Are you planning a trip to the land of tapas? Make sure you know the best time to visit Spain based on tourism trends, weather and fun happenings in this crazy cool country.
In this article, I'll show you the best times to visit Spain and break down the best things to see and do each month.
If you're looking for a quick answer on the best time to visit, we recommend visiting in the spring or fall, as you'll get milder weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
However, keep reading this article to decide for yourself!
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- When is the best time to visit Spain? (Updated 2022)
- What you should know when planning a trip to Spain
- A monthly guide to visiting Spain
- Accommodation throughout Spain
When is the best time to visit Spain? (Updated 2022)
The best time to travel to Spain is during theSpring months from March to Mayor during theAutumn between September and November.
During this time you have nice weather, much less crowds, decent prices and lots to do! As these times are low season, accommodation tends to be cheaper, it's much easier to get a dinner reservation and you don't have to spend half the day waiting for the next attraction.
Spring is a particularly good time to visit, as it's usually warm enough to go to the beach and there are plenty of must-see festivals and events.
But no matter when you visit Spain, you won't be disappointed. Year-round, there's delicious food, incredible museums and a culture worth immersing yourself in.Just remember that in the low season, between November and March, shops and restaurants may have reduced opening hours.
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What you should know when planning a trip to Spain
Spring and autumn aside, it remains to know a little more when planning a trip to Spain. Keep this information in mind and you won't have any nasty surprises down the road.
You can visit Spain independently or join this multi-day tour led by seasoned experts like G-Adventures. HeTapas and Flamenco Tourthrough Spain and Portugal is something that has always called our attention.
Whatever you do, make sure you wear appropriate clothing. There's nothing worse than being too hot (or too cold!). look at ourEurope packing listGuide to ensure you don't leave anything behind.
See packing list for Europe
When is the high season in Spain?
When it comes to tourism, high season in Spain is during the sun.summer months. You can expect crowds of people across the country during this time.July and August, all eager to drink some sangria and hit the beach.
During the summer you will find that prices are much higher than any other time of the year, especially when it comes to flights and accommodation. To counteract this, plan your trip well in advance and book everything well in advance. It still won't be cheap, but it should be less expensive than planning a last-minute trip during the busiest months of the year.
But just because it's high season doesn't mean you can't find peace and quiet on your trip to Spain. Countless locals leave the country in the summer to escape the Spanish heat (and the tourists) or head to the coastal beaches to cool off.
You might be pleasantly surprised when you find an entire street just for you in search of the best tapas.
How is the weather in Spain?
The climate in Spain is generally quite temperate all year round, except in the summer when it's hot, really hot.
when you are visitingspain in winter, you can expect temperatures in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit across the country, but they will steadily increase as you progress through the spring and summer months.
During the summer, a typical day is around 90 degrees, so pack plenty of sun hats! If you want to escape the summer heat, head to the north of Spain, where temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s. Otherwise, the beach is everything!
The beach understandably gets pretty crazy in the summer when everyone is trying to cool off in the crystal clear Spanish waters. So, in fact, it's better not to go to the beach between July and August and go in spring!
The beaches in May and June are much quieter than in high season and you can still enjoy the warm weather. You can also visit the beaches on the other side in high season, between the end of August and October. The weather may be cooling down, but it's still mild enough to go for a dip!
If you're looking for year-round warm weather, you can usually find it along the coast. The Gran Canaries are also an ideal option for a beach holiday, sunbathing and sea bathing at any time of the year!
Popular festivities and events in Spain
Spain is known for hosting some of the most unique and exciting festivals and events every year. It's not uncommon to plan a trip to one of these festivals so you can get in on the action!
The most popular events in Spain take place during spring and summer, such asdie tomato, Malaga Fair and Las Fallas in Valencia. But there's also plenty to experience out of season, like Rioja's grape harvests and Carnival. look at ourList of the best festivals in Spainfor more information
Whichever festival is on your bucket list, it's best to plan ahead, as it's likely to draw crowds from all over the world. Book your hotel and flights in advance and have tickets if you need them! You don't want to miss this.
A monthly guide to visiting Spain
To help you decide when is the best time to visit Spain, here's a month-by-month breakdown of what's happening in the country. Alternatively, you can view our complete guide.Spain travel guide.
In addition to the weather, you can choose when to travel based on the activities available and the famous parties that complete your vacation.
January – Ideal for winter activities
average temperature:45 - 60 °F
Reflexes:Not many tourists | cheap accommodation | winter activities
Parties:Epiphany | Feast of San Sebastian
This is definitely during Spain's high season off season. The weather is mild, but the downside is that there aren't many tourists, so you can enjoy the views without constantly bumping into others. If that wasn't enough, hotels and accommodation are often cheaper in January as demand isn't high.
