SpainBest Time to Visit

Where you are going, and what you are hoping to see will dictate the best time to visit Spain. It is a large country with varied climates from one end to another. Like many places in Europe, Spain is particularly lovely in spring and fall. The sun beats down hotly in the summers and can be overwhelming while the winters are damp and chilly. However, there are advantages to being in Spain in the winter; fewer tourists and fresh walking weather in the cities and a well-timed sherry down a side street to warm the belly between museums goes a long way. Skiing in Spain is a special pleasure and in the Sierra Nevada which sits at 2,100 m (6,900 ft), you might even catch some powder. 

When is the ideal time to visit Spain?

Visiting Barcelona is ideal in the late Spring, before high temperatures settle in for the summer. There will be fewer tourists, all the sites and attractions will be open, while the beach is sunny and warm. If planning to visit Madrid or any spot among the central high plains, summer can be excessively hot and winter cold with snow, so it is ideal to visit in the shoulder months of September to October, along with March to May. For hiking and outdoor adventure activities, the northern part of Spain, including Asturias and Galicia, are ideal to visit in the summer months of July and August.

When is Spain's peak tourist season?

The summers are busy everywhere in Europe, and Spain is no exception. Get into the spirit of island or beach life, maybe off Costa Brava where people are jovial, and water activity enthusiasts such as scuba divers, kite, wind or traditional surfers enjoy warmer water temperatures. The heat in cities like Madrid can be very dry so it is wise to take on the local custom of a siesta to avoid intense heat. Most stores are closed midday and with dinners beginning after 8pm, putting your feet up or sipping on a cold pitcher of sangria while the sun moves across the sky is a fine way to spend a summer afternoon in España. Spaniards take holiday in August and head to the coast in droves. Expect to find the beaches busiest during this month, while inland cities tend to be noticeably less busy. 

Which is the most affordable time to visit Spain?

Plan to visit Spain between February and April (except during Easter and Holy Week) for the least number of tourists, and the most affordable accommodation across Spain. Northern Spain experiences more rain, however exploring indoor attractions and museums during these months is ideal. In the South of Spain, weather could be damp and misty some days, but you'll likely encounter temperatures pleasant enough to enjoy meals outside.

If you enjoy winter sports, skiing in Spain is some of the most affordable, and least busy in Europe. The winter months of January and February are worth a visit. Consider checking out the Sierra Nevada, located in the heart of Andalucia in Southern Spain or the Pyrenees in Northern Spain.

How long should I plan to visit Spain?

If you only have 4 or 5 days, you could ideally plan to visit either Madrid or Barcelona. In Barcelona, take an escorted walking trek to famous icons of modernism including Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Casa Lleo Morera. Explore the historic Gothic district and spend an afternoon touring the largest football stadium in Europe, FC Barcelona.

Given more time, deliberate spending 10 days experiencing either Northern or Southern Spain. If you decide on Southern Spain, start in Madrid, and continue on to Seville, defined by highlights such as Royal Alcazar and the Plaza de Espana. Next, a stop in Cordoba, to see the beautiful Alcazar, and the Jewish quarter which gives Cordoba so much of its unique character. Finish off in Granada to wander the historic gardens in the monumental palace complex of Alhambra and Generalife.