Planning a visit to the land of tapas? Make certain the perfect time to go to Spain primarily based on vacationer traits, climate, and the enjoyable happenings of this loopy cool nation.
In this text, I’m going to stroll you thru the perfect time to go to Spain, and provide you with a breakdown on the perfect issues to see and do monthly!
If you’re on the lookout for a fast reply on when the perfect time to go to is, our suggestion is to go to through the spring or fall is greatest as you’ll have delicate climate, much less crowds, and loads of actions to maintain you occupied.
However, carry on studying this text to determine for your self!
When’s the Best Time to Visit Spain? (Updated 2023)
The greatest time to go to Spain is through the spring months of March to May or through the autumn between September and November.
During these instances, you’ll have nice climate, method much less crowds, respectable costs, and many to do! Plus, since these instances are the low season, lodging will sometimes be cheaper, you’ll have a a lot simpler time getting a dinner reservation, and also you gained’t need to spend half of your day ready in line for the following attraction.
Spring is an particularly good time to go to because it’s typically heat sufficient to hit the seaside, and there are tons of festivals and occasions happening that shouldn’t be missed!
However, irrespective of whenever you go to Spain, you gained’t be upset. Year spherical, there’s scrumptious meals, unbelievable museums, and a tradition that’s properly value immersing your self in. Just word that in low season between November and March, chances are you’ll discover that companies and eating places have shortened hours.
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What You Should Know When Planning a Trip to Spain
Besides spring and fall, there’s a little bit extra it’s best to know relating to planning a visit to Spain. Keep this info in thoughts, and also you gained’t need to take care of any disagreeable surprises alongside the way in which.
You can choose to journey Spain independently or choose to affix these multi-day tour from seasoned consultants like G-Adventures. This Tapas and Flamenco Tour round Spain and Portugal is one thing now we have been itching to do.
Whatever you do, just be sure you deliver acceptable clothes. There is nothing worse than being too sizzling (or too chilly!) Check out our Europe Packing List information to ensure you don’t depart something behind.
When is Peak Season in Spain?
When it involves tourism, peak season in Spain is through the sun-kissed summer time months. You can count on hoards of individuals all through the nation throughout July and August, all desirous to drink some sangria and hit the seaside.
During the summer time, you’ll discover that costs are a lot greater than some other time of the yr, particularly relating to flights and lodging. To fight this, plan your journey early and ebook every part far prematurely. It nonetheless gained’t be low cost, nevertheless it needs to be cheaper than planning a last-minute journey through the busiest months of the yr.
That mentioned, simply because it’s peak season doesn’t imply you gained’t be capable of discover some peace and quiet when you journey by way of Spain. Tons of locals depart the nation through the summer time to flee the Spanish warmth (and vacationers), or head to the coastal seashores to chill off.
You might end up pleasantly shocked when you’ve got a complete facet avenue to your self on the hunt for the perfect tapas.
What’s the Weather Like in Spain?
The climate in Spain is usually fairly delicate all-year lengthy, moreover the summer time when it will get sizzling, sizzling, sizzling.
If you’re visiting Spain in winter, you may count on the temperatures to be round 40 and 50 levels Fahrenheit all through the nation, however they’ll steadily rise as you progress into spring and summer time months.
During the summer time, a typical day is round 90 levels, so make sure to pack loads of sunhats! If you’re trying to escape the warmth within the warmth of summer time, head to northern Spain the place temperatures are nearer to 70 and 80 levels. Otherwise, the seaside it’s!
The seaside is understandably fairly loopy in the summertime, as everyone seems to be scrambling to chill off within the pristine Spanish waters. This is why it’s truly greatest to keep away from hitting the seaside between July and August, and going through the spring as a substitute!
Beaches throughout May and June are rather more quiet than throughout peak season, and you’ll nonetheless get pleasure from heat climate. You may hit the seashores on the opposite finish of peak season between the tip of August till October. The climate could also be cooling off, nevertheless it’s nonetheless balmy sufficient to take a dip!
If you’re on the lookout for heat climate year-round, you may typically discover it alongside the coast. The Gran Canary Islands are additionally a great decide for a seaside getaway, sunbathing, and ocean swimming any time of yr!
Festivals and Popular Events in Spain
Spain is well-known for internet hosting a few of the most original, thrilling festivals and occasions each single yr. It’s not unusual to plan a visit round one among these festivals in an effort to get in on the motion!
