Planning a trip to the land of tapas? Let me help you figure out the best time to go! In this article, I’ll explain the best time to travel to Spain based on the weather, how busy it gets, and all the fun stuff happening throughout the year.
If you want a quick answer, spring or fall is the best time to visit. The weather’s nice, there aren’t too many tourists, and there’s still much to do.
But if you want to know what each month is like, keep reading and decide for yourself!
If you’re wondering when to go to Spain, spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) are the best times. The weather is super nice—not too hot or cold—and there aren’t as many tourists. That means fewer lines and cheaper hotels, and you’ll probably get into that fabulous restaurant you’ve been eyeing without needing a reservation!
Spring is my favorite time to visit. It’s usually warm enough to chill at the beach, and there are all kinds of fun festivals and events happening all over the place. You definitely won’t get bored!
But honestly, Spain is amazing any time of year. The food is always delicious, the museums are fantastic, and the culture is something you’ve got to experience. Just a heads-up: some places might have shorter hours if you visit between November and March. Still totally worth it though!
Spring and fall are fantastic times to visit Spain, but you should know a few other things before packing your bags. If you keep these tips in mind, your trip will be much smoother and more fun!
You can explore Spain independently (which sounds like an incredible adventure) or join a group tour. I’ve been eyeing this Tapas and Flamenco Tour that goes through Spain and Portugal—it looks fantastic! One day, I’d love to try it.
Also, make sure you pack the right clothes. There’s nothing worse than sweating all day or freezing because you didn’t bring the right outfit.
Spain gets busy during the summer, especially in July and August. That’s when many tourists show up to enjoy the sunshine, sip sangria (a fancy fruit drink for adults), and hang out at the beach. It’s the most popular time to visit, so it’s crowded!
Since summer is the peak season, plane tickets and hotels cost much more. I’ve learned that it helps to plan and book stuff early. It won’t be cheap, but it’ll save you money compared to booking at the last minute.
Still, even with all the crowds, you can find quiet spots here and there. Many people living in Spain leave the big cities in the summer because it gets hot. Sometimes they go to the coast to cool off—lucky, right?
Once, I wandered down a random side street looking for tapas (those small Spanish snacks), and barely anyone was around. It felt like I had my little secret adventure!
Spain usually has pleasant weather most of the year, except when it gets hot in the summer.
If you’re going in the winter, it’s not too bad. It usually stays around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but starts warming up once spring rolls around. It can hit around 90 degrees by summer, so don’t forget your sunhat, sunscreen, and maybe even a fan! When I visited, I felt like I was melting by lunchtime.
If you’re not a fan of the heat (like me), northern Spain is a great place to cool off. During summer, temperatures usually stay in the 70s and 80s, which is way more comfortable.
Now, about the beaches—summer is crazy at the beach. Everyone goes to cool off, so it can get super packed. The best time to travel to Spain is in May or June. The weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many people. You could also go at the end of August, September, or October. It’s not blazing hot, but it’s still warm enough for swimming!
If you’re looking for a place that’s warm pretty much all year, check out the Canary Islands. They’re fantastic for sunbathing and swimming, no matter when you visit. It’s like an endless summer there—how cool is that?
Spain throws fabulous festivals yearly, like the events you’ll never forget. Many people (me included!) plan their whole trip to be there for one of them. It’s that cool.
Spring and summer are the best time to travel to Spain for these extraordinary events. There’s La Tomatina, where people throw tomatoes at each other (yes, really!), Feria de Málaga, which is like a giant fair with music and dancing, and Las Fallas de Valencia, where they light giant sculptures on fire—it’s wild!
But don’t worry if you’re going in the off-season. Some fun events, like the Grape Harvest in Rioja and Carnival, still include giant costume parties and parades.
If there’s a festival you want to see, make sure to plan early. These events get super popular, and people come from worldwide. So, book your hotel and flight beforehand—and grab tickets if needed. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on something amazing just because you waited too long!
When to go to Spain? No worries—I’ve got you! Here’s a quick month-by-month guide to help you figure out the best time to travel to Spain.
Every month in Spain is a little different. Besides the weather, you’ll want to consider what fun stuff is happening, like fabulous festivals or seasonal activities. That way, you can pick the perfect time to go and make your trip extra awesome.
When’s the Best Time to travel to Spain? Let’s Break It Down!
Trying to figure out the best time to travel to Spain? I get it—it can be tricky! That’s why I made this month-by-month guide to help you out. It’s not just about the weather either. You can also choose when to go based on fun activities and fabulous festivals throughout the year.
