Thinking of planning your next trip to Spain, the Mediterranean jewel and land of tapas?
That’s great!
When’s the best time to visit Spain though?
That’s one of the first questions that come to mind before starting booking any tickets, to make sure you are well prepared beforehand, and make the most out of your trip!
So, let’s walk you through the best time to visit Spain taking into account tourist trends, unique seasonal happenings, and of course the weather!
Without further ado, let’s get started.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is in the spring months between March to May or during the autumn between September and November.
Of course, this is quite subjective and can possibly differ depending on each traveler’s preferences and individual needs, but these time periods are generally “the best ones” taking into consideration factors such as the pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and decent prices.
Also, since these times are considered to be Shoulder Seasons, you won’t need to spend a great deal of hours waiting in line for the next attraction or pay a fortune to book your accommodation.
Note: Shoulder Season is a travel season between peak and off-peak seasons, during spring and fall, when prices are usually lower.
However, if you cannot wait to hit the beach and you are ok with higher temperatures and more crowded places, then the months of June to August might be more suitable for you.
To give you a better idea, we’ve broken down the most important factors to take into account, before deciding when the ideal time to visit Spain is.
Factors to Consider Before Booking a Trip to Spain
Some important factors that you should bear in mind before booking a trip to Spain are:
- The weather
- How busy it is
- The prices
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Factor #1: Weather
It’s a common truth that no matter when you visit Spain, you will likely see some sun.
The weather in the sundrenched country of Spain is generally mild all year long, besides the summer months when it gets hot and humid.
To give you a better idea, during the summer, a typical day is around 90 degrees, so keep that in mind when creating your travel checklist to include plenty of sunhats, sunscreen, and of course beachwear!
If you cannot stand the summer heat, then you can visit Spain during spring.
In spring, Spain is often warm enough to explore both its capital Madrid, and other areas such as Barcelona and Malaga, and lots of festivals and events taking place to attend.
Moreover, since Spain covers a large area, it tends to witness some differences in its climate depending on different regions.
For instance, the Canary Islands is a place where the climate can vary significantly from mainland Spain, maintaining comfortable temperatures with an average of around 20°C (68°F) year-round.
Factor #2: Crowds
The second factor you need to consider is how busy and crowded it’ll be.
As a rule of thumb, peak season in Spain is during the summer months, when it sees the most crowds.
If you visit Spain during summer, you can expect lots of tourists throughout the country eager to hit the beach and enjoy some good quality Sangria.
In case you’d prefer a quieter holiday, you can plan your holiday during the low season (November to February), when there are fewer crowds.
However, during the low season, many beach resorts close down, and you’ll need to confirm in advance that popular sites and activities will be open to visitors.
Let’s move on to our third factor.
Factor #3: Prices
During the summer months, you’ll find that when it comes to flights and accommodation, prices are much higher than at any other time of the year.
Of course, there are ways to mitigate this by simply planning your trip early and booking everything in advance.
Generally, Spain’s most inexpensive season is between December and March, when it’s more chilly, around 39°F (4°C) and 50°F (10°C).
So, if you don’t mind missing out on hitting the beach, you can find great deals by traveling at this off-peak time.
As an overview, those are the most important things to consider before visiting Spain.
Depending on what matters to you the most regarding weather, crowds, and prices, you can decide when you think it is ideal to visit Spain’s magnificent beauty.
Moving on, let’s dive a little deeper into what Spain looks like each month of the year.
What’s Spain Like Month-on-Month
As we mentioned earlier, Spain can differ from month to month and region to region.
So here’s a brief overview of what it looks like from January to December.
January
Spain in January experiences cooler temperatures, especially in the inland regions, and occasional rain.
- Average Temperature: Around 7 to 15.5 degrees Celsius (45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Less crowded compared to peak tourist seasons.
- Prices: Accommodations and attractions are less expensive compared to the summer months.
- Best Things to Do: Enjoy winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding in the Pyrenees. Discover festivals like Three Kings Day on the 6th, and the San Sebastian Festival.
February
Spain in February experiences cold temperatures, especially in Madrid and northern cities like Bilbao, and is also quite rainy.
- Average Temperature: Around 10 to 17 degrees Celsius (50 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Generally less crowded.
- Prices: Accommodations and attractions are less expensive and you might be able to find great deals on accommodation compared to the summer months.
- Best Things to Do: Since February is the month of Carnival, which celebrates the beginning of Lent, you can enjoy numerous events throughout Spain. For a unique Carnival experience consider visiting Cádiz or Tenerife.
