GetYourGuide
– Get your Travel Insurance at Civitatis
When are the best fiestas in Spain?
Spain is famous for its fiestas, from weird to wonderful, they are held throughout the year across the country. If you want to experience some of Spain’s famous fiestas, then when you decide to visit might depend on which festivities you want to attend.
Here’s a month by month guide to some of Spain’s best fiestas but remember to check local calendars as well as even the smallest towns and villages hold plenty of celebrations through out the year…
Fiestas in Spain in January
January in Spain is when the Tres Reyes or Three Kings are celebrated, bringing presents for the children. On the evening of 5th January, the streets are busy as the Three Kings arrive on horses or camels, throwing sweets and presents out to children standing by.
The patron saint of animals, San Anton, is also celebrated in Spain in January. If you head to church on 17th January you’re likely to see queues of people with animals, waiting for their pets to be blessed by the priest. It’s fun to watch as apart from the usual cats and dogs, you’re likely to see birds, ferrets, chickens, sheep and horses too!
Fiestas in Spain in February
February is Carnaval month, with colourful and noisy parades and parties across Spain, featuring music, dancing, and elaborate costumes. You’ll find carnaval events in most Spanish towns, but some of the biggest are held in Barcelona, Cadiz, and Tenerife.
Starting in February and continuing into March the International Jerez Flamenco Festival takes over the town. The best Flamenco artists from across the world head to the city to put on amazing displays of dancing, singing, and guitar playing. There are also plenty of workshops and classes if you want to join in!
Fiestas in Spain in March
Las Fallas in Valencia, is a unique fiesta where giant handmade sculptures are set on fire across the city. Make sure you take some time to see these amazing sculptures before they go up in flames!
March also brings Semana Santa or Holy Week. Processions and church services are held in every town, unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
In late March – early April, you can see over one million cherry blossom trees during the Cherry Blossom festival in Cáceres, in the Jerte Valley. There is also music, dancing, and gastronomic events to celebrate.
Fiestas in Spain in April
April in Andalusia is a must-see as the Feria de Abril is held across the region, with flamenco dancing, bullfighting, horse displays, traditional costumes, and parties late into the night.
In Cataluña, Fira de Sant Jordi (St George) takes place on April 23rd, which is also the Catalan equivalent of Valentine’s Day. During this festival the streets are filled with rose sellers and bookstalls, as well as parades and concerts. People exchange gifts of roses and books to celebrate the occasion.
Cheese lovers won’t want to miss the National Spanish Cheese Festival in the town of Trujillo in the Extremadura region. As well as the usual music, dancing and fun, you can also try different cheeses from across the country.
Fiestas in Spain in May
On the 1st May in the town of Caravaca de la Cruz in the Murcia region, the fiesta Los Cabellos del Vino is celebrated. The locals participate in many festivities, culminating with a horse parade through the streets. The horses are dressed in elaborate silk mantles and led by their trainers. The following day there is a race up to the castle that thousands of people line the streets to watch.
Something that should be on your Spanish Bucket List is a visit to see the patios of Cordoba. In May the city comes alive with beautiful flowers as residents compete to win in the Cordoba Patios Festival. There are also parades, events, and lots more to see.
In Madrid in May, you can attend the San Isidro festival held to honour the city’s patron saint. This fiesta includes concerts, parades, dancing, parties, and lots more fun.
Fiestas in Spain in June
If you head to Alicante at the end of June you can experience the Noche de San Juan fiestas when bonfires are lit on the beaches at midnight to celebrate the arrival of Summer.
You will also be able to see the Moors and Christians fiestas across the Costa Blanca. These are held at different times across the Summer, with the first beginning in June.
The religious festivals of Corpus Cristi are also held across Spain in June, with one of the most famous taking place in Toldeo with the Blessed Sacrament procession through the streets accompanied by folk music and dancing.
Fiestas in Spain in July
In Asturias in the North of Spain you can celebrate the Festival de la Sidra or Cider Festival on the second weekend in July. Thousands of visitors come to taste different ciders and learn about the traditions of cider making – and drinking!
The Festival of San Fermin, better known as the Running of the Bulls, is held in Pamplona, Navarre in July. Brave (or crazy?) contestants run through the narrow streets chased by bulls. A unique experience to watch!
For music, film and art loves the Festival of Benicassim is held every July in the Valencian town of Benicassim, with pop, rock and electronic music, as well as short films, fashion shows and art.
On July 16th the Virgen del Carmen Festival is celebrated in many towns across Spain, particularly along the coast where she is honoured as the patron of sailors and fishermen. Statues of the Virgen del Carmen are carried along the streets on the shoulders of fishermen, before being taken out to sea on a fishing boat and returning to shore with impressive firework displays.
