Spain is a country rich in history and full of diverse experiences year-round. But when is the best time to visit Spain? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Whether you’re looking for sunny beach days, cultural city escapes, or simply want to avoid the crowds, each season has something unique to offer.
If you’re wondering what month is warm in Spain, you’ll be happy to know that pleasant temperatures begin in spring — especially in April — and continue to rise as summer approaches. June marks the start of the warmest period, making it a great time to explore cities like Barcelona and Seville or unwind on the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
So, what is the best month to visit Spain? Many consider June to be ideal: it’s warm and sunny without the intense heat of peak summer. It’s perfect for enjoying coastal destinations such as Valencia, Barcelona, and the picturesque Costa Brava.
For budget travelers, the cheapest time to visit Spain is during the winter months. January and February are typically the most affordable for flights and accommodations. During this low season, you’ll find fewer tourists in major cities like Madrid, Seville, and Granada, giving you a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Spring in Spain: festivals, flowers and perfect temperatures
Spring (March to May) is often considered the best time to go to Spain. It brings mild weather, blooming landscapes and perfect conditions to enjoy nature without the intense summer heat. Temperatures range from the mid-teens to lows of 20°C. It is such a fabulous time to head out and explore the area and countryside, depending on where you stay.
Don’t miss Seville’s Feria de Abril, a colourful April festival full of music, dancing and Andalusian tradition. This annual festival celebrates Andalusian culture with traditional flamenco dancing, bullfights, horse parades and lots of food and drink. You’ll want to try some of the local tapas and experience the energy and Andalusian hospitality. The Feria is one of Spain’s most iconic festivals, drawing visitors from across the globe each year.
Spring is also a great time to visit Spain’s other popular cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. The weather is perfect to explore the historical sites and gardens on foot. Explore Park Güell in Barcelona, Retiro Park in Madrid, and the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. If you have ever dreamed of exploring this great city, this is the best time to visit Madrid, Spain. There are fewer tourists than in the summer months.
Maybe you are wondering what to see in Andalusia during spring, especially if you have never been there. The countryside bursts with wildflowers — ideal for hiking and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Spring is the best time to visit Granada and enjoy the Alhambra’s gardens before summer’s heat arrives. The beautiful town of Ronda on its impressive cliff offers breathtaking views of the Guadalquivir Valley.
Summer in Spain: beach days, nightlife and big crowds
June to August sees the full summer season in Spain. If you love dry, hot, busy and sunny environments, summer is the time for you. Spain has some world-class resorts along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The country also houses some of the best beaches in Europe. From Ibiza to Barcelona to Marbella, Spain offers a beach for everyone — from party lovers to resort seekers. Visit Marbella’s resorts in summer to enjoy their full range of luxurious amenities under the sun.
However, summertime also means unbearable heat in some parts of Spain. In Seville and Cordoba, summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, which can make sightseeing challenging. The weather in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona will be cooler, around 38°, still hot but not too hot. So your best time to explore the city will be early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Think about joining an organised group trip to Barcelona and Costa Brava to fully enjoy the sights and sounds.
Summer isn’t ideal for all Spanish festivals, but some — like Pamplona’s bull run — are still worth experiencing. There is nothing like a Spanish festival to get a taste of the local customs and habits.
Ibiza is best in summer, when beach vibes, legendary parties and warm nights make it the ultimate escape. Ibiza hosts world-class clubs like Pacha and Amnesia, plus stunning beaches, water sports and vibrant music festivals. For more laid-back beach fun, visit Mallorca or Menorca — perfect for relaxing by turquoise waters. A group travel to the Balearics will explain the history of the islands and increase the enjoyment.
Spain’s cities and popular beaches get packed in July and August, with crowds drawn to festivals and seaside fun. Naturally, hotels become more expensive and crowd control becomes necessary. Spain’s cities and popular beaches get packed in July and August, with crowds drawn to festivals and seaside fun.
Autumn in Spain: fewer crowds, harvest flavours and golden light
From September to November, Spain experiences a more toned-down season — one that is cosy, pleasant and very enjoyable. It’s an ideal time to visit Spain due to the receding crowd numbers, warm, comfortable weather and recurrence of fresh and windy weather compared to the scorching temperatures of the previous months (plus a whole lot of other advantages). Autumn is one of the better times to visit cities like Granada, Seville and Malaga. Take advantage of the beautiful weather because it is the best time to visit Seville, a famous city in Spain.
As the temperature is not too high, you can take walking tours to experience the best these cities have to offer. While strolling around, take the opportunity to visit the local markets and try the local produce of grapes, chestnuts or olives, all of which are Spain’s autumn treats. In fact, autumn is the grape and olive harvest season in the country. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll want to visit vineyard-laden regions such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero to take part in wine-tasting tours in the wineries and grape harvest festivals the towns host!
In Andalusia, the autumn weather is perfect for hiking along the Sierra Nevada. This is why a group tour through authentic Andalusia is one of the best ways to enjoy the trip. In the autumn months, expect the mountains to change their leafy trees’ colours to yellow or golden, giving you the ultimate autumn leaf-peeping experience in Spain’s nature and mountain range. Fall is a great season for photographs because you can see the leaves changing — therefore, it’s the best time to visit Andalusia, Spain.
Autumn is a major harvest season. You have to go to one of the local festivals to get a feel of how this tradition works. A major harvest festival is its grape harvest, such as those in La Rioja, where you get to join in the grape crush and pantomime. Expect to join locals who participate in wine-making, while some of Spain’s vineyards will show some demonstrations of the wine-production process.
