The best time to visit Spain: Your season-by-season guide

Spring

Go for quirky festivals and sweet-smelling breezes

Many travelers and locals alike would declare spring the best time to visit Spain. Across the country, temperatures are warm and mild, and crowds are lighter than in the frenzied summer season. We declared Barcelona one of the best places to travel solo this spring for its lighter crowds, cheaper prices, and comfortably warm temperatures. “May is a great time of year to travel to Spain,” said traveler Karlheinz after returning from our A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour. “We were blessed with good weather the entire trip.”

Months to experience spring in Spain:

March, April, and May

Spring events and things to do in Spain:

• Revel in the joy of Las Fallas in Valencia. “It was especially lucky to see Las Fallas in Valencia, which is a [two-week-long] event and could be a good reason to schedule a tour in March,” said traveler David after joining our Grand Tour of Spain. “The weather was comfortable and the crowds were manageable in early March.” This annual festival takes place between the first and 19th of March and is celebrated in the streets with bonfires, fireworks, and whimsical sculptures. The celebration dates to medieval times, when carpenters would burn their scraps and redundant tools each year to celebrate the arrival of spring. Today, locals craft intricate, often satirical figures to burn. Each neighborhood creates a large sculpture of these figures to be judged, and only the winner is saved from burning when the bonfires are lit. “There was an almost electric energy of celebration everywhere,” said staffer Steph about attending Las Fallas (one of our favorite things to do in Valencia). “The elaborate sculptural monuments around every corner made the whole city feel like an amusement park. You can feel the amount of time, energy, and creativity that goes into creating the sculptures, so we walked around for hours just to take in all the whimsical mastery. Ending the evening of celebrations by watching fireworks light up the city skyline was a surreal moment.”
• Admire the colorful cheer of Seville’s April Fair. Feria de Abril, Seville’s April Fair, is a vibrant, weeklong festival of dancing, socializing, and parades. When it comes to town fairs, Feria de Abril can feel a bit insular—many locals prefer to celebrate in privately owned tents, called casetas, on the fairground. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from taking in the sights and merriment during your free time on a trip to Seville. A handful of casetas are open to the public, and walking around the fairground is worthwhile to see the ornate, sculptural horse-drawn carriages on parade and locals dressed in their finest flamenco dresses. After spending some time wandering the fairground, take in a flamenco show like the one you’ll see on our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour. The UNESCO-listed art form combines dance, music, and storytelling and is one of the top things Spain is known for.

The best places to visit in Spain in the spring:

• Anywhere in Andalusia. We love this southernmost region of Spain year-round, but it’s particularly magical in the springtime, when the summer heat hasn’t quite rolled in and the orange trees are still in bloom. Cities like Valencia and Seville are dotted with tens of thousands of bitter orange trees. When they bloom in the spring, they fill the air with an intoxicating perfume. The oranges aren’t eaten fresh but are used to make products like marmalade and orange liqueur. Visit on a tour of Andalusia to sample these treats during the festival season and indulge in the sweet-smelling air. “We were very fortunate to catch the Las Fallas festival and to be there for the bitter orange trees in bloom,” said traveler Barbara after visiting Valencia on our Grand Tour of Spain.
• Barcelona. There’s no bad time to take a trip to Barcelona, but the city does get hot and slows down in the summer, with many locals taking month-long vacations in August. That’s why we think the best time to visit Barcelona is in the spring. The weather is warm enough to swim at the city’s welcoming beaches, but not too hot to spend the day exploring and discovering the whimsical, iconic architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Step inside the otherworldly La Sagrada Família, one of our bucket-list destinations in Spain, or join the Park Güell & La Pedrera excursion offered on our Barcelona tours to immerse yourself in the work of the master architect. “Gaudí’s work was the highlight of my trip… the reason I wanted to see Spain,” said traveler Joann after returning from our Grand Tour of Spain.

Weather in Spain in the spring:

If you’re looking for the ideal temperature for Spain, it doesn’t get much better than the springtime. Most of the country is sunny and warm, but not too hot, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You may encounter some spring showers, so we suggest packing a lightweight poncho or small travel umbrella when you join us on one of our Spain tours in the spring.

Summer

Go for sun, sand, sangria, and seafood

Whether you’re on the hunt for the summer’s best seafood dishes, the best beaches in Europe, or a cold glass of sangria, you’ll find it when you visit Spain in the summer. The summer can get hot, especially in Central Spain, but it’s the best time to visit Spain to see the country at its liveliest. From exploring energetic cities to relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, there are plenty of things to do when you book your Spain travel in the summer. Plus, we know plenty of ways to stay cool in Spain in the summer.