Most of the favored occasions in Spain occur through the spring and summer time, equivalent to La Tomatina, Feria de Malaga, and Las Fallas De Valencia. But you may also discover a bunch within the low season just like the Grape Harvest in Rioja and Carnival. Check out our checklist of prime Spain festivals for extra info.
Regardless of which competition is in your bucket checklist, it’s greatest to plan far prematurely because it’s probably going to attract in crowds from all over the world. Book your lodge and flights early, and have tickets if wanted! You don’t wish to miss out.
A Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Spain
To assist you to determine when is the perfect time to go to Spain, right here’s a breakdown of what goes on within the nation month by month. Alternatively, you may also try our full Spain Travel information.
Besides the climate, you’ll be capable of select when to go primarily based on actions obtainable and well-known festivals that may spherical out your vacation.
January – Ideal for Winter Activities
Average Temperature: 45 – 60°F
Highlights: Not many vacationers | Cheap lodging | Winter actions
Festivals: Three Kings Day | San Sebastian Festival
This is unquestionably through the top of Spain’s offseason. The climate is chilly, however on the upside, there aren’t a ton of vacationers so you may sightsee with out continuously bumping into others. If that’s not sufficient, accommodations and lodging are sometimes cheaper in January as a result of there isn’t a lot demand.
If you’re a winter sports activities lover, January is an ideal time to go out to the Sierra Nevada mountains for some snowboarding, snowboarding, or fireplace tapas. There’s additionally loads of snowshoeing and snowmobiling within the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa for various mountain views.
If you favor to benefit from the mountains from a distance, there’s nonetheless loads to do like warming up with a hearty cooking class or benefiting from the post-Christmas purchasing offers!
Finally, you will discover a few festivals in January like Three Kings Day on the sixth which is accompanied by celebrations across the Balearic Islands, and the San Sebastian Festival which is known for residents taking to the streets with their Tamborrada drumming!
February – Party throughout Carnival in Spain!
Average Temperature: 50 – 62°F
Highlights: Carnival | Flamenco
Festivals: Carnival | Festival de Jerez
February remains to be fairly quiet in Spain with decently chilly temperatures, particularly in Madrid and different northern cities like Bilbao and Galicia. It’s additionally wet just about the entire time, which is why most individuals choose to hit the south of Spain when planning a visit in February.
That being mentioned, February is famed for being the month of Carnival, which celebrates the start of Lent. There are tons of occasions all through Spain, with large events in locations like Cadiz and the Canary Islands.
Put on a flouncy costume and your dancing sneakers as a result of Carnival means sangria and dancing!
Speaking of dancing, the Festival de Jerez can be in February and it’s one of the crucial well-known flamenco festivals in Spain. It’s an effective way to expertise Spanish tradition whereas watching exhibits and listening to the stomp of heels. Flamenco fanatics — February is for you!
March – Experience Unique Spanish Festivals
Average Temperature: 60 – 70°F
Highlights: Beginning of spring | Not too crowded but | Good time for mountain climbing
Festivals: Las Fallas | Sant Medir | Semana Santa
The climate in Spain in March could be unpredictable, so that you by no means actually know for those who want your swim trunks or fleece. But then once more, the beginning of spring is all the time unpredictable!
March formally marks the start of spring which is likely one of the most lovely instances to go to Spain. Trees begin to bud and blossom, there are flowers abound, and naturally some rain to spherical issues out.
March is an superior time to go to Spain because it’s proper earlier than it begins getting busy. Intimately get pleasure from museums earlier than the tour teams roll in, and hit the mountain climbing trails earlier than it will get blisteringly sizzling.
Not to say, there are some unbelievable festivals throughout this time of yr.
A visit to Valencia throughout this month is a should because the week-long Las Fallas Festival is likely one of the most notable issues to see in Spain. You’ll get to see an enormous parade of big collectible figurines earlier than they’re set on fireplace. It’s distinctive, completely Spanish, and an occasion that may’t be missed.
Other festivals throughout March embody the Sant Medir competition in Barcelona, the place horse-drawn carriages stuffed with Spaniards throw treats to the individuals within the Garcia neighborhood. There’s additionally Semana Santa, probably the most Holy Week of the yr. It’s an enormous spiritual celebration all through Spain throughout Easter, and may final for greater than per week!
April – Prime Time for Adventure Activities
Average Temperature: 65 – 75°F
Highlights: Warm, snug climate | Not too crowded | Adventure actions
Festivals: Feria de Abril | Festimad | Feria del Queso
Another month of unpredictable climate, however actually the warmest of the yr to date.
