Best Time to Visit Spain
Spain offers a rich mix of history, culture, and landscapes — from Mediterranean beaches to lively cities, historic towns and mountainous escapes.
Population
47.35 M
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Spanish
Time Zones
Capital city
Madrid
Discover Spain
Spain is a country of striking contrasts and deep regional identities. From the art-filled streets of Barcelona and the grand boulevards of Madrid to the white villages of Andalusia and the dramatic cliffs of the northern coast, each corner offers a distinct experience. Gastronomy is a central part of the culture — markets, tapas bars and fine-dining restaurants coexist, showcasing regional specialties and world-class wines. The country also offers varied outdoor experiences: the Camino de Santiago and Picos de Europa for walkers, ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada in winter, and sun-drenched beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Efficient transport links make it easy to combine city breaks with countryside or coastal escapes.
Tips to travel to Spain
Best time to go
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Payments and tips
Carry some cash for small markets and neighborhood cafés. Tipping is appreciated but often modest in restaurants.
Local Food
Try paella in Valencia, jamón ibérico in Extremadura/Andalusia, and pintxos in the Basque Country.
Festivities
Major festivities include Semana Santa (Holy Week), San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol and numerous local summer festivals and ferias.
General Recommendations for Spain
- Avoid inland areas in August if you want to escape extreme heat.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases — locals appreciate the effort.
- Public transport is reliable and affordable across cities and regions.
- Many small shops and businesses close for a short siesta in the early afternoon.
Climate in Spain
Spain's climate is diverse due to its geography. Much of the interior and southeastern areas have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Northern coastal regions (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) have an oceanic climate with cooler temperatures and more rainfall year-round. Mountain ranges (Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, Cantabrian Mountains) have alpine conditions — cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. Note: Daylight Saving Time is observed — mainland Spain shifts to CEST (UTC+02:00) in summer while the Canary Islands shift to WEST (UTC+01:00).
Clima por Meses
Temperatura Media (°C)
Precipitaciones (mm)
Horas de Sol(h)
What to do in Spain
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí’s monumental basilica — book tickets in advance and consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Alhambra
A breathtaking Moorish palace and gardens. Reserve timed-entry tickets and wander the Albaicín quarter for great views.
Camino de Santiago
Historic pilgrimage routes culminating in Santiago de Compostela; choose a stage of the route if you don’t walk the entire trail.
Ibiza beaches & nightlife
World-famous clubs and beautiful coves — peak season is summer; for a quieter visit choose shoulder months.
Park Güell
Colorful public park by Gaudí with city views; ticketed entry limits numbers, so prebook.
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
Modern architectural complex with museums, an aquarium and cultural spaces — great for families and design lovers.
Prado Museum
One of Europe’s leading art museums with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and more — arrive early or use a guided tour.
Donostia / San Sebastián pintxos crawl
Sample high-quality small plates across local bars; best experienced with a leisurely pace and local recommendations.
Best months to visit Spain
Los meses ideales son April, May, June, September, October por sus temperaturas agradables, menos precipitaciones y condiciones perfectas para actividades al aire libre.
• Primavera (Mar-May): Ideal para senderismo y turismo cultural
• Verano (Jun-Ago): Perfecto para playas y festivales
• Otoño (Sep-Nov): Excelente para ciudades y gastronomía
• Invierno (Dec-Feb): Temporada baja, ideal para museos y esquí
FAQ about Spain
Where to go in Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona blends iconic Gaudí architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant cultural life.
Madrid
Madrid combines royal history, world-class museums, and a lively culinary and nightlife scene.
Valencia
Valencia combines stunning historic architecture with futuristic design and vibrant Mediterranean beaches.
Seville
Seville offers a rich tapestry of Moorish architecture, flamenco culture, and vibrant Andalusian traditions.
Zaragoza
Zaragoza blends historic architecture with a vibrant cultural scene along the banks of the Ebro River.
Málaga
Málaga combines historic charm with sunny beaches and a lively arts scene along the Costa del Sol.