When is the best time to visit Spain? Here’s your season-by-season guide
From lively summer festivals to cozy winter markets, there’s a reason in every season to visit Spain. Check out monthly highlights and seasonal weather to pick the perfect time for your trip to Spain.
Want to know a secret? There is no “best time to visit Spain.” Spain is one of our favorite year-round destinations because the country is blessed with a mild climate for most of the year but still enjoys four distinct seasons. No matter where you are in the country, it feels like there’s always something special to do to celebrate the season. When you join us on one of our Spain tours, you’ll discover welcoming cities, impressive architecture, pristine beaches, and lively events, regardless of the time of year you choose to go. Whether you prefer the color-drenched magic of autumn, the cozy spirit of winter, the unbridled joy of spring, or the electrifying energy of summer, Spain invites you to experience its magic year-round.
The best weather in Spain by month
Each season in Spain has something to behold. Get a taste of winter wonder in Spain’s southernmost mountains, or explore Christmas markets in cities like Madrid, and enjoy world-class museums with fewer crowds during the winter months. In spring, one lively Spanish festival leads into the next and fragrant floral displays bloom across Spain. It’s also the perfect time to hit the beach to enjoy warm weather and a refreshing dip, before the hottest days of summer.
Summer in Spain is iconic—and for good reason—it’s filled with long, sunny days and delicious bites to keep you fueled up for sightseeing. The summer months are the perfect time to explore lesser known spots on the coast of northern Spain to enjoy milder summer temperatures and stunning landscapes. And last, but certainly not least, traveling to Spain in autumn means sampling seasonal harvests like olives, olive oil, and of course, wine. No matter what your interests are, there’s a perfect season for you to visit Spain.
Winter in Spain
Months to experience Spain in winter
December, January, and February
Go for markets, museums, and mild temps
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.”
Weather in Spain in December, January, and February
Thanks to Spain’s southern location, winter is fairly mild and sunny compared to other parts of Europe. The average temperature for these three months ranges from the mid-60s to the lower 30s F. However, the climate is diverse across the country. The southern coast still gets plenty of sunshine during winter, while it snows in the higher, mountainous regions, and the rocky northern coast sees heavier rainfall.
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.
December
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.
- Explore Madrid’s exquisite eateries, like the San Miguel Market, one of our favorite spots to try the local cuisine. In addition to these delightful eateries, you’ll find glittering Christmas markets dotting the city in winter.
- Treat yourself to some warming churros and hot chocolate before heading to Madrid’s largest holiday market in Plaza Mayor Square on a winter trip to Madrid.
January
The offseason’s lighter crowds, and January’s chilly temps, make winter the best time to go to Spain to see the country’s world-class museums. Visiting during this time of year can also mean cheaper entry fees.
- Admire European art at the Prado Museum in Madrid, contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, or the masterworks at the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.
- Don’t miss the wartime-influenced artwork at the Reina Sofia in Madrid—the museum tops our list of the 10 best museums in Europe.
February
The views in February of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Spain’s southernmost range, will take your breath away. But that’s only one reason to visit Andalucia and these soaring peaks in southern Spain. Nestled within the mountains lie charming, whitewashed villages, each more welcoming than the last.
- Stop and smell the flowers in Andalucia. For winter sports enthusiasts, the snowy white peaks of the Sierra Nevada range are a popular skiing and hiking destination in winter. But in the surrounding valleys, a different white cloud covers the hills in February—blooming almond trees bursting with pink and white flowers.
- Shop for artisan ceramics and leather goods—plus, enjoy the local comfort cuisine of the region—on the Granada and Málaga extension on our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour.
Spring in Spain
Months to experience Spain in the spring
March, April, and May
Go for 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.”
Weather in Spain in March, April, and May
If you’re looking for ideal temperatures in 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 F. 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.
March
What better way to enjoy mild temperatures than with an outdoor festival? March is the perfect time to take to the streets and celebrate. It’s also the end of the calcot season—so don’t miss out on these large Spanish onions that will be popping up on food menus from January through the end of March.
- Revel in the joy of the Las Fallas, one of our favorite things to do in Valencia. This annual festival takes place in the beginning of March (between the first and 19th), and is celebrated in the streets with bonfires, fireworks, and large, intricate, and often satirical sculptures. The sculptures are judged, and only the winner is saved from being burned. Witness this fiery festival on our Grand Tour of Spain.
- Bounce over to Barcelona for a classic music performance (or two, or three...) at the annual Barcelona Obertura Spring Festival. It involves around 18 different concerts across several venues around the city, showcasing some of the most talented musicians in the industry. Bravo!
April
Spring is in full bloom during April in Spain, and both the locals and the landscape come alive to greet the month. Don’t miss one of the country’s most famous festivals or stopping to smell the metaphorical and literal roses.
- Witness the elaborate dress and vibrant atmosphere of the Feria de Abril. Seville’s April Fair is a weeklong festival of dancing, socializing, and parades not to be missed. Take in the sights and merriment during your free time on a trip to Seville and admire horse-drawn carriages, elaborate flamenco dresses, and even catch a flamenco show like the one you’ll see on our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour.