In April, individuals in Andalusia begin heading to the seaside and restaurant terraces slowly replenish with keen diners prepared for a style of spring on the patio. Despite the climate being good, the wave of summer time vacationers nonetheless hasn’t hit but, so this can be a nice time to go to earlier than issues get too crowded!
Enjoy sightseeing and sitting exterior having fun with a espresso within the metropolis sq., or hit the mountain climbing trails to see spring budding in Spanish nature.
April is a major time for journey actions like mountain biking, mountain climbing, quad excursions, and helicopter flights because the climate is right for being exterior.
The heat climate additionally brings enjoyable festivals, just like the Feria de Abril, a spring honest in Seville that showcases Spanish tradition and has infinite leisure. There’s additionally an enormous music competition in Madrid referred to as Festimad throughout which you get a special live performance each evening!
Last however not least, for those who’re a cheese lover, Spain in April ought to actually be in your bucket checklist as there’s the Feria del Queso in Trujillo, which is a three-day cheese competition.
No, you’re not dreaming… April is unquestionably top-of-the-line months to go to Spain!
May – Perfect Weather and the Start of Bullfighting Season
Average Temperature: 70 – 80°F
Highlights: Beautiful climate | Warm seashores | Hiking | Bullfighting season
Festivals: Bullfighting | Madrid Open
One of probably the most lovely months to go to Spain, the climate in May is just excellent. You’ll have heat and clear, sunny days with cooler evenings, good for metropolis strolls of walks alongside the seaside.
This is the month when the seashores begin to replenish within the south, however the remainder of the nation experiences divine climate as properly. Head right down to get pleasure from a final little bit of peace earlier than the crowds of summer time vacationers roll in!
This is likely one of the final instances you’ll be capable of get pleasure from mountain climbing with out completely dripping in sweat, so make sure to head to the paths for those who’re visiting in May! You may comfortably get pleasure from actions like paragliding, a sizzling air balloon tour and even some water sports activities with out the stress of getting too chilly.
What the month of May might be greatest recognized for is the start of bullfighting season. If bullfighting isn’t your factor (not blaming you there), you may hit the Madrid Open, which is Spain’s largest tennis event, and likewise held yearly in May.
May can be the month of the Cordoba Patios Festival, which is widely known with occasions, parades, flower “wars”, and patio contests for residents to indicate off the best of spring on their doorsteps!
June – Spain Heats Up!
Average Temperature: 77 – 90°F
Highlights: Warm climate | Kite-surfing | Terrace coffees and eating
Festivals: Water and Ham Festival | Photo Espana
June is whenever you begin to get assured good climate in Spain.
Gone are the times of carrying a raincoat round, as a result of you may sometimes count on heat, sunny days, every single day all through Spain. While not formally peak season, that is when the vacationers start to roll in, and it’s instantly noticeable at points of interest like museums, cathedrals, and even the seaside.
It’s additionally fairly obvious within the worth of flight tickets, lodge costs, and even the quantity being charged round city. Prices are inclined to skyrocket as companies put together for peak season, so that you higher get your reservation good and early.
Just guarantee that no matter you ebook has air-con!
Some occasions you may preserve your eyes out for for those who’re visiting in June are the Water and Ham Festival in Granada which is your probability to take part in a very good outdated Spanish water battle; and Photo Espana in Madrid, a world photograph exhibition that’s the biggest within the nation.
If you’re on the lookout for a little bit little bit of energetic enjoyable, June can be the perfect time to go to Tarifa for some kite-surfing. The wind is stellar and the waters aren’t too crowded but, so it’s the proper time to be taught!
July – Peak Season Arrives
Average Temperature: 80 – 100°F
Highlights: Beach! | Full hours of operation | Lots of festivals and occasions
Festivals: San Fermin | Sanlucar de Barrameda | Benicassim Festival
Hello, Peak Season! This is indisputably the busiest time of yr in Spain as your entire nation is packed north to south with tapas-eating vacationers.
It’s additionally the most well liked time of the yr, so most locals within the inland cities make their strategy to the coast for some sea breezes and ocean views. You can go to Spain in July, however it’s best to count on enormous crowds all over the place, extraordinarily costly accommodations and flights (ebook method prematurely!), and lengthy waits relating to meal time.
However, July isn’t all dangerous…
The nation actually comes alive to cater to everybody who’s come for a go to. Restaurants and enterprise function on full hours, there’s all the time one thing to do or see, and there are many festivals and occasions to attend for an enormous dose of Spanish tradition.
