Best Time to Visit Spain

January in Spain

When visiting Spain in January, pack for cooler temperatures, especially if venturing inland, where it is colder than the coastal areas. Daytime temperatures across the country range between 8°C and 16°C. Precipitation is more common on the northern and western coasts.

Besides this, Atlantic fronts are likely to bring rain to Galicia, the Cantabrian communities, Castile and León, and possibly parts of central and Extremadura.

Things to do in January:

Celebrate the Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) festival on January 6th.

Witness La Tamborrada parade In San Sebastián.

Enjoy the Medieval Market Festival in Orihuela from January 28th to 31st. This fair transports you back in time through reenactments and traditional crafts.

February in Spain

If travelling to northern areas like Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona, expect the temperature to be around 07°C to 16°C. While it is rare for temperatures to drop below freezing, the north experiences more rainfall during this month.

If you hate winters, head to southern Spain. The coastal areas, especially Málaga, enjoy average highs of up to 17°C. Also, since crowds are fewer in February, expect travel costs to be lower.

Things to do in February:

If you are a food lover, attend the Gastro Festival in Madrid from January 23 to February 7.

Enjoy the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Go out for skiing.

Show your dance moves at the Jerez Flamenco Festival, organised annually from February 23 to March 9.

March in Spain

March is the month in Spain when winter starts to give way to spring. The weather is still quite cool in the north, with temperatures between 56°F and 61°F. You can also expect 7-9 days of rain in the north. In the central part of Madrid, the temperature at 6 am is around 7°C, and it warms up to 14°C by midday.

In the south, cities like Sevilla and Malaga usually expect temperatures between 12°C and 20°C with good weather.

Things to do in March:

Take part in Las Fallas in Valencia, which is held between March 15 and 19. UNESCO has declared this festival an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Experience Semana Santa. This holy week hosts events that show the story of Jesus’ last days.

Join a parade with horses and floats at the Sant Medir festival held on March 3.

April in Spain

In April, the northern areas experience daytime temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, with cooler mornings and evenings. Southern Spain is known for its warmer climate, with highs of 20 to 30°C. If you wish to explore coastal cities, expect daytime averages around 17°C.

Things to do in April:

About two weeks after Easter, Seville hosts the Feria de Abril. Here, you can enjoy flamenco dancing and bullfights.

On April 23rd, celebrate love and literature on the streets of Catalonia in Fira de Sant Jordi.

Observe the Volatin and the Angel event at Tudela. The burning of Judas Iscariot's effigy symbolises Jesus's betrayal.

May in Spain

In May, Spain welcomes visitors with a warm embrace of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. The daytime highs average around 22°C. Rainfall is relatively low, but expect occasional showers.

Things to do in May:

Enjoy the Jerez Horse Fair at Feria del Caballo. This event dates back to 1284. Over 200 casitas offer live music, flamenco, and local foods here.

Take part in the WOMAD Festival at Cáceres. It is a global music event.

Visit Córdoba for the Patios Festival when private courtyards are open to the general public.

June in Spain

In June, the northern regions experience average daytime temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius. This is the perfect time to explore sightseeing and cultural events.

The coastal areas, particularly along the Mediterranean, are a good time for beachgoers. The sea temperatures rise to around 20°C and reach 25°C in specific locales.

Precipitation is minimal during this month. However, central regions expect about 30 mm of rainfall, while the southern shores see a mere 12 mm.

Things to do in June:

Experience Noche de San Juan was celebrated on the night of June 23rd. It marks the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, and beach parties.

Visit Alicante to take part in Hogueras de San Juan. During this time, the city became an open-air museum.

Celebrate Corpus Christi at Toledo.

July in Spain

In July, Spain basks in the warmth of summer. The temperature moves between 21°C and 32°C across the country. The southern and central regions are particularly hot, often exceeding 35°C.

Northern areas offer a milder climate with highs around 25°C. However, rainfall is scarce during this period, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and beach visits.

Things to do in July:

July starts with the San Fermín Festival in Pamplona. You can enjoy parades, music, and traditional dances.

During the International Festival of the Celtic World, held at Ortigueira, you can enjoy concerts, workshops, and a Celtic market.

Enjoy the city's deep-rooted guitar culture at the Cordoba Guitar Festival from July 8th to 18th.

August in Spain

In August, Spain's southern region, particularly Andalusia, is extremely hot, surpassing 100°F. Madrid, at the heart of Spain, remains quite hot as well. Northern regions present more temperate weather.

This month, cities like Seville and Madrid are recommended for sightseeing and cultural immersion.

Things to do in August:

Participate in the world's largest tomato fight in Buñol. The thousands gather on the last Wednesday of August to paint the town red with overripe tomatoes.

Enjoy a week long Feria de Málaga. This festival displays traditional Andalusian music, dance and cuisine.

Don’t miss out on Semana Grande at Bilbao and San Sebastián. This festival features concerts, bullfights, and nightly fireworks competitions.

September in Spain

Spain has a warm climate with ample sunshine in September. In the north, such as the Basque Country and the Pyrenees, temperatures average between 18°C and 25°C during the day. Madrid and central Spain are warmer. The southern region can reach daytime highs of 30°C to 36°C. The Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, have milder climates due to the sea breeze. The Canary Islands maintain a subtropical climate.

