There’s a reason Spain calls to travellers year after year — or maybe there are several. Whether it’s the tempting scent of sizzling tapas wafting from a seaside chiringuito, the spellbinding gold of an Andalusian dusk, or the rhythmic stamp of flamenco shoes echoing through a cobbled plaza, Spain offers a rich sensory palette that is as compelling as it is diverse. And at the heart of it all, like an ever-changing backdrop, is the weather.
Knowing when to visit Spain can make a world of difference. This vibrant country stretches from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, and includes mountain villages, arid plains, Atlantic coasts, and lush green northlands. Weather plays a starring role in painting the mood of your experience. So, for those planning their journey — whether you dream of basking on Mediterranean shores or hiking through crisp Basque woodlands — here’s a practical, season-by-season guide to understanding Spain’s average weather all year round.
Understanding Spain’s Climate Zones
Before diving into the months, it helps to know that Spain isn’t defined by a single climate. Instead, it enjoys (or surprises us with) a delightful patchwork:
- Mediterranean Coast (Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga): Mild winters, hot dry summers.
- Central Spain (Madrid, Toledo): Continental climate — cold winters, baking summers, low humidity.
- Northern Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastián, Galicia): Oceanic climate — cooler temperatures, regular rainfall, lush greenery.
- Southern Spain (Seville, Córdoba): Dry and hottest region, especially in the summer.
- Canary Islands: Subtropical — warm and spring-like all year.
Now, let’s drift through the seasons together — month by month.
Winter in Spain (December to February)
Snowflakes on the Sierra Nevada, orange trees blooming in Seville, and Christmas markets twinkling in Madrid — Spanish winter has more variety than one might imagine.
While much of Europe wraps itself in thick wool and dreams of spring, parts of Spain stay delightfully temperate. In the south, Córdoba or Granada in December might offer you 15°C daytime strolls through ancient Moorish alleys. In contrast, central Spain can dip to just above freezing at night, especially in January, with Madrid seeing occasional snow flurries and averaging 6–8°C by day.
If you’re skiing-inclined, head to the Sierra Nevada, where snow peaks sit just hours away from sunny Andalusian cities. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands boast a blissful winter — think 20°C days kissed by Atlantic breezes. It’s no wonder Europeans flock there to chase the sun.
Spring Awakening (March to May)
March begins to whisper of warmth. By April, Spain casts off its winter hush entirely. This is when the earth seems to breathe again — blossoms explode across Málaga’s parks, and patio cafés burst to life across the country.
In Barcelona, expect average highs around 18°C in April, perfect for long afternoons wandering the Gothic quarter or Gaudí’s surreal landscapes. In the north, spring is still damp and lush, but wildflowers spread vibrantly across the hills of Asturias and Galicia.
Personally, I once spent a May morning in Seville wandering the Real Alcázar, the scent of orange blossom so thick in the air it felt like something you could taste. With daytime temperatures approaching 27°C and golden light dancing off tiled courtyards — it was almost unbearably magical.
One thing to note: April showers are not just a British trait. Sudden bursts of rain are common in central and northern Spain, so keep a compact umbrella or a light waterproof handy.
The Spanish Summer (June to August)
Summer in Spain is a passionate crescendo — filled with festivals, siestas, and scorching sunshine. Depending on where you are, ‘hot’ can mean anything from pleasant beach weather to melt-your-sandals levels of heat.
Southern Spain can be relentless in July and August — Seville and Córdoba often see highs over 40°C. It’s the kind of heat that quiets the cities into restful siestas, where even the cats seem to ease into the shade. That said, the evenings awaken with joy — late-night tapas, impromptu guitar serenades and the generous hum of life filling the plazas.
If you’re seeking a cooler escape, the north is your haven. San Sebastián, for example, rarely passes 27°C in high summer and offers a beautiful balance of culture, food (pintxos, anyone?), and breezy Atlantic air. The Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains attract hikers during this season — wild, green and just cool enough for alpine adventure.
Down on the Mediterranean coast, cities like Valencia and Barcelona maintain hotter days (28–33°C on average) but are tempered by sea breezes. Just don’t forget your sunscreen — even when the wind is kind, the sun rarely is.
Autumn’s Embrace (September to November)
There’s a certain romance to autumn in Spain. The heat lifts, plazas slow, and vineyards across La Rioja and Castilla-León dance in hues of amber and ruby. September often still feels like summer, especially in the south, but by late October, the chill begins to curl into the mornings.
This is arguably one of the best times to travel in Spain. In Madrid, temperatures remain around 20°C deep into October. In the Basque country, the foliage turns dramatically, and the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air in cozy city corners. Even the beaches are still welcoming — the Mediterranean is still warm from the summer sun, and many locals enjoy quiet swims well into early October.
Rain returns modestly, particularly in the north, but days remain clear and inviting elsewhere. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the Alhambra without heavy crowds or with the golden light of late afternoon on ancient walls, November might just be your secret window.
Spain’s Weather Highlights by Region
If you’re short on time or plotting a specific destination, here’s a quick overview of regional weather patterns throughout the year:
- Madrid: Cold winters (~5°C), hot dry summers (~30–35°C), very little rainfall year-round. Best in spring and autumn.
- Barcelona: Mild winter (~10°C), warm summer (~28°C), humid; ideal in May–June and September.
- Seville: Scorching in summer (often over 40°C), pleasant from October to April; very dry.
- San Sebastián: Wet and green; cooler summers (~25°C), milder winters (~9°C). Best in late spring and early autumn.
- Canary Islands: Temperatures stay between 18–25°C all year — a constant springtime feel.
Some Practical Tips for Weather-Savvy Travel
- Pack smart layers: A light scarf or jacket can make evening strolls more comfortable, even in spring or fall.
- Adapt your rhythm: In summer, embrace the Spanish « horario » — early mornings, shaded afternoons, and lively evenings.
- Check for local weather quirks: The Levante wind can bring dramatic shifts to the eastern coast; the south may face brief but intense calima dust clouds from Africa.
- Don’t fear the rain: Especially in the north, a little rain often adds charm to stone streets and sleepy cafés.
Ultimately, Spain doesn’t offer you one weather experience — it offers many. Part of its magic lies in this diversity. You might spend a morning under snow in Aragon, a lazy afternoon beside waves in Cádiz, and finish the day sharing grilled sardines under stars in Málaga. The key lies not in chasing perfection, but in understanding the rhythm of the region you choose.
So pack your curiosity alongside your sunscreen. Bring an umbrella, but don’t be discouraged by clouds — after all, even in rain, a glass of Rioja tastes just as warm.
Spain is waiting for you, season after season.