Months to experience summer in Spain:

June, July, and August

Summer events and things to do in Spain:

• Spend an afternoon cruising along the Rías Baixas. The Rías Baixas are a series of lush coastal inlets in northwestern Galicia. Known for its unspoiled coastline and crisp albariño white wine, this off-the-beaten-path region is one of our favorite places to visit in Spain in the summer (and one of our favorite wine regions to visit). Join the Rías Baixas Cruise & Galician Lunch excursion on our Northern Spain: Basque Country to Madrid tour to board a boat and sail along the coastline, enjoying a lunch of fresh local mussels and wine as you go.
• Visit a naturally cool cave home in Guadix. Not far from Granada lies Guadix, one of the oldest settlements in Spain. About half of the residents of this large town live underground in cave houses, where temperatures are naturally pleasant, even on the hottest summer days. Visit Guadix on our Grand Tour of Spain to explore the cave district and see the hand-carved houses dug deep into the hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. “A visit with the family who lived in a cave was a high point,” said traveler Alice after visiting Guadix on the tour.

The best places to visit in Spain in the summer:

• San Sebastián. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, picture-perfect beaches, and number one on our list of cities in Spain to visit in the summer? Sign us up for a summertime trip to San Sebastián, please! San Sebastián lies on the northern coast of Spain, in the Bay of Biscay, which means that even when the temperature in Spain soars, San Sebastián stays relatively mild. The city is a beach-lover’s dream—the pristine Playa de la Concha is just steps away from the city center and lies in a protected inlet, which means the water is shallow and calm. Take a quick dip and then head to a beachfront bar to sample some of our favorite pintxos. “Pintxos are amazing!” said Go Ahead staffer Mike when recounting the most unique experiences to have in Spain. “They’re tapas at a new level. Counters are filled with small plates of the most amazing food that you can pick and choose from, and see exactly what you’re getting. You never would expect how delicious they are. From sea urchin to the perfect medium-rare steak, there is something for everyone. Paired with a glass of txakoli, a local sparkling wine, you can’t go wrong. It’s the best way to tour the cities of Basque Country.”
• The Balearic Islands. If you want to soak up the sun on a summer Spain vacation, there’s no better place to do it than on the Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Menorca. They both rank among the most stunning islands to visit in Spain and offer travelers the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, charming shops, hidden beaches, and lively bars. Visit the islands on our Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca tour to enter the Cuevas del Drach, a massive network of underground caves in Mallorca. The cool caves can provide a welcome reprieve from the summer sun and offer a delightful cultural experience. Deep within the caves, you’ll be treated to a live, classical music concert before boarding a boat to sail across Lake Martel, one of the world’s largest underground lakes.

Weather in Spain in the summer:

The summer months are the hottest and driest in Spain, with temperatures in places like Madrid soaring into the 90s or higher. Locals tend to flock to the beaches, especially in August, and many people spend the hottest hours of the afternoon indoors, enjoying lunch with their families and taking a restful siesta.

Autumn

Go for changing leaves and lighter crowds

It’s no secret that we love shoulder-season and off-season travel, and that sentiment extends to determining the best time to visit Spain. If you join us on a trip to Spain in the fall, you’ll encounter lighter crowds, cooler weather, and color-drenched landscapes that are worth the trip alone (though there will be plenty of freshly harvested produce and local wine as well).

Months to experience autumn in Spain:

September, October, and November

Autumn events and things to do in Spain:

• Experience the olive harvest. The autumn harvest brings a bounty of delicious offerings, including olives used to make olive oil, one of Spain’s biggest exports. When you join us on our A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour, you’ll visit a working olive oil farm between Córdoba and Seville. Here, you’ll learn all about olive farming and olive oil production and enjoy a guided olive oil tasting with unusual (but very delicious) pairings. “The olive farm tour… turned out to be a visit that, for me and many others, was a highlight,” said traveler Donald after visiting the farm on our Grand Tour of Spain. “Who would think orange-infused olive oil drizzled on chocolate ice cream would be so good!”
• Visit the Alhambra without the heat and crowds. The awe-inspiring Alhambra ranks high on our list of top reasons to visit Spain (it’s just after the food and wine), but we’ll be the first to admit that this palace complex in Granada can get a bit hot and crowded in the summer. Regardless of when you visit the UNESCO-listed palace, when you join us on one of our Granada tours, you’ll take a guided tour through the Alhambra’s interconnected buildings and lush courtyards.