If you are a winter sports enthusiast, January is the perfect time to go skiing, snowboarding or eating tapas by the Sierra Nevada fireplace. there is a lot toosnowshoesYdriving a snowmobile in the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa for various mountain views.
If you prefer to enjoy the mountains from afar, there is still plenty to do, such as warming up with ahealthy cooking classOr take advantage of post-Christmas shopping deals!
Finally, you'll love finding some festivals in January.Epiphanyon the 6th, accompanied by celebrations for the Balearic Islands, and on theFestival of San SebastianFamous for the locals who take to the streets with their Tamborradas!
February – Party during Carnival in Spain!
average temperature:50 a 62 °F
Reflexes:Carnival | Flamenco
Parties:Carnival | sherry festival
February is still quite quiet in Spain, with relatively low temperatures, especially in Madrid and other northern cities such as Bilbao and Galicia. Also, it rains almost all the time, which is why most people choose southern Spain when planning a trip in February.
Furthermore, it is known that February is the monthcarnaval, which celebrates the beginning of Lent. There are countless events across Spain, with huge parties in places like Cádiz and the Canary Islands.
Put on a frilly dress and dancing shoes because Carnival is all about sangria and dancing!
Speaking of dancing, thatFestival of Jerezit also takes place in February and is one of the most famous flamenco festivals in Spain. It's a great way to experience Spanish culture while watching shows and listening to high heels. Flamenco fans - February is for you!
March - Experience unique Spanish festivals
average temperature:60 - 70 °F
Reflexes:early spring | Not quite full yet | Good weather for walks
Parties:The Fallas | Sacred Measure | Resurrection Easter
The weather in Spain in March can be unpredictable, so you never know if you need a swimsuit or fleece. But the beginning of spring is always unpredictable!
March officially marks the beginning of spring, which is one of the best times to visit Spain. The trees are starting to bud and blossom, there are lots of flowers and of course a little rain to top it all off.
March is a good time to visit Spain as it is just before the start of the season. Enjoy intimate museums before tour groups arrive andgo to the trailsbefore it gets hot.
Not to mention there are some amazing festivals around this time of year.
a trip toValencethis month is mandatory because the week is longThe Feast of the FallsIt's one of the most remarkable things to see in Spain. You'll see a grand parade of giant figures before they are set on fire. It is unique, completely Spanish and an event not to be missed.
Other March festivities areSão MeasureParty in Barcelona where horse-drawn carriages full of Spaniards throw bullets at the people of Barrio Garcia. there is alsoResurrection Easter, the holiest week of the year. It's a big religious festival across Spain at Semana Santa and can last for over a week!
April: prime time for adventure activities.
average temperature:65 - 75°F
Reflexes:Warm and pleasant climate | Not too crowded | adventure activities
Parties: April Fair | enjoy | cheese fair
Another month of unpredictable weather, but certainly the hottest of the year so far.
People come in April.AndalusiaHead down to the beach and the restaurant terraces gradually fill up with eager diners, ready to enjoy spring on the terrace. Despite the good weather, the wave of vacationers hasn't arrived yet, so this is a good time to visit before it gets too crowded!
Enjoy sightseeing and sit outside with a coffee in the town square or walk along the trails to see spring in Spanish nature.
April is the best time for adventure activities likeMountain biking, climbing, quad biking and helicopter flights because the weather is ideal for being outdoors.
Warm weather also brings fun festivals such asApril Fair, spring fair insevillethat showcases Spanish culture and offers endless entertainment. There is also a big music festival in Madrid.Festimatedwhere you have a different show every night!
Last but not least, if you are a cheese lover, Spain should definitely be on your bucket list this April as there arecheese fairin Trujillo, a three-day cheese festival.
No, you're not dreaming... April is definitely one of the best months to visit Spain!
May - Perfect weather and start of the bullfighting season
average temperature:70 a 80 °F
Reflexes:good weather | Hot Beaches | Hiking | bull season
Parties:Bullfight | madrid open
One of the best months to visit Spain, the weather in May is simply magnificent. It has warm sunny days with cooler nights, perfect for city walks or beach walks.
This is the month when the southern beaches start to fill up, but the rest of the country also enjoys divine weather. Head downstairs for one last quiet moment before the summer tourist crowd arrives!
This is one of the last times you can enjoy a hike without breaking a sweat, so be sure to hit the trails if you're here in May! You can also comfortably perform activities such asParagliding, hot air ballooning or even some water sports without the stress of being too cold.
The month of May is probably best known for the beginning of the month of May.Taurine season. If bullfighting isn't your thing (no fault of your own), you can beat itmadrid open, the biggest tennis tournament in Spain, which also takes place annually in the month of May.
May is also the month ofFestival of the Courtyards of Córdoba,This is celebrated with events, parades, flower fights and gardening contests, allowing residents to display the best of spring on their doorstep.
