Best time to visit Spain

On the Mediterranean coast, January is partially sunny, and the temperature is mild, around 16-17°C (60-62°F). The same is fair for the eastern areas of Andalusia, where the days are warm and welcoming for sightseeing. In Barcelona, the clear sky and 6 hours of sunshine also promise an excellent time for exploring the city. Meanwhile, the north and the inland regions such as Madrid, deal with lower temperatures, dropping close to freezing at night. Along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, abundant showers and torrential rains are frequent during the first winter month. On the contrary, Madrid is drier and colder. To see the real winter in Spain, visit the mountainous areas of the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The weather here is ideal for winter sports as it’s snowy, cold, and sunny at the same time.

Entire Spain, besides the north (Galicia region and the neighboring areas), experiences somewhat sunny but chilly days. On the east coast, it’s warmer and more cloudy, while the inland remains cold and cloudless. In Madrid, you’ll need a warm jacket and boots to spend your time outdoors. The sunny yet crisp weather makes sightseeing a pleasant experience. The further south you move, the warmer it gets. In the regions of Valencia and Andalusia, the weather is good enough for walking around in a light sweater. The areas of the Atlantic Ocean keep on facing various kinds of rain daily, ranging from an unnoticeable drizzle to prolonged, exhausting rain. Although the temperature here is higher than in central Spain, going out for a city tour is not an appealing option.

In March, the weather gradually gets better throughout the country. It’s still fresh and rainy in Catalonia and along the Atlantic coast, but the amount of precipitation decreases, and the sun is not that rare in the sky. Along the Mediterranean coast, the weather improves towards the south. Mornings are cold, but during the day the temperature gets higher. In Andalusia and Alicante, it reaches up to 18°C (65°F). The inland areas remain dry, and due to the prolonged sunshine, cold mornings quickly turn into pleasantly warm days. You’ll still need a jacket to go out, though.

Mornings are chilly in all the regions. The differences in the climate become more evident by noon. From Catalonia to Andalusia, the temperature varies from 15°C (59°F) to 21°C (70°F). Days are sunny and cloudless, with rare and brief spring rains followed by sunshine. April is an ideal time for city tours and hiking all over Spain, except the north. It’s already warm enough to stay an entire day outdoors, but it’s not that hot to need shelter from the sun in the mid-day. The region of Galicia and other Atlantic coastal areas take the burden of all the rains. The conditions in April are better than those in March, but you shouldn’t leave home without an umbrella or raincoat as the rain will catch you at least once during the day.

The difference between the regions become more noticeable. Along the Mediterranean coast, the beach season begins. In the southern-most areas, the sea already warms up to 20°C (68°F). The air is not hot yet, but spending a few hours on a beach is possible. In May, the cities of Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and other tourist destinations have the best conditions for sightseeing. The sun and low chances of rain make the walks especially favorable. In Madrid, the difference between day and night temperatures is perceptible: mornings are fresh, with up to 13°C (55°F) on thermometer, while during the day the mark climbs up to 23°C (73°F). Also, beware of spring thunderstorms that might break into the city. Meanwhile, the Atlantic coast finally gets a bit more sunny days. It’s still rainy and foggy in the area, but the dry periods extend, and the temperature gradually rises.

In June, the weather is excellent no matter what region you visit. The entire Mediterranean coastline is ready to host beach lovers. The water is warm enough for swimming, and over 15 hours of sunshine daily ensure a smooth tan. The temperature gets higher, and the heat is more perceptible at noon. Especially hot are the southern resorts and inland areas. Even the regions neighboring the Atlantic Ocean get their portion of sunshine. Rains might occur here, but they are not that heavy and prolonged as they used to be in spring.

If your plan is to visit Madrid, July is not a good time as the heat gets devastating here. While the sea breeze refreshes the coastal areas, no wind brings coolness to the inland regions. The temperatures rise over 32°C (90°F) and are intolerable. During the day, you’d better stay inside in well-conditioned spaces. Along the Mediterranean coast, the days are hot, and the sea gets warmer, ensuring perfect conditions for beach vacations. By sunset, the heat becomes more tolerable, and late-evening walks are ideal for sightseeing. Influenced by the ocean, the north experiences the weather swings. The nights and mornings are chilly, while the days are warm and occasionally hot.

The heat spreads over Spain and marks the climax of the tourist season. Along the Mediterranean coast, the sea warms up to 27°C (81°F). Morning is an excellent time to swim and sunbathe afterward. Regardless of the region, by noon, it gets way too hot outdoors, and it’s better to stay inside for several hours. In the evening, the heat decreases, and the weather becomes more comfortable for long walks. August is excellent timing for a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the leading tourist destination in the north. Besides, warm and sunny yet fresh days allow you to go hiking, explore the region, and travel along the Atlantic coast without the risk of being caught by torrential rain.

A slight decrease in heat can be sensed in Catalonia. The other areas of the Mediterranean still live in the conditions of summer. The weather remains warm and sunny, no rains intervene with the holidays, and the sea is calm. As autumn gently approaches the country, the mornings and evenings become fresher yet comfortable. The only issue is that swimming at sunrise would be more refreshing than during the summer months. The temperature decreases in inland too. In Madrid, the sizzling heat drops to 25°C (77°F), making it a comfortable location for a visit again. In the north, excellent weather goes on. Although the water could be too chilly for long swims, it’s suitable for surfing. Relatively small waves make it especially welcoming for less experienced surfers.

The mist and rain are back to the Atlantic coast. From now on, until May, this area will be foggy and wet. Meanwhile, the rest of the country undergoes deterioration of the weather too. Occasional rains occur in Barcelona, Valencia, and along the entire Mediterranean coast. Most of the days, it’s still sunny, and the air is warm, up to 23°C (73°F). But the sea is no longer suitable for swimming. The south is the only place where the beach season continues. If you want to catch the last hot days in Spain, consider traveling to Malaga and Seville.

The conditions become worse day by day. Along the Atlantic Ocean, the rains are continuous, and the sky is rarely clear. Although this area is moist in general, November is the wettest month here. The Mediterranean coast also immerses in the state of autumn, with its wet days, fresh mornings, and clouds obscuring the sun. It doesn’t matter where you plan to travel, make sure you have a warm sweater, a jacket, and an umbrella in your bag. The chances you’d need them in Andalusia are low, but the weather is unstable, and it’s better to be prepared. The relatively dry November expects you in the inland areas, namely, in Madrid. By this time, the city approaches winter, and 7°C (47°F) on the thermometer should not surprise you.

In December, Madrid receives only 50 cm (20 in) of precipitation, which makes it one of the aridest areas of Spain. The temperature keeps on decreasing here and in the rest of the territories too. The east coast, especially the southeast, is still the warmest part of the country, but frequent rains and cloudiness are unavoidable. In the Atlantic coast, nothing is new: it keeps on raining, sneaking winds blow, the sun hides behind the clouds, and the entire region immerses into a fog. In the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada, the temperature drops to -1°C (31°F), and the chances of snowfall are high. If you’re into winter sports, these regions have favorable conditions.