Average Temperature: 45–60°F
What’s Cool: Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, and snow adventures
Festivals: Three Kings Day & San Sebastian Festival
January is one of the quietest times to visit Spain. It’s cold, for sure—but the good news? Hardly any tourists! That means you won’t have to squeeze through crowds or wait in long lines to see incredible places.
I love how cheap things are in January. It might be the best time to travel to Spain if you’re looking to save money—hotels usually have lower prices, which means more cash for churros and hot chocolate.
If you’re into winter sports, this is your moment! The Sierra Nevada mountains are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or just hanging out by a fire with tasty tapas. You can also go snowshoeing or ride a snowmobile in the Pyrenees or Picos de Europa—how fun does that sound?
Not a snow fan? No worries! You can take a cozy cooking class or check out all the excellent post-holiday sales. Shopping + warm food = perfect winter day.
Don’t miss Three Kings Day on January 6th, especially if you’re around the Balearic Islands. It’s like a second Christmas, with parades and parties! Then there’s the San Sebastian Festival, where people drum in the streets during a big celebration called the Tamborrada. It’s super loud and super fun!
Average Temperature: 50–62°F
What’s Fun: Carnival, flamenco dancing, and fabulous costumes
Festivals: Carnival & Festival de Jerez
February in Spain is still chilly, especially in the north, in Madrid, Bilbao, and Galicia. It even rains a lot. That’s why if I were going, I’d stick to the south, where it’s a little warmer and less rainy.
But here’s the exciting part: Carnival!
Spain throws one of its biggest parties in February—Carnival. It’s a fun celebration before Lent (when some people give things up for a while). You’ll see costumes, parades, music, and dancing everywhere! The biggest parties are in Cadiz and the Canary Islands. If I went, I’d wear a crazy outfit and dance all day. Maybe even drink some (non-alcoholic!) sangria and join a parade!
And if you love dancing, especially flamenco (the famous Spanish dance with clapping, fast footwork, and fabulous dresses), don’t miss the Festival de Jerez. It’s one of the most renowned flamenco festivals in the whole country. You can watch pros perform and feel the rhythm of Spain.
So, if you’re into fabulous costumes, dancing, and good vibes, February is the month for you!
Average Temperature: 60–70°F
What’s Cool: Spring is starting, fewer crowds, perfect for hiking
Festivals: Las Fallas, Sant Medir, Semana Santa
March in Spain is a mystery weather-wise. One day, it’s warm and sunny, the next, it’s rainy and cool. I’d pack both a light jacket and my sunglasses just in case!
But here’s the good news—spring officially begins in March, and it’s honestly one of the best time to travel to Spain. Flowers bloom, trees get their leaves back, and everything feels fresh. It’s not too hot yet, and not crowded either, so you can explore museums without giant tour groups and hike around without melting under the sun (been there, not fun).
And the festivals in March? Seriously awesome.
One of the biggest ones is Las Fallas in Valencia. I want to see this someday! There’s a big parade with these giant paper-mache statues called ninots, and at the end, they set them on fire! It’s wild, super loud, and unforgettable.
There’s also the Sant Medir festival in Barcelona. People ride in horse-drawn carriages, throwing candy at everyone in the streets. It’s like Halloween, but with more horses!
And don’t forget Semana Santa, also called Holy Week. It’s one of Spain’s most important religious festivals around Easter. Some places celebrate it for over a week with big parades, music, and people wearing traditional clothes. It’s super interesting and different from anything I’ve seen at home.
March is a great time to visit and experience some amazing culture before the summer crowds arrive!
Average Temperature: 65–75°F
What’s Fun: Warm weather, fewer crowds, outdoor fun
Festivals: Feria de Abril, Festimad, Feria del Queso
April in Spain is starting to feel nice. It’s the warmest month so far, even if the weather can still surprise you a little, like “Do I need my jacket or not today?” kind of surprise.
By now, people in southern Spain (like in Andalusia) are heading to the beach, and cafes are filling up with people enjoying food outside. I’d grab a seat on a patio and sip something cool while watching the world go by. Even better—it’s still not too crowded yet! So you get all the good stuff without the crazy summer rush.
This is also one of the best time to travel to Spain if you’re into adventure. The weather’s just right for outdoor stuff like mountain biking, rock climbing, quad biking (which I want to try), and even helicopter rides if you feel super brave!
And guess what? April also brings some incredible festivals. The Feria de Abril in Seville is a huge spring fair with music, dancing, and people dressed in amazing traditional outfits. So cool!
If you love music, check out Festimad in Madrid. It’s like a music party with a different concert almost every night.
And now, for my favorite cheese lovers, listen up!