June – Spain heats up!
average temperature:77 - 90 °F
Reflexes:Hot weather | Kitesurfing | Coffee and food on the terrace
Parties:Feast of Water and Ham | Photo Spain
Good weather is guaranteed in Spain from June onwards.
Gone are the days of having to bring a raincoat as you can expect warm, sunny days across Spain every day. Although it is not officially high season, tourists are starting to arrive and this is immediately noticeable in attractions such as museums, cathedrals and even on the beach.
It is also reflected in the price of air tickets, hotel prices and even in the city. Prices typically skyrocket as businesses gear up for peak season, so book ahead.
Just make sure the one you book has air conditioning!
Some events to keep in mind if you are visiting in June are thewaterproof and hamin Granada, where you can partake in some good old Spanish water warfare; ANDPhoto Spainin Madrid, an international photographic exhibition, which is the most important in the country.
If you're looking for active fun, June is also the best time to travel.Bowlfor somewindsurfing. The wind is great and the waters aren't too full yet, so it's the perfect time to study!
July - High season is coming
average temperature:80 a 100 °F
Reflexes:Beach! | Full opening hours | Many festivals and events.
Parties:Heiliger Fermín | Sanlúcar de Barrameda | Benicàssim-Festival
Hello high season! This is arguably the busiest time of year in Spain, as the entire country from north to south is packed with tourists eating tapas.
It's also the hottest time of year, so most inland city dwellers head to the coast to enjoy the sea breeze and ocean views. You can visit Spain in July, but you need to book anywhere with huge crowds, extremely expensive hotels and flights (distantin advance!) and long waits at dinner.
But Julio is not all bad...
The country really comes alive to accommodate all who come to visit. Restaurants and shops open on time, there's always something to see or do, and there's no shortage of festivals and events to catch a big dose of Spanish culture.
In July you haveem sanfermin, also known asrunning the bulls, which takes place in Pamplona from the 6th to the 14th of the month. ANDquite a wild sightand definitely worth attending if you're in the area.
If you prefer horses, you can watch races on the beach atSanlucar de Barramedaat this other annual event.
One last unforgettable option for events in July is thisBenicasim-Festival, a large four-day music festival that takes place between Valencia and Barcelona. Get tickets in advance as the lineup is always amazing!
August - time for the beach!
average temperature:80 a 100 °F
Reflexes:Best time at the beach | Basque Country is better | the tomato
Parties:The Tomato | great week
August completes the hottest time of the year and more residents crowd the coast. If you are looking for a beach vacation,Spain has great beachesthey are perfect for a seaside vacation.
Places like Seville, Madrid and Granada are significantly less crowded than islands or the coast of Spain, as it's too hot and dry to be surrounded by land. Because of this, restaurants and stores can close during the summer holidays, only reopening when the weather cools down a bit.
If you are looking for good places to visit in August, try Galicia, the Basque Country and Asturias, where the weather is still pleasant without being too hot. Take a fantastic drive through northern Spain to see the sights and don't forget to grab some pintxos while you're there.
However, what really draws people to Spain in August are the unique annual festivals that take place during the month.
The best known is probablydie tomato, which is basically a giant tomato fight between thousands of people. It takes place in Buñol on the last Wednesday of August, so mark your calendars!
Another well-known August festival isgreat weekin Bilbao youSan Sebastianwhich showcases the best of the Basque Country. You can expect bullfighting extravaganzas, massive puppet dances and fireworks that light up the night sky at the end of each day.
September – End of summer (and high season)
average temperature:75 - 90 °F
Reflexes:Less Tourists | vintage for wine | The inner cities have finally cooled down
Parties:Feast of Saint Matthew | festival of goods
The end of high season and officially the end of summer, but Spain is still quite hot until the end of the month. However, it's certainly more bearable than July and August, making September a great time to travel as the busiest time of the year draws to a close.
You can go back to inland places like Madrid and visitcórdoba, as well as wandering around other central cities without feeling like melting.
One of the best reasons to visit Spain in September is wine. This month is the harvest season for some of Spain's best wines, so it's a great time to visit the vineyards and taste the latest vintage!
There are many vineyard and wine tours. that takes you to tastings in a region, or make your own route for a drink and a snack at the nearest winery.
Speaking of wine, La Rioja has it every SeptemberFeast of Saint Matthew,This is a week of music, dancing, fun and, of course, endless wine to celebrate the local harvest.
What could be more magical than that?! At this event, you can even crush the grapes with your feet, one of the most traditional methods of making wine!
If you are spending September closer to Barcelona, you should definitely head to the city.mercy party, one of the biggest festivals in honor of the patron saint of Barcelona. Again, you have plenty of wine (making sure not to go to La Rioja), cultural events and fireworks.