In July, you’ve received San Fermin, aka the operating of the bulls, which matches on in Pamplona from the sixth of the month till the 14th. It’s fairly a wild sight to witness and is unquestionably value attending for those who’re within the space.
If you favor horses, you may watch races on the seaside in Sanlucar de Barrameda at this different annual occasion.
One final unforgettable choice for occasions to hit in July is the Benicassim Festival, an enormous four-day music competition held between Valencia and Barcelona. Get tickets prematurely as a result of the lineup is all the time unbelievable!
August – Time to Hit the Beach!
Average Temperature: 80 – 100°F
Highlights: Best seaside climate | Basque nation is greatest | La Tomatina
Festivals: La Tomatina | Semana Grande
August rounds out the most well liked time of the yr, with increasingly more locals hitting the coast. If a seaside getaway is what you’re on the lookout for, Spain has some superior seashores which can be simply good for a seaside vacation.
Places like Seville, Madrid, and Granada are considerably much less packed than the islands or coast of Spain because it’s too sizzling and dry to be landlocked. For this motive, chances are you’ll discover eating places and companies closed for the summer time vacation, solely to reopen when the climate cools down a bit.
If you’re on the lookout for nice locations to go to in August, attempt Galicia, Basque nation, and Asturias, the place the climate remains to be lovely with out being too sizzling to deal with. Take an superior drive by way of northern Spain to take a look at the sights, and don’t neglect to eat some pintxos when you’re up there!
However, what actually brings individuals to Spain in August is the one-of-a-kind annual festivals held throughout this month.
The most well-known might be La Tomatina, which is mainly an enormous tomato battle amongst 1000’s of individuals. It’s held in Bunol on the final Wednesday in August, so mark your calendars!
Another well-known August competition is Semana Grande in Bilbao and San Sebastian which exhibits off the best of the Basque area. You can count on bullfighting extravaganzas, big puppet dances, and fireworks lighting up the evening sky to finish every single day.
September – Summer (and Peak Season) Winds Down
Average Temperature: 75 – 90°F
Highlights: Less vacationers | Grape harvests for wine | Inland cities have lastly cooled down
Festivals: San Mateo Festival | Festa de la Merce
The finish of peak season, and formally the tip of summer time, however Spain stays sizzling just about by way of the tip of the month. However, it’s actually extra bearable than July and August, making September a stunning time to go to when the busiest time of the yr is winding down.
You can return to visiting inland locations like Madrid and Cordoba, in addition to wandering round different central cities with out feeling as for those who’re going to soften.
One of the perfect causes to go to Spain in September is for the wine. This month is harvest season for a few of Spain’s best wines, so it’s a good time to go out to vineyards and style the newest classic!
There are loads of winery and wine excursions that may take you round a area for tastings, or you may enterprise out by yourself for some sipping and snacking at whichever vineyard is closest.
Speaking of wine, within the La Rioja area each September, there’s the San Mateo Festival, which is per week of music, dancing, enjoyable and naturally, infinite quantities of wine to have fun the native harvest.
What may very well be extra magical than that?! You may even use your toes to crush grapes at this occasion, one of the crucial conventional winemaking strategies!
If you’re spending your September nearer to Barcelona, make sure to head into town for the Festa de la Merce, one of many largest festivals which celebrates Barcelona’s patron saint. Again, you’ll have a ton of wine right here (which is able to make up for not heading to La Rioja), cultural occasions, and fireworks.
For much more tradition, seize tickets to the San Sebastian Film Fest, additionally held throughout September, the place you may watch movies, catch sights of stars, and revel in Basque nation.
All of this goes to indicate that September is a merely magical time to go to Spain.
October – Best Time to Visit Andalusia
Average Temperature: 65 – 75°F
Highlights: Way much less vacationers | Pleasant climate | Good time to go to Andalusia | Surfing in Northern Spain
Festivals: Bienal de Flamenco | Week of Architecture
The climate begins to chill off and the cities start to empty, so October is the proper time to go to Spain for those who can’t stand the warmth or the crowds of summer time.
October is the perfect time to go to inland cities like Madrid and Salamanca as they’re lastly cool sufficient from the summer time, however not as chilly as they get within the coronary heart of winter.
This can be a stunning time to pay Andalusia a go to. You can nonetheless expertise a good quantity of solar with extra empty cities than you’ll discover in the summertime, making for the proper quiet escape.
