Whether you want to soak up the sunshine, dance at a fiesta, or explore cities without the crowds, timing makes a big difference in Spain. The country's climate varies from the green, rainy north to the hot south and the year-round warmth of the Canary Islands. Here's when to visit Spain, season by season, month by month, and region by region.
The Best Time to Visit Spain at a Glance
- Best overall: April to June and September to October.
- Best for beaches: June to September.
- Cheapest: November to February (except Christmas).
- Best for winter sun: Andalusia and the Canary Islands.
- Best for festivals: March to August.
Spain by Season
Spring (March to May)
Spring is arguably the best time to visit Spain. Temperatures are pleasant, the countryside is green, and cities like Seville and Granada are filled with orange blossom. It's also festival season, with Las Fallas in Valencia, the processions of Semana Santa (Holy Week), and Seville's Feria de Abril. Book early for Easter, when prices rise.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is peak beach season on the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. It's also the season of music festivals and fiestas. But inland cities like Madrid, Seville, and Córdoba can be scorching, often over 95 °F (35 °C), and the coasts are crowded. If you visit in summer, head north to the cooler Basque Country, Asturias, and Galicia, or plan sightseeing for the morning and evening.
Fall (September to November)
The summer crowds thin out, but the sea is still warm in September and October, and the weather stays pleasant in the south. It's grape harvest time in La Rioja and other wine regions, and the north turns golden with autumn colors.
Winter (December to February)
Northern and central Spain can be cold and rainy, but the south is mild and sunny, and the Canary Islands enjoy temperatures in the 70s °F (around 21 to 24 °C). It's the cheapest time to visit, except at Christmas, and a great time for museums in Madrid and Barcelona. You can also ski in the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada.
Spain Month by Month
- January: Three Kings' Day parades on 5 January, and skiing.
- February: Carnival, especially in Cádiz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- March: Las Fallas in Valencia, with giant sculptures burned on 19 March.
- April: Semana Santa processions (dates vary) and the Feria de Abril in Seville.
- May: The Córdoba Patios Festival, and great weather for city breaks.
- June: Midsummer fires on the Night of San Juan and the start of festival season.
- July: San Fermín and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.
- August: La Tomatina in Buñol and town fiestas across the country.
- September: Grape harvest festivals and La Mercè in Barcelona.
- October: Fall colors in the north and comfortable weather in the south.
- November: Quiet, cheap, and great for museums and food.
- December: Christmas markets, lights, and the famous El Gordo lottery draw on 22 December.
Best Time to Visit Spain by Region
- Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Málaga): March to May and October to November. Avoid the inland heat of July and August.
- Madrid and central Spain: April to June and September to October. Summers are hot, and winters can be cold.
- Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast: May to June and September to October.
- Northern Spain (Basque Country, Asturias, Galicia): June to September, when the weather is warm and drier.
- Balearic Islands: May to October.
- Canary Islands: All year, with especially popular winter sun from November to March.
Tips for Planning Your Spain Trip
- Avoid July and August if you dislike crowds and heat.
- Book big festivals early, including Semana Santa, Las Fallas, and San Fermín.
- Book major sights in advance, such as the Alhambra and the Sagrada Família.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Spain eSIM keeps your bookings and maps on hand. See our Spain eSIM guide, and check where is hot in October in Europe for fall sun ideas.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Spain travel guide.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Spain
What is the best month to visit Spain?
May and late September to October offer warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than summer.
What is the cheapest time to go to Spain?
November to February, outside the Christmas holidays.
Where is warm in Spain in winter?
The Canary Islands are warm all year, and the Costa del Sol and Andalusia are mild and sunny in winter.
Is August a good time to visit Spain?
It's great for beaches and fiestas, but inland cities are very hot and the coasts are crowded.