When is the best time to visit Spain
Spain is considered an all-year-round destination. In this article, we will uncover When is the best time to visit Spain and Where to go in Spain. A seasonal guide to your Spain Tour.
Planning the perfect Spanish adventure requires more than just packing your dancing shoes and a thirst for sangria. To truly immerse yourself in the magic of Spain, it's crucial to consider both the weather and the vibrant calendar of events. Luckily, Spain has something for everyone, so whether you crave sunshine-drenched beaches or cozy winter festivals, whether your heart beats for historical exploration or cultural immersion, Spain has you covered all year round. Today we will dive into the best time to travel to Spain.
When is the best time to visit Spain? A Seasonal Guide
Spain's charm isn't confined to a single season! Spain offers something delightful year-round. That’s why in this article we added all the places you can visit in Spain depending on When you’ll be in Spain to answer the all-time asked question “When is a good time to go to Spain?”, so pack your bags and choose your adventure – Spain awaits you with open arms, no matter the time of year.
Spring (March-May)
Weather:
Sunshine seekers, buckle up! This season in Spain is pure magic. The Sun's almost out every day with its warm glow, with plenty of daylight hours for exploring outdoors. But March it can still be somewhat chilly, and bouts of rain are always possible.
What to Pack:
Pack a lightweight jacket and a folding umbrella in case of springtime showers. To be ready for the shifting seasons, pack layers.
Don’t miss visiting:
1. Seville: The Alcázar Palace, Seville Cathedral, and the Plaza de España
2. Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Picasso Museum.
3. Málaga: Málaga Cathedral
4. Granada: Hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Alhambra palace
5. Córdoba: The Mosque-Cathedral, Alcázar fortress, the Roman Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter.
Suggested Tour:
Summer (June-August)
Weather:
The average daily temperature is higher than thirty degrees Celsius. In the south and in inland regions, nighttime lows may reach above 20 degrees.
What to Pack:
Bring breezy, light clothing. But sometimes there can be surprises due to regional differences. For example, evening temperatures in northern Spain might be lower even during the summer, so bring an extra jacket.
Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a beach cap to protect yourself from the sun. If you intend to return to the city, remember to pack appropriately because beachwear is only meant for the beach.
Don’t miss visiting:
1. The Balearic Islands: Amazing Beaches in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are all popular summer destinations for a reason.
2. Barcelona: Sightseeing in Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and then cool off in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoons.
3. Andalusia: including Seville, Granada, and Córdoba.
4. San Sebastian beaches
Suggested Tour:
* Andalusia, Barcelona & Mediterranean Coast Tour
Autumn (September-November)
Weather:
The temperature begins to drop. It’s more chilly early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Possible rain may fall. There are still plenty of bright days at this time of year, particularly toward the south from Madrid.
What to Pack:
It starts to get essential that you put on warm clothes, a light scarf, and coats or blazers.
Don’t miss visiting:
1. Barcelona: Park Güell and Montjuïc.
2. The Canary Islands: ideal for hiking, diving, and exploring the volcanic landscapes.
3. Seville: the Seville Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace, and the Plaza de España. You might even be lucky enough to catch one of Seville's many fall festivals.
4. La Rioja
Suggested Tour:
Winter (December-February)
Weather:
Here comes the coldest months in Spain. It rains a lot in the north during these months. There can be multiple rainy days in the remaining portion of the nation.
What to pack:
Even though it doesn't rain much in Spain, we nonetheless advise you to bring an umbrella. You might also need a raincoat and a warm jacket. Bring along some warm or woolly socks to shield your feet from the tile surfaces.
Don’t miss visiting:
1. Cities with Christmas Cheer: Barcelona
2. Skiing in the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada
3. The Canary Islands
4. Southern Cities with Mild Winters: Seville
Suggested Tours:
Spain boasts a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, offering something for every interest. Here's a glimpse into some of the must-see festivities that might entice you to plan your Spanish adventure:
Spring (March-May)
- Valencia Fallas (Valencia, March): Witness a spectacular fire festival with enormous papier-mâché creations taking center stage. These "fallas" are then set ablaze in a fiery and symbolic send-off. (Dates vary)
- Holy week (Nationwide, Spring): Easter processions showcase elaborate religious floats, solemn music, and captivating displays of devotion. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions that vary across regions. (Dates vary)
- Seville Fair (Seville, April): Immerse yourself in the vibrant flamenco culture with this traditional festival. Expect dazzling costumes, lively music, and an electric atmosphere. (Dates vary)
Summer (June-August)
- Festival of San Fermín (Pamplona, July): The world-famous Running of the Bulls! This thrilling (and slightly dangerous) event attracts adrenaline seekers from across the globe. (Starts on July 7th)
- The Spanish Tomato Festival "La Tomatina" (Buñol, August): Unleash your inner food fight enthusiast at this messy yet fun tomato-throwing festival. Get ready to be pelted with thousands of tomatoes! (Last Wednesday of August)
- Festa Major de Gràcia (Barcelona, August): Explore Barcelona's artistic side during this neighborhood festival. Streets transform into open-air galleries with creative decorations and lively celebrations. (Mid-August)
Autumn (September-November)
- The Fiesta del Pilar (Zaragoza, October): Witness a vibrant festival honoring the Virgin of Pilar, the city's patron saint. Expect music, parades, and a beautiful flower offering ceremony. (Around October 12th)
- Mercadillo del Rastro (Madrid, Sundays): Hunt for unique treasures at this massive flea market in Madrid. From antiques to vintage clothing, you never know what gems you might discover! (Every Sunday)
Winter (December-February)
- Christmas Celebrations (Nationwide, December): Experience the magic of Christmas in Spain. Delightful nativity scenes, twinkling lights, and festive traditions create a heartwarming atmosphere. (December)
- Three Kings Day (Nationwide, January): A children's holiday like no other! Witness parades with the Three Kings, indulge in the traditional Roscón de Reyes cake and experience the joy of gift-giving. (January 6th)
- Carnaval (Nationwide, February): Let loose and celebrate life with vibrant costumes, lively music, and energetic dancing during Spain's Carnival celebrations. (Dates vary)
Beyond these highlights, here are some additional events that might pique your interest:
- Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián (San Sebastian, September): Immerse yourself in the world of cinema at this prestigious film festival.
- Corpus Christi (Nationwide, Spring): Witness colorful processions and flower-carpeted streets during this religious festival celebrating the Body of Christ. (Dates vary)
- Feria del Caballo (Jerez de la Frontera, May): Experience Andalusian culture at its finest with this traditional horse fair. Witness equestrian exhibitions, flamenco performances, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Consider that this is only a small sampling of Spain's extensive calendar of events. Always do research on exact dates and locations before booking a trip. Spain provides a festival or celebration ready to be found every month of the year thanks to its rich cultural tapestry!
FAQs
- What month is the best weather in Spain? / What month should you visit Spain?
Spain offers something delightful year-round. However, it's typically considered best to visit Spain in Spring(March to May) and Fall (September to November)
- What is the cheapest time to go to Spain?
The cheapest time to visit Spain is usually in the period from December to March
- What is the best month to visit Barcelona, Spain?
The best time to visit Barcelona is in the period from April to July.