This time of the year is also perfect for visiting famous cities, allowing you to visit some of the most famous landmarks without the huge summer crowds. This means you can wander around the tourist attractions and enjoy the local Spanish delicacies.
Winter in Spain: mild temps, ski breaks and christmas lights
Winter in Spain is a lot more mild compared to other countries in Europe, making it the perfect winter destination. Whether you’re in Madrid, Barcelona or San Sebastian, the city winters are very manageable. They’re the perfect cities to get in some Christmas shopping in the markets, visit a local coffee shop or restaurant or spend the afternoon in one of the numerous museums. Although there’s hardly ever any snow, it will still be cold, if not almost freezing. If you prefer to have a quieter holiday, this is the best time to visit Spain.
For those who enjoy winter vacations in ski resorts, there’s something for you. A lot of people don’t realise you can actually go skiing in Spain. The most popular ski resort in Spain is in Sierra Nevada near Granada and it is one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe. Make sure to explore the palace in Granada and finish the day with some tapas, churros or a traditional Spanish dinner.
Enjoy Christmas lights, Christmas markets, hot chocolate and other winter delights when you visit Spain in December! Madrid and Barcelona are specifically known for their Christmas lights and there are plenty of markets to look for the best gift for your special someone. While the Christmas market in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is probably the most popular, there are also other markets all over the city.
December to February is also a great time to visit if you’d like to escape the crowds. You don’t have to venture too far out of the main tourist destinations to find some peace and quiet. For example, Madrid, Valencia and San Sebastian are main tourist destinations that are completely different places once the tourists leave.
Month-by-month in Spain: how to plan the perfect trip
Planning your trip to Spain can feel overwhelming — every season has its charm, and every month offers something unique. Instead of asking when to go, start by asking what kind of experience you’re looking for.
In January and February, cities like Madrid and Granada offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect time for cultural visits, ski trips in the Sierra Nevada, and enjoying local life without the summer crowds. Winter sales also make it a great moment for shopping in Spain’s major cities.
March and April bring the awakening of spring: blooming landscapes, local festivals and mild temperatures. It’s one of the best times to stroll through gardens, visit historic towns, and join celebrations like Seville’s Feria de Abril.
May and June offer warm weather without the peak summer heat — ideal for both beach lovers and city explorers. From Barcelona to Valencia, these months are perfect for long walks, tapas on sunny terraces, and dips in the Mediterranean.
July and August are the heart of Spanish summer. Coastal destinations like Costa Brava, Mallorca and Ibiza are buzzing with energy, music festivals and nightlife. But keep in mind: it’s hot and crowded, especially in inland cities like Seville or Córdoba.
September and October are a traveler’s dream — fewer tourists, golden light, and harvest festivals. Whether you want to tour vineyards in Rioja, hike in the Sierra Nevada or just enjoy a peaceful beach retreat, early autumn is an ideal window.
November and December are festive months in Spain. From Christmas markets in Madrid to the magical lights of Barcelona, cities come alive with holiday cheer. It’s also a great time to enjoy Spain’s museums, cuisine and cozy cafés — or take a break in the Canary Islands, where the sun shines year-round.
No matter the month, there’s always a corner of Spain waiting to be discovered. Match your travel dates with your passions — and you’ll find the perfect moment to go.
Best time to visit the Canary and Balearic Islands: year-round sunshine
The Canary Islands and Balearic Islands offer great year-round warm weather. The Canary Islands have a mild climate — great for visiting in the summer and winter months. The most popular of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, which you can visit at any time of the year. Its fantastic beaches, warm temperatures, outdoor activities and island national parks are open at any time. Taking a group tour to Tenerife with beach and adventure perks is the best way to not miss out on anything!
On the other side of the spectrum, the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca are best visited during the summer when the islands light up with nightlife and beach parties. However, if you prefer a more relaxed visit, spring and autumn are the best times to visit for strolling and exploring the islands in tranquility. Find an organised trip to Mallorca for sun-seekers to make the most of the vacation — you won’t regret it.
Barcelona in Every Season: City Vibes and Seaside Escapes
Barcelona is a great city all year round — every month of the year is the best time to visit. Spain’s winter temperatures are perfect for museum aficionados and foodies; spring season enjoys mild temperatures and fewer visitors — perfect for a lazy day in the charming lanes of the Barri Gotic; summertime is for the beaches and outdoor fiestas; autumn enjoys cooler weather and fewer crowds.
There is no need to wonder what to do in Barcelona because there is something for everyone no matter what the season. Whether you’re visiting La Sagrada Familia, chilling by the beach on Barceloneta or enjoying a flamenco fling, the best time to go to Barcelona is every month because it will never disappoint you.
So When Should You Go to Spain? Let Your Perfect Trip Decide
The best time to visit Spain depends on what you want to get out of your visit. From beach holidays to cultural experiences, Spain is an all-year-round destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the wild ferias of spring season, sunny beach days in summer, grape harvesting fiestas in autumn or mild temperatures in winter, there is always a part of Spain that can cater to your kind of holiday.
Ready to discover the best of Spain with expert guides and fellow adventurers? Join an organised group tour to Barcelona and Costa Brava or explore the coast and cities of Andalusia with this authentic group trip to Southern Spain. Unleash an adventure where amazing moments are redefined because the best way to enjoy Spain is with a group tour.
