Best Time to Visit Spain

The best time of year to go to Spain depends on what you’re looking for. Summer is ideal for sunny beach days and lively festivals, though it’s the busiest time. If you prefer mild weather and fewer tourists, spring and fall offer pleasant conditions for exploring cities, cultural sites, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re drawn to Spain’s vibrant cities, historic landmarks, or Mediterranean coastline, each season offers something unique, making Spain a great destination year-round.

1. Spring in Spain — March to May

The weather in Spain is clear and pleasant during these months, making it the best time to travel to Spain for outdoor activities. There may be some rainfall, but mostly scattered showers. The mild weather is perfect for those who enjoy being outdoors. If you’re not a fan of the cold, this is a great season to visit Granada and the surrounding mountainous areas, where the temperatures are warmer yet still pleasant.

• Avg. Temperature: 60 – 73° F / 16 – 23° C (in Madrid)
• Rainfall: 46 – 92 mm
• Season: Spring
• Highlights: This is the best time to travel to the inland cities such as Cordoba, Madrid, and Seville, for the weather, will be ideal, and not too hot. It’s also a great time to tour Granada, when the weather will be becoming warmer, but not unbearably so. Moreover, it is definitely better to visit the Alhambra palace before the tourist rush sets in. If you want interesting cultural experiences, head to the Las Fallas festival in March, on the coast of Valencia, where street parties abound!

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Spain in March
Spain in April
Spain in May

2. Summer in Spain — June to August

The weather in Spain can get incredibly warm during this period, especially in the inland cities. Southern Spain, especially cities like Seville, Malaga, and Cordoba, will be unbearably hot. The weather is more bearable in northern Spain, towards San Sebastian, where the summer weather is actually quite pleasant. The climate in Barcelona will be a little sticky and humid. This is one of the best months to visit Spain if you want to experience the peak tourist season. Beware of the tourist throng, and make sure you book your tickets and hotel reservations well in advance.

• Avg. Temperature: 89 – 99° F / 32 – 37° C (in Madrid)
• Rainfall: 5 – 19 mm
• Season: Summer
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Spain if you want to travel to the north, towards the Atlantic coast to places like San Sebastian, Santiago de Compostela, and Galicia. Valencia and Barcelona are also great to visit during this period, but be wary of the tourists. In August, Buñol in Valencia hosts the city-wide food fight named Tomatina, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The most popular event of this period is the world-renowned Running of the Bulls, which takes place in Pamplona every July, as a part of the San Fermin festival.

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Spain in June
Spain in July
Spain in August
Summer in Spain

3. Fall in Spain — September to October

Fall is among the best months to visit Spain due to the pleasant weather and stunning scenery. The summer heat starts tapering off, and resorts and hotels start offering massive discounts in the post-peak period. The weather in southern and central Spain is wonderfully pleasant, with spotted showers in October. Expect cooler temperatures in northern Spain, especially near the Pyrenees Mountains.

• Avg. Temperature: 75 – 89° F / 24 – 32° C (in Madrid)
• Rainfall: 16 – 76 mm
• Season: Fall
• Highlights: This might be your last chance to visit the south of Spain before the beach resorts and stores close for the winter. Costa del Sol is best visited during these months since the tourist crowds would have left, and you can enjoy the beach in isolation now. The weather in Andalusia will be great during these months, so if you’re planning a historical trip to Spain, this is the time for you to visit!

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Spain in September
Spain in October

4. Winter in Spain — November to February

Winter is the low season in Spain for a number of reasons. South of Spain becomes rather deserted, especially since the temperature starts dripping. The weather in central Spain is pleasant - the warmest compared to the rest of the country. There will be a lot of snowfall in the northern reaches of the country, especially in the Pyrenees range — making this a wonderful ski season! Winters in Spain can get really cold, and the snow can go out of hand. Before you travel, check the news to see if the roads are still open.

• Avg. Temperature: 55 – 60° F / 13 – 16° C (in Madrid)
• Rainfall: 7 – 71 mm
• Season: Winter
• Highlights: This is the best time to visit Spain if you’re dreaming of those grand ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada and Formigal. Places like Leon, Burgos, and Vitoria also look stunning during the winter months. If you do not want to get caught in the cold, you can still visit the warmer cities of Almeria and Costa del Sol.

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Spain in November
Spain in December
Spain in January
Spain in February

Spain is a year-round destination, offering diverse experiences in every season. Summer draws visitors to its sunny beaches, while fall highlights scenic vineyards and cooler city exploration. Winter brings festive markets and mild temperatures, ideal for southern regions. Spring sees Spain in full bloom, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

 If you are looking for a more personalized travel experience, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Spain.