Best Time to Visit Spain

High Season: June • July

June is the best month of the Spanish high season to visit for a summer vacation. During this time, you can relax on beaches on the northern, southern, and central coastlines, when the weather is warm and the sun is shining.

As you decide where to go for your Spain Vacations & Tours in July, also consider that northern Spain is busier, but slightly cooler than southern and central Spain.

Shoulder Season: September • October

The fall months of September and October are the best times within Spain’s shoulder season to visit for comfortable weather and quieter experiences.

There is plenty of sunshine for beach trips, long days for extended adventures and tours, and the moderate crowds mean more space to enjoy authentic experiences on Spain Tours in September.

Low Season: January • February

The winter months of January and February are the best times to visit Spain to enjoy the advantages of a trip during the low season.

You will experience cold weather across the country, so you will not likely hit the beach, but snow in places like the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada mountains is often visible. The cool temperatures are better for clear skies and exploring the historic cities and towns when the crowds are long gone.

Best Months: May • August

May and late August are the best times to visit Spain for great spring and summer weather. As May marks the end of spring, the temperatures rise and the sun starts to shine brightly for the summer season. The latter half of August is the best time for great weather during the summer, as you can skip the hottest month, July, for slightly cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Many travelers flock to Spain during the high season months of July and August as the perception is that the weather is fantastic. And while there are clear skies and plenty of sunshine, the temperatures can get especially hot.

A trip to Spain during May and August provides the perfect weather for seeing the country’s highlights, with tours capturing essential experiences.

Best Months: June • September

Early June and mid-September are the best times to visit Spain’s beaches. During these times, the weather is warm enough to enjoy the golden sands, from the Costa del Sol to the Bay of Biscay, and the islands are open for the summer season starting in June. Also, the crowds thin at the start of the shoulder season in September.

You can visit Spain for its beaches in the summer months of July and August, but expect sweltering temperatures and crowds peaking on the shores of Ibiza, Malaga, Costa Brava, San Sebastian, and the Canary Islands.

You can explore the best beaches of Spain, including La Concha and Cala Macarelleta, in June and September on tours that highlight their sparkle, from Barcelona to the Basque Country.

Learn more: Top 7 Things to Do in San Sebastian

Best Months: May • June • September • October

May, June, and September to October are the best times for sightseeing in Spain. During these times, there are far fewer tourists and local vacationers.

Small crowds allow for an authentic cultural experience, whether in the plazas lined with orange trees in Andalusia or the pintxo (tapas) bars of San Sebastian. Traveling just outside the busiest seasons brings excellent opportunities to explore the countless museums, ruins, churches, and vineyards at your pace, rather than trying to avoid the crowds or the heat.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are among the best places to visit during these times and you can explore your options with our Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville Tours.

Learn more: 10 Best Places to Visit in Spain

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September • October

The best time to visit Barcelona, Spain’s capital of the Catalonia region, is between May and October.

May through October encompass spring, summer, and fall in Barcelona, great times for pleasant weather, with options in the shoulder seasons to escape the crowds. Spring is fantastic as sunshine breaks through the winter chill and blesses Barcelona’s beaches with warm, clear days. Summer, though busy, offers the best conditions for the beaches and outdoor activities, while fall brings peace and quiet to the usually bustling city.

You can find inspiration for your vacation in Catalonia with our Barcelona Itineraries & Vacation Packages, planning your Spanish trip during the spring, summer, or fall seasons.

Learn more: Best Time To Visit Barcelona

Best Months: April • May • September • October

The spring months of April and May and the fall months of September and October are the best times to visit Spain for hiking.

On either side of the summer, spring and fall offer the best temperatures for this activity, with the wildflowers blooming across the countryside. You can enjoy comfortable strolls or challenging treks in the floral landscapes and spot more active wildlife during the cooler seasons of spring and fall.

Summer hikes are possible, but more difficult because of the high temperatures. If you decide to hike in Spain during the summer, we recommend starting your trips early in the morning before the midday sun arrives. For a more comfortable experience, with picturesque seasonal views, visit Spain for hiking during fall on our Spain Tours in October.

Best Months: April • May • August

For wine-tasting tours across Spain’s diverse wine regions, you should plan your trip for April, May, June, or August.

The spring weather in April and May is consistent around the country and feeds the specific characteristics of the different wine-growing regions. The crowds haven’t yet arrived and the vineyards are blossoming with plump grapes and lush foliage.

Sherry in Andalusia shines brightest in April, and August, towards the end of summer, is great for visiting the wineries around the Penedes, the region that produces famous Cava. You can experience the best of Spanish wine with our Food & Wine Tours in Spain.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Spain for a Wine Tour • 6 Best Wine Regions in Spain

Best Months: September • October

September and October are the best months to visit Spain for the grape-harvesting season and to visit wine regions to experience seasonal activity.

Depending on the area, the season can start in late August and last until early October, with vintners cultivating white malvar to red tempranillo grapes. If you visit during the fall, you may assist with the harvest and sample the grape varieties fresh, in wine, as jelly, and more.

