If you prefer horses, you can watch races on the beach in Sanlucar de Barrameda at this other annual event. At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach ! The weather in Spain is generally pretty mild all-year long, besides the summer when it gets hot, hot, hot. Intimately enjoy museums before the tour groups roll in, and. You can opt to travel Spain independently or opt to join these multi-day tour from seasoned experts lik G-Adventures. Finally, you can find a couple of festivals in January like Three Kings Day on the 6th which is accompanied by celebrations around the Balearic Islands, and the San Sebastian Festival which is famous for residents taking to the streets with their Tamborrada drumming! Spring and autumn are generally the most popular times to visit Spain, as temperatures are pleasant enough for sightseeing. This month is harvest season for some of Spain’s finest wines, so it’s a great time to head out to vineyards and taste the latest vintage! For this reason, you may find restaurants and businesses closed for the summer holiday, only to reopen when the weather cools down a bit. In Spain, the weather is good everywhere in May, Another well-known August festival is Semana Grande in Bilbao and San Sebastian which shows off the finest of the Basque region. For even more culture, grab tickets to the San Sebastian Film Fest, also held during September, where you can watch films, catch sights of stars, and enjoy Basque country. The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). Spring is an especially good time to visit as it’s often warm enough to hit the beach, and there are tons of festivals and events going on that shouldn’t be missed! These markets are filled with trinkets for sale, delectable bites to eat, and warm drinks galore. For this reason, it can actually be best to visit the beaches during the shoulder seasons in late spring/early summer (May or early June) or late summer (August to September, even October) to avoid the extreme heat. Highlights: Warm, comfortable weather | Not too crowded | Adventure activities, Festivals: Feria de Abril | Festimad | Feria del Queso. Doesn’t get much better than a Spanish holiday season, now does it? which is celebrated with events, parades, flower “wars”, and patio contests for residents to show off the finest of spring on their doorsteps! If you’re a winter sports lover, January is a perfect time to head out to the Sierra Nevada mountains for some skiing, snowboarding, or fireside tapas. If you’re spending your September closer to Barcelona, be sure to head into the city for the Festa de la Merce, one of the largest festivals which celebrates Barcelona’s patron saint. But the beauty of visiting a place like Spain is in knowing the best time to visit because weather matters, especially depending on what you’re planning to do. Spain's Best Destinations in August: Where to Go and What to Do, Why October Is a Great Time to Visit Spain, Spain's Events and Festivals in September, 15 Events in Spain to Keep on Your Radar This August, Party Day and Night All October Long at These Festivals in Spain, Visiting Spain in September: Everything You Need to Know, October in Europe: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See, Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Spain in May, Everything You Should Know About Visiting Madrid in October, What Weather to Expect in September in Barcelona. Tarragona hosts an annual "human castle building" competition, where large teams of people transform themselves into castles by stacking high on top of each other. Travel Must: At the risk of sounding like your parents, make sure you get travel insurance before hitting the road. No matter where you choose, you’ll be pleasantly surprised on a trip to Spain in November. Just note that during off-season between November and March, you may find that businesses and restaurants have shortened hours. Spain has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Best Time for Good Weather: If you don’t want to endure searing heat or battle the cold, plan to visit Spain from either mid-April to mid-May or during the month of October. During this event, you’ll get to experience Spanish culture from long ago and spot Madrileños in their traditional dress! Hot in the south and warm in much of the rest of the country, though Madrid can remain changeable throughout May and the north and north-west can still expect some cool days. which is a week of music, dancing, fun and of course, endless amounts of wine to celebrate the local harvest. Not many tourists will be in Spain during this time, and those that do will be based largely around the Canary Islands. Make sure you know the best time to visit Spain based on tourist trends, weather, and the fun happenings of this crazy cool country. However, it’s certainly more bearable than July and August, making September a lovely time to visit when the busiest time of the year is winding down. However, no matter when you visit Spain, you won’t be disappointed. in advance! Besides the weather, you’ll be able to choose when to go based on activities available and famous festivals that will round out your holiday. Finally, Spain gets some peace and quiet from the summer as the country prepares for the Christmas season. Check out our Europe Packing List guide to make sure you don’t leave anything behind. which is famous for residents taking to the streets with their Tamborrada drumming! Beaches during May and June are much more quiet than during peak season, and you can still enjoy warm weather. Spain also has national public holidays and regional ones. Besides being great fun, just keep in mind that it only happens once every two years! Tons of locals leave the country during the summer to escape the Spanish heat (and tourists), or head to the coastal beaches to cool