There’s a good news story for those wondering what the ideal time to visit Spain is. Anytime is a good time to visit Spain. Spain is a land brimming with culture, history, an amazing cuisine scene, and an enticing environment perfect for people looking for a city escape, a mountain escape, or a beach vacation, unlike the rest. Are you ready for the perfect holiday? You can decide when you’ll be able to travel to Spain by considering the following tourism seasons.
- High Season: June to August
- Shoulder Seasons: March to May and September to October
- Low Season: November to February
This article will help you be aware when it comes to determining the ideal time to visit Spain according to the weather, fellow travellers, and much more.
Best Times to Visit Spain for Small Crowds
Spain is among the most popular destinations, hosting around 70 million travelers before the pandemic. A majority of them are northern Europeans looking to escape the heat, So it’s no surprise that the busiest time for Spain is the summer months. Spain’s places of interest, beaches, and hotels are packed with tourists at this time of the year, so those who prefer to avoid crowds should plan to go elsewhere during the summer.
The winter season in Spain, which runs from November to February, is the best time to visit for those looking for less crowds. Many beach resorts shut down in winter; however, Spain’s interior has many off-season delights, including beautiful towns, cities, and hidden slopes. If you’re looking for a beach-friendly climate with no crowds during peak season, consider late spring or, more particularly, early fall, as it doesn’t have the popular attraction of summer as well as the Easter and spring break holidays that attract millions of tourists to Spain during March and April.
Best Times to Visit Spain for Good Weather
Spain is a big country with diverse ecosystems; however, as per the Spanish Tourist Bureau, there’s a good chance you’ll get some sunshine regardless of which part of the country you’re visiting. “Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year,” the bureau says via its website. “The temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country.”
Spring — from March to June — brings Spain the most temperate climate. Spain is indeed huge; however, for the purposes of this guide, we’ll take Madrid as the base for some figures. The first part of spring in Madrid can be chilly, with high temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit; however, in mid-June, temperatures rise to the upper 80s. April and May are more rainy than other times of year; however, with a monthly average rainfall of only 1.3 inches, all rain can be averted. If you’re looking to stay clear of rain for as long as possible, July and August could be your ideal months because they’re the driest of the year in Madrid and the nation in general.
The remote Canary Islands is one location where the climate may differ substantially from what is described above. The archipelago is part of Spain and is located off the west coast of Morocco. It rarely has temperatures below 60. Summer is, in fact, the best time of the year in Canaries, with no clouds and temperatures that typically reach the high 70s.
Best Times to Visit Spain for Lower Prices
The most affordable season in Spain is usually from December through March, and (not in a coincidence) are the most frigid months. If you’re not afraid to sacrifice the warm beaches, fantastic deals are available by traveling during off-peak times.
You may want to avoid the days immediately preceding Christmas, as they’re busy travel times for Spanish residents and other Europeans. But a visit in early December could allow you to visit Spain’s beautiful festive markets.
If you’re looking for a low-cost excursion with a warmer climate, visit in the autumn. This shoulder season is more costly than spring (though it is more expensive than winter). It’s also an ideal time to visit the Spanish wine region because harvest usually occurs in September.
The Best Time to Visit Barcelona
With its stunning Gothic architecture, thrilling activities, and vibrant beaches, Barcelona is the top destination within Spain’s Catalonia region. Go to the city at the beginning of summer to enjoy the beach before it gets too hot and in the fall to take in the sights with fewer crowds. June brings great weather and festivals such as Nit de Sant Joan, Primavera Sound, Sonar, and El Grec Barcelona.
Related: A Student’s Guide to University of Barcelona
The Best Time to Visit Madrid
Visit Spain’s capital city Madrid in autumn or spring to enjoy the best weather and fewer crowds. In spring, Madrid holds events like Dos de Mayo and the Fiesta of San Isidro. However, the main event takes place after the weather cools somewhat. It is known as the Autumn Festival (or Feria del Otono) and is a massive art festival that takes place during October and November every year. It draws performers from across the globe. Some performances range from opera to ballet to theatre and independent music.
Take a look on Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport for detailed guide on Madrid Airport.
Best Times to Visit Spain for Festivals
Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Spain is choosing the most exciting festival. Spain seems to have festivals every day throughout the year; however, the most famous celebrations comprise Semana Santa or Holy Week (the week before Easter, usually in April or March); San Fermin (featuring the Pamplona Bull Run) in July and La Tomatina which is the tomato battle, which is held near Valencia every year on the third Wednesday in August. Suppose festivals and events are important to you, and you are looking for dates. In that case, the Spanish tourism department has a calendar for the year that will assist you in selecting the best dates.
Worst Times to Visit Spain
While plenty of fun events during the summer and the seasonal business are nearly certain to open, 100-degree days are becoming more common. In certain places, like Madrid or in the Balearic Islands, even the average temperatures can reach the 90s.
Yet, the season is still the most popular among travellers, in part because Spain is a convenient holiday destination that it is a popular destination for Brits, Germans, and other Europeans who have their schools closed during summer. This demand also drives prices to their peak, another incentive for travellers to explore a different time of year.
For the most favorable prices, crowds, and weather, time your trip for Spain’s beautifully temperate spring.
You can have a look on public transportation is Spain to maximize your Spain travel experience where we have covered all details about public transportation in Spain.
