Spain is one of the most popular countries to visit for tourists in Europe, due to its diverse array of attractions, terrain, and weather. Here, you can find both snowcapped mountains and white sand beaches, as well as modern cities and old colonial squares. Depending on the type of experience you want in Spain, make sure to plan according to what time of the year you visit. Here are the best times to visit based on weather and activity.
January to February: Best time for winter activities
Average temperatures: 50-55°F (10-13°C)
January and February are the winter months in Spain, so if you are a fan of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, this is the best time of the year to visit. Even though Spain is most recognized as a summer travel destination, little know that it has some of the best ski slopes for a winter holiday. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain offers some of the best resorts in the country and at a far cheaper price than popular ski countries like Switzerland. Best of all, many of the slopes are near major cities in Spain, so you can combine your ski trip with some sightseeing in the country.
Some of the best ski resorts in Spain include Beret in Baquiera, Panticosa in Formigal, and Pradollano in Sierra Nevada.
March to May: Best time for general travel and city sightseeing
Average temperatures: 55-70°F (13-21°C)
The shoulder spring season of March through May is a great time to visit Spain for all things sightseeing and city exploring. The country experiences relatively mild temperatures, making it perfect for strolling and walking. April is Spain’s rainiest month, so if you plan to visit during this time, be sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella.
This is the best time to visit Spain to see the local life come alive, as restaurants, bars, and stores, and there is more sunlight during the day. Be aware that temperatures and weather conditions will vary depending on the region or city you visit. Temperatures may dip into freezing at night in Madrid, while the southern region will have more consistent temperatures between 60-70°F (16-21°C).
The pleasant weather in March also means that some of Spain’s best festivals occur during this month. Las Fallas festival in Valencia is one of the most interesting there is to see – the city comes alive with thousands of colorful paper sculptures, which eventually become burned by the end of the festival.
June to August: Best time to go to the beaches
Average temperatures: 80-90°F (27-32°C)
June to August marks summer in Spain, making it the perfect time to travel if you want to spend your days soaking in the sun on a pristine beach. The best window to travel to Spain for beach weather is between early June and July. During the month of August, temperatures start to peak, which may be uncomfortable for some people. If you don’t mind the sun, however, August may be the best time to visit as tourism generally drops.
Spain has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Europe, so summer is the best time to take full advantage of them. Some of the best beaches in Spain include La Concha, Tossa del Mar, and Playa de Rodas. For the more adventurous traveler, take advantage of Spain’s island of Ibiza, which is recognized internationally. Also known as the “Party Capital of the World,” Ibiza is at its peak during the summer season. If you love all things electronic music and partying, this is the best time to visit Ibiza.
Note that summer is the busiest season in Spain for tourism, so the beaches will most likely be busy, as well as the main touristic cities in the country. July is generally the peak month. This means that summer is also the best time to visit Spain for the nightlife, as locals emerge after the hot sun sets for the day. One of the best experiences to have during the summer nightlife is to visit a traditional tapas restaurant. Tapas are an authentic Spanish dinner which is comprised of several small appetizer-style dishes.
September to December: Best time to experience wine season
Average temperatures: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
September to December starts the transition into cooler weather in Spain. It is the perfect shoulder season to visit if you want to beat the summer heat and tourist crowds. Since Spain is recognized internationally for its wine, what better time to experience it for yourself? September marks the start of the wine harvest season in Spain, when vineyards collect grapes for processing of wine.
If visiting Spain during the fall, do not miss embarking on a wine vineyard tour, where you can learn about the grape processing for wine, as well as sample some of the best wines in the world. Rioja, Jerez, and Ribera del Duero are some of the best vineyard regions in Spain.
Final thoughts
Spain enjoys a diverse variation in temperature and seasons, which makes it an exciting travel destination. Based on the type of experience you want to have and the activities you want to do in Spain, it is important to plan accordingly on which time of the year you will visit. For winter and snow activities, visit during Spain’s peak winter months of January to February. For the best time to go to the beaches of Spain, travel between June and July. If you want to experience the wine season in Spain, make sure to visit between September and October.
