Weather in Spain in April

The mild-to-warm weather in Spain in April is pretty much perfect for sightseeing in cities, and enjoying outdoor activities in the blooming countryside. At the same time, if you head south, or to the Canaries, you might be able to enjoy sunny days on the beach, thanks to the warming temperatures. April also sits in a shoulder season for tourism, which means crowds and costs remain moderate. Tempted? Before taking the plunge, read on for detail on the weather in Spain in April.

Spain in April at a glance

  • Average lows: 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C) average highs: 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
  • Mild-to-warm, April sees Spain in the throes of spring, and the south is warmer.
  • Rain is moderate; with more frequent showers in the north.
  • Also expect moderate shoulder-season crowds and costs.

Is April a good time to visit Spain?

Thanks to its warm spring temperatures, April is an excellent time to visit Spain, whether you’re in the market for immersive city-based sightseeing, or fancy a trip centred on outdoor activities. 

In fact, with moderate rainfall, especially in the south, the weather in Spain in April is suited to pretty much any type of vacation. 

While the sea won’t yet be at its warmest, you could find yourself enjoying some of the best beaches in Spain in April — head south for better opportunities to do just that. 

Alternatively, for even warmer weather, consider visiting the Canary Islands in April.

For example, you could walk your way around Gran Canaria’s epic landscapes in wonderfully warm weather before blissing out on some of the island’s best beaches. Temperatures here regularly hit highs of 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C) in April.

Wherever you decide to go, April’s crowds will be smaller compared with the peak season summer months, which is sure to make exploring popular attractions all the more enjoyable. Think smaller queues, and not having to vie for space.

In fact, conditions are great for enjoying a huge range of the best things to do in Spain.

Keen to visit, but less keen on planning? Browse our customisable Spain itineraries, and contact our local experts to start curating your dream trip to Spain.

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona © Shutterstock

Want to mix city exploration with outdoor activities? The weather in Spain in April is ideal for exactly that © Shutterstock

Average daily temperatures in April

Overall, the weather in Spain in April heralds an average low temperature range of 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C), with average highs spanning 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).

At the same time, there are regional variations in temperature, as revealed right below.

Central Spain (Madrid)

Highs: 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C)
Lows: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)

Thinking of visiting Madrid in April? Arm yourself with our itinerary for the perfect weekend, and read up on the best areas to stay in Madrid.

North-eastern Spain (Barcelona, Catalonia)

Highs: 63°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C)
Lows: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)

Planning a vacation in Barcelona? Discover the best areas to stay.

Southern Spain (Seville, Granada)

Highs: 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C)
Lows: 52°F to 57°F (11°C to 14°C)

Keen to uncover the best of Andalucía in Southern Spain? Check out our customisable Andalucia Explored itinerary.

Eastern Spain (Valencia)

Highs: 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C)
Lows: 52°F to 57°F (11°C to 14°C)

Discover why Valencia is such a great weekend break destination, and see our Valencia City Break itinerary

Northern Spain (Bilbao and Basque Country)

Highs: 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C)
Lows: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)

Want a picture of the weather in Spain around the year? Read up on the best time to go to Spain.

Madrid La Latina district © Shutterstock

Madrid's La Latina district © Shutterstock

What about the crowds and cost?

April falls within the shoulder season, which means moderate crowds. That said, tourist attractions and major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville will still be busy, but not overcrowded.

An exception to this is Seville, which does get crowded during its fabulous Feria de Abril. But don’t let that put you off — it’s an unforgettable experience, as revealed below.

Also note that Semana Santa (Holy Week) also attracts significant numbers, especially in Andalusia.

When it comes to cost, they're generally lower in April than they are during the height of summer, which means you can expect to secure more affordable flights, accommodation and tours.

As with crowds, expect a spike in costs around big festivals.

On a budget? Find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and Barca’s best things to do for FREE!

Or, if you’re not fixed on Spain, discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

royal-alcazar-seville-shutterstock_1120759877

Royal Alcazar, Seville © Shutterstock

What to do in Spain in April

Given that the weather in Spain in April is mild-to-warm, with moderate rain, there’s not much you can’t do here during the month! 

With that in mind, here are just few suggestions for ways to take advantage of the pleasant weather, and moderate shoulder-season crowds. 

Hit the beach

If you’re looking for an early beach break you’ll be happy to hear that the beaches in southern Spain and the Canary Islands are warming up in April, making it a good time to hit the beach in less-crowded conditions.

To blend coastal chilling with culture, consider basing yourself in Malaga.

Hike scenic trails in Northern Spain

If you’re looking for a more active vacation, take advantage of the mild weather by exploring Northern Spain’s scenic landscapes, which will be in full bloom in April.

For example, we really rate hiking the trails in Picos de Europa National Park. One of Spain's most dramatic mountain ranges, it’s known for its dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys.  

Less crowded at this time of year, we suggest walking the Ruta del Cares — a scenic trail that winds along a deep gorge — and the Lagos de Covadonga trail that takes in glacial lakes. 

Intro adventure? Our self-drive trip around Northern Spain has your name all over it. 

Explore cities and heritage sites

April’s warm weather and quieter shoulder-season conditions make it a great month to discover attractions in Spain’s top cities.

Alongside considering adding the likes of the the Alhambra in Granada, Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Madrid’s Royal Palace to your itinerary, you could also think about including some of Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

In April, exploring the likes of Cordoba, with its UNESCO-designated Historic Centre, is all the more wonderful, thanks to there being fewer tourists to cramp your style.

Editor’s tip: to take in five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Granada, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona – without the hassle of planning, book our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip.

mosque-mezquita-cordoba-spain-shutterstock_594222746

Cordoba, Spain © Shutterstock

Festivals and events in Spain in April 

April is a fantastic month to visit Spain to enjoy several unforgettable festivals and events, a few of which are presented below.

  • Semana Santa: one of Spain’s most significant religious festivals in Spain, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated with elaborate processions, especially in Seville and Malaga in Andalusia.
  • Feria de Abril: a week-long festival following Semana Santa, Seville’s flamboyant Feria de Abril features flamenco dancing and horse parades.
  • Sant Jordi’s Day: marked in Catalonia on 23rd April, and also known as the Day of the Book and the Rose, Sant Jordi’s Day is celebrated with the exchange of books and roses between loved ones.
Feria de Abril, Seville, Spain © Damien Simonis/Rough Guides

Feria de Abril, Seville, Spain © Damien Simonis/Rough Guides

Ready for your dream trip to Spain?

Before booking your dream trip to Spain, browse our Spain itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

  • Andalucía Explored (9 days): discover the best of Andalucía's breath-taking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards (and more) on a culture-packed 9-day trip that also showcases incredible natural landscapes. 
  • Gems in Southern Spain (16 days): starting out in Seville, this will see you exploring Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol in immersive, leisurely style.
  • The Lands of Wine from Madrid (5 days): offering a deep dive into two of Spain’s most esteemed wine regions — Ribera del Duero and La Rioja — this includes tours of four famous wineries.
  • Get more ideas for your Spanish vacation in our 14-day itineraries in Spain.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to Spain.

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 29.08.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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