Plaza de España in Seville with its tiled bridges, towers and canal

Spain · When to Go

The Best Time to Visit Spain

Quick answer: April to June and September to October bring warm days, long evenings and fewer crowds. But Spain’s regions have very different climates, so the best time depends on where, and how, you want to travel.

  • Apr–Jun spring sweet spot
  • Sep–Oct warm seas, fewer crowds
  • Jul–Aug peak heat inland

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Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
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We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
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I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
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We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
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Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
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If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
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Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

The quick answer

When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

Spring and fall are best almost everywhere. Choose a region to see when it shines.

Aerial view of Madrid’s Gran Vía and the Metropolis Building at golden hour

Spring and fall are perfect

Madrid sits high on the central plateau, so summers are hot and dry and winters are crisp, often cold but sunny. April to June and September to October are ideal for walking the city and day trips to Toledo and Segovia.

In August many locals head to the coast, and some family-run restaurants close for their holidays.

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Ideal Shoulder Less ideal

Barcelona’s Port Vell marina and seafront seen from above

Beach season from June to September

The Mediterranean coast is mild all year. May, June and September are our favorite months for Barcelona, with warm seas and fewer crowds than July and August.

Winter days are often sunny and around 14°C (57°F), which is great for museums and Gaudí without the lines.

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Ideal Shoulder Less ideal

The tiled bridges and canal of Plaza de España in Seville

Best in spring and fall

Seville, Córdoba and Granada are glorious from March to May, when orange blossom fills the air and the festivals begin. September to November is lovely too.

July and August are very hot inland, regularly above 35°C (95°F), so plan sightseeing early and late, or head to the coast.

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Ideal Shoulder Less ideal

Sailboats anchored in the turquoise water of Cala Macarella, Menorca

Late spring to early fall

Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are at their best from May to October, with warm seas from June. July and August are the busiest months.

Many island hotels close from November to March, so we plan city breaks for the winter months instead.

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Ideal Shoulder Less ideal

Salamanca’s cathedral and old town above a stone bridge over the river

Green, cool and delicious

The Basque Country, Rioja and Galicia are cooler and greener than the south. June to September is the best time for San Sebastián’s beaches and pintxo bars.

Fall brings the grape harvest in Rioja, one of the best times for wine lovers.

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Ideal Shoulder Less ideal

Month by month

Spain Through the Year

JanuaryQuiet

Cool and quiet with low prices. Three Kings’ Day parades on January 5 and 6. Andalusia is mild and sunny.

FebruaryQuiet

Almond trees blossom in the south and on Mallorca. A good month for museums and cities.

MarchShoulder

Spring arrives in Andalusia. Valencia celebrates Las Fallas from March 15 to 19.

AprilIdeal

Mild and bright. Holy Week processions fill Seville and Málaga, followed by Seville’s April Fair.

MayIdeal

One of the best months anywhere in Spain. Córdoba’s Patios Festival and warm, long evenings.

JuneIdeal

Beach season begins. Midsummer bonfires on the night of San Juan, June 23.

JulyPeak

Hot inland and busy on the coasts. Pamplona’s San Fermín runs from July 6 to 14.

AugustPeak heat

Very hot in the south and the cities, and Spain’s main holiday month. Best for the islands and the north.

SeptemberIdeal

Warm seas and thinning crowds. Grape harvests begin and Barcelona celebrates La Mercè.

OctoberIdeal

Comfortable temperatures for cities and Andalusia. A great month for food and wine trips.

NovemberShoulder

Cooler and quieter, with good value. Southern Spain and the Canary Islands stay mild.

DecemberFestive

Christmas markets and lights in Madrid and Barcelona. Skiing begins in the Sierra Nevada.

Ideal & peak Shoulder Quiet or very hot

Plan around a celebration

Festivals Worth Timing Your Trip For

Spain loves a fiesta. Hotels fill quickly around the big ones, so we plan early.

Las Fallas · March 15–19

Valencia fills with giant satirical sculptures, fireworks and parades, before the figures are burned on the final night.

Semana Santa · March or April

Holy Week processions in Seville and Málaga are deeply moving, with brotherhoods carrying ornate floats through the streets.

Feria de Abril · April or May

Seville’s April Fair is a week of flamenco dresses, horse parades, sherry and dancing in colorful casetas.

Córdoba Patios · May

Residents open their flower-filled courtyards to visitors in a festival recognized by UNESCO.

San Fermín · July 6–14

Pamplona’s famous fiesta brings music, parades and the running of the bulls.

Grape harvest · September

Harvest festivals in Rioja and other wine regions celebrate the vendimia with tastings and parades.

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The Alhambra palace in Granada at sunset with the Sierra Nevada behind

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Barcelona’s rooftops stretching to the sea, framed by the spires of the Sagrada Família

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Sailboats anchored in the turquoise water of Cala Macarella, Menorca

Good to know

Best Time to Visit FAQs

What is the cheapest time to visit Spain?

November to March, excluding Christmas and Easter, usually offers the best value and the shortest lines at major sights.

Is it too hot to visit Spain in summer?

Inland cities like Seville, Córdoba and Madrid can be very hot in July and August. The coast, the islands and northern Spain are more comfortable, and we plan sightseeing for the cooler hours.

When can I swim in the Mediterranean?

From around June to early October the sea is warm enough for most people, and it’s warmest in August and September.

Is Spain good to visit in winter?

Yes. Cities are quieter, Andalusia is mild and sunny, and the Canary Islands are warm all year.

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