- See—and smell—springtime blooms in southern Spain. Traveling anywhere in Andalusia during spring is particularly magical. Cities like Seville are dotted with tens of thousands of bitter orange trees that fill the air with an intoxicating perfume.
May
With summer on the horizon, May is an excellent time to see some of Spain’s most iconic museums and beaches without contending with summer crowds. Still, you’ll enjoy warm temperatures and sunny days that cool in the evening.
Enjoy Barcelona’s charm and beaches without the peak summer crowds and scorching summer sun in May. (Psst... Having trouble deciding between a trip to Barcelona or Madrid? See which city is right for you.)
Spend the day exploring and discovering the whimsical, iconic architecture of Antoni Gaudí, step inside the otherworldly La Sagrada Familia, one of our bucket list destinations in Spain, or join the Park Guell & La Pedrera excursion offered on our Barcelona tours to immerse yourself in the work of the master architect.
Summer in Spain
Months to experience Spain in the summer
June, July, and August
Go for sun, sand, 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 also 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 ways to stay cool in Spain in the summer.
Weather in Spain June, July, and August
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.
June
If you want to live la vida buena on a trip to Spain in summer, visiting in June can help you avoid the peak summer heat—without compromising on sunshine.
Soak up the sun on a summer Spain vacation in 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.
Enter the Cuevas del Drach, a massive network of underground caves in Mallorca. The cool caves provide a welcome reprieve from the summer sun, and on our Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca tour you’ll be treated to a delightful cultural experience—a live, classical music concert deep within the caves. After, you’ll board a boat to sail across Lake Martel, one of the world’s largest underground lakes.
July
Plan a trip to the northern coast of Spain during July (one of the hottest months in central and southern Spain) to enjoy longer days—without the frequent rainfall that keeps these spots so verdant.
- Spend an afternoon cruising along the Rias Baixas, a series of lush coastal inlets in northwestern Galicia known for their unspoiled coastline. Join the Rias 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.
- Sip crisp albarino in one of our favorite wine regions to visit. Enjoying a cold glass of this white wine on a warm day is one of our favorite reasons to visit this off-the-beaten-path region of Spain in the summer.
August
August is one of the hottest months of the year in Spain, but it’s also one of the best times of year to nosh on the country’s legendary seafood. Pro tip: snack on fresh seafood while you sip a local wine. (Thank us later.)
Head to San Sebastian for fresh-off-the-boat seafood and picture-perfect beaches, and you’ll quickly see why it’s number one on our list of cities in Spain to visit in the summer. San Sebastian lies on the northern coast of Spain, in the Bay of Biscay, which means that even when the temperature in Spain soars, San Sebastian stays relatively mild.
Take a quick dip (San Sebastian is a beach-lover’s dream with the pristine Playa de la Concha just steps away from the city center) and then head to a beachfront bar to sample some of our favorite pintxos. Paired with a glass of Txakoli, a local sparkling wine, you can’t go wrong.
Fall in Spain
Months to experience Spain in the fall
September, October, and November
Go for seasonal harvests 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).
Weather in Spain in September, October, and November
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 F, 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.
September
September marks the beginning of grape harvest season in vineyards across the country, making it one of the best times of year to visit for wine lovers.
- Treat your tastebuds to a trip to the Rioja region in September, when grapes are harvested in Logrono—and start a week of festivities. Wine lovers flock to the city to witness grape stopping, sample food pairings, dance to live music, and generally have a good time while drinking wine. Join in the festivities—and the wine tasting—on our Food & Wine: Barcelona & Northern Spain with America’s Test Kitchen tour.
- Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea on our Journey through Andalusia: Seville, Granada & Málaga tour. Andalusia’s beaches will be less crowded, but the water will still be in the mid-60s F.
October
Spooky season is the best time of year to visit Spain if you like lower temperatures to explore iconic locales like the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada, or the Plaza de Espana in Seville—see all three on our Grand Tour of Spain.
- Visit the Alhambra without the heat and crowds. This awe-inspiring palace complex in Granada 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 it can be hot and crowded in the summer. Regardless of when you visit the UNESCO-listed Alhambra, when you join us on one of our Granada tours, you’ll take a guided tour through the palace’s interconnected buildings and lush courtyards.
- Don your best costume and join the Halloween celebrations that pop up around the country in October. Use your free time on your Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour to search out parties and parades thrown in the larger cities—but don’t worry if you’re not in a metropolis for the holiday, you’ll find the spirit of Halloween in most Spanish towns and cities.
November
Following the harvest season, November is one of the best times to visit Spain to enjoy one of Spain’s biggest exports: olive oil. It’s also one of the best times of the year to explore southern Spain’s gems.
When you join us on our A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour, you’ll visit a working olive oil farm between Cordoba 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, like orange-infused olive oil drizzled on chocolate ice cream.
Enjoy the sites of Seville in the cooler months and relish in wandering around the open courtyards of the Royal Alcazar. Leisurely strolls down cobblestone streets and through whitewashed neighborhoods, like the Barrio de Santa Cruz, are especially serene during this time of year—see for yourself on our Lisbon, Seville & Madrid tour.
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