off. If a beach getaway is what you’re looking for. The low season in Spain, in our opinion, is the best time to visit. Last but not least, if you’re a cheese lover, Spain in April should certainly be on your bucket list as there’s the Feria del Queso in Trujillo, which is a three-day cheese festival. A lot of locals, especially people from the inland cities, actually leave the country or head to the coast to escape the heat. If you’re seeking a sandy Christmas rather than a snowy one, December is the perfect time to head to the islands for a warmer holiday season. The best time to visit Spain is during the spring months of March to Mayor during the autumn between September and November. You’ll get to see a huge parade of giant figurines before they’re set on fire. Regardless of which festival is on your bucket list, it’s best to plan far in advance as it’s likely going to draw in crowds from around the world. in the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa for different mountain views. As you can see, each month in Spain brings something different to the table. Other festivals during March include the Sant Medir festival in Barcelona, where horse-drawn carriages filled with Spaniards throw treats to the people in the Garcia neighborhood. There are plenty of vineyard and wine tours that will take you around a region for tastings, or you can venture out on your own for some sipping and snacking at whichever winery is closest. Places like Seville, Madrid and Granada are significantly less packed than the islands or coast of Spain as it’s too hot and dry to be landlocked. , which is great for any building fanatics looking to experience exhibits or workshops in some of the city’s most famous buildings. In April, people in Andalusia start heading to the beach and restaurant terraces slowly fill up with eager diners ready for a taste of spring on the patio. Your email address will not be published. You’ll have warm and clear, sunny days with cooler evenings, perfect for city strolls of walks along the beach. For a magical trip to Spain, go in December! Madrid hosts the Madrid Open, the country's largest tennis tournament. When it comes to tourism, peak season in Spain is during the sun-kissed, Most of the popular events in Spain happen during the spring and summer, such as, To help you decide when is the best time to visit Spain, here’s a breakdown of what goes on in the country month by month. You can also travel around without needing reservations as many hotels will have 50% occupancy or less. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. This Tapas and and Flamenco Tour around Spain and Portugal is something we have been itching to do. Summer is quite hot, especially in inland cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. Festivals: Christmas Markets | Malaga Light Displays. Jamie is the senior editor at TripSavvy. If you prefer to enjoy the mountains from a distance, there’s still plenty to do like warming up with a, Finally, you can find a couple of festivals in January like, on the 6th which is accompanied by celebrations around the Balearic Islands, and the. The end of peak season, and officially the end of summer, but Spain remains hot pretty much through the end of the month. Flamenco fanatics — February is for you! Last but not least, if you’re a cheese lover, Spain in April should certainly be on your bucket list as there’s the. However, no matter when you visit Spain, you won’t be disappointed. There’s also a huge music festival in Madrid called Festimad during which you get a different concert every night! The whole country is slowly warming up, but the weather could be quite unpredictable wherever you are. If the hot summer months of July and August are the only time you can travel, consider visiting the north of Spain where temps don't soar quite as high (highs reaching upper 70s in the summer), such as Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. Weather is still getting colder with the inland cities (typically the coldest) only reaching the low 50s during the day. One of the best reasons to visit Spain in September is for the wine. The best place to celebrate the new year is to head to Puerto del Sol in Madrid for an experience similar to one you’d have in Times Square on December 31st. , which is Spain’s largest tennis tournament, and also held annually in May. The weather is chilly, but on the upside, there aren’t a ton of tourists so you can sightsee without constantly bumping into others. Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc. Want to learn how to travel forever? Flamenco fanatics — February is for you! ), and long waits when it comes to dinner time. In terms of Spanish culture, November is a great time to visit for the Fiesta de La Almundena, held in Madrid. Click to find out more about us and how we've turned this travel blog into a business. Like most European cities, Spain is pretty well connected via bus and trains. Alternatively, you can also check out our full, Not many tourists | Cheap accommodation | Winter activities, If you’re a winter sports lover, January is a perfect time to head out to the Sierra Nevada mountains for some skiing, snowboarding, or fireside tapas. Because the weather is decent (but still might not be suitable for the beach yet), schools are still in session, and it's not yet peak season for tourists, this is a good time to check out local attractions in whatever city you're visiting, such as museums, cultural centers, cathedrals, etc. It still won’t be cheap, but it should be less expensive than planning a last-minute trip during the busiest months of the year. Spain enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means scorching days and balmy nights between June and August. in Seville, the largest flamenco festival in Spain. There’s also. If you’re looking for warm weather year-round, you can generally find it along the coast. You will find reasonable prices, cheaper accommodation, and fewer crowds. In Europe, August is … These markets are filled with trinkets for sale, delectable bites to eat, and warm drinks galore. Best Time to Visit Spain. in Trujillo, which is a three-day cheese festival. The summer months of July and August are the best to visit northern Spain. Most of the rainy days (and snowfall in the mountains) are from December to February. Adventure in You Pte LTD. