What’s on your Spain itinerary?
¡Hola, mis amigos!
There are so many things you can do in Spain, from exploring historic cities to admiring lush landscapes. But a trip can only go smoothly when the timing’s right! Here’s a guide to the best time to go to Spain to get optimal experiences for different activities. Plus, we prepared a chart of the Spain weather by month!
For Sightseeing and Outdoor Activities
Stroll through the lush gardens of Royal Alcazar of Seville
If you’re the outgoing type on trips, the shoulder season of spring (March to May) is arguably the best time to travel to Spain! Spring brings festivals bursting with culture like flamenco performances and processions. But it’s the temperate weather that makes it the best time to go to Spain for sightseeing.
Check out the Royal Alcazar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage site with exquisite architecture. Meanwhile, Barcelona is dotted with Gaudi’s masterpieces such as the casas, Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell all of which you can visit under one ticket. And we can’t forget about the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid, an essential for every trip to Spain.
Klook Tip: Avoid visiting Spain during Semana Santa as this is a week-long peak season with busy locals.
The spring air also makes it the best time to visit Spain for trekking outdoors. Near Granada is Los Cahorros, a popular hiking trail with tunnels and waterfalls. Climb the summit of Mount Teide in Tenerife to enjoy the volcanic island’s scenery.
For Beach Vacations
Barceloneta Beach attracts millions of tourists every year | Photo from Wikimedia Commons
The Peak Season
Summer (June to August) is THE peak season with the highest temperatures, the most expensive prices, and the largest crowds Spain sees every year. If you want a full-blown summer, this is the best time to go to Spain!
Barcelona is jam-packed at this time, as it is a seaside city, but you can rise above the crowd on a helicopter tour. We’re not kidding, this is a crazy good experience! Spain also boasts the Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago with turquoise waters and exciting water parks.
Check out our recommended best beach resorts by the sea in Spain:
The Sweet Spot
Enjoy beaches with less crowds
If you want a beach trip without the huge crowds, the best time to go to Spain is in the months of May, June (a transition period into the peak season), and September. Temperatures aren’t scorching hot yet but warm enough to enjoy the sea. And there are lots of cultural festivals to catch!
Pamplona hosts its traditional Running of the Bulls, an exhilarating festival where people run alongside bulls within narrow streets. Barcelona also holds world-renowned music festivals such as Primavera Sound and Sónar in the same month.
Klook Tip: The Canary Islands retains its warm temperature all-year round so you can get better deals outside of the peak season.
For a Gastronomic Getaway
You’ll never run out of pintxos, tapas, and wine to try in this country. But for a unique gastronomic adventure, the best time of year to visit Spain is in the autumn (September to November).
Celebrate and drink to the harvest of Spain’s countryside
Fiesta de la Vendimia or the grape harvest festival, is celebrated nationwide. We recommend visiting THE wine region of Spain, La Rioja, through delicious day trips from San Sebastián or Bilbao. Immerse yourself in centuries-old techniques and feast on local specialties.
For Sports Fans
Experience world-class football live
Spain is perfect for sports lovers with water activities along its coastline, winter ski resorts, and a world-class football industry.
Professional football’s La Liga Season starts in August and ends in May, making this the best time to go to Spain to watch matches live. Plus, go on an immersive tour of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s home base! For Real Madrid fans, a visit to Bernabeu is a few easy clicks away!
For Low-key Visits
Find peace in an otherwise bustling city | Photo by Gonzopowers on flickr
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, the best time to travel to Spain is in winter (December to February), the low season. At this time, there are smaller crowds and lower prices. It can be chilly up north, but the coldness is mild in the southern regions.
Shop for local foods and goods in Christmas markets! And while skiing in the Pyrenees mountains is a popular choice, this season can also be an excellent opportunity to get to know popular cities more intimately.
Have a date with Madrid:
Klook Tip: Avoid the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year as this is another peak season, but early December is safe.
Calendar Cheat Sheet
As promised, here’s a recap of the Spain weather by month:
January | July |
|---|---|
• low season • cold winter weather • ski trips • low rates, less crowds | • peak season • hot weather • beach vacation • high rates, huge crowds |
February | August |
• low season • cold winter weather • ski trips • low rates, less crowds | • peak season • hot weather • beach vacation • high rates, huge crowds |
March | September |
• shoulder season • temperate weather • festivals • sightseeing and outdoor activities • moderate rates | • shoulder season • less hot weather • grape harvest festival • food and wine tours • lower rates |
April | October |
• shoulder season • temperate weather • festivals • sightseeing and outdoor activities • moderate rates | • shoulder season • cooler weather • grape harvest festival • food and wine tours • lower rates |
May | November |
• shoulder season • temperate weather • festivals • sightseeing and outdoor activities • sweet spot for beach vacation • moderate rates | • shoulder season • cooler weather • grape harvest festival • food and wine tours • lower rates |
June | December |
• transition to peak season • warmer weather • music and bull-running festivals • beach vacation • higher rates, larger crowds | • low season • cold winter weather • Christmas markets • ski trips • low rates, less crowds |
Take a look at this if you’re planning a trip across Europe:
FAQs
1. What is the most beautiful coastal town in Spain?
There are SO MANY beautiful coastal towns, but Sitges, Calella de Palafrugell, and Peñíscola are up on our list.
2. Where is the clearest water in Spain?
Check out the pristine waters of Formentera in Ibiza, Albufereta Beach in Alicante, and Playa de Muro in Mallorca, among many others.
3. Where are the white sand beaches in Spain?
Some white-washed bays include Costa de la Luz in Cádiz, Playa de Berellin in Cantabria, and Aigua Blava in Begur.
4. Does Spain have warm beaches?
Yes, especially in the summer. But the Canary Islands have a subtropical climate throughout all seasons, and the Balearic Islands have warm Mediterranean weather for most of the year, too.
Right Time, Right Place
Go on an unforgettable trip after all the planning
Now that we’ve figured out the best times to go to Spain according to your needs, let’s start planning! Get your sim cards to help you navigate during your trip. And as much as it’s important to prepare, don’t forget to have fun!
¡Hasta luego!
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