Best time to visit Spain

Spain is one of the most visited countries on the planet – it plays host to about sixty million tourists a year, rather more than the entire population. This makes timing extremely important. Here's our guide to when to go to Spain with tips from our local travel experts.

Best time to visit Spain

Generally, late spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) are considered ideal. This is because the weather is relatively pleasant and the crowds are not as swamped as in high summer. Winter (December to February) can also be a great time to travel to Spain for skiing in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada.  The Canary Islands  are pretty much perfect for visiting at any time of the year.

If you're planning a trip to Spain, don't miss our Spain itineraries and information on how to get there. 

Best months to visit Spain

For a more detailed breakdown, here's the weather in Spain month by month. Heading to Spain anytime soon? Don't miss our important planning tips.

Weather in Spain in January

In January, Spain gets pretty wintry. Up north in places like San Sebastián and Bilbao, it's chilly with temperatures ranging from about 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). Expect lots of rain in these parts. Down south in Seville and Malaga, it's not as cold but still cool. This is a great month for skiing in the Sierra Nevada or Pyrenees, as fresh snow blankets the slopes.

Weather in Spain in February

February means carnival time in Spain, especially in Cádiz and Tenerife. It's still pretty cold in the north, around 35°F to 55°F (2°C to 13°C), with rain still hanging around. Meanwhile, the southern regions and islands will have slightly milder days.  Ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees are in full swing.

Weather in Spain in March

By March, spring starts to peek through, especially in Andalusia and Catalonia, with temperatures climbing from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C). Rain eases off, making this a lovely time for hiking the Caminito del Rey near Malaga or wandering the Alhambra in Granada. If you’re visiting this month don't miss the Las Fallas festival in Valencia –  where massive effigies are paraded through the streets and then spectacularly burned.

Weather in Spain in April

April is when spring fully arrives in Spain, with temperatures around 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). This is one of the best months to explore Spain's countryside, with fields of wildflowers stretching across regions like Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha. Seville’s Feria de Abril (April Fair) is a must-see, with flamenco, horse parades, and lively parties lasting into the night. You might still get some light rain, mostly in the north.

Weather in Spain in May

In May, the warmth is really settling in, with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). The beaches along the Costa Brava and Costa del Sol are starting to look pretty inviting, and they’re not too crowded yet. It’s also a great time to visit wine regions like La Rioja and Penedès, where you can tour lush vineyards and enjoy wine tastings before the summer heat kicks in. Cultural festivals are big in May too, like the San Isidro Festival in Madrid and the Patio Festival in Córdoba.

Weather in Spain in June

By June, summer is in full swing, with temps climbing to 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The beaches start to get busier, especially along the Mediterranean, but it’s still not as packed as July and August. Outdoor festivals to look out for are Sonar in Barcelona and Flamenco on Fire in Pamplona. June 23rd marks the San Juan Festival, celebrated in many coastal areas. If you’re into hiking, this is also a great month to hit the mountains before the real summer heat arrives.

Weather in Spain in July

July in Spain is hot, especially in central and southern areas, where temperatures can reach 85°F to 100°F (29°C to 38°C). Cities like Madrid and Córdoba can get scorching, so many people head to coastal spots like San Sebastián or Mallorca for a cooler escape. Beach towns are buzzing, and festivals like San Fermín in Pamplona, famous for the Running of the Bulls, attract massive crowds.

Weather in Spain in August

August is peak tourist season, and both locals and visitors flock to the coast. Southern Spain, especially places like Seville and Granada, sees temperatures soar to 90°F to 105°F (32°C to 40°C). It's prime beach season, with coastal towns like Alicante and Ibiza bustling with activity. Madrid and Barcelona tend to empty out as locals take vacations to cooler regions. It’s best to escape the August crowds by heading to northern Spain.

Weather in Spain in September

In September, the heat starts to ease, with temperatures dropping to 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). The summer crowds thin out, making it a great time to explore the Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol, where the sea is still warm for swimming. Barcelona's biggest festival, La Mercè, happens in late September, turning the city into a hub of concerts, parades, and fireworks.

Weather in Spain in October

In October, temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C), with occasional rain. It’s a perfect time to visit places like Granada and Córdoba in Andalusia, where the intense summer heat has eased, but the days are still comfortably warm. The grape harvest festivals in La Rioja and Catalonia also draw food and wine lovers from around the world.

Weather in Spain in November

As winter approaches, November temperatures drop to around 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C), and the rainy season kicks in, especially up north. It’s a quieter time to visit Spain’s major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where cooler, crisp days make it ideal for museum visits or relaxing in cozy cafés. The ski season starts up in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. If you’re into music, the Granada Jazz Festival is a great local event.

Weather in Spain in December

In December, Madrid and Barcelona light up with holiday markets, festive decorations, and seasonal treats. Temperatures remain cool, with averages between 40°F and 55°F (4°C to 13°C). The Sierra Nevada has excellent skiing conditions by now, while the Canary Islands still offer mild, beach-friendly weather for anyone looking to escape the cold.

Climate in Spain

Spain’s climate varies widely, as it is influenced by its geography and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

On the east and south coasts, the Mediterranean climate means hot summers and mild winters. Head north, and you'll find cooler summers and winters that aren't too harsh. Inland, especially in central Spain, it’s a different story, with summers that can get really hot and winters that pack a chill. You’ll definitely notice the difference depending on where you are in the country. 

Peak season in Spain

Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season. Prices go up, and places like Barcelona and Madrid get packed. Southern Spain can be blistering, with temperatures over 90°F (32°C). If you're not a fan of intense heat, the coast or the mountains are better options during this time. 

The wet season in Spain

Spain doesn’t have a single wet season, but October to April is when you’re most likely to encounter rain. 

The northern regions, such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, tend to be the wettest year-round, especially in autumn and winter. 

Central Spain, including Madrid, sees moderate rainfall during the cooler months, while the south, like Andalusia, remains quite dry, with only light rainfall in winter  

Best time to visit Barcelona

The best time to visit Barcelona is from September to November, when the weather’s still warm but not too hot, with temperatures between 54°F and 79°F (12°C to 26°C). You’ll get fewer crowds and plenty of sunshine, and the Mediterranean is still warm enough for a swim in early fall. September also brings La Mercè, Barcelona’s biggest festival, with parades, concerts, and fireworks lighting up the city. Just be sure to book accommodation early.

Best time to visit Madrid

Madrid is best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). In spring, temperatures range from 45°F to 72°F (7°C to 22°C), while in autumn, they rise slightly, ranging from 54°F to 79°F (12°C to 26°C). It’s the perfect time to visit the museums, tapas bars, and whatever else you're planning, without dealing with the summer heat or winter chill. See our guide to where to stay in Madrid.