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Visiting Spain during the low season — October to end of April. Temperatures in Spain typically don't dip too low, even in winter when the lows typically stay in the 40- to 50-degrees F range country-wide. It’s held in Bunol on the last Wednesday in August, so mark your calendars! In July, you’ve got San Fermin, aka the running of the bulls, which goes on in Pamplona from the 6th of the month until the 14th. Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, light crowds, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities. If a beach getaway is what you’re looking for, Spain has some awesome beaches that are just perfect for a seaside holiday. Catch the Bienal de Flamenco, Spain's biggest flamenco festival, held every two years. March officially marks the beginning of spring which is one of the most beautiful times to visit Spain. Best time to visit Picos de Europa. You might get some warm weather in Andalusia, you might not, but it's worth packing sunblock and something to keep the chill out, just in case. But you can also find a bunch in the off-season like the Grape Harvest in Rioja and Carnival. Planning a trip to the land of tapas? And just because it's peak season for tourists, that doesn't necessarily mean it's overwhelmingly crowded. If you plan on traveling to attend one of these, get an early start on booking accommodations, which fill up quickly. Smaller cities and towns might be more low-key or mostly shut down during the holidays. Best time to visit Spain for Budget Travelers. One of the most delightful parts of December in Spain is the vast number of Christmas markets spread throughout the country. You can even use your feet to crush grapes at this event, one of the most traditional winemaking methods! If you’re looking for a little bit of active fun, June is also the best time to head to Tarifa for some kite-surfing. The months of July and August are prime tourist season across Spain, and this is easy to see in the cost of hotel rooms and holiday apartments. We’ve rented cars in Spain at various times and have had a fantastic time exploring. Advertising Disclaimer: Adventure in You Pte LTD is not a part of Facebook.com or Facebook Inc. Additionally, Adventure in You Pte LTD is not endorsed by Facebook, Inc. in any way. The weather is hot, hot, hot! During the summer, you’ll find that prices are much higher than any other time of the year, especially when it comes to flights and accommodation. But you’ll definitely want to pack a wetsuit as it can get chilly out there. It’s also quite apparent in the price of flight tickets, hotel prices, and even the amount being charged around town. But you’ll definitely want to pack a wetsuit as it can get chilly out there. East Coast (Catalunya, Valencian Community) The East Coast of Spain borders the Mediterranean Sea and the weather can vary depending on where you are. This time of the year is when fall turns to winter and the weather will change accordingly. There is nothing worse than being too hot (or too cold!) . These climates fall around the areas surrounding Madrid with its yearlong mild temperatures, Barcelona with its Mediterranean temperatures and then Seville, which offers summer days for most of the year. It’s also rainy pretty much all of the time, which is why most people opt to hit the south of Spain when planning a trip in February. Get tickets in advance because the lineup is always fantastic! Spring in Spain Months: March to May. The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November ). That said, just because it’s peak season doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find some peace and quiet while you travel through Spain. It can still be quite warm in September (and far more bearable than in August) but the later you get the more unreliable the weather is likely to be. Spain really is the land of wonders, with endless amounts of surprises in store for those who visit. Less tourists | Grape harvests for wine | Inland cities have finally cooled down, You can go back to visiting inland places like Madrid and, There are plenty of vineyard and wine tours. Holiday season & spirit throughout Spain! The best time to visit Spain is during the summer months but the real fact of the matter is that Spain has something to offer every kind of traveller throughout every different season. Head down to enjoy a last bit of peace before the crowds of summer tourists roll in! While not officially peak season, this is when the tourists begin to roll in, and it’s immediately noticeable at attractions like museums, cathedrals, and even the beach. But then again, the start of spring is always unpredictable! April is a prime time for adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, quad tours and helicopter flights as the weather is ideal for being outside. For full information, please see our, The best time to visit Spain is during the. Warm, comfortable weather | Not too crowded | Adventure activities, : Feria de Abril | Festimad | Feria del Queso, April is a prime time for adventure activities like. The weather in Spain in March can be unpredictable, so you never really know if you need your swim trunks or fleece. The country really comes alive to cater to everyone who’s come for a visit. In terms of events, October is home to the. But summers, on the other hand, can get really hot, with highs creeping into the low to mid-90s in some places. Highlights: Quiet city wandering | Fun festivals | Virtually no crowds, Festivals: International Sherry Festival | Jazz Festival. The Best Time for Beach Weather the best time to go to Spain to enjoy the beach – Costa Blanca. You can also head to Madrid for the Week of Architecture, which is great for any building fanatics looking to experience exhibits or workshops in some of the city’s most famous buildings. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. However, major tourist attractions and museums are typically open year-round, with the exception of major holidays in some cases. , the most Holy Week of the year. There isn’t one best time to visit Spain, because the country’s diverse offerings mean you can find something to enjoy at any time of year. Intimately enjoy museums before the tour groups roll in, and hit the hiking trails before it gets blisteringly hot. After graduating college, Jane knew she wasn't destined for a desk job. Speaking of wine, in the La Rioja region every September, there’s the San Mateo Festival, which is a week of music, dancing, fun and of course, endless amounts of wine to celebrate the local harvest. There’s plenty going on in terms of events in November, like the International Sherry Festival in Jerez (drink responsibly!) Hey there! , which celebrates the beginning of Lent. May is also the month of the Cordoba Patios Festival, which is celebrated with events, parades, flower “wars”, and patio contests for residents to show off the finest of spring on their doorsteps! during which you get a different concert every night! Cooler conditions in summer make this region of northern Spain quite comfortable; walkers are advised to take note if looking for the best time to go. The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. It’s not uncommon to plan a trip around one of these festivals so that you can get in on the action! Warm weather | Kite-surfing | Terrace coffees and dining, Some events you can keep your eyes out for if you’re visiting in June are the, in Granada which is your chance to participate in a good old Spanish water fight; and. For those who can’t stand to be out of the water, make your way to the north of Spain, where October brings some of the best surfing during the year! For tourism, peak season is typically during the summer months, particularly July and August, and that's evident from the higher prices for hotels, possibly flights, and other accommodations in the cities. The Feria de Abril, the spring fair that celebrates the people and traditions of Seville, typically happens in April, as it is held two weeks after Easter. Barcelona is less wet but has comparable temperatures to northern cities. Click here to compare car rental prices. Whether you’re looking for less crowds, the perfect weather, exciting festivals, or all three, you’ll be able to plan a trip to incorporate it all. This is one of the last times you’ll be able to enjoy hiking without absolutely dripping in sweat, so be sure to head to the trails if you’re visiting in May! To close out the year, December is the time for Christmas festivities throughout the country. Otherwise, the beach it is! Highlights: Beautiful weather | Warm beaches | Hiking | Bullfighting season. , a huge four-day music festival held between Valencia and Barcelona. Beautiful weather | Warm beaches | Hiking | Bullfighting season, This is one of the last times you’ll be able to enjoy hiking without absolutely dripping in sweat, so be sure to head to the trails if you’re visiting in May! Whatever you do, make sure that you bring appropriate clothing. Visiting during the spring or fall is best as you’ll have mild weather, less crowds, and plenty of activities to keep you occupied, but keep on reading to decide for yourself! Highlights: Beach! The warm weather also brings fun festivals, like the Feria de Abril, a spring fair in Seville that showcases Spanish culture and has endless entertainment. In terms of Spanish culture, November is a great time to visit for the, , held in Madrid. You don’t want to miss out. In Europe, the weather is becoming favourable for travelling: The amount of sunshine is increasing steadily throughout the continent; the Mediterranean coast is starting to benefit from warm temperatures and the sea is becoming pleasant for swimming.For certain countries in the south, such as Spain and Greece, spring is the best time to visit: Neither too hot or too crowded with tourists. is also in February and it’s one of the most well-known flamenco festivals in Spain. This is by far the coldest of all the months in Spain. If you're not trying to attend these events, go elsewhere in the country when they're happening or wait to travel at a different time to avoid dealing with the crowds and high prices in these areas. | Full hours of operation | Lots of festivals and events, San Fermin | Sanlucar de Barrameda | Benicassim Festival, It’s also the hottest time of the year, so most locals in the inland cities make their way to the coast for some sea breezes and ocean views. Check out our full article on how to get $45 coupon code for your booking or simply click here to get our coupon code to apply on your next booking. that will take you around a region for tastings, or you can venture out on your own for some sipping and snacking at whichever winery is closest. Alternatively, you can also check out our full Spain Travel guide. This is still off-season for Spain, so crowds should be relatively minimal and hotels and other accommodations are usually cheaper. The beach is understandably quite crazy in the summer, as everyone is scrambling to cool off in the pristine Spanish waters. October is also an ideal time to go hiking