For those of you wondering when is the best time to visit Spain, we have good news. Anytime is fine.
Spain is a country full of history, delicious food, and varied landscapes, making it ideal for those looking for a unique urban escape, mountain vacation, or beach adventure. Are you ready for your ideal vacation? You can narrow down when to visit Spain by considering the tourist seasons below.
High season: June to August Shoulder season: March to May, September to October Low season: November to February
Here’s everything you need to know to find the best time to go to Spain based on the weather, other tourists, and more.
Best time to visit Spain with a small group
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, regularly attracting more than 70 million tourists a year before the pandemic. Many of these are Scandinavian people looking for a sunny holiday, so it’s no wonder Spain’s busiest season is summer. Spain’s tourist attractions, beaches, and hotels are crowded with tourists during this time, so crowd-averse travelers should plan to visit at other times.
Winter in Spain, from November to February, is the best time for travelers looking for fewer crowds. While many beach resorts are closed for the winter, Spain’s interior is full of off-season treasures, from scenic cities and towns to lesser-known ski resorts. If you want to avoid the crowds of the peak season and want beach-friendly weather, you can visit the summer masses as well as the end of summer and the spring break and Easter holidays, when millions of people flock to Spain in March and April. Try late spring or especially early fall when it’s less appealing.
Best time to visit Spain when the weather is nice
Spain covers a vast area and diverse ecosystems, but no matter when or where you visit, you’re likely to at least see some sunshine, according to the Spanish Tourism Board. “Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year,” the agency explains on its website. Temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the season and region.
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Spring, from March to June, has the warmest weather in the country. Again, Spain is quite large, but this guide will use Madrid as the basis for some statistics. Early spring in the capital is cool, with highs around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures can reach 80 degrees by mid-June. April and May are wetter than other months, but the average monthly rainfall is only 1.3 inches, so even the most rainy showers are not a problem. However, if you want to avoid rain at all costs, July and August may be a good time. It is the driest time of the year, both in Madrid and in the entire country.
One place where the climate can be very different from the above is in the remote Canary Islands. This Spanish archipelago lies off the west coast of Morocco, and temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees. Summer is probably the most pleasant season in the Canary Islands, with cloudless skies and typical high temperatures in the low 70s.
Best time to visit Spain on the cheap
The cheapest season in Spain is usually from December to March, which is (not coincidentally) the coldest month in the country. If you don’t mind skipping the balmy beaches, traveling during this off-peak period can offer great deals, including splurge-worthy stays at Madrid’s finest hotels.
The weeks immediately after Christmas are a busy travel period for Spanish locals and other Europeans, so you may want to avoid them. However, if you visit in early December, you may have access to Spain’s lovely Christmas markets.
If you want a slightly warmer climate and a more affordable trip, try visiting in the fall. This shoulder season is the best time to see Spain’s wine regions, as prices are lower than spring (though still higher than winter) and the harvest usually takes place in September.
Best time to visit Barcelona
With its dazzling Gothic architecture, exciting events and vibrant waterfront, Barcelona is a premier destination in Spain’s Catalonia region. Visit the city in early summer to hit the beach before the humidity gets too bad, or enjoy sightseeing in fall when it’s less crowded. June brings great weather and festivals such as Nit de Sant Joan, Primavera Sound, Sonar, and El Grec Barcelona.
Best time to visit Madrid
Visit Spain’s capital in spring or fall, when the weather is nicer and it’s less crowded. In spring, Madrid hosts celebrations such as Dos de Mayo and Fiesta de San Isidro. But the big event will happen when the weather cools down a bit. The Autumn Festival (or Feria del Otoño) is a large arts festival held every October or November, attracting artists from all over the world. Performances range from opera and ballet to theater and indie music.
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Best time to visit Spain for festivals
There’s one more thing to consider when planning your trip to Spain. It’s all about choosing the coolest festival possible. It seems like the country has celebrations every day of the year, but some of the most famous festivals include Semana Santa and Holy Week (the week before Easter, usually in March or April) . San Fermin in July (featuring the Pamplona bullring). and the Tomatina Battle of the Tomatoes, which is celebrated near Valencia on the last Wednesday of August every year. If events and festivals are your top priority, the Spanish Tourism Board publishes an annual calendar to help you choose the ideal dates.
Worst time to visit Spain
Summer brings fun festivals and seasonal businesses are almost guaranteed to stay open, but 100-degree days are becoming more and more common. In some areas, such as Madrid and the Balearic Islands, even average temperatures can reach 90 degrees.
Despite this, this season remains the busiest period for tourists, mainly because Spain is an easy holiday destination for Brits, Germans, and other Europeans whose schools are on summer vacation. It is. This high demand has also led to prices reaching yearly highs, giving the average visitor another good reason to try another season.
For the best price, crowds, and weather, plan your trip during Spain’s beautiful, warm spring.