Fiestas in Spain in August
One of Spain’s most famous fiestas is held in August, La Tomatina! One of the best things to do in Spain in August, this unique festival sees the Valencian town of Bunol turn into a giant tomato fight on the last Wednesday of the month. Prepare to get messy!
In the north of Spain, in Bilbao and San Sebastian, is another well-known festival Semana Grande. This week long fiesta celebrates the Basque region, with bullfighting, giant puppet dances, and spectacular firework displays.
The Feria de Malaga is a traditional Spanish week-long fiesta celebrating traditional Andalusian music, dancing, food, and culture.
Fiestas in Spain in September
September in Spain is wine harvest month, so of course there are fiestas to celebrate it! Logroño, a town in the northern province of La Rioja, holds the annual festival of San Mateo. The town is filled with colour, music, lots of fun, and of course wine tasting to celebrate the region’s wine and grapes.
The San Sebastian Film Festival is also held in September. Every year film lovers head to the Basque town of San Sebastian to watch movies and spot celebrities.
The Feria de Albacete is a 10-day long festival in Albacete that started as a cattle fair but has evolved to include concerts, dancing, children’s events, parades, bullfights and more.
Fiestas in Spain in October
In October the largest flamenco festival is held in Seville. Bienal de Flamenco celebrates the singers, dancers and musicians of this famous Spanish art in theatres across the city.
The Fiesta de la Virgen del Pilar in Zaragoza, honours the patron saint of the city and a week-long celebration is held with parades, music, fireworks, and the offering of flowers to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Dia de la Hispanidad, or the National Day of Spain, is celebrated on 12th October, marking the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. The day is celebrated across Spain with military parades and cultural events. You’re likely to find something going on in every Spanish city on this day.
Fiestas in Spain in November
Cocentaina in the Valencia Community hosts the All Saints Fair every November, during the week of All Saints Day which is on the 1st November. This agricultural and cattle fair attracts over 350,000 people and includes showcases of traditional farming activities, crafts, and farm machinery, as well as attractions such as book fairs, riding and dressage displays, concerts, crafts workshops and more.
International Sherry Week brings is one of the largest wine festivals in the world and is held in Jerez (the home of sherry) every October. Wine tasting events are held across the area to celebrate this famous southern Spanish wine.
Fiestas in Spain in December
December brings Christmas and you will find various parades and events across the country during the month, from parades and concerts, to Christmas markets and of course Santa arriving.
For the best Spanish Christmas markets head to Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Madrid and Toledo.
Now you know what the temperatures are like during the year and when some of the main fiestas are held, let have a look at the best time of year to visit Spain’s most popular destinations…
When is the best time to visit the Costa Blanca?
The beaches of the Costa Blanca are some of the most popular destinations for a summer holiday. However, if you do go to Spain in the summer you have to be prepared for large crowds and higher prices, especially in the tourist hotspots. If you plan to visit the Costa Blanca during the summer, it’s recommended to book accommodations and attractions well in advance.
For this reason we would say that spring and autumn is the best time to go to the Costa Blanca on holiday. May-June and September-October has perfect weather for the beach, you’ll only need to pack t-shirts and shorts, and you can avoid both the summer tourist crowds and the crazy prices that come with the school holidays.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
June to August is peak season in Barcelona for crowds and festivals so if you want to go when it’s quieter then the best time to go to Barcelona is from March to May or September to October. During these months the weather is still warm but not too hot and you won’t have to queue for the top tourist attractions for as long as you would in the summer. However, Barcelona weather is mild all year round so even the winter months are a good time to plan your trip.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
The best month to visit Madrid is either May or October when it’s not too hot or too cold, as Madrid does experience very hot summers as well as very cold winters. March and April can bring some rain in Madrid, but May is usually dry and great for exploring the city.
When is the best time to visit Seville?
With some of the hottest summers in the whole of Spain, the best time to go to Seville is spring. From March to May the temperatures are mild without much rain, so you can explore the city on foot without the worry of heatstroke! There are also less crowds in Seville during spring and you can often find some good rates on hotels as it is out of peak season.
When is the best time to visit Bilbao?
One of the best places to visit in northern Spain, the best months to visit Bilbao are May – July and September. During these months you can expect the warmest temperatures for this region of Spain along with the lowest chance of rainfall. The weather is good in August in Bilbao as it’s not as hot and humid as in the south but this is peak tourist season so you may struggle to find accommodation.
Each season in offers a unique experience, and the best time to visit Spain depends on your personal preferences and interests. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons as they offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a wide range of activities and festivals to experience. However, if you are a beach lover and can put up with the crowds, then summer is a great time to enjoy the beautiful Spanish coastline. Ultimately, any time you choose to visit Spain, you’re bound to have a memorable and unforgettable holiday!
