When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

Spain is a wonderfully diverse country; landscapes, cultures and food changes drastically from north to south.

It is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, so the best time to visit Spain is outside the peak summer months of July and August. It can also be incredibly hot at this time of year, meaning city breaks during this time might be unpleasant.

The architecture, museums and galleries of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada are wonderful year-round so if your travel dates are set in stone, there will always be plenty of culture to soak up.

Best things to do by season

Avoid the crowds

May–October

The summer in Spain can be very hot, especially in the south, and visitors number swell. We recommend travelling in during spring and autumn when the weather is still very pleasant and popular sites are less busy.

Go hiking

June–September

Spain has some incredible hiking routes through the mountain ranges of northern Spain and the island of Mallorca. Spring, early summer and autumn offers the best weather for hiking, as it is too hot in the height of summer and there is often snow in winter. One of Spain’s most famous walking routes is the Camino de Santiago. Although open all year round, the most pleasant times to walk it are spring and autumn – conditions in winter are harsh and summer can get very hot. Be aware, however, that spring and autumn are popular times so the route can get busy.

Hit the beach

June–September

Mallorca’s glittering hidden coves and fabulous stretches of golden-sand beaches are, of course, best enjoyed in the sun. Early and late summer – June and early September – are great times to visit as you’ll still experience warm weather but the hotels and resorts are less busy than in July and August.

Unique food and drink experiences in Spain

For the wine-lovers

June

Although wineries are open throughout the year, those visiting in later summer and early autumn can get involved in wine harvesting experiences. Every year at the end of June, thousands of locals in Haro, La Rioja, douse each other in red wine in La Batalla de Vino – the wine fight.

For the foodies

November–April

Foodies will want to check out the calcot season around Barcelona from November to April. The sweet onions are roasted over a fire and dipped in a romesco sauce.

For the spice fiends

October–November

Saffron harvesting takes place in Castilla La Mancha from late October to mid-November. A feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, it's fascinating to watch as locals separate the red stigmas from the purple rose flowers.