Best Time to Go to Spain (Month-by-Month Breakdown)
Wondering when’s the best time to go to Spain? It’s a classic “it depends”. It really is up to what you’re into – hot weather, smaller crowds, beach time, fiestas, or just cheap flights.
This guide gives you a month-by-month breakdown. Not too polished. Just straight-up info based on what locals and frequent travellers actually experience here.
Vamos.
January
Spain in January? Quiet. Cold in the north. Still sunny in the south though.
Best For:
- Budget trips
- Cities like Seville, Málaga
- Snow lovers (head to the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada)
Not many tourists around. Good time to visit if you don’t mind wearing a jacket.
February
Still low season. Prices stay low. Days get a bit longer. Carnival lands in February, and if you’re around Cádiz or Tenerife – you’re in for a show.
Nice if you want:
- Fewer crowds
- Local vibe
- A break from UK winter
March
Early spring. Orange trees in bloom. Days feel lighter.
March can be hit or miss weather-wise, but it’s usually mild.
Don’t miss:
- Las Fallas in Valencia (mid-March – See images below)
- South Spain if you want sun
All those statues lost in fire like tears in rain. That is one way to spend your tax monies 🙂
April
April’s one of those in-between months. Weather’s decent. Crowds still manageable.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) draws big local crowds, especially in Andalusia.
Tip:
If you like cultural events, April’s golden. But prices go up during Holy Week, so book ahead.
May
Probably the best all-round month to go to Spain. Not too hot. Not too crowded.
Cities feel alive. Beaches start warming up.
Try:
- San Isidro festival in Madrid
- Hiking in the north
- Beach towns without the full-on summer crowd
June
So here’s the deal — is Spain crowded in June? Kinda. It starts to fill up. But it’s still not as wild as July or August.
Days are long. Weather’s perfect. Sea’s warm enough for swimming.
Great for:
- Beach holidays
- Pre-summer fun
- San Juan Festival near the end of the month (bonfires by the sea)
July
Hot. Especially inland. Like, really hot.
Tourist spots are busy — but also buzzing.
Good if you want:
- Peak summer life
- Party spots like Ibiza, Barcelona
- A proper holiday vibe
If you want to want find out how hot exactly it is in July in Spain then read our indepth guide.
August
Alright, let’s tackle this:
Is August a bad time to go to Barcelona? Not exactly – but expect heat, high prices, and a lot of people. But if you are looking for the best time to visit Spain this is not it unless you know what you are doing.
Is Spain expensive in August? Yes. Flights, hotels – all go up. Locals also leave cities to hit the coast, so some places (especially smaller city shops) might close for holidays.
So… why is August so special in Spain?
Because it’s fiesta time. Big village parties, music, dancing, food – all night long.
Just know:
- You’ll need to book early
- Coastal towns are packed
- It’s festive and sweaty
Looking ahead? Don’t miss our guides on traveling Spain in September or how hot it really gets in August to plan smarter.
September
Here’s a little secret — is Spain crowded in September? Not really.
Weather’s still great. Sea’s warm. Prices drop a bit.
Best for:
- Wine harvests and local festivals
- Visiting Barcelona, Seville, or the islands
- A quieter beach holiday
October
My personal favourite and in my opinion the best time to go to Spain especially from the colder countries where the weather might already getting gray and wet. In Spain the days get cooler, which is nice after months of sweating. But it’s still warm enough in the south or on the Mediterranean coast south from Valencia. Nights are still kinda warm as is the sea.
October feels relaxed. Less rush. More space. The locals quietly cheer when they start having their favourite spots back to themselves.
Try:
- Road tripping in Andalusia
- City breaks with fewer tourists
- Olive harvest season in some regions
November
Low season again. Not much happening in terms of festivals, but that means peace and quiet.
Perfect if you:
- Want to avoid crowds
- Like local life and off-season deals
- Prefer cooler temperatures
Valencia (in the photo), Alicante and the Canary Islands still feel warm-ish.
The time from mid-October until the end of December is great for the people who don’t like hot weather.
December
December in Spain can be magical. Christmas lights. Food markets. Cosy tapas bars.
Ski in the north or get a bit of sun in the south. You pick.
Best for:
- Winter sunshine (Andalusia or Canary Islands)
- Spanish-style Christmas
- City trips with a festive feel
So, when is the best time to go to Spain?
No one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on what you want.
| If you want.. | Go in.. |
| Fewer crowds & better prices | Jan, Feb, Nov |
| Great weather + fewer tourists | May, June, Sept |
| Beaches & nightlife | July, Aug |
| Local festivals | March, April, August |
Related Questions People Ask
What months are hot in Spain?
June to September, but this depends on the region.
Is August a bad time to go to Barcelona?
Not bad, just hot and packed. Bring patience and water.
Is Spain crowded in June?
It’s the start of the summer rush, but still bearable.
Is Spain crowded in September?
Less so. Weather’s great and families have gone home.
Is Spain expensive in August?
Yes. It’s peak season. Expect higher prices on everything.
Why is August so special in Spain?
It’s fiesta month. Towns come alive, especially around Assumption Day (Aug 15).
