Spain is one of those countries where summer isn’t just a season – it’s a whole vibe. The sun is out, the beaches are packed, and everything from siestas to late-night tapas just hits different. But if you’re wondering what months are summer in Spain exactly – let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

When Does Summer Start and End in Spain?

So officially, summer in Spain starts in June and ends in September. That’s based on the meteorological seasons. But if you ask locals, or anyone who’s spent time under the Spanish sun, they’ll probably say it feels like summer starts a bit earlier and lingers a little longer too.

Summer in Spain – Monthly Weather

June is when things start heating up. The days are long, the skies are blue, and people begin heading to the coast. It’s warm, but not wild-hot yet. Cities like Madrid and Seville start to warm up fast, and beach towns like Valencia or Málaga start filling with tourists.

July and August – now these two are the real core of Spanish summer. It gets hot. Like, melt-your-ice-cream-in-30-seconds hot. Especially inland. More more insights – which month is the hottest in Spain.

Most locals take time off in August and escape to the coast or mountains. This is also the peak tourist season. You’ll find packed beaches, festivals, late-night dinners outdoors, and yes, lots of sweating. Bring sunscreen. And maybe a fan. Definitely a parasol and a cooler to the beach.

September is still very much summer in many parts of Spain – especially the south. While places like northern Spain start cooling down a bit, cities in Andalusia and along the Mediterranean stay warm well into the month. You’ll still see people at the beach, and temps can easily hit the high 20s (Celsius) or more.

Something to keep in mind – Spain’s climate changes depending on where you are. Northern Spain can be cooler and rainier, while the south feels almost desert-like during summer. The islands like Mallorca, Ibiza, and the Canaries? Perfect mix of warm days and breezy nights.

Hot in the South, Cooler in the North

Now – Spain isn’t one-size-fits-all. The country stretches across a bunch of climates and regions. So summer can feel a bit different depending on where you are. There’s everything from dry desert heat to cool coastal breezes.

In the south – like Seville or Córdoba – it gets hot. We’re talking about temps above 40°C (104°F) during July and August. Locals actually plan their day around the heat, resting during the hottest part and staying out later in the evening. Air conditioning is less common than you’d think, so it’s smart to book a place with good ventilation or fans.

Coastal Cities: Warm, Breezy, and Crowded

On the Mediterranean coast – places like Barcelona or Valencia – it’s hot, but not brutal. You get plenty of sun, warm sea water, and that chill beach-town vibe. July and August are peak tourist months, so it’s crowded, and prices can jump up. If you want the sun without the crowd, June and early September are gold.

Northern Spain: A Cooler Summer Option

Up north – think Bilbao or Santiago – summers are milder. You’ll still get sunny days in July and August, but the temp usually hangs around 25°C (77°F), and you might get some rain. It’s perfect for people who don’t like roasting. Lot’s of Spaniards actually travel to the Atlantic coast for the summer. And I totally understand them.

Madrid in Summer: Heat in the Heart of Spain

In Madrid, which is smack in the middle of the country, summers are dry and super hot. Daytime in July or August can hit 38°C (100°F), but nights cool down more than on the coast. It’s not humid though, which helps a bit. Or a lot, if you ask the Madrileños 🙂

Best Time to Visit Spain Summertime

If you’re planning travel, remember this: July and August are when schools are off and many locals take vacation – so it’s busy, especially along the coast. Smaller towns and even cities can feel quieter since locals often escape the heat.

But if you’re chasing sun and fewer crowds, aim for June or early September. You still get great weather, but the vibe is a little more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

In short, summer in Spain means June, July, and August, with a bit of overlap into September. But depending on where you are – the heat, vibe, and crowds can feel totally different. Just pick your region based on the kind of summer you want – blazing sun, mild breeze, or something in between.

But if you are looking for the best month to visit in Spain, read this article, because it isn’t, in my opinion, during the summer time at all!