{"id":104575,"date":"2018-11-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/the-best-time-to-visit-spain\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:19","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:19","slug":"the-best-time-to-visit-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/the-best-time-to-visit-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Best Time to Visit Spain!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain is a wonderful destination that is any traveller\u2019s dream. The country’s climate is varied across its regions and you could go from really hot days in Seville to the cool Mediterranean temperatures in Barcelona \u2013 all on one day! The best time to visit Spain would largely depend on what you\u2019re hoping to see and do as it is a large country and has three distinct climates. These climates fall around the areas surrounding Madrid with its yearlong mild temperatures, Barcelona with its Mediterranean temperatures and then Seville, which offers summer days for most of the year.<\/p>\n

With so much variety, you should take your time choosing the cities and regions of Spain that have the most to offer your personal preferences. Let Travelstart be your guide!<\/p>\n

\"best-time-to-visit-spain-barcelona\"
Image courtesy of @igonzalezespada<\/a> via Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Weather & Seasons<\/h2>\n

Ideally, the best time to visit Spain is over the spring and autumn periods as they offer great weather conditions with thinning crowds. During these times of the year, you can enjoy warm daytime temperatures that won\u2019t leave you in a melting pot of perspiration or on the other extreme, looking for your woolen scarf! Spain is a large country with plenty to see and do across its varied areas. You could go swimming off the coast, wine tasting in the valleys and hiking on the plateau. Central Spain has hot and dry summers with higher rainfall levels than the rest of the country. The capital city in the centre of the action, Madrid<\/a>, is perfect for that metropolitan feel, with vast differences between all four seasons.<\/p>\n

Spain experiences four distinct seasons throughout its different regions. Summer in Europe has always been a popular choice for tourists and when it comes to Spain but if you\u2019d prefer to skip the hordes of tourists then this may not be for you. All four seasons offer something unique and magical to the country, and you can look forward to events and festivals throughout the year.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @kellytangbcn<\/a> via Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Summer<\/h3>\n

The coastal region of Andalusia is any beach-lovers dream come true with its maritime climate \u2013 perfect for days spent lounging on the beaches. The good news is that this area is often less crowded than the rest of Spain so you\u2019ll have more space to yourself to enjoy. \u00a0For that perfect summer glow then, the best time to visit Spain would be between June and Augus<\/strong>t. Cities like Malaga<\/a> and nearby islands off the coast such as Menorca<\/a> and Palma de Mallorca,<\/a> offer perfect summer destinations with beautiful coastal scenery and beaches galore. So, if you\u2019re travelling in summer then make sure to pack in your swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen! Southern Spain can get a tad bit hot, up to 36\u00b0C in Seville<\/a>, but on the other hand, it\u2019s also ideal for winter travel with daytime highs ranging around 17\u00b0C in the heart of winter, in January!<\/p>\n

Spring and Autumn<\/h3>\n

There are plenty of festivals during spring and autumn which coincide with the great weather conditions of the seasons! If you\u2019re after the cultural scene of the country then the best time to visit Spain would be spring or autumn. Weather conditions across the country are more than ideal for almost anything, from strolls along the beaches and sightseeing, to wine tasting in the vast valleys of the Catalonia region!<\/p>\n

Spring falls between March and May<\/strong> whereas autumn falls between the months of September and early November<\/strong>. For all of your inner-city touring, we recommend that you visit during these shoulder seasons. The weather is good and best of all, you\u2019ll be skipping all of the crazy summer tourists that usually descend on the main cities of Spain from June to August.<\/p>\n

Many travel to Spain to indulge their taste buds. and spring and autumn are perfect times of the year to do this. The restaurants are less busy and who knows, you might even convince the chef to create that signature dish of paella or indulge you with an extra scoop of your favourite dessert!<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @diana.c.barbu<\/a> via Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Winter<\/h3>\n

Winter (November – February) in this beautiful country could easily be a contender for the best time to visit Spain as though you may not expect it, the cities and countryside come alive to a different kind of rhythm \u2013 a magical one! Imagine popular spots in Madrid, as you sip on your hot cup of espresso as you marvel and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. A visit over the Christmas period is a guaranteed treat with Christmas lights and a visit to the Royal Palace. There is even an indoor ski-park in the heart of Madrid for those who want to ski and do some sightseeing and shopping on the same day.<\/p>\n

The city of Granada<\/a> is a great option in winter too as with its surrounding peaks, you will get a proper feel of a European winter. Best of all, the city is just one hour away from world-class ski-resort \u2013 Sierra Nevada!<\/p>\n

The north of Spain is dotted with great snow-topped mountains which are ideal for some snow sports. Whereas Spain may not be your first choice for winter, you\u2019ll be left with top-class facilities that aren\u2019t brimming with tourists. The famous Pyrenees region, a few hours drive from Barcelona<\/a>, is a must-see too as the ski resorts in the area are some of the best in Europe.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @theresahon<\/a> via Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Average temperatures around Spain<\/h2>\n

Madrid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nJan<\/td>\nFeb<\/td>\nMar<\/td>\nApr<\/td>\nMay<\/td>\nJun<\/td>\nJul<\/td>\nAug<\/td>\nSep<\/td>\nOct<\/td>\nNov<\/td>\nDec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low \u00b0C<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High \u00b0C<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n33<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n27<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rainfall (mm)<\/td>\n40<\/td>\n42<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n38<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n37<\/td>\n58<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Barcelona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nJan<\/td>\nFeb<\/td>\nMar<\/td>\nApr<\/td>\nMay<\/td>\nJun<\/td>\nJul<\/td>\nAug<\/td>\nSep<\/td>\nOct<\/td>\nNov<\/td>\nDec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low \u00b0C<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High \u00b0C<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n21<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rainfall (mm)<\/td>\n39<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n48<\/td>\n52<\/td>\n42<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n51<\/td>\n73<\/td>\n93<\/td>\n59<\/td>\n49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Seville<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nJan<\/td>\nFeb<\/td>\nMar<\/td>\nApr<\/td>\nMay<\/td>\nJun<\/td>\nJul<\/td>\nAug<\/td>\nSep<\/td>\nOct<\/td>\nNov<\/td>\nDec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low \u00b0C<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High \u00b0C<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n20<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rainfall (mm)<\/td>\n76<\/td>\n73<\/td>\n66<\/td>\n53<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n69<\/td>\n87<\/td>\n82<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Daylight hours<\/h2>\n

Winter: 08:30 \u2013 18:00<\/h3>\n

Winter in Spain offers daytime hours that last for up to nine and a half hours. Make sure to make the most of these shorter days by getting up early and planning some evening activities such as trips to the theatre or a delicious five-course dinner! Winter in Seville and its surrounding areas offer an extra 30 minutes of daylight fun with days of up to a full 10 hours of sunlight.<\/p>\n

Summer: 06:00 \u2013 21:00<\/h3>\n

Summer in Spain is a marvellous time if you\u2019re looking for long days to get everything done and make the most out of your vacation! Expect the summer sun for up to 15 hours daily, giving you plenty of time to the beaches and outdoor activities..<\/p>\n

\"best-time-to-visit-spain-beach-sunsets\"
Image courtesy of @marysombraplaya<\/a> via Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What to pack<\/h2>\n

With the vast differences in climate across Spain, plan to pack in a few extra options so that you\u2019re dressed for the beaches of Malaga and also the culturally-rich museums of Madrid. Assuming you\u2019ll be travelling in either spring or autumn, here is a general list of what to pack into your suitcase:<\/p>\n