Spain Travel Guide - When is the best time to visit Spain?

Spain is a top pick for UK travellers looking for sunshine, culture, or a mix of both, with plenty of spots that are easy to reach and packed with things to do. For beach lovers, the Costa del Sol offers golden sands and family-friendly resorts like Marbella, while the Balearic Islands – including Mallorca and Ibiza – mix chilled-out coves with buzzing nightlife. If you’re after city breaks, Barcelona dazzles with Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and lively markets, while Madrid boasts world-class museums like the Prado and tapas bars that stay busy till late. History buffs should head to Seville for its grand cathedral and flamenco shows, or Granada to explore the stunning Alhambra palace.

For something unique, time your trip around Spain’s famous festivals. Join the tomato-throwing chaos of La Tomatina in Buñol (August), watch flaming sculptures burn at Valencia’s Las Fallas (March), or brave the crowds at Pamplona’s San Fermín bull runs (July). Active travellers can hike the Pyrenees, ski in the Sierra Nevada, or kayak along the rugged Costa Brava. Fancy a quieter escape? The Canary Islands, like Tenerife, offer winter sun, while whitewashed villages in Andalusia serve up charm and sherry tastings.

Spain’s charm lies in its contrasts: sun-baked southern plains, misty northern coasts, snow-capped central mountains, and subtropical islands where winter feels like spring. But with such variety comes a key question: When is the best time to visit Spain?

The answer depends on what you’re chasing—festivals, beach weather, budget deals, or crowd-free hiking. This guide breaks down Spain’s regions, seasons, and events to help you plan the perfect trip.

🌍 Spain’s Regions at a Glance

Southern Spain: Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia

Think: Flamenco, Moorish palaces, and Mediterranean beaches.

Weather

• Spring (Mar–May): 18–25°C; ideal for hiking and festivals.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 30–45°C (Seville is Europe’s hottest city).
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 20–28°C; warm seas for swimming.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 10–18°C; mild but chilly evenings.

Best Time to Visit

• April–June & September–October: Warm days, fewer crowds, lower prices.
• Avoid July–August: Extreme heat (40°C+), packed beaches, and higher rates.

Festivals

• Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April): Processions in Seville, Malaga.
• Feria de Abril (April, Seville): Flamenco, horse parades, and sherry.
• La Tomatina (August, Buñol): The world’s biggest tomato fight.

Travel Tips

• Book Alhambra tickets 3+ months ahead for spring visits.
• Coastal areas (Costa del Sol) stay busy until late October.

Northern Spain: Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias

Think: Green hills, surf towns, and pintxos bars.

Weather

• Spring (Mar–May): 12–20°C; rainy but lush.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 18–25°C; perfect for hiking.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 15–22°C; vibrant foliage.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 8–14°C; rainy and foggy.

Best Time to Visit

• June–September: Sunny days for hiking the Camino de Santiago.
• September–October: Wine harvest season in La Rioja.

Festivals

• San Fermín (July, Pamplona): Running of the Bulls (book hotels 6+ months early).
• Semana Grande (August, Bilbao): Fireworks, concerts, and Basque sports.

Travel Tips

• Pack a waterproof jacket year-round.
• Fly into Bilbao or Santiago de Compostela for cheaper regional flights.

Central Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Segovia

Think: Art museums, medieval castles, and mountain escapes.

Weather

• Spring (Mar–May): 15–25°C; blooming parks and outdoor cafes.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 25–35°C; dry heat (escape to Sierra Nevada).
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 10–20°C; crisp days, fewer tourists.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 0–10°C; occasional snow in Madrid.

Best Time to Visit

• April–June & September–October: Mild weather for city exploring.
• December: Christmas markets and Roscón de Reyes (King’s Cake).

Festivals

• Madrid Pride (June/July): Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration.
• Tomatina (August, Buñol): Day-trip from Madrid.

Travel Tips

• Visit El Escorial or Valley of the Fallen in autumn for golden landscapes.
• August is quiet (locals flee to the coast), so hotels drop prices.

The Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria

Think: Volcanic hikes, year-round sun, and black-sand beaches.

Weather

• Year-round: 18–28°C; warmest December–April, coolest August (trade winds).

Best Time to Visit

• December–April: Escape European winter; peak prices.
• May–November: Fewer crowds, lower rates (still sunny).

Festivals

• Carnival (February, Tenerife): Second only to Rio.
• Romería de San Marcos (April, Tegueste): Flower-decked ox carts.

Travel Tips

• Hike Teide National Park in spring/autumn to avoid summer heat.
• Book Whale-watching tours in November (migration season).

The Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca

Think: Turquoise coves, pine forests, and legendary nightlife.

Weather

• Spring (Mar–May): 15–25°C; wildflowers and hiking.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 25–35°C; packed beaches and clubs.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 20–28°C; warm seas, quieter towns.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 10–15°C; many hotels/restaurants close.

Best Time to Visit

• April–May & September–October: Perfect weather, lower prices.
• June–August: For nightlife (Ibiza) but expect crowds.

Festivals

• Sant Joan (June, Ibiza): Summer solstice beach parties.
• La Patum (May/June, Berga): UNESCO-listed fire festival.

Travel Tips

• Rent a car in Mallorca/Menorca to explore hidden beaches.
• Avoid July–August unless you love nightlife chaos.

📅 Month-by-Month Guide

💰 Seasonal Price Trends

• High Season (June–August, December): Hotels/flights cost 30–50% more.
• Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October): Best value; mild weather.
• Low Season (November–March): Except Canaries/Balearics; great for city breaks.

🎒 Tips for Travellers

• Budget Travellers: Visit in November or February; avoid festivals.
• Families: June or September for warm weather without school crowds.
• Luxury Seekers: April for Seville’s Feria (book a private caseta).
• Hikers: May/June for wildflowers in Picos de Europa.

❓ FAQs

Q: Is Spain too hot in August?
A: Southern Spain hits 40°C+—stick to the north or islands.

Q: When is the cheapest time to fly?
A: January–February (excluding Canaries).

Q: Are festivals worth the crowds?
A: Yes for San Fermín/Fallas; book accommodation 6+ months early.

Need more Spain inspirations? Check out our guides to [what to do in Spain], [Getting Around Spain] and [best places to visit in Spain].

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