Spain's rainfall is generally low in September. However, in mountainous areas, precipitation increases towards the end of the month.

Things to do in September:

If you want an adrenaline-fueled experience, don't miss Bull and Horse Droving in Segorbe. Participants run alongside bulls and horses, guiding them through the town's streets.

Celebrate the Fiestas del Motín in Aranjuez. The event showcases the 18th-century uprising against King Charles III through theatrical performances.

Enjoy modern entertainment and a traditional Spanish fair together at Feria de Albacete.

October in Spain

Visiting Spain in October is ideal due to the mild and pleasant weather. The country experiences less rainfall and enjoys around seven hours of sunshine daily. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities.

Regarding destinations, northern Spain presents a cooler and occasionally rainier atmosphere, suitable for those appreciating autumnal landscapes. Barcelona and Madrid boast similar conditions, with rare rainfall.

Southern regions offer warmer days in the mid-to-high 20s and minimal rain chances, ideal for those seeking sunnier escapades.

Things to do in October:

Enjoy the Fiestas del Pilar cultural extravaganza in Zaragoza. The event features concerts, fireworks, and exhibitions.

Celebrate the Moors and Christians festival in Crevillent. The historical event from September 29th to October 4th reenacts the medieval conflicts between Christians and Muslims through performances.

Participate in the Bilbao Night Marathon

November in Spain

The average temperature across Spain hovers around 10–18°C, with approximately 6 hours of sunshine per day and around 7 rainy days. Madrid experiences cooler temperatures, averaging 15°C during the day and 6°C at night, with potential rainfall. Barcelona's weather is cool but not cold, offering sunny days interspersed with overcast ones.

Things to do in November:

Treat yourself to the Seville European Film Festival. It showcases the best of European cinema and awards the prestigious Golden Giraldillo.

Enjoy Cartagena Jazz Festival and Bilbao’s Zinebi International Documentary Film Festival. Both offer auditory delights with performances from renowned international artists.

For Gastronomy Delight, attend International Sherry Week in early November.

December in Spain

The northern areas experience cooler temperatures in December, while the south enjoys milder weather. Madrid typically sees temperatures ranging from 11°C to 3°C, with a moderate chance of precipitation.

Barcelona’s coastal location provides slightly warmer conditions. Andalusia is ideal for those seeking a warmer winter, with temperatures ranging from 8 - 17°C.

Things to do in December:

Experience the unique carnival in Alcázar de San Juan, the only one celebrated in December in Spain.

On Christmas Eve in Mallorca, witness the traditional performance in every church on the island.

Participate in the excitement of the Spanish lottery El Gordo, the world’s largest lottery draw, on December 22nd.

Travel seasons in Spain are classified into peak, shoulder, and off. Here are the details.

Peak Season in Spain

The peak tourist season in Spain spans from June to August, aligning with the summer months. During this period, travellers encounter crowded attractions, higher accommodation rates, and intense heat, particularly in inland cities.

Shoulder Season in Spain

Spain’s shoulder season, the ideal time for tourism, spans from September to November and March to May. This period offers a balance of pleasant weather and the opportunity to experience Spain’s rich cultural festivals and flamenco shows, organised year-round.

Off Season in Spain

Off-season spans from November to February. During these cooler months, tourists are scarce, allowing for a more authentic exploration of the country’s rich culture and heritage.

The best time to travel to Spain depends on your budget and whether you love cold or warm weather. If you visit this country when the temperature is warm, it is best to indulge in indoor activities and explore architectural marvels. If you are planning to visit in cold weather, activities like skiing and sightseeing of natural wonders are recommended.

Well, whatever time you choose to visit, get travel insurance in Spain from an insurer like Tata AIG. Overseas travel insurance provides peace of mind by covering trip cancellations, flight delays, medical emergencies, dental injuries, loss of passport, and more. A travel insurance policy further provides financial assistance to meet necessities if you lose your wallet.

It is critical to note that when purchasing travel insurance cover for Spain, ensure it provides coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.

What is the best time to go to Ibiza, Spain?

The ideal time to visit Ibiza is from late May to early October. The hot temperatures and minimal rainfall in these months allow you to explore beaches and enjoy party activities.

What is the best time to visit Barcelona?

The ideal time to see Barcelona is from May to June when the weather is mild and vibrant festivals are held, or between September and November when the crowds are fewer and the temperatures are pleasant.

What is the currency of Spain?

Spain's currency is the Euro (EUR). It replaced the Spanish Peseta and is used across the Eurozone. One Euro is divided into 100 cents.

What are some of the best places to visit in Spain?

Spain's top five architectural marvels are The Alhambra in Granada, Toledo Cathedral, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Mezquita Mosque in Córdoba, and Parc Güell in Barcelona.

What are some traditional cuisines in Spain that you should try?

In Spain, savour Paella, a rice dish from Valencia; Jamón Serrano, a cured ham; Gazpacho, a cold tomato soup; and Tortilla Española, a potato omelette. Don't miss Croquetas de Jamón, deep-fried béchamel nuggets with ham.