Perched in southern Europe, sunny Spain is renowned for its (mostly) mild and dry climate. Its cities are pleasant to explore all year, with Seville and other southern cities soaring to scorching temperatures during the summer months. Winter sun-seekers flock to the Canary Islands for year-round tan top-ups, while Northern Spain boasts cooler climes that appeal to those apprehensive of summer’s sun. In short, Spain’s diverse terrain offers something for everyone at any time of year. Read on for a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Spain.
Andalucia
Andalucia is a fairly large region, and as such has a contrasting climate. Summers are generally long and very sunny, but the winters are milder on the coast, while inland, they are very cold, with rain, especially in December. In the spring and autumn temperatures are less hot than during the summer period, but be careful not to get caught out in the evening which is often cool. Also, the sea will be cool outside the summer months. The warmest time of year is therefore undoubtedly summer, with record temperatures in the Seville region in particular, where it is common to see temperatures in excess of 40°C. For a more bearable climate, and a light breeze, we recommend the coastline.
The Balearic Islands
From April to mid-November, the Balearic Islands offer glorious sunshine and warm temperatures. The mild winters in the Balearic Islands are sunny, and are colder in the north, especially on Menorca, because of the Tramontana wind. Summers are hot, with temperatures above 30°C. Because of its geographical location, the Balearic region is exposed to the wind. On the coasts of Majorca or Ibiza, winds are common, even in summer. Autumn and spring are very pleasant times of year to visit, with sun that is more bearable, but there can be some rain, although rainfall in the Balearic Islands is generally very low.
Barcelona and Catalonia
Barcelona, on the legendary Costa Brava, is the Catalan capital. The climate there is temperate all year round, with hot and humid summers, when average temperatures nudge 29 °C (spikes in temperature of above 35°C are possible). Rainfall is low and occurs during the autumn period (September to November). However, rainfall is irregular, falling over just a few days, but varies in terms of the month from one year to the next. Winters in Barcelona and Catalonia are fairly mild, with January being the coldest month of the year. In general, Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with sub-Mediterranean influences.
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have a mild and spring-like climate, with excellent levels of sunshine. In fact, the Canaries have the most sunshine in Europe, with more than 3,000 hours per year. The annual average temperature is 21°C, with the warmest months in July and August. Unlike other countries on the same latitude (in Africa), the Canary Islands do not have a desert-like climate, as they are exposed to the trade winds and cold ocean currents, which alter the temperature. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts one of the world's more pleasant climates, with low rainfall in the lowlands, that can increase with elevation.
Madrid and Castile
The Spanish capital of Madrid and the Castile region have very hot summers (very hot and dry) and cold winters. Madrid has a dry climate, often with clear skies, because the Castilian Plateau, in the centre of the peninsula, is located at altitude. The temperature can therefore often be above 40°C in Madrid in the middle of summer. The average temperature is 25°C in July and August. Late August and early September are more pleasant, with the heat lasting into the evening. October is also pleasant, but the climate becomes harsher in November, dropping down to 7°C in December. Snow is a regular feature of winter and spring above 5,000ft.
The Basque Country
The Basque Country has a varied climate, and is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream brings mild temperatures and a wet climate. The wind (haize hegoa) brings plenty of rainfall, in the form of thunderstorms, even though the average temperature is pleasant. The southern part of the Basque Country has a Mediterranean- or continental-type climate, with dry and cold winters.
Valencia and Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca and the Valencia region have a mild climate, with an annual average of 18°C. It is sunny and hot, and the beaches along the coast experience a temperate climate with a pleasant dry summer season that is less unbearable than in inland areas for example. From May to October, high temperatures are tempered by a strong sea breeze. The Costa Blanca is ideal for visiting all year round, with a very fine spring and autumn, and winters that don't quite fit the description as temperatures remain high.
