Spain Guide

Best Time to Visit Spain

Spain offers a rich mix of history, culture, and landscapes — from Mediterranean beaches to lively cities, historic towns and mountainous escapes.

Population

47.35 M

Currency

Euro (EUR)

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Language

Spanish

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Time Zones

UTCUTC+01:00

Capital city

Madrid

Discover Spain

Spain is a country of striking contrasts and deep regional identities. From the art-filled streets of Barcelona and the grand boulevards of Madrid to the white villages of Andalusia and the dramatic cliffs of the northern coast, each corner offers a distinct experience. Gastronomy is a central part of the culture — markets, tapas bars and fine-dining restaurants coexist, showcasing regional specialties and world-class wines. The country also offers varied outdoor experiences: the Camino de Santiago and Picos de Europa for walkers, ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada in winter, and sun-drenched beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Efficient transport links make it easy to combine city breaks with countryside or coastal escapes.

Tips to travel to Spain

Best time to go

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Payments and tips

Carry some cash for small markets and neighborhood cafés. Tipping is appreciated but often modest in restaurants.

Local Food

Try paella in Valencia, jamón ibérico in Extremadura/Andalusia, and pintxos in the Basque Country.

Festivities

Major festivities include Semana Santa (Holy Week), San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol and numerous local summer festivals and ferias.

General Recommendations for Spain

  • Avoid inland areas in August if you want to escape extreme heat.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases — locals appreciate the effort.
  • Public transport is reliable and affordable across cities and regions.
  • Many small shops and businesses close for a short siesta in the early afternoon.

Climate in Spain

Spain's climate is diverse due to its geography. Much of the interior and southeastern areas have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Northern coastal regions (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) have an oceanic climate with cooler temperatures and more rainfall year-round. Mountain ranges (Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, Cantabrian Mountains) have alpine conditions — cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. Note: Daylight Saving Time is observed — mainland Spain shifts to CEST (UTC+02:00) in summer while the Canary Islands shift to WEST (UTC+01:00).

Clima por Meses

Temperatura Media (°C)

Ene
10°
Feb
12°
Mar
16°
Abr
18°
May
22°
Jun
27°
Jul
30°
Ago
30°
Sep
26°
Oct
20°
Nov
14°
Dic
11°

Precipitaciones (mm)

Ene
45mm
Feb
40mm
Mar
35mm
Abr
40mm
May
25mm
Jun
15mm
Jul
8mm
Ago
10mm
Sep
25mm
Oct
35mm
Nov
45mm
Dic
50mm

Horas de Sol(h)

Ene
8
Feb
9
Mar
10
Abr
12
May
13
Jun
14
Jul
13
Ago
12
Sep
10
Oct
8
Nov
9
Dic
7

What to do in Spain

Sagrada Família

Barcelona

Antoni Gaudí’s monumental basilica — book tickets in advance and consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

Alhambra

Granada

A breathtaking Moorish palace and gardens. Reserve timed-entry tickets and wander the Albaicín quarter for great views.

Camino de Santiago

Northern Spain (various routes)

Historic pilgrimage routes culminating in Santiago de Compostela; choose a stage of the route if you don’t walk the entire trail.

Ibiza beaches & nightlife

Balearic Islands

World-famous clubs and beautiful coves — peak season is summer; for a quieter visit choose shoulder months.

Park Güell

Barcelona

Colorful public park by Gaudí with city views; ticketed entry limits numbers, so prebook.

Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

Valencia

Modern architectural complex with museums, an aquarium and cultural spaces — great for families and design lovers.

Prado Museum

Madrid

One of Europe’s leading art museums with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and more — arrive early or use a guided tour.

Donostia / San Sebastián pintxos crawl

Basque Country

Sample high-quality small plates across local bars; best experienced with a leisurely pace and local recommendations.

Best months to visit Spain

Los meses ideales son April, May, June, September, October por sus temperaturas agradables, menos precipitaciones y condiciones perfectas para actividades al aire libre.

Primavera (Mar-May): Ideal para senderismo y turismo cultural

Verano (Jun-Ago): Perfecto para playas y festivales

Otoño (Sep-Nov): Excelente para ciudades y gastronomía

Invierno (Dec-Feb): Temporada baja, ideal para museos y esquí

FAQ about Spain