as you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the fall foliage along the trails. If bullfighting isn’t your thing (not blaming you there), you can hit the. It’s also the hottest time of the year, so most locals in the inland cities make their way to the coast for some sea breezes and ocean views. Enjoy sightseeing and sitting outside enjoying a coffee in the city square, or hit the hiking trails to see spring budding in Spanish nature. ), and long waits when it comes to dinner time. You can also hit the beaches on the other end of peak season between the end of August until October. Airbnb Travel Tip: If you prefer to stay in apartments, we recommend Airbnb. It’s a great way to experience Spanish culture while watching shows and listening to the stomp of heels. Gone are the days of carrying a raincoat around, because you can typically expect warm, sunny days, every day throughout Spain. Spain is well-known for hosting some of the most unique, exciting festivals and events every single year. To avoid the summer heat and winter cold temperatures, high season prices and tourist crowds, travel to Spain during the spring and fall. The warm weather also brings fun festivals, like the. Another month of unpredictable weather, but certainly the warmest of the year so far. Some events you can keep your eyes out for if you’re visiting in June are the Water and Ham Festival in Granada which is your chance to participate in a good old Spanish water fight; and Photo Espana in Madrid, an international photo exhibition that’s the largest in the country. The high central plains (which include Madrid) suffer from fierce extremes – stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by … Especially if you decided to go to the Mediterranean coastal areas of Andalucía. The weather gets steadily cooler during the end of September and into October, but weather-wise, this is one of the best time to visit central cities such as Madrid and Salamanca that are usually unbearably hot in summer and also some of the coldest in the winter. It’s a great way to experience Spanish culture while watching shows and listening to the stomp of heels. She has been with the company since 2018. The most famous is probably La Tomatina, which is basically a giant tomato fight among thousands of people. The short answer? Restaurants and business operate on full hours, there’s always something to do or see, and there are plenty of festivals and events to attend for a huge dose of Spanish culture. spread throughout the country. There are massive crowds of people, all gathered to party until the clock strikes midnight. You can find the best (and biggest) ones in Barcelona or Seville but plenty of smaller cities and towns have them as well as the holiday approaches. The best place to celebrate the new year is to head to. Highlights: Best beach weather | Basque country is best | La Tomatina. Highlights: Not many tourists | Cheap accommodation | Winter activities, Festivals: Three Kings Day | San Sebastian Festival. Feria de Malaga, perhaps Andalusia's biggest summer festival, includes concerts, dancing, great food, and more. Best Places to Visit in Spain That You Shouldn’t Miss, What to Eat in Spain: Ultimate Guide to Spanish Food, 18 Wonderful Things to Do in Segovia, Spain (Don’t Miss Out! There are less people and, of course, prices for everything from hotels to rental cars are cheaper. This is another way of saying, “Don’t come to Spain in August. You can expect hoards of people throughout the country during July and August, all eager to drink some sangria and hit the beach. Splendid Spain is on everyone’s list of places they want to visit at least once in their lifetime. Plus, since these times are the off-season, accommodation will typically be cheaper, you’ll have a much easier time getting a dinner reservation, and you won’t have to spend half of your day waiting in lin… in December, with bright strings of fairy bulbs lighting the city every evening. You can easily get around using public transport however, with that being said, nothing gives you as much freedom as renting a car as it doesn’t tie you down to organized tours. As the weather starts to warm up, though, some local businesses might start to shut down to take their own vacation in the summer. The Best Time to Visit Spain . Take particular note of holidays that fall on a Thursday or Tuesday, as the Spanish tend to take the Monday or Friday between this holiday and the weekend off work (this is called a 'puente' or 'bridge'). If you've got plans to head to the Picos, packing for all eventualities is always best advice. To help you decide when is the best time to visit Spain, here’s a breakdown of what goes on in the country month by month. You can also find a wild light display in Malaga in December, with bright strings of fairy bulbs lighting the city every evening. 1. There’s also Semana Santa, the most Holy Week of the year. You may find a lot of things closed during these extended weekends. June is much more reliable weather-wise, with glorious sunshine and warm weather in most of the country. You might see some snow in December, but that's more likely in January or February. Here's some information to help you in your decision: 1. Year round, there’s delicious food, unbelievable museums, and a culture that’s well worth immersing yourself in. During these times, you’ll have pleasant weather, way less crowds, decent prices, and plenty to do! No, you’re not dreaming… April is definitely one of the best months to visit Spain! The Gran Canary Islands are also an ideal pick for a beach getaway, sunbathing, and ocean swimming any time of year! as the weather is ideal for being outside. The cheapest prices can usually be found around January and February, although early spring and late fall are usually cheaper than summer in any case.