When to visit Spain

The summer months tend to be crowded and very warm, with many areas reaching well over 90°F. Like many other Europeans, Spain’s citizens will be flocking to the beaches to enjoy swimming and relaxing. It will be particularly pricy in the coastal areas too with so many others coming to enjoy their vacations now. The interior regions can be dusty and uncomfortably hot, but there are also many fun festivals, lots focused on the country’s tasty food and wine, that can make for the highlight of a trip.

August is the hottest month of the year and even hotter in places like Madrid due to the intense humidity which makes booking an air-conditioned room a must. It will be a few degrees cooler in Barcelona, and in the northern Asturias region, the dense canopy of trees provides some protection from the searing sun, preventing it from getting too hot.

Good to Know: Arrive early if you plan to witness the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, which takes place over eight days in July.

A significant change occurs in November with cold, rainy weather the norm although sunnier days may be enjoyed in San Sebastian. This is the off-season, which means you can expect businesses to be open for fewer hours, more breaks taken at lunchtime, and fewer activities in the smaller towns. Around the holidays, many smaller cities and towns mostly shut down, and on Christmas Day, even most restaurants and bars are closed. The inland cities tend to be the coldest reaching only the low 50s°F/10-11°C. In most areas, frosty mornings are common, but it doesn’t get much colder than that with the exception of the mountainous areas and ski resorts. Snow is most likely to occur in January and February.

A wintertime visit, outside of the holidays and carnival season (during the weeks that lead up to Lent), often means discounted accommodation rates, cheaper airfare, and more tranquil settings. It’s a great time for those on budget and anyone who want to avoid crowds, but it’s obviously not the time to come for the beach.

Good to Know: Christmas Markets are held throughout Spain in December. Barcelona hosts one of the best in the country through December 23, with all sorts of holiday decorations, works of art, and handicrafts.