Before the pandemic, Spain welcomed 70 million visitors to its shores annually. Clocking up around 3,000 hours of sun each year, it’s easy to see why! Spain has so much variety in its cuisine, landscapes and cities from north to south meaning there is always something new to discover. So, let’s ask the age-old question: what season should you visit Spain in?
Spring: March – May
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Spring in Spain is an even more colourful affair than usual. Locals love to celebrate the warmer temperatures so if visiting during this time of year, you may come across a springtime festival. Following Easter, Seville holds Feria de Abril – its annual fair with rides, dancing, food, drink and traditional clothing for men (long, tight pants and a short jacket called traje corto) and women (flamenco outfits); or the Courtyards Festival in Cordoba in May, designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with a competition for the best floral courtyard. We also think spring is the best time of year to walk one of the world’s most famous walks – the Camino de Santiago. There are less people en route, as well as more options for accommodation.
Summer: June – August
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If you love the summer tropics, Spain is the place to be! With an average temperature of 34° Celsius, the days are long, the beaches are busy, and the sangria is sweeter. Some businesses have shorter hours or will close early, but that’s all the more reason to lean into Spain’s siesta tradition. There are also plenty of events happening around the country, from the tomato-frenzy La Tomatina near Valencia to Corpus Christi, where enormous, green-living carpets sprout up in places like Toledo. For the sports fans, the FC Barcelona season kicks off in early August. Being amongst fans at Camp Nou is an experience like no other!
Autumn: September – November
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Autumn is a wonderful season to visit Spain in for food and wine lovers. Spain really hones in on showcasing seasonal specialties so get your taste buds firing. Autumn is grape harvest season, and as the third-largest wine producer in the world, you’re guaranteed a good tipple – especially in places like La Rioja. La Rioja even holds a week-long harvest festival called Fiestas de San Mateo, full of concerts and parades! Alongside beautiful vineyards, chestnuts, truffles and mushrooms are plentiful. Dive into plates of creamy mushroom risotto or hearty stews, perfect as the weather begins to cool down.
Winter: December – February
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On average, Spain’s temperature rarely drops below 10° Celsius during winter. However, that’s not to say you won’t find snow! Spain is home to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, located just 30 minutes outside of Granada. The mountains welcome travellers and locals alike to over 20 of its resorts for an abundance of winter sports. If you are visiting during the festive season, there are some incredible Christmas markets to stroll through. Don’t miss Madrid’s Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor, in operation since 1860; or Fira de Nadal which is held in the gardens of Gaudi’s spectacular Sagrada Familia.
Whatever the season, Spain is a marvellous country to visit. Add a Globus or Cosmos tour through this vibrant country to your bucket list!