April is also when the Feria del Queso happens in Trujillo. It’s a three-day cheese festival. Yup, a whole festival just for cheese. Sounds like heaven to me.
So yeah—April has incredible weather, tons to do, and fun festivals. I think it might be one of the best months to visit Spain!
Average Temperature: 70–80°F
What’s Fun: Amazing weather, warm beaches, hiking, bullfighting
Festivals: Bullfighting & Madrid Open
May is one of the best months to visit Spain—perfect weather! It’s sunny and warm during the day, but cool enough in the evening for a pleasant stroll through the city or a walk along the beach.
By May, the beaches in the south will start getting busier, but the rest of Spain will still have that nice, calm vibe. It’s a great time to visit before the huge summer crowds take over.
May is the best time to travel to Spain if you love being outside. It’s one of your last chances to go hiking without sweat! Plus, you can try awesome stuff like paragliding, hot air balloon rides, and water sports, which are way more fun when it’s not super hot.
Now, May is famous for marking the start of bullfighting season. If you’re into that, it’s a big deal here, with tons of bullfights happening nationwide. But if that’s not your thing (no judgment!), you could check out the Madrid Open, Spain’s biggest tennis tournament, which is also happening in May.
Another fabulous festival in May is the Cordoba Patios Festival. It’s a celebration of spring, during which residents decorate their patios with flowers. Events, parades, and even flower fights are held. It looks like a super fun way to experience local culture!
Average Temperature: 77–90°F
What’s Fun: Warm weather, kitesurfing, terrace coffees and dining
Festivals: Water and Ham Festival, Photo España
June is when Spain starts to heat up! Goodbye to rainy days and hello to sunny, warm weather almost every day. By now, you don’t need to carry a raincoat anymore (yay!).
Even though it’s not officially summer, June feels like it. Tourists start showing up, especially at beaches, museums, and cathedrals. That means more crowds and, sadly, higher prices. Flights and hotels can get expensive, so if June is your best time to travel to Spain, book everything early!
I recommend ensuring your place has air conditioning—it can get hot. But don’t worry, there’s still a lot of fun stuff going on! If you’re in Granada, check out the Water and Ham Festival—it’s a huge water fight, and it sounds like the best way to cool off! And if you love photography (or want to see some amazing pictures), Photo España in Madrid is a huge photography exhibition that happens in June.
June is also a great time to kitesurf in Tarifa for active fun. The wind is perfect, and the waters aren’t crowded yet, so if you’ve ever wanted to try kitesurfing, June is the time to do it!
Average Temperature: 80–100°F
What’s Fun: Beach time, festivals, full hours for everything
Festivals: San Fermin, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Benicassim Festival
Welcome to Peak Season in Spain! July is by far the busiest time of year, with tourists all over the country, from the beaches to the mountains, eating tapas and soaking up the sun.
It’s also the hottest month, so many locals in cities inland head to the coast to enjoy the sea breezes. If you visit Spain in July, be ready for crowds, expensive hotels and flights (so book early!), and long restaurant waits. But hey, it’s not all bad!
Even though it’s crowded, Spain comes alive during July. Everything’s open, and there’s always something to do. Plus, there are tons of fun festivals and events. For example, San Fermin, known as the Running of the Bulls, happens in Pamplona from July 6th to the 14th. It’s wild to watch; if you’re there, it’s something to see.
If you like beaches, Tarifa is a great place to visit in July. It’s perfect for kitesurfing, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the summer vibes. So, if you’re ready for some action-packed fun and don’t mind the crowds, July is a great time to experience Spain!
Average Temperature: 80–100°F
What’s Fun: Best beach weather, Basque Country, La Tomatina
Festivals: La Tomatina, Semana Grande
August is the hottest month of the year in Spain, and you’ll see tons of locals heading to the coast to escape the heat. If you’re a beach lover, this is the perfect time for a seaside vacation, with Spain’s beaches being amazing.
Cities like Seville, Madrid, and Granada are less crowded in August because it’s too hot, and many places close for the summer holiday. So, don’t be surprised if some restaurants or businesses are shut down until it cools down.
If you’re looking for a cool spot to visit in August, check out Galicia, the Basque Country, and Asturias. These places still have beautiful weather but aren’t as hot, so it’s much easier to explore! You can also take a road trip through northern Spain to see some fantastic sights and enjoy delicious pintxos (small bites of food) along the way.
But the best part about August? The festivals! The most famous one is La Tomatina, a giant tomato fight with thousands of people. It’s held on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, so mark your calendar for that!
Another big event is Semana Grande in Bilbao and San Sebastián. This festival shows off the best of the Basque region with bullfights, giant puppet dances, and fireworks lighting up the night sky!
