Best Time to Visit Spain
Spain is a country of vibrant cities, golden beaches, dramatic mountains, and delicious cuisine — and each season offers something unique. Whether you’re after sun-soaked coastal holidays, cultural city breaks, or countryside escapes, the best time to visit Spain depends on your plans. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you choose the perfect time for your Spanish adventure.
Spain by Season: A Complete Guide
🌸 Spring (March – May): Colour, Festivals, and Perfect Weather
Spring is widely considered one of the best times to visit Spain. The weather is warm but not too hot, flowers are in bloom, and the countryside is lush and green. Cities like Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona are lively yet not overcrowded, and it’s a wonderful time for festivals.
- Highlights: Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor dining, Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril celebrations, fewer crowds before the summer rush.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Beach Bliss and Long Sunny Days
Summer is the most popular season in Spain, especially along the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. Expect hot weather, buzzing nightlife, and packed beaches. Inland cities like Madrid and Seville can get extremely hot, so coastal areas offer a cooler escape.
- Highlights: Hot temperatures (25–35°C, up to 40°C inland), perfect for beach holidays in Costa del Sol, Ibiza, and Mallorca, countless fiestas and open-air concerts, higher prices and busy tourist resorts.
🍂 Autumn (September – November): Warm Days and Wine Season
Autumn is a great time to visit Spain if you prefer warm weather without the summer crowds. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the harvest season brings food and wine festivals across the country. The landscapes of Rioja and Andalusia are especially beautiful during this time.
- Highlights: Comfortable temperatures (18–28°C in September, cooling later), quieter beaches and lower hotel rates, perfect for wine tastings and cultural tours, harvest and food festivals across regions.
❄️ Winter (December – February): Sunshine and Snow
Winter in Spain varies by region — while the north can be chilly, the south and Canary Islands enjoy mild sunshine. Cities like Madrid, Granada, and Barcelona have crisp, bright days, while the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees are ideal for skiing.
- Highlights: Mild weather in southern Spain (10–18°C), excellent skiing in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees, Christmas markets and festive lights, fewer tourists and better travel deals.
🇪🇸 In Summary
- Best for sightseeing: April – June and September – October
- Best for beaches: June – September
- Best for festivals: March – May
- Best for skiing: December – February
No matter when you go, Spain promises a warm welcome, lively culture, and unforgettable experiences — from the tapas bars of Seville to the beaches of Mallorca and the art-filled streets of Madrid.
Top Travel Tips for Spain
- Eat Late: Spaniards eat on a later schedule than most. Lunch is typically between 2 PM and 4 PM, and dinner often doesn't start until 9 PM or 10 PM. Plan accordingly!
- Embrace the Siesta: In many towns and smaller cities (and even some parts of larger ones), shops will close for a *siesta* from roughly 2 PM to 5 PM. However, large supermarkets and department stores usually stay open.
- Understand Tapas Culture: "Tapas" are small plates. In some cities (like Granada), you get a free tapa with every drink you order. In others (like Seville or Madrid), you order and pay for them from a menu. Going *de tapas* (tapas hopping) is a full meal.
- Regional Languages: While Spanish (Castilian) is spoken everywhere, several regions have their own co-official languages, such as Catalan in Barcelona, Basque in the north, and Galician in the northwest. Locals will appreciate if you learn a few basic words!
- Book Trains and Alhambra Early: For the best prices on Renfe (high-speed) trains, book in advance. If you plan to visit the Alhambra in Granada, you *must* book your tickets several weeks or even months ahead, as they sell out daily.
Things to do in Spain
Explore Spain's iconic landmarks, from Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Prado Museum in Madrid, book easily via our trusted partners: