Is there a bad time to visit Spain at all? Perhaps not – With it’s stunning, sun-drenched coastlines, famous festivals, and charming, culturally-rich cities such as Barcelona and Seville, Spain is a great destination all year round.
That said, it depends on what you’re looking to enjoy when visiting Spain. Whether it be smaller crowds, mild weather, or low prices, certain months are better for visiting this beautiful country than others. Thankfully, we can help you find the best time to visit, so you can create your dream Spanish getaway. In this guide, we break down when is the best time to visit Spain is based on the weather, crowds, budget, and events that are taking place, based on tourism data, and our own personal experience.
Spring in Spain (March to May)
Spring is one of Spain’s milder months, with pleasant weather all across the country. Daytime temperatures can range between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but it can drop cooler on an evening, so be sure to pack layered clothing.
It is also hailed as one of Spain’s most beautiful seasons, and by many, the best time to visit Spain. This is thanks to its stunning wildflowers and colorful bloom, which can be seen through city parks, making it an ideal time to enjoy a spot of sightseeing without the high heat of summer. The milder temperatures also make it a great time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring historical and cultural sights.
Spain in Spring sees a moderate amount of crowds, much less than is expected in summer, but plenty of tourists choose to visit during this time of year, as there are many great events such as Semana Santa (also known as Holy Week – This is Spain’s most religious celebration), and Feria de Abril in Seville (a celebration with flamenco, food and fun!). Airfare and hotel rates are also cheaper than the peak summer months, which makes it a popular time for travel.
Summer in Spain (June to August)
The weather during Spanish Springtime is very hot, with inland cities such as Madrid reaching highs of 35°C (95°F). Cities located by the coast are typically a little cooler, making this peak tourist season in Spain. You can usually see bustling beaches, vibrant nightlife, and busy tourist attractions at this time of year. If you’re a beginner traveler, it can be better to visit during peak season so you don’t feel too out of place!
If you’re hoping for a Spanish getaway in summer, it’s important to book your accommodation early, as they can book up very fast, especially when it comes to staying in a beachfront location. It’s also a good idea to try to avoid the inland areas as they can be far too warm at this time of year if you’re not used to the heat.
Summer is also the most expensive time of year to visit Spain – Flights, hotels, and attractions are all at their most expensive. Despite this, many visitors flock here to enjoy not only the beautiful hot weather, but also the many great festivals and events. These include San Fermín (Running of the Bulls festival) in Pamplona, San FerLa Tomatina in Buñol, and the infamous Barcelona Beach Festival.
Fall in Spain (September to November)
Spain’s Fall season brings about a drop in temperature, with most days being around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it a great time of year for outdoor activities such as hiking trips through the Pyrenees mountains. It also makes a great time of year to visit if you’re planning on including Spain as part of a multi-destination trip in Europe.
There are fewer crowds at this time of year, too, and with inland temperatures being much more comfortable than they are during the summer months, it’s the perfect time of year for a cultural deep dive and authentic experiences. The fall season is when the vineyards and food festivals are at their peak, making it the perfect time of year to visit if you’re a wine lover or a foodie! Other great festivals and events that take place in Spain during this time of year include La Mercè in Barcelona and the San Mateo Wine Festival in Logroño.
Fall is a truly great time to visit Spain, thanks to the lower crowds and lower prices, but note that if you do choose to visit at this time of year, parts of the country can see quite a bit of rain during the month of October.
Winter in Spain (December to February)
The temperature in Spain during the winter season varies widely based on where you choose to visit. Places in the north of the country can be as low as 5°C or 41°F, with some even seeing snow, but in the south, cities such as Malaga are milder, with temperatures reaching around 16°C (61°F). If you’re looking for a spanish winter break with warm weather, though, some of the Spanish Islands are where you can find the best weather. This is especially true in the Canary Islands, such as Tenerife or Lanzarote.
Nevertheless, Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Spain for cultural tourism and to uncover their unique holiday traditions. It’s the perfect time of year for exploring indoor attractions such as museums, or going skiing in the Pyrenees mountains. During Winter, visitors can experience a great range of Spanish events and festivals, including Three Kings Day (January 6th), and fun Christmas markets in major cities.
The Spanish winter season sees shorter days, fewer crowds, and significantly lower prices in many areas, making it a great time of year to visit if you’re looking for a budget-friendly destination and a unique experience. Take note, though, that prices and crowds do pick up a little around Christmas and New Year.
FAQs
Anytime is great for visiting Spain, and it really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking to enjoy. That said, May and September are generally considered to be the best months for visiting Spain, as they strike the perfect balance of great weather, smaller crowds, and fair prices.
Late January through to early March is generally the most budget-friendly time to visit Spain. This is during the Winter and early Spring season, after tourism over the Christmas and New Year season dies down.
June through August are the hottest months in Spain, especially when it comes to the inland regions.
Spanish Summertime falls between June and August, but greta weather can still be experienced either side of this, during the shoulder season, for those looking to enjoy summertime-style weather on a budget!
The cost of visiting Spain varies depending on the season. The summer time is generally very expensive, whereas the winter season and the shoulder seasons are much more affordable.