Are you planning a trip to Spain but worried about ending up caught in a suffocating heatwave or in a city deserted because everyone is on vacation?
The reality is that this country is a mosaic of climates and cultures so complex that a poor choice of dates can completely ruin your experience.
That’s why we’ve created this guide: so you can understand how the country lives in each season and finally find the best time to visit Spain according to your tastes and budget.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?
If you’re looking for the perfect balance, spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October) are your best allies.
During these months the weather is delightful across almost the entire country: you can stroll through Seville without melting or enjoy the terraces of Madrid at an ideal temperature.
But everything depends on what you’re looking for:
- For beach lovers: June and September are the key months. The water is already (or still) pleasant and you’ll avoid the overwhelming crowds of August.
- For those watching their budget: November, January, and February are fantastic months. Yes, it’s colder, but hotel prices drop dramatically and you’ll have the museums practically to yourself.
The Climate Depending on Your Destination
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is thinking that it’s hot everywhere in Spain.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Depending on where you go, your suitcase should be completely different.
1. The North
If you’re looking for landscapes that feel straight out of Ireland, the north (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country) is your place.
Of course, the green comes at a price: rain. The best time is, without a doubt, summer.
While the rest of the country is sweating, here you’ll enjoy a pleasant 22–25 degrees Celsius. It’s the perfect refuge for those fleeing extreme heat.
Authentic Paella & Wine Pairing Experience in Northern Spain.
2. The South and the Center
Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, or Granada are spectacular cities, but in July and August they can be a physical challenge.
Locals call it “merciless sun” because the heat gives no break.
Explore our experiences with local cooks in Madrid.
That’s why April, May, and October are glorious months here. You’ll be able to enjoy tapas outdoors and walk through history without feeling like you’re inside an oven.
3. Mediterranean Coast and Islands
From Catalonia to Andalusia, including the Balearic Islands, the climate is kinder because the sea regulates temperatures.
This allows summer to stretch longer. Even in May or late October you can have perfect beach days.
And if you’re going to the Canary Islands, congratulations! There it’s eternal spring all year round.
The Calendar to Choose Your Destination
Spain is lived on the streets. Sometimes it’s worth choosing your travel dates just to coincide with one of its unique festivities.
1. Spring
In March, Valencia explodes with Las Fallas (fire, art, and thrilling noise).
Shortly after, Holy Week (especially in Andalusia) transforms cities into a stage of devotion and music that will give you goosebumps.
Home-Cooked Spanish meal on a rooftop with La Giralda views in Seville Center.
And if you’re looking for pure joy, the April Fair in Seville is the place you’ll want to be.
2. Summer
Summer is synonymous with celebration in every town. From the famous San Fermín in Pamplona in July to the madness of La Tomatina in Buñol in August.
It’s the season of local festivals, where squares fill with music and people of all ages dancing until dawn.
3. Fall and Winter
Fall is ideal for wine lovers (harvest season in La Rioja) and for mushroom picking.
Winter, although quieter, has the charm of Christmas markets and the spectacular Three Kings Parade in January, an event that fascinates children and adults alike.
When to Travel According to Your Budget
Spain is a very seasonal destination, and understanding how tourist seasons work will help you decide whether you prefer to invest more for perfect weather or save money to enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic feast in low season.
1. High Season
July and August, along with Christmas and Holy Week, are the most expensive times.
If you travel on these dates, be prepared to share space with thousands of people and pay premium rates.
Pro tip: Book at least 4 to 6 months in advance if you don’t want to miss the best options.
2. Shoulder Season
As a travel writer, my personal recommendation is May, June, and September.
Prices are reasonable, tourist services are fully operating, and crowds are manageable.
It’s the moment when Spain shows its most authentic face.
3. Low Season
From November to March (excluding Christmas), Spain is a bargain. It’s the ideal time for city breaks.
Seeing Guernica at the Reina Sofía or the Alhambra in Granada without hordes of people around is an experience that has no price—although in this case, the price is actually much lower.
Insider Tips You Won’t See in Guidebooks
1. The Empty City Phenomenon in August
Something that surprises many foreigners is that in August cities like Madrid or Seville feel empty.
Many local shops and restaurants close for vacation. Although the main tourist sites remain open, neighborhood life moves to the coast.
If you’re looking for vibrant local atmosphere in the city, avoid August.
2. Clothing and Luggage
In Spain, especially in spring and fall, you can go from 10 degrees in the morning to 25 at midday.
The secret is to dress like an onion: light layers you can put on and take off.
And very important: even if it’s summer, if you’re going north, always pack an umbrella and a light jacket in your suitcase.
You’ll thank us!
Claim the Real Flavor of Spain with Sazón
Do you know what really makes the difference on a trip? It’s not the monument you visit, but the people you share a table with.
If you’re looking for an unprecedented experience, we invite you to cross the threshold of the conventional. Our cooks open the doors of their own homes to show you our culture without filters and in capital letters.
It’s not just about tasting the most traditional dishes; it’s about living, for a few hours, exactly like a local, connecting with the soul of the place through food made with love.
Will you come have dinner with us? Book your gastronomic experience with Sazón and discover the real Spain, bite by bite.
Explore our experiences with local cooks.
