Best Time to Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Spain? Choosing the right time to visit can transform your experience, from sun-soaked beaches to vibrant festivals and charming city streets. This guide breaks down the best months to explore Spain, weather patterns, crowds, and must-see events so you can plan the perfect Spanish getaway.

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Spain. The weather is mild, flowers bloom, and the country comes alive with cultural festivals. It’s ideal for travellers who want a balance of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

Weather

Average 15-22°C (59–72°F). Northern Spain can be rainy, while southern Andalusia enjoys sunny days. Nights are cooler, especially in central Spain.
Rainfall: Light to moderate, especially in northern regions like Galicia and the Basque Country. Southern Spain is drier.
Sunlight: Increasing daylight hours, around 10-13 hours, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

Spring in Spain is a season of cultural celebrations, where the streets come alive with music, colour, and tradition. One of the most famous events is Semana Santa, or Holy Week, which takes place in March or April depending on Easter. Cities like Seville, Malaga, Granada, and Valladolid host elaborate processions with beautifully adorned floats, traditional costumes, and deeply moving rituals. Attending Semana Santa offers a unique glimpse into Spanish devotion and artistry, and it is widely regarded as one of the most photogenic and atmospheric events in Europe.

Shortly after, the Feria de Abril in Seville takes over the city with week-long celebration of flamenco, horse parades, and tapas. Streets and fairgrounds are transformed into a spectacle of music, dancing, and colours, where locals and visitors alike enjoy traditional Sevillian costumes and lively festivities from morning until night. It is one of the best times to experience the city’s culture in its most authentic form.

In Valencia, March brings the explosive and spectacular Las Fallas festival. Gigantic papier-mâché sculptures dominate the streets, accompanied by parades, fireworks, and street parties. This festival is a perfect example of Spanish creativity and exuberance, attracting thousands of visitors eager to witness the artistic displays and nightly firework shows.

Meanwhile, in Cordoba, the Patios Festival in May invites visitors into the city’s private courtyards, which are bursting with flowers and traditional Andalusian charm. Local homeowners open their colorful patios to the public, offering a serene and beautiful experience that contrasts with the high-energy festivals elsewhere. Walking through these floral courtyards is a perfect way to enjoy the delicate beauty of spring in Spain.

Together, these festivals make spring a season of color, celebration, and cultural immersion, offering travelers the opportunity to enjoy Spain’s traditions, cuisine, and arts in some of its most beautiful cities.

Summer in Spain is a time of long days, festivals, and beach escapes, but it’s also the hottest season in central and southern Spain.

Weather

Summer in Spain is synonymous with sun-soaked days and long, warm evenings. The weather varies widely depending on the region. Southern Spain, especially Andalusia, experiences the highest temperatures, often reaching 35°C (95°F) in Seville and Cordoba. Inland areas like Madrid also see intense heat, while northern Spain remains cooler, averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F), providing a comfortable escape from the southern sun. Coastal regions such as Costa del Sol and Costa Brava enjoy sunny skies and moderate humidity, ideal for beach days, swimming, and watersports. The Canary Islands maintain warm, pleasant conditions year-round, making them a favorite summer retreat.

Summer is festival season across Spain, and the country comes alive with vivid cultural celebrations and lively street events. In July, San Fermín in Pamplona attracts visitors worldwide for the thrilling running of the bulls and week-long festivities full of music, dancing, and parades. August brings La Tomatina in Buñol, the world’s largest tomato fight, offering a uniquely playful and unforgettable experience. Music lovers flock to festivals such as Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, featuring international artists and a lively atmosphere. Coastal towns host local summer fiestas with fireworks, dancing, and culinary events celebrating regional traditions.

Must-See Festivals

Spain’s summer festivals are world-famous and unforgettable. Some of the must-see events include:

San Fermín (Pamplona, July): The iconic running of the bulls combined with music, parades, and week-long street celebrations.
La Tomatina (Buñol, August): The world’s largest tomato fight, a playful and unique festival experience.
Flamenco Festivals (Andalusia, June–August): Traditional dance and music performances in cities like Seville, Granada, and Jerez.
Seafood Festivals (Galicia, July–August): Celebrations of the region’s fresh seafood with tastings, parades, and local culture.
Beach Fiestas (Mediterranean Coast, June–August): Coastal towns hosting fireworks, music, dancing, and summer celebrations.

