The Best Time to Visit Spain

Spring in Spain: March, April & May

Why Visit Spain in the Spring?

The lower slopes of the Spanish Pyrenees come alive with orchids, blue gentians, and irises of every color each spring—a stunning show against the backdrop of still-snowcapped mountains. Nearby, the Cantabrian Mountains grow a cover of emerald grasses that earned the northern coast the moniker ‘Green Spain.’ Frequent rains are the trade-off for spring travel here, although the rising temperatures, lively waterfalls, and full glacial lakes make up for the showers.

Late spring is an ideal time to hike Basque Country or walk the Camino de Santiago. You’ll encounter fewer walkers than in summer, and temperatures are warm—daily highs average in the 70s in May.

In the south, mild temperatures and cool sea breezes allow for all-day exploring of the famous Moorish architecture in Córdoba and Sevilla. Spring nights remain chilly and the days can be punctuated with scattered showers, so pack light layers to enjoy those later-than-usual dinners.

In the Balearic Islands, tourism and daily temperatures don’t see a sharp uptick until June. As with Spain’s south coast, the islands see cool nights but fairly dry days, while the blooming almond trees, quiet trails, and sunny skies create near-perfect hiking conditions. This is also the time of year when Spain’s biking culture is out in full force.

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

Our spring tours traverse some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes on foot. Our nine-day Pilgrim’s Way: El Camino de Santiago trip takes you on the famed Camino Francés through the countryside from Burgos to Finisterre, and our Hiking the Basque Country: From France to Spain spring trips tap into the region’s cuisine with scenic spring picnics and an evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant. On a spring departure of Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees, you’ll experience landscapes at their most vibrant, discover ancient stone-built mountain towns, and enjoy the region’s culinary highlights.

In the south of Spain, Hiking Mallorca & Menorca explores the best of the Balearic Islands at a more tranquil time of year, complete with meals crafted from the spring harvests at rural agroturismos, and seaside hikes in Mallorca. Southern Spain to Morocco takes you all the way from Córdoba and Sevilla to Fez in Morocco. In true WT fashion, our trip leaders make the most of the season’s spectacular conditions with hikes along scenic trails.

Summer in Spain: June, July & August

Why Visit Spain in the Summer?

Summer brings intense heat to Spain’s southern coast, a calendar full of music festivals, and, early in the season, excellent hiking conditions to northern regions. This is a popular time to head to the country’s beaches and islands, although the days can be prohibitively hot and humid as the summer progresses. 

Though the cities are crowded and the afternoon temperatures soar, June and July may be the best time to visit Spain if you’re after a vibrant atmosphere, people watching, cultural celebrations, and warm nights filled with live music. June kicks off a season full of festivals across the country, celebrating everything from wine and tomatoes to religious occasions. If you’re planning your own itinerary during the summer, be sure to book accommodations in advance. 

By August, temperatures in southern Spanish cities reach their scorching peak, beaches are at their busiest, and some local businesses close down for a summer holiday. The northwest coast offers more bearable temperatures, though it can get crowded as domestic visitors flee the south coast’s heat waves. Similarly, the Camino de Santiago becomes more congested in August, and daily highs in the 90s require early morning starts.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours

With the exception of our Douro River cruises, our Trip Leaders pause Spain itineraries from mid-June through August while the trails are at their busiest, cities their fullest, and temperatures their highest. Most of our Spain trips resume in September, when conditions are still pleasantly warm but trails are a little more peaceful.

Fall in Spain: September, October & November

Why Visit Spain in the Fall?

Spanish cities take on a more relaxed pace in the fall, as cooling temperatures start to break up the summer crowds. On the east and south coasts, the Mediterranean waters remain comfortably swimmable through September and the summer sun lingers, making this a great time to go beach hopping or take a ferry to the Balearic Islands. In October, the cooling days make for some of the best hiking Andalucía sees all year.

Crisp autumn air, vibrant foliage, and plump grape harvests define the fall season in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, Spain’s most famous wine regions. Slightly to the north, fall turns the leaves of Cantabria’s oak trees their characteristic ochre and orange, bringing a new pallete to the Camino de Santiago. Fewer pilgrims walk the trail in the fall, creating a more peaceful atmosphere for those who do.

As the days get shorter in the Pyrenees, the fall colors get brighter, the air cools, and the trails in Ordesa and Aigüestortes National Parks offer some of the most breathtaking scenery Spain has to offer. The lower daytime temperatures and chances of snow by mid-November are the sole reasons this isn’t peak season in the mountains.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours

Our September and October departures take advantage of the low rainfall and pleasantly cool days that northern Spain enjoys, whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago, hiking Basque Country, or exploring the Spanish Pyrenees. 

On a Southern Spain to Morocco trip, the warm afternoons and dwindling crowds make our days exploring the Moorish architecture, ancient villages, and sun-drenched courtyards all the more comfortable. Bring light layers for the evenings—you won’t want to miss the flamenco dancing in Sevilla.

Winter in Spain: December, January & February

Why Visit Spain in the Winter?

Winters are pleasantly mild throughout most of the country. Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, and the northwest coast see daily highs in the 50s from December through February, although rainfall is at its highest during these months. 

In the Pyrenees, this is ski season. While winter hikes and snowshoeing are popular, many trails close due to snowpack. Those hiking the Camino de Santiago might encounter snow even beyond the Pyrenees, and can expect regular rains and cold winds.

Quiet towns and festive markets define the holiday season in Spain, with Christmas markets popping up everywhere from Mallorca to Santiago de Compostela. Those looking to enjoy cultural explorations in cities will enjoy the tranquility of a winter visit.

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours

Our Douro River cruises from Portugal to Spain operate throughout the winter, but our Camino de Santiago, Basque Country, Pyrenees, and Southern Spain itineraries are on hold from November through March while rainfall is high and temperatures are low.