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    What Is the Hottest Month to Visit Spain?

    ByVille Laukkanen

    Spain’s summer is no joke. If you’re planning a trip and thinking about that full-on, sun-baked holiday feeling, the first thing you’ll want to know is – when does it get hottest?

    Let’s get into it.

    hottest month in spain

    Is July the Hottest Month in Spain?

    Most of the time, yes. July tends to be the hottest month in Spain, especially in cities like Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville. You’ll see average highs around 35°C (95°F) and often hotter during heatwaves. It’s that dry, still kind of heat – no breeze, full sun, everything feels like it’s radiating warmth.

    But here’s the thing…

    August Can Feel Hotter – Especially Near the Coast

    While July wins on paper for being the hottest on average, August is just a hair behind. And depending on where you are, it might even feel worse. That’s mostly because of humidity near the Mediterranean. In places like Barcelona, Valencia, or Málaga, August heat can feel heavy and sticky.

    Also – the sea is warmer in August, which might sound nice, but it also means less cooling off from the ocean breezes.

    What’s Summer Like Across Different Parts of Spain?

    • Southern Spain (Andalusia): Scorching in both July and August. Cities like Seville and Córdoba often hit 40°C (104°F) or more. Dry, intense, and not for the faint of heart.
    • Central Spain (Madrid): Very dry, very hot. Even nights stay warm, so bring light clothes and maybe skip that mid-afternoon sightseeing.
    • Coastal Spain (Costa del Sol, Costa Brava): Warm but not unbearable. Highs usually stay in the 30–33°C (86–91°F) range, with sea breezes helping out.
    • Northern Spain (Basque Country, Galicia): Milder summers. July and August are warm, but not crazy hot – more like 25–28°C (77–82°F).

    Should You Visit Spain During the Hottest Months?

    That depends. If you love sunshine, long days, and don’t mind sweating through every t-shirt you own – July and August are prime time. Cities are buzzing, beaches are packed, and there’s always a festival going on somewhere.

    But if you’re not built for heat, or traveling with kids or older folks, you might be better off in May, June, or September. Still warm, way less intense.

    Also, be ready for higher prices and more crowds. July and August are peak tourist season, so flights and hotels cost more and popular spots get real busy.

    In Short

    So, what’s the verdict? The hottest month in Spain is usually July, but August is right behind it – and can actually feel worse depending on where you go. Either way, summer in Spain is serious heat. Just plan for it, pack light, and definitely book a place with a pool and solid AC.

    If you ask me, the best time to travel to Spain isn’t actually summer at all! Read here our month-by-month article when to come to Spain and what to do where.

    Related

    PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

    Plan your trip to Spain

    • Trip.com: A great source for finding flights and airport connections. I have noticed that it finds connections that some other search engines miss.
    • Booking.com: My favourite site for booking hotels and apartments (and occasionally flights). They have the best filters and I like the user friendly interface.
    • Hotels.com: The most popular hotel booking platform in many countries, US included.
    • Get Your Guide: A massive selection of tours and excursions. They have tons of options available in Spain, including walking tours, cooking classes, museum options, boat tours and more!
    • DiscoverCars: Want to explore charming villages and get out of the city? DiscoverCars pools together the best offers from car rental operators for your convenience.
    • Omio: Want to find the best option to move between cities in Spain - Omio is the best option for that. Plus you get to book the ticket from the same amazing platform.
    • Klook: Need a local SIM card for your trip to Spain? A stress free holiday nowadays (unfortunately) might start from a good connection, so get an affordable eSIM here.
    • VisitorCoverage: Not interested in checking out Spanish public health care system on your holiday? (like I've managed to do..) A cheap travel insurance gets that stress out of the way.

    Some links above are affiliate links. If you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

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