For even more culture, get tickets to theSan Sebastian Film Festival, also in September, where you can watch movies, see stars and enjoy the Basque Country.
All this goes to show that September is a simply magical time to visit Spain.
October - Best time to travel to Andalusia
average temperature:65 - 75°F
Reflexes:Much less tourists | Pleasant weather | Good time to visit Andalusia | Surfing in Northern Spain
Parties:Flamenco Biennial | architecture week
The weather is starting to cool and the cities are starting to empty out, so October is the perfect time to visit Spain if you can't stand the summer heat or the crowds.
October is the best time to travel to inland citiesMothersand Salamanca, finally being cool enough since summer, but not as much as mid-winter.
This is also a good time to visit Andalucia. You can still get a decent amount of sun with more empty towns than in the summer, making it the perfect peaceful getaway.
For those who can't stand being without water, head to northern Spain, where October brings some of the bestsurfing during the year! But make sure you pack a wetsuit as it can get chilly outside.
October is also an ideal time for hiking, as you can soak in the fall foliage along the trails.
As for the events, October is the seat of theFlamenco Biennialin Seville, Spain's biggest flamenco festival. In addition to being a lot of fun, remember that it only happens every two years!
You can also go to Madrid for that.architecture week, ideal for any construction fanatic who wants to experience exhibitions or workshops in some of the city's most iconic buildings.
November: Enjoy low season with fewer crowds
average temperature:55 - 65 °F
Reflexes:Peaceful stroll through the city | fun parties | Virtually no crowds
Parties:International Festival of Jerez | jazz festival
Spain is finally getting some summer peace and quiet as the country prepares for the Christmas season. November is relatively quiet and cool, but there's still plenty to do across Spain, so it's well worth a visit.
Take a tour of Andalucia to visit nearby towns or drive to Ronda, a stunning town made famous by Hemmingway's description of "Spain's most romantic town". November is the best time to go sightseeing in clear, cool weather before the winter chill sets in.
There's a lot going on in November in terms of events like this.International Festival of Jerezin Jerez (drink responsibly!) and thejazz festivalin Madrid that attracts people from all over the world.
Regarding Spanish culture, November is a good time to visitLa Almundena-Fest, held in Madrid. During this event, you can experience Spanish culture from yesteryear and on the spot.madrileñosin their typical costume!
Whatever you decide, you'll be pleasantly surprised when you travel to Spain in November.
December - Celebrate the holidays the Spanish way!
average temperature:45 - 60 °F
Reflexes:Holiday season and mood across Spain!
Parties:Christmas Markets | Light shows in Malaga
The weather in December varies greatly depending on where you are in Spain.
On one side, you can drive through the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada while relaxing on a Caribbean beach on the other. It's your decision!
With the end of the year, December is the time for Christmas celebrations across the country. Think animated spirits, fairy lights and widespread celebrations wherever you go. There's nothing better than a Spanish Christmas, right?
One of the most attractive aspects of December in Spain is the large number ofchristmas marketscattered across the country. These markets are full of trinkets for sale, delicious snacks and hot drinks galore.
You can find the best (and biggest) atBarcelonaor Seville, but many smaller towns and cities have them, as well as holiday approaches.
you will find one toowild light game onMálagain December, with glowing rows of light bulbs illuminating the city each night.
If you're looking for a sand Christmas instead of snow, December is the perfect time to head to the islands for a warmer Christmas season. However, if you do stay inland, there is plenty to do to celebrate the holiday and New Years.
The best place to celebrate the New Year is to godoor of the sunin Madrid for a Times Square-like experience on December 31st. There are large crowds gathered to party until the clock strikes midnight.
The tradition here is to eat 12 bunches of grapes, one for each beat, to welcome in the New Year! There will be bright lights, music, dancing and lots of festivities, so make sure this is part of your plan if you visit Spain at this time of year.
For a magical trip to Spain, go in December!
As you can see, every month in Spain brings something different to the table. Whether you're looking for less crowds, perfect weather, exciting festivals or all three, you can plan a trip to incorporate it all.
All of which says that the best time to travel to Spain depends on your personal preferences and what you want out of your trip.
Spain is truly the land of wonders, with countless surprises for those who visit. No matter when you travel, you are sure to fall in love with this great country, but remember... avoid high season if possible!
Accommodation throughout Spain
Are you looking for different options for a stay in Spain? Check out our individual articles for our top picks for every travel budget, from hostels to luxury hotels.
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 spend the night in São Sebastião
Where to stay in Seville
Where to stay in Grenada
Where to stay in Tarifa
Where to stay in Marbella
Where to stay in Malaga
Where to stay in Mallorca
Planning a trip to Spain? look at these items
- The best places in Spain you can't miss
- What to Eat in Spain: The Definitive Guide to Spanish Food
- Europe Packing List: Everything you need for a summer or winter trip
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