The best places to visit in Spain in the Autumn:

• Ronda. Ronda’s white buildings nestled into the Sierra Nevada mountains are always picture-perfect, but in the autumn, when the leaves are changing, they’re positively breathtaking. There are many reasons why you should visit Ronda, but the jaw-dropping scenery from the hilltop town and Puente Nuevo bridge is among our favorites. “Ronda [is] one of the most beautiful and fascinating places I’ve ever been,” said traveler Cheryl after joining our Grand Tour of Spain.
• Salamanca. The UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca comes alive in autumn. The city is home to several universities, including one of the oldest in Europe, and hosts a vibrant and diverse population of intellectuals. Get to know Salamanca and explore its ancient architecture when you visit the Golden City on our Northern Spain: Basque Country to Madrid tour.

Weather in Spain in Autumn:

Like much of the world, Autumn brings change to Spain. The weather in Spain in September can see plenty of sun, and temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the weather in Spain in October is often rainier, with warm afternoons but lows dipping into the high 40s in the evening in some areas. We recommend packing light layers when you join us on one of our Spain tours in the fall.

Winter

Go for markets, museums, and mountains

There’s never a bad time for a trip to Spain, which is why we included the country among our favorite places to visit in winter. Whether you’re seeking cozy Christmas markets or surprisingly warm weather, you’ll find it in Spain. “Who says winter has to be cold?” said staffer Jim. “I’ve lived in the Northeast [United States] for most of my life, so winter in Madrid felt nearly tropical! I was able to relax on some outdoor patios, explore parks and gardens, and walk through the city without the summer crowds, and without freezing.”

Months to experience winter in Spain:

December, January, and February

Winter events and things to do in Spain:

• Explore Madrid’s markets. Winter is the best time to visit Spain if you want to avoid the throngs of travelers who flock to the country’s most popular sites in the summer. It also happens to be our favorite time of year to shop the markets in major cities, like Madrid. In addition to the Market of San Miguel, one of our favorite spots to try the local cuisine, you’ll find glittering Christmas markets dotting the city. When you join us on a winter trip to Madrid, treat yourself to some warming churros and hot chocolate before heading to Madrid’s largest holiday market in Plaza Mayor Square.
• Visit the museums. The off-season’s lighter crowds make winter the best time to go to Spain to see the country’s world-class museums. Whether you’re admiring European art at the Prado Museum in Madrid, contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, or the master’s works at the Museu Picasso in Barcelona, you’ll find far lighter crowds—and sometimes cheaper entry fees—when you visit these museums on a winter trip to Spain. Don’t miss the wartime-influenced artwork at the Reina Sofía in Madrid—the museum tops our list of the 10 best museums in Europe.

The best places to visit in Spain in the winter:

• Costa del Sol. Golden Costa del Sol is one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain, according to our Southern Spain Travel Guide. With more than 320 sunny days per year, this warm and welcoming town is the ultimate place to escape the winter on a trip to Spain. Visit by adding the Costa del Sol extension that’s offered on several of our Spain tours; you’ll spend a few days relaxing on soft, sandy beaches, exploring charming towns with flower-draped balconies, and enjoying local wine paired with bread, cheese, and jamón. “We relaxed by the pool in the luxurious and sun-soaked town of Marbella on the famed Costa del Sol, and we soaked up the local culture at a flamenco show and every time we ate,” said traveler Ralph after visiting on our Grand Tour of Spain. “From paella and tapas to decadent desserts and fine wine, each dining experience created fond memories.”
• The Sierra Nevada Mountains. The views from the Sierra Nevadas will take your breath away, especially in the winter, but that’s only one reason to visit these soaring peaks in Southern Spain. Nestled within the mountains lie charming, whitewashed villages, each more welcoming than the last. Join the extension to Granada and Málaga offered on our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour to shop for ceramics or leathergoods and enjoy the local comfort cuisine of the region, which becomes a popular skiing and hiking destination in the winter.

Weather in Spain in the winter:

Some areas of Spain see temperatures dip below freezing in the winter, but others remain mild. Pack some warm layers for your winter tour of Spain and cozy up with a hot chocolate and some churros once you touch down.