Attending these festivals allows travelers to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, enjoy local cuisine, and experience music, dance, and vibrant community celebrations.

Autumn is perfect for travellers seeking mild weather, fewer crowds, and rich cultural experiences.

Weather

Autumn in Spain is a season of mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and golden landscapes. Early autumn, in September, can still feel like summer, especially in the south, with temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). By November, the weather cools down considerably, averaging 15–20°C (59–68°F) in most regions. Rainfall increases in the north, particularly in Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, while southern and eastern coastal areas remain relatively dry. Daylight hours gradually shorten, but the climate is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and cultural exploration without the intense heat of summer.

Autumn is rich with cultural festivals, food fairs, and local celebrations. September marks the Fiestas de la Vendimia (grape harvest festivals) across wine regions, where visitors can join wine tastings, vineyard tours, and traditional celebrations. Barcelona’s La Mercè festival, held in September, is a spectacular citywide event featuring parades, concerts, firework displays, and human tower competitions called castells. October brings All Saints’ Day celebrations and local autumn fairs throughout Spain, where towns showcase regional food, crafts, and music. The cooler weather and cultural focus make autumn an ideal season for city festivals and countryside exploration alike.

Some of the must-see autumn festivals in Spain include:

La Mercè (Barcelona): A citywide celebration in September featuring parades, concerts, fireworks, and traditional human tower competitions (castells).
Grape Harvest Festivals (La Rioja, Ribera del Duero): Celebrations of the wine harvest with vineyard tours, tastings, and grape-stomping events.
Regional Autumn Fairs (Galicia, Valencia, Andalusia): Smaller festivals showcasing local food, crafts, folk dances, and music.
Flamenco Festivals (Andalusia): Performances held in historic venues, offering an intimate and authentic cultural experience.

Winter offers a quieter Spain, perfect for cultural tourism, holiday markets, and skiing in the mountains.

Weather

Winter in Spain brings cooler temperatures, crisp skies, and seasonal festivities. Southern regions like Andalusia remain mild, averaging 10–16°C (50–61°F), while central Spain, including Madrid, can experience colder days around 5–10°C (41–50°F), with occasional frost. Northern Spain is the coldest, especially in the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains, where snow is common and temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F). Coastal areas, such as Costa del Sol, stay relatively mild, making them ideal for winter sun, while the Canary Islands maintain a comfortably warm climate year-round, around 18–22°C (64–72°F). Winter is ideal for skiing, cultural trips, and exploring Spain’s cities without the crowds.

Winter in Spain is full of festive celebrations, cultural events, and unique local traditions. December brings Christmas markets, nativity displays (Belenes), and seasonal gastronomy throughout the country. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with grapes at midnight (Las Uvas de la Suerte) across towns and cities. January highlights the Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade), a colorful procession marking Epiphany with sweets, music, and street performances. Winter also hosts ski festivals in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, along with music and theater events in urban centers.

Must-See Festivals

Some of the must-see winter festivals in Spain include:

Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade): Celebrated nationwide on January 5th with parades, sweets, and festivities for all ages.
Fallas de Invierno (Valencia, smaller scale): Winter edition of traditional fire festivals, including street art and fireworks.
Christmas Markets (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville): Markets offering seasonal crafts, gifts, and festive treats.
Ski Festivals (Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada): Winter sports competitions and mountain celebrations for ski enthusiasts.

Dress in layers to manage fluctuating winter temperatures across different regions.
Book winter sports accommodations in advance if visiting ski resorts.
Take advantage of smaller crowds in cities and cultural sites for sightseeing.
Sample seasonal food and drinks, including roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and local stews.
Visit the Canary Islands or Andalusian coast for milder winter escapes and outdoor activities.