September and October are also best for meeting winemakers across Spain and witnessing the changing colors of the valleys and slopes on which the vineyards thrive. You can experience the grape-harvest season in all its glory on harvesting tours during the season.

Best Months: January • April • August • October

Seasonal culinary traditions are at the heart of cooking in Spain and the best time for each season is January in winter, April in spring, August in summer, and October in fall.

In winter, hearty dishes like fabada asturiana, a warm Spanish bean stew, take center stage on the dining table, and the famous sagardotegi, or cider houses, open their doors to vacationers. The warmth of winter dishes contrasts with summer seafood meals that stake their claim as some of the best in the Mediterranean, paella being the most notable. Tomato dishes like pa amb tomàquet, a Catalan staple, are enjoyed during tomato season in spring, and food paired with wine is the culinary tradition during the grape-harvest season in fall.

Our Spain Vacations in August can help you experience the best of the country’s culinary traditions should you choose to visit during one of the best times of the year.

Learn more: 7 Best Places for Food and Wine in Spain • Top 7 Food and Wine Things to Do in Spain

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

Winter is the best time to avoid crowds in Spain as most travelers arrive in summer to take advantage of the great beach weather. March and November are also quiet because of their proximity to winter.

A trip during winter is fantastic for travelers wishing to ski or hike. Winter is perfect for exploring the cities, sightseeing, and enjoying excellent comfort food. Most experiences are easier when there are fewer tourists. Early spring and late fall are great times to avoid the crowds, but are not comfortable because of the cold.

While some activities may not be available in winter, Spain opens up in March and our Spain Vacations in March combine the best experiences in the country for a trip perfect for escaping the summer crowds.

Best Months: April • May • June

Late spring and early summer are the best times to visit Spain with your family as there is plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities. Lighter crowds also make family activities like building sandcastles on Spanish beaches, treasure hunting at ancient archeological sites, and cooking delicious cuisine more peaceful.

Family-friendly resorts are open along quieter stretches of coastline and the small crowds at popular tourist destinations in spring make it much easier to explore and discover at your family’s pace in places like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, or Malaga.

Customize our Spain Tours for Families for a great opportunity to connect as a family and enjoy Spain when it is quiet, warm, and perfect for children of all ages.

Learn more: 6 Best Places to Visit in Spain with Family • Top 5 Things to Do in Spain with Family

Best Months: May • June • September • October

May to June and September to October are the best times to visit Spain for couples or honeymooners dreaming of a sunny Mediterranean getaway when the country is less busy.

Romance will take center stage at a coastal resort or overlooking a blossoming wine region. You can relax on the beach or enjoy excursions from hikes to windsurfing or a couple’s spa treatment. Spring and fall are fantastic times to sample local cuisine during cooking classes, private market visits, or a multi-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona. The quiet of spring and fall is also perfect for intimate escapes, while the early summer bustle is pleasant to experience as an adventurous couple.

How you enjoy your couples’ trip is your dream to bring to life during the best times to visit with our Spain Honeymoon Packages or Spain Tours for Couples.

Learn more: Our 7 Best Sample Romantic Trips to Spain

Best Months: March • April • May

The best time to visit Spain for seniors is from March through May, as exploring the culture and history from Barcelona to Seville is far more accessible during the shoulder season.

There are fewer crowds during spring in Spain, making the season more comfortable for senior citizens. The seasonal experiences like wine tasting and culinary tours are also exceptional, with the Andalusian countryside beautiful during this time of the year. With guides to help handle your luggage and arrange skip-the-queue tours, you can experience the highlights of Spain without a worry in the world during spring.

The culture of Spain comes to life on our Spain Tours for Seniors which you can use to plan for a pleasant spring stay.

Learn more: 9 Best Museums in Spain and Where to See Them

Best Months: April • May • June

April to June is the best time to visit Spain for spring and summer activities.

Visiting museums and ruins are year-round activities and among the Top 10 Things to Do in Spain, with few destinations depending on the weather. Instead, the warmer days and cooler nights of April, May, and June are perfect for enjoying seasonal activities like hikes across the flowering Andalusian countryside or wine tasting in Spain’s best wine regions.

Activities: Hiking • Cycling the countryside and mountains • Wine tasting • Food markets

Best Months: October • February

October and February offer great diversity for experiencing Spain for fall and winter activities.

Autumn is perfect for exploring historical cities and enjoying the harvest season, while the cold of February has a festive ambiance around the mountains. Museums and historic sites are open year-round, but the weather in fall and winter gives way to thrilling winter sports and road trips.

Activities: Surfing at Fuerteventura • Road trips in Andalusia • Snowboarding • Skiing • Hiking the Camino de Invierno (the Winter Trail)

Once you know what time of year is best for you, discovering in-depth details about Spain will make you much more prepared. Our Spain Travel Guide contains helpful information and inspiring stories about what lies in wait, whether the top destinations, things to do, or essential travel considerations.

For ideas on how to spend your time touring Spain in summer, spring, winter, or fall, you can find inspiration from our Spain Tours & Vacations or Luxury Spain Tours.