Average Temperature: 75–90°F
What’s Fun: Fewer tourists, grape harvests, and cooler inland cities
Festivals: San Mateo Festival, Festa de la Merce
September marks the end of summer in Spain, and while it’s still pretty warm, it’s much more comfortable than the crazy hot months of July and August. The busiest tourist season is winding down by now, so it’s a perfect time to visit without the crowds.
If you’ve been avoiding cities like Madrid and Cordoba because it was too hot earlier in the summer, September is the time to go! The weather is finally cooler, so you can explore without feeling like you’re melting.
One of the best things about Spain in September is the wine harvest. This is when Spain’s vineyards are busy picking grapes to make some of their finest wines. So, if you’re a wine lover, it’s a great time to take a vineyard tour or visit a winery for some tastings. Imagine sipping on delicious wine while enjoying the stunning views!
You’ll want to check out the San Mateo Festival in the La Rioja region. It’s a week of music, dancing, and wine to celebrate the grape harvest. And here’s the fun part: you can even crush grapes with your feet at the festival! It’s one of the oldest ways to make wine and a cool experience.
Average Temperature: 65–75°F
What’s Fun: Fewer tourists, pleasant weather, exploring Andalusia, surfing in Northern Spain
Festivals: Bienal de Flamenco, Week of Architecture
By October, the weather starts to cool down, and the big summer crowds are mostly gone. If you’re not a fan of the heat or the many tourists, October is the perfect time to visit Spain. The cities are quieter, and the weather is right—not too hot or cold.
October is the best time to visit places like Madrid and Salamanca. Although the summer heat has cooled off, it’s still comfortable, so you can explore without sweating through your T-shirt.
It’s also a great time to head to Andalusia, especially places like Frigiliana. You’ll enjoy the sunny weather without the big crowds that pack the city in summer. It’s perfect for a quiet getaway.
Average Temperature: 55–65°F
What’s Fun: Quiet city walks, fun festivals, no crowds
Festivals: International Sherry Festival, Jazz Festival
By November, Spain will have a nice break from all the summer tourists, and it will cool down. While it’s colder, it’s still a great time to visit because the crowds are way smaller, so you can enjoy the country more slowly.
I love wandering around the cities in the crisp, cool air. It’s the perfect time to visit Andalusia and explore some small villages. You can also head to Ronda, a beautiful, pretty town that Hemingway called the “most romantic town in Spain.”
There are also some extraordinary events like the International Sherry Festival in Jerez (where you can taste all the wines, make sure to drink responsibly!) and the Jazz Festival in Madrid, which attracts people from all over the world.
Spain in November? Worth it!
Average Temperature: 45–60°F
What’s Fun: Holiday cheer all around Spain!
Festivals: Christmas Markets, Malaga Light Displays
In December, the weather in Spain can be all over the place! You could be skiing in the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains or lying on a beach that feels like the Caribbean. The choice is all yours!
December in Spain is magical because it’s full of Christmas spirit everywhere. The streets have colorful lights, lively celebrations, and happy vibes. It feels like the holidays are here!
One of my favorite things about December is the Christmas markets nationwide. These markets are packed with fun little trinkets to buy, tasty snacks to try, and hot drinks to keep you warm. You’ll get into the holiday spirit.
If you like the idea of a warm Christmas, the islands are the place to be. But if you’re staying on the mainland, there’s still much holiday fun, especially in Madrid. You can head to Puerto del Sol on New Year’s Eve for a huge celebration, just like Times Square in New York! People gather to eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight—one for each chime—and then the partying and dancing kick off.
For an unforgettable holiday, December in Spain is a perfect choice!
Spain offers endless experiences year-round, whether enjoying sangria, exploring its culture, or attending festivals. Here are my top recommendations for the best time to travel to Spain!
No matter when you decide to visit Spain, something special will always await you. From the stunning festivals to the perfect weather for outdoor adventures, Spain offers a unique experience every month.
Whether hoping for quiet streets, sunny beaches, or cultural celebrations, you can easily plan your trip around what matters most. Remember, the best time to travel to Spain depends on your desire. Spain is full of surprises; no matter when you go, you will fall in love with the country. Avoid the busiest months if you can, and enjoy Spain’s beauty! Start planning your dream Spanish getaway today and discover the magic that awaits!
The best times to visit Spain are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is nice, fewer people, and prices are cheaper than in the busy summer.
The best time to travel to Spain for excellent weather is in May and late August. These months are perfect because they are warm and sunny, but not too hot.
In Spain, July and August are the busiest months for vacations. These months are also the hottest and most crowded because many people in Spain take summer breaks then.
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