When is the best time to visit Spain?

Last Updated On December 02, 2022

Due to the pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Spain. However, due to the diversity of the country's offerings, you may find something to enjoy at any time of year.

Playa del silencio, castañeras, asturias, spain

Photo by Inés Álvarez Fdez on Unsplash

Spain has a relatively mild climate that is usually dry all year. Summers may be rather hot, particularly in the south, and see an increase in the number of European visitors flocking to renowned beach resorts. If you are concerned about the heat, the lower temperatures in the north make it an excellent option during the summer. Temperatures rarely fall below 10°C in the winter. The north can turn cold and damp, but the south is still lovely.

Weather in Spain

Spain has a lovely mild climate. Summers are mainly hot and dry, while winters are cool but not frigid. Much of the year in Spain is sunny and dry, with temperatures reaching 33°C in the summer months (May to August). It can turn slightly more humid by the seaside, making temperatures feel more than they are.

The possibility of rain increases as the temperatures fall during autumn. Nonetheless, the rainiest months, November and December, only receive about ten days of precipitation each. Winters in Spain are generally mild, with some rain. Maximum temperatures are in the mid-teens, making it bearable to be outside with a warm jacket and an umbrella.

As precipitation decreases, the temperature gradually rises into the 20s by early April. By late April, the weather had turned pleasant and summery, with colder mornings and evenings. Pack a light jacket at this time of year; for more information, see our Spain packing list.

Best time to Avoid Crowds in Spain

Travelers who want to escape crowds can try to visit Spain during the shoulder or off-season. Spain is a famous tourist destination for Europeans from colder nations, and August is their peak season. As visitors from France, Germany, and the Netherlands swarm to Spain's beautiful coasts, traffic becomes congested, and rooms become scarce. 

Traveling in the months preceding or following the summer rush ensures fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather. If you can go in the winter, the Costa del Sol and Almeria are beautiful places to visit; the weather is still lovely, but unlike other tourist destinations, most businesses remain open because many northern Europeans spend their winters there. Winter is also an excellent season for skiers to visit because the Pyrenees in northeast Spain are snow-covered from October to June.

Cheapest Time To Visit Spain

The cheapest time to visit Spain is from December to March, which also happens to be the coldest months and the busiest tourism season. Again, there are lots to see and do during this time of year, including some well-known Christmas markets that provide unique, one-of-a-kind items.

When is the best time to visit Spain for sightseeing?

Spain has a rich and varied history, the remnants of which may be found throughout the country's major cities and villages. No matter where you go, you'll come across many outstanding monuments and sites. Barcelona, Madrid, and Granda are among the most popular tourist destinations. Other cities worth visiting include Bilbao, Cordoba, Zaragoza, and Salamanca. If you're going to Spain for sightseeing, it's best to avoid the year's hottest months. However, this varies on where you're going.