Have you ever fancied a trip to Spain? If you have then you are in for a treat as it is a fantastic travel destination
Home to amazing cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia, Spain has a fascinating history and a lively culture, lots of art and plenty of museums. It’s also well renowned for its food, from tapas to paella, which can be a highlight of any trip.
Spain is also famous for its beautiful beaches and they run all along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. It also has a varied landscape for those who love the outdoors so hiking in the mountains and deserts is an option.
As a destination, it has a lot to offer, catering to a wide range of interests that are definitely worth exploring.
So when is the best time to visit Spain?
Well that will depend on what you’re looking for.
We’ll take a look at the different seasons and the type of climate to expect and delve into what you can do
Low Season in Spain (November to February)
Spain’s low season is during the winter months, typically from November to February. During this time, the climate will vary depending on which region you visit.
Climate and Temperatures in Spain during the low season
- Northern Spain: In regions like Galicia and Asturias, the weather is usually quite cool and rainy, temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
- Central Spain: Cities like Madrid and Toledo have cold winters with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F) and there may be snow in the mountainous.
- Southern Spain: Andalusia, including cities like Seville and Malaga, has milder winters with temperatures between 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F) and a good time to explore without the summer heat.
- Islands: The Canary Islands and Balearic Islands have lovely temperatures in the low season, ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).
What can you do in Spain if you visit in the low season
- The low season is a fantastic time to delve into the rich culture of Spain. All the museums, art galleries and historic sites are less crowded, so it is a nice time to explore the country.
- If you love winter sports then the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains are perfect places for you to go skiing and snowboarding during the low season.
- Christmas festivals and New Year celebrations obviously fall in the low winter season. These are lively and full of Spanish traditions.
- You can eat lots of wonderful Spanish food in this season, try hearty dishes like cocido madrileño or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and churros.
While the low season may not offer the sunny, beach experience Spain is known for, it provides a great opportunity to explore all it has to offer when the country is quieter and you will see a more authentic side to the country.
Shoulder Season in Spain (April to June) (September to November)
The shoulder season in Spain is typically in the spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to early November) and during these months the weather in Spain is mild and pleasant.
Climate during the shoulder season in Spain
In the spring the temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in most regions of Spain making it a great time to explore cities like Barcelona and Madrid as well as the stunning Andalusian cities like Seville and Granada.
In the autumn, temperatures are similar and range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F). This is a great time to go hiking in the Pyrenees or for exploring the wine regions like La Rioja. The beaches of the Mediterranean and Costa del Sol are warm enough in these months for you to go swimming during September.
As for things to do in the shoulder season in Spain
Spain has lots of activities that you can do all year round. In the spring there are outdoor festivals, historic sites to visit or you can go hiking in the national parks. In the autumn, wine tours and food festivals are popular, and it's a really good time to experience the Spanish culture without all of the summer crowds.
During the Spring in Spain
- Experience traditional flamenco performances, these capture the passion and culture of Spain and cities like Seville and Granada are famous for this.
- Experience Holy Week processions in a variety of cities, especially Seville and Malaga, where there are beautiful parades and religious ceremonies.
- In February and March if you head to the Costa Blanca region you can the stunning almond trees in full bloom.
- Spring is the perfect time for hiking in Spain's national parks, like Picos de Europa or Sierra de Guadarrama, as the weather is mild, and nature is definitely at its best.
- Visit the Rioja or Ribera del Duero wine regions and taste some of Spain's finest wines.
During the Autumn in Spain
- Autumn is the time of the grape harvest celebrations in wine regions like La Rioja and Catalonia, you can even have a go at grape stomping!
- Autumn is also the time for seasonal dishes like wild mushroom dishes and chestnuts so you have the opportunity to try them at local restaurants.
- The weather is mild at this time of year so you can enjoy Spain's beautiful beaches without having to deal with all the summer crowds.
- The Mediterranean coast is still pleasant at this time of year to go swimming and sunbathing.
- Exploring historic cities like Toledo, Segovia, and Cordoba can be done without the scorching summer heat so is a great time to visit these places.
- In regions like Galicia, you can go to festivals that are dedicated to chestnuts, these are also complete with local music and dance.
Remember, Spain's weather can vary by region, so make sure to check the specific weather conditions for the area you plan to visit during spring or autumn.
High Season in Spain (June to August)
Spain's high season typically falls during the summer months, from June to August and during this time, the weather in Spain is usually warm and sunny. This makes it a very popular destination for tourists.
Climate in Spain's High Season
The high season in Spain is hot, especially in the southern and central regions. Daytime temperatures range from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F) and can get even even higher in some places.
Spain has a lot of sunshine during the high season which is why it is such a popular place for tourists, with its clear skies and very little rain it makes for a perfect sunbathing trip and a great time to get involved in outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Spain's High Season
- Spain has some of Europe's most beautiful beaches with the more popular coastal destinations like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands attracting lots of people in the high season. It’s the perfect time to go if you are a beach lover.
- Visiting Spain in the high season means you can catch some of the biggest festivals like La Tomatina in Bunol or the San Fermín festival in Pamplona.
- With its rich history and culture, the high season is a great time to visit landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and wander through the historic streets of Seville.
- If you like getting involved in adventurous activities then the Pyrenees in the high season is the perfect time to go. A great time to go biking and climbing in areas like Catalonia and explore national parks like Picos de Europa.
- Spanish cities come alive at night and particularly in the high season. If you visit at this time you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in places like Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona.
- Spain is a great place for water sports, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or windsurfing in lots of the coastal areas.
Remember that Spain's high season can be crowded, so it's a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance.
When are Spain’s hottest months
Spain’s hottest months are during the summer, usually July and August. The weather is hot across most of the country during these months with temperatures often reaching well above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or even higher, especially in the southern regions like Andalusia. The coastal areas and islands, such as Ibiza and Mallorca, are also warm during these months, making them popular destinations for people who love a beach holiday. So, if you're planning a trip to Spain and prefer warm weather, July and August would be the best time to visit, although be prepared for some intense heat during these months.
When is the cheapest time to visit Spain
The cheapest time to visit Spain is during the shoulder seasons, which are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November)
The weather is still quite pleasant during these months and you can avoid the peak summer crowds and high prices. May and October are good times to visit as they can strike a balance between nice weather and cheaper prices for flights and accommodation.
If you're looking for an even more budget-friendly option, then it might be worth visiting Spain in the winter months (December to February), unless you want to go skiing or visit ski destinations like the Pyrenees, at this time of year prices can go up due to the popularity of winter sports. However in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, hotel rates will be cheaper and there will be fewer tourists to deal with.
Be aware that during the Winter, some attractions and restaurants may have shorter operating hours or even be closed during the off-peak seasons. So, make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Is there a rainy season in Spain?
Spain does get rain and most of it falls during the autumn and spring months.
In the northwest regions, like Galicia and the northern coast, there will be a more consistent and wetter climate throughout the year but in parts of central and southern Spain, especially in areas like Andalusia and the Mediterranean coast, the rainy season tends to be more concentrated in the autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) when there will be occasional showers and storms. Keep in mind that Spain is a diverse country with a range of climates, so the timing and intensity of the rainy season can vary. If you're planning a trip, it's a good idea to check the weather patterns for the region you intend to visit so you can make the most of your trip.
Conclusion
Whenever you decide to visit Spain you will find plenty to do and lots to explore, just make sure to research well, check out the weather and have a wonderful time!!