Best Time to Visit Spain: Month by Month Guide [2026]
When to visit Spain for the best weather, festivals, and value by region
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Where
Best time to visit Spain is April to June and September to October. These months offer warm weather (20-30C), comfortable sightseeing temperatures, and fewer crowds than July and August. Spain's peak summer is extremely hot in inland cities like Madrid and Seville, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40C (104F).
Spain's climate varies significantly by region. The Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands enjoy mild winters and hot summers. The north (Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias) is greener and cooler with more rainfall. The Canary Islands offer year-round spring-like temperatures.
Seasonal Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 15-25C (59-77F) | Festivals, sightseeing, wildflowers |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 25-40C (77-104F) | Beaches, nightlife, peak crowds |
| Autumn | Sep-Nov | 15-28C (59-82F) | Wine harvest, fall food, shoulder prices |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 5-15C (41-59F) | Ski season, Canary Islands, lowest prices |
Best Months to Visit Spain
May is widely considered Spain's best month: warm but not scorching, with long days and festivals like Feria de Abril in Seville (late April to early May) and San Isidro in Madrid. The countryside is green, beaches are uncrowded, and hotel prices are reasonable.
September offers summer weather without summer crowds. The sea is at its warmest, perfect for the Costa Brava, Mallorca, and Ibiza. La Tomatina in Bunol and wine harvests across La Rioja add cultural appeal.
April brings pleasant temperatures and Easter processions (Semana Santa), which are especially dramatic in Seville, Malaga, and Valladolid.
Quick Travel Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Spanish (Castilian), plus Catalan, Basque, Galician |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| Flight Time from NYC | 7 hours 30 minutes |
| Flight Time from London | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Average Flight Cost from US | $500 - $900 round trip |
| Visa Required (US/UK) | No (up to 90 days Schengen) |
| Driving Side | Right |
| Tap Water | Safe in cities |
Regional Best Times
| Region | Best Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona & Catalonia | May-Jun, Sep-Oct | Beach + city, fewer crowds |
| Madrid & Central Spain | Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct | Avoid 40C summer heat |
| Andalusia (Seville, Granada) | Mar-May, Oct-Nov | Comfortable temps, Semana Santa |
| Basque Country (San Sebastian) | Jun-Sep | Best weather for this rainy region |
| Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza) | Jun-Sep | Beach season, nightlife |
| Canary Islands | Year-round | 20-25C always, escape winter |
| Costa del Sol (Malaga) | May-Oct | Beach + culture |
Search flights to Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), or Malaga (AGP) on Travorio. Book hotels with pay-later options or pay with crypto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
May is often considered the best month to visit Spain, with warm but not extreme temperatures, long days, and major festivals like Feria de Abril (late April to early May) in Seville and San Isidro in Madrid.
The cheapest time to visit Spain is generally from November to March, excluding Christmas and New Year. Flights and hotels are usually lower, especially in inland cities, though beach destinations are quieter and cooler.
July and August can be uncomfortably hot in inland and southern cities like Madrid, Seville, and Cordoba, where temperatures frequently exceed 40C (104F). If you dislike heat, avoid these months for intensive city sightseeing.
Yes. April brings mild temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and dramatic Easter processions (Semana Santa), especially in Seville, Malaga, and Valladolid. It can be a bit rainy in the north, so pack layers.
Yes, in many regions. The Mediterranean coast, Costa del Sol, and Balearic Islands are often warm enough for the beach in early to mid-October, with pleasant sea temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.