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Country guide

When is the best time to visit Spain?

Spain is not one climate. Seville and Madrid are very hot in the summer, with average July highs of 36°C and 33°C, while the coast is milder at around 30°C in Valencia. In January, average highs run from 10°C to 21°C, so winter is mild on the coast, warm in Tenerife and cold at night in Madrid.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for most trips: warm enough to sit outside, far less crowded than July and August, and cheaper. The cards below show when each of the eight places I cover is at its best, and the month-by-month guide links to every month page.

The short answer

May, September and October are the best months for Spain overall.

Based on the average of weather, crowds, prices and events across the 8 cities below.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Big cities and culture

Barcelona, Madrid and Seville are the classic city breaks. The timing question is mostly about heat: all three are far more comfortable outside July and August.

The Sagrada Família rising over Barcelona rooftops toward the sea at golden hour

Barcelona

Best month: May

July avg. high
28°C
January avg. high
14°C

+Excellent balance of weather, daylight and manageable crowds.

Barcelona guide
Madrid city view

Madrid

Best month: May

July avg. high
33°C
January avg. high
10°C

+Great weather + long evenings

Madrid guide
The Giralda tower and Seville Cathedral at sunset

Seville

Best month: October

July avg. high
36°C
January avg. high
16°C

+Comfortable heat + manageable crowds

Seville guide

Coast and sun

Málaga, Valencia and Palma combine a city with a beach. They are the mildest in winter and the easiest all-rounders.

Málaga at sunset with the bullring, harbour and Mediterranean

Málaga

Best month: May

July avg. high
31°C
January avg. high
17°C

+Near-perfect weather balance

Málaga guide
Valencia coastline and city viewed from above

Valencia

Best month: May

July avg. high
30°C
January avg. high
17°C

+Excellent weather + balanced crowds

Valencia guide
Palma Cathedral glowing at sunset above the water of Parc de la Mar

Palma de Mallorca

Best month: September

July avg. high
30°C
January avg. high
16°C

+Warm sea and calmer streets.

Palma de Mallorca guide

Winter sun

Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is warm all year. It is the one place here where winter is still beach weather, which also makes winter its busiest season.

The Los Gigantes cliffs rising from the Atlantic on Tenerife's west coast

Tenerife

Best month: May & October

July avg. high
29°C
January avg. high
21°C

+Warm, dry and calmer.

Tenerife guide

Summer island

Ibiza is at its best from May to October, with warm sea and the club season from late April to October. From November to March much of the island closes.

Es Vedrà rising from turquoise water off Ibiza's west coast

Ibiza

Best month: May & September

July avg. high
30°C
January avg. high
16°C

+Warm days and quiet coves.

Ibiza guide

Month by month

Spain in every month

Average highs across the cities, and a link to each city's page for that month.

What changes a trip

Events and seasons to plan around

Madrid · July–August

Plan around the heat

Madrid is much easier to explore when you respect the temperature. In July and August, avoid scheduling long walking routes in the middle of the afternoon. Start early, slow down over lunch and save parks, rooftops and neighbourhood wandering for the cooler evening hours.

Madrid · May, September and October

The sweet spot

May, September and October offer the strongest overall balance. You get comfortable conditions for sightseeing without the extremes of Madrid’s summer heat.

Seville · April (dates move with Easter)

Semana Santa and Feria de Abril

Seville's two biggest annual events both fall in or around April: Semana Santa's hooded religious processions, followed roughly two weeks later by the week-long Feria de Abril fairground. Hotel rates can run two to three times normal, and the city books out months ahead.

Seville · June–August

Plan around the heat

Seville is genuinely one of Europe's hottest major cities, routinely passing 37°C in July and August. Many visitors avoid these months entirely, which paradoxically makes them some of Seville's quietest and best-value — if you can structure your day around the heat.

Valencia · March

Plan Fallas deliberately

Fallas is Valencia’s biggest annual celebration. Expect major crowds, street closures, fireworks and higher demand around the main festival dates.

Valencia · July–August

Beat the summer heat

Keep long sightseeing walks to the morning, slow down during the hottest afternoon hours and use the beach or shaded areas before heading back out in the evening.

Barcelona · February/March

Mobile World Congress

Major increase in visitors and hotel demand. Dates vary by year.

Barcelona · March/April

Easter / Holy Week

Visitor numbers can increase significantly around Easter, especially at major attractions.

Palma de Mallorca · July–August

Peak summer

Hot, busy and the most expensive period on the island.

Palma de Mallorca · Mid-January

Sant Sebastià

Palma's city festival brings concerts and street events.

Tenerife · December–March

Winter-sun peak

Northern Europeans come for the warmth. Book flights and hotels early, especially around Christmas.

Tenerife · Any time, more often in winter

Calima

Hot, dusty air from the Sahara can bring haze and poor air for a few days.

Ibiza · July–August

Peak season

The island is full and prices peak. Book cars, boats and club tickets weeks ahead.

Ibiza · November–March

Winter closures

Most clubs, beach bars and many hotels close, and flights are reduced.

Good to know

Planning tips

Avoid the interior in July and August

Madrid and Seville are far more comfortable in spring or autumn. If you must go in summer, plan sightseeing for the morning and evening.

Check festival dates

Fallas in Valencia, Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril in Seville, and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona all change prices and availability. See each city's page for the timing.

Combine city and coast

Valencia, Málaga and Palma let you add beach days to a city break, especially in May, June and September.

FAQ

Planning a trip to Spain

What is the best month to visit Spain?

Across the eight places I cover, May, September and October come out best on weather, crowds, prices and events combined. Individual cities differ, so check the city card for its own best month.

Is Spain too hot in summer?

The interior and the south are very hot in July and August: average highs are 36°C in Seville in August. The coast is milder, but all of Spain is busiest and most expensive in these months.

Where in Spain is best in winter?

Tenerife is the warmest, with average January highs of around 21°C. On the mainland the coast is mildest: Málaga, Valencia and Palma have average January highs of around 15 to 17°C, while Madrid is colder at around 10°C. Palma has seasonal closures from November to March.

When is Spain cheapest?

Usually in January, February and November, outside of local festivals and holidays. Each city's month pages show the price level for that month.

Winter ideas