For those that can’t stand to be out of the water, make your strategy to the north of Spain, the place October brings a few of the greatest browsing through the yr! But you’ll positively wish to pack a wetsuit as it will probably get chilly on the market.
October can be a great time to go mountain climbing as you’ll be capable of immerse your self within the fall foliage alongside the paths.
In phrases of occasions, October is dwelling to the Bienal de Flamenco in Seville, the biggest flamenco competition in Spain. Besides being nice enjoyable, simply understand that it solely occurs as soon as each two years!
You may head to Madrid for the Week of Architecture, which is nice for any constructing fanatics trying to expertise displays or workshops in a few of the metropolis’s most well-known buildings.
November – Enjoy the Off-Season with Less Crowds
Average Temperature: 55 – 65°F
Highlights: Quiet metropolis wandering | Fun festivals | Virtually no crowds
Festivals: International Sherry Festival | Jazz Festival
Finally, Spain will get some peace and quiet from the summer time because the nation prepares for the Christmas season. November is comparatively quiet and chilly, however there’s nonetheless loads to do all through Spain that makes it a worthy time for a go to.
Take a tour round Andalusia to go to native villages, or head to Ronda, a shocking city made well-known by Hemmingway’s description because the “most romantic town in Spain.” November is the perfect time to spend your time wandering round within the crisp, cool climate earlier than the winter chill actually hits.
There’s loads happening by way of occasions in November, just like the International Sherry Festival in Jerez (drink responsibly!) and the Jazz Festival in Madrid that attracts individuals in from all internationally.
In phrases of Spanish tradition, November is a good time to go to for the Fiesta de La Almundena, held in Madrid. During this occasion, you’ll get to expertise Spanish tradition from way back and spot Madrileños of their conventional costume!
No matter the place you select, you’ll be pleasantly shocked on a visit to Spain in November.
December – Celebrate the Holiday Season Spanish-style!
Average Temperature: 45 – 60°F
Highlights: Holiday season & spirit all through Spain!
Festivals: Christmas Markets | Malaga Light Displays
The climate in December enormously varies, relying on the place you might be in Spain.
On one hand, you could be snowboarding by way of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, whereas however you could be mendacity on a Carribean-like seaside. The selection is yours!
To shut out the yr, December is the time for Christmas festivities all through the nation. Think vigorous spirits, colourful lights, and widespread celebrations wherever you go. Doesn’t get significantly better than a Spanish vacation season, now does it?
One of probably the most pleasant components of December in Spain is the huge variety of Christmas markets unfold all through the nation. These markets are stuffed with trinkets on the market, delectable bites to eat, and heat drinks galore.
You can discover the perfect (and largest) ones in Barcelona or Seville however loads of smaller cities and cities have them in addition to the vacation approaches.
You may discover a wild mild show in Malaga in December, with shiny strings of fairy bulbs lighting town each night.
If you’re looking for a sandy Christmas moderately than a snowy one, December is the proper time to go to the islands for a hotter vacation season. However, for those who’re staying landlocked, there’s loads to do to have fun the vacation and ring within the New Year as properly.
The greatest place to have fun the brand new yr is to go to Puerto del Sol in Madrid for an expertise much like one you’d have in Times Square on December thirty first. There are large crowds of individuals, all gathered to get together till the clock strikes midnight.
The custom right here is to eat 12 grapes, one for every chime, to welcome the New Year! There’ll be shiny lights, music, dancing, and loads of festivities, so make sure to make this part of your plan if visiting Spain throughout this time of yr.
For a magical journey to Spain, go in December!
As you may see, every month in Spain brings one thing completely different to the desk. Whether you’re on the lookout for much less crowds, the proper climate, thrilling festivals, or all three, you’ll be capable of plan a visit to include all of it.
All of this goes to say that the perfect time to go to Spain relies on private desire and what you’re trying to get out of your journey.
Spain actually is the land of wonders, with infinite quantities of surprises in retailer for many who go to. No matter whenever you go, you’re certain to fall in love with this magnificent nation however simply keep in mind… keep away from peak season if potential!
Accommodations Around Spain
Looking for various choices on the place to remain in Spain? Check out our particular person articles that includes our prime suggestions for each journey finances from hostels to luxurious accommodations.
Where to Stay in Spain
Where to Stay in Madrid
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Where to Stay in Valencia
Where to Stay in Bilbao
Where to Stay in San Sebastián
Where to Stay in Seville
Where to Stay in Granada
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Where to Stay in Marbella
Where to Stay in Malaga
Where to Stay in Mallorca
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