Best time to visit Spain

July in Spain

Family activity holidays Cycling and hiking Hot and sunny

It might be surprising that activity holidays are popular with those visiting Spain in July, but savvy families escape the heat by heading up north and to the rivers, lakes and mountains of the Altiplano de Granada in Andalucia. July brings the package holidaymakers as well as all the Spaniards escaping the city heat, so avoid the 30°C-plus Costa resorts if you can, as well as the stifling heat of western Andalucia, particularly around Seville and Cordoba.

July and August are great for an Altiplano de Granada activity holiday

August in Spain

High summer season Family activity holidays Catalonia and Andalucia

Family activity holidays aim for Andalucia and Catalonia – regions where you can choose to melt on the coast or find relief in the mountains. Explore the north of Spain in August for temperatures that are warm without being too oppressive; you can be walking one moment and at the beach the next. During the height of the Andalusian summer, many smaller shops will only open in the mornings, even in cities. To be fair, shopping will be the last thing on your mind once it tops 40°C.

September in Spain

Autumn arrives Hiking, especially Caminos Food and wine tasting tours

We recommend visiting Spain in September. Temperatures are still up there, although Catalonia and the north start to soften. Hiking holidays pick up again after a summer siesta. Almost all our travellers choose to be out on the trails at this time of year, especially on the Caminos as the crowds disperse. Foodie activities are particularly popular in September, including cooking classes and wine and Iberian ham tasting tours. Rain showers creep in all over Spain as summer phases into autumn.

October in Spain

Family activity holidays Walking combination trips Fitness and yoga retreats

October finds grey, rainy weather in the north of Spain, with temperatures dipping across the country. Andalucia can still be in the 20°Cs if you visit Spain in October – but do bring an umbrella. Downpours can be sudden and fierce. The school break makes October a great month for activity holidays in Andalucia. Food and wine tours remain popular, with walking holidays stirring wine tasting and cooking activities into their itineraries.

November in Spain

Peaceful month Hiking in Canary Islands Andalucia

You’ll have the coastlines, cities and islands to yourself if you visit Spain in November. Increasingly rainy weather makes it less suitable beach weather unless you’re in the Canaries (watch out for chillier ocean temperatures, though). Visitors tend to arrive for trips with a specialist focus: yoga, fitness… even tracking Iberian lynx. If you’re looking for a touch of sunshine then head to Andalucia, where cloudless skies are abundant. While temperatures can dip, you’ll still get the odd, glorious 20°C day.

November is great for tracking Iberian lynx

December in Spain

Very quiet Hiking and cycling Canaries and southern Spain

Spain in December is one of the coldest times of year, but on the southern coasts and Canary Islands it’s never really chilly. The beaches empty out too; whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your preference! If the sun is out during the day, temperatures can even get up to 25°C, although they stick to a mild 15°C most of the month. December is an excellent time to try something new, whether that’s yoga classes or Spanish lessons combined with walking in the show-dipped Picos de Europa.