March
In March spring begins, with milder temperatures, more sun, and blooming flowers.
- Average Temperature: Around 15.5 to 21 degrees Celsius (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Increasing tourist activity, but less crowded than in the summer months.
- Prices: Moderate.
- Best Things to Do: Explore museums, and attractions, attend festivals, such as the Sant Medir festival in Barcelona, and enjoy outdoor markets.
April
In April, Spain’s cultural festivities are on full display, with big parades and lively events.
- Average Temperature: Around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Not too crowded.
- Prices: Moderate.
- Best Things to Do: April is when the country comes alive, enticing you to attend several of its most dynamic festivals of the year, like the Feria de Abril, a spring fair in Seville, and the Feria del Queso in Trujillo, a three-day cheese festival.
May
In May spring continues, with warmer temperatures and more outdoor activities.
- Average Temperature: Around 21 to 27 degrees Celsius (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Increasing tourist activity.
- Prices: Moderate.
- Best Things to Do: Since temperatures in May are mellow, it’s a perfect time to explore parks or do a walking or trekking trip. One of Spain’s most famous walking routes to do so is the Camino de Santiago.
June
In June Spain witnesses longer daylight hours and heat starts kicking in.
- Average Temperature: Around 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Tourist numbers increase, especially in popular outdoor areas.
- Prices: June is considered “high season”, so prices for various services and activities may be higher than during other months.
- Best Things to Do: June is ideal for enjoying strolls, tapas on terraces, and relaxing at the beach.
July
Spain in July experiences hot temperatures, hordes of tourists, and crowded beaches.
- Average Temperature: Around 27 to 38 degrees Celsius (80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: High tourist season; popular attractions and parks tend to be busy.
- Prices: Higher, especially for accommodations and popular tourist activities.
- Best Things to Do: Head to a beach like La Barceloneta in Barcelona or to the island of Ibiza, rightfully named the party capital of the world.
Also, if you happen to be in Pamplona, you can attend San Fermin, “the running of the Bulls”, from the 6th of the month until the 14th.
August
August is similar to July, with hot temperatures, and more people hitting the beach to cool off the summer heat.
- Average Temperature: Around 27 to 38 degrees Celsius (80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: High tourist season continues, with many locals on vacation.
- Prices: Higher, especially for last-minute bookings.
- Best Things to Do: You can hit the beach like the rest of the country or you can consider a trip to one of Spain’s northern regions like Basque Country, Asturias, or Galicia, where the temperatures are more pleasant.
September
In September, autumn begins, with mild temperatures. However, days remain sunny and temperatures stay high.
- Average Temperature: Around 24 to 32 degrees Celsius (75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Tourist numbers start to decrease.
- Prices: Moderate.
- Best Things to Do: September is the perfect month to attend vineyard and wine tours that will take you around a region for tastings. Also, during September one of the largest festivals, La Mercè, which celebrates Barcelona’s patron saint, takes place, so make sure to attend it.
October
During October, the weather in Spain is pleasant and temperatures start cooling down.
- Average Temperature: Around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Low tourist activity.
- Prices: Moderate.
- Best Things to Do: Attend Spain’s National Day, Dia de la Hispanidad, on 12 October, which is also an “open doors day” in many museums and attractions where admission is free or discounted.
November
November is a quiet month all around, with the weather getting cooler.
Average Temperature: Around 13 to 18 degrees Celsius (55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Fewer tourists.
- Prices: Moderate, with potential discounts for some accommodations.
- Best Things to Do: November is the perfect month for quiet city wandering and trips to the South.
December
Festive decorations light up the city, and temperatures are getting cooler.
- Average Temperature: Around 7 to 15.5 degrees Celsius (45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Crowds: Though December is considered low season, tourist numbers increase closer to Christmas.
- Prices: While Madrid and Barcelona typically have higher prices, this month allows you to discover reasonable offers, in the southern regions.
- Best Things to Do: Visit Christmas markets that spread throughout the country and indulge in churros con chocolate.
Let’s wrap things up with some final words.
Final Thoughts
Spain is a magnificent country with a unique temperament and beautiful festivals and activities to do all year round!
With numerous activities to choose from, from visiting some of the world’s most unique festivals and attractions to experiencing pristine beaches during the summer, you’re bound to have the time of your life.
However, if you’re visiting for a few days or weeks, one of the problems you might have is regarding your luggage storage.
Where will you store your bags before your check-in or after check-out?
This is where Stasher comes in! Through our platform or app, you can find hundreds of locations around Spain to easily store your luggage, so you can enjoy the city stress-free!
