Weather in Spain: Climate, seasons and practical advice to help you plan your stay
Would you like to know the current weather in Spain? Check the forecasts in real time on the official website: Météo Espagne - Met Office.
☀️ 1. Understanding Spain's climate: diversity and contrasts
Spain enjoys a Mediterranean climate over much of its territory, but its geographical diversity gives rise to several distinct climatic zones:
- Mediterranean climate: East coast, Andalusia, Balearic Islands. Hot summers (35°C+), mild winters, little rainfall.
- Oceanic climate: North (Galicia, Basque Country): mild and humid, frequent rainfall.
- Continental climate: Centre (Madrid, Castile): cold winters, very hot summers.
- Mountain climate: Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada: snow in winter, cool in summer.
- Subtropical climate: Canary Islands: mild all year round, constant temperatures (20-28°C).
🗓️ 2. The seasons in Spain: what do you need to know?
Here's a season-by-season overview to help you choose the right dates:
Spring (March to May)
Ideal for discovering Andalusia, Barcelona or Madrid. Pleasant temperatures, flowers, events like Holy Week.
Summer (June to August)
Very hot in the south and centre. Perfect for beaches (Costa Brava, Costa del Sol), but avoid inland towns in July and August.
Autumn (September to November)
Temperatures still warm in September, with magnificent colours in the north. Fewer tourists.
Winter (December to February)
Warm in the south (Seville, Málaga), snow in the mountains, good time to visit the major cities without crowds.
Temperature table
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 6 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 19 | 25 | 30 | 30 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 7 |
| Barcelona | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 11 |
| Seville | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 33 | 28 | 22 | 16 | 12 |
| Valence | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 12 |
| Bilbao | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 |
| Malaga | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 13 |
| Las Palmas (Canaries) | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 20 |
📍 3. Weather by region: where to go and when?
Andalusia
Ideal in spring and autumn. Very hot summer (up to 45°C in Seville). Mild winters.
Mediterranean coast (Valencia, Barcelona, Murcia)
Pleasant climate all year round. Hot summers, mild winters.
Northern Spain (Galicia, Basque Country)
Oceanic climate: frequent rainfall but moderate temperatures. Perfect in summer for escaping the heat.
Madrid and the interior
Hot summer, cold winter. Spring and autumn recommended.
Balearic Islands
Mediterranean climate. Ideal season: May to September.
Canary Islands
Subtropical climate. Very pleasant all year round. Ideal for winter.
🧳 4. Practical advice depending on the weather
- Bring light, breathable clothing in summer, especially in the south.
- Bring a mackintosh if you're visiting the north or Galicia.
- Sun cream and a hat are essential in summer, even in towns.
- In winter, a coat is necessary in Madrid or Burgos, but unnecessary in Malaga.
📅 5. The best times to visit Spain according to your tastes
- For the beach: June to September on the east and south coasts.
- For sightseeing: April-May and September-October.
- Hiking: spring in the north, autumn in the south.
- To avoid the crowds: November to March (excluding public holidays).
