Understanding Spain's Seasons

Almost any time of year is the right time to go to Spain, which has some of the best year-round weather in Europe. Though Spain is renowned and revered for its sun, avoid some sunny areas in the deadly hot summer. Fortunately, no matter when you go, you can find a part of Spain tailor-made for the time of year you're visiting.

Even in winter, you can find the warmth of the Spanish sun. Spring and fall are overall the most pleasant seasons, when you can enjoy festivals, fewer crowds than in summer, and a respite from scorching summer heat. If you visit Spain in summer, you may want to do as Spaniards themselves do and head north.

Spring

Spring (especially late spring, from mid-April to mid-May) is ideal for Central Spain, Andalusia, the Mediterranean coast, and the Balearic Islands. The sun hasn't cranked up to its full potential yet (many regions only get up to between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit), flowers are in dazzling bloom, and Spaniards, who love to be outside, fill sidewalk cafes. In addition, some of the best festivals take place in spring.

But keep in mind that the north can be pretty rainy, and the spring festivals in Andalusia put hotel accommodations at a premium.

Summer

Summer is an excellent time to hit northern "green" Spain, which is usually rainy in winter and spring. From the Basque Country to Galicia, the temperatures are the peninsula's coolest, averaging around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep the heat and crowds in mind, however. Madrid and Andalusia are extremely hot and dry, like an overheated brick oven. Temperatures routinely soar to 100 degrees or worse. Barcelona's pretty humid, so even though temperatures may only be around 85, you feel sticky and uncomfortable. During summer, Europeans pour into Spain, especially the coastal regions. In August, 90 percent of Spaniards are on vacation, so much of the country (inland, at least) closes up for the month. During the last week of July and first week of August, highways crisscrossing Spain clog with expatriate Moroccans returning home from northern Europe for the summer holidays.

Fall

Fall may be the best time to visit Spain as a whole, with sunny days, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds than in summer.

Although fall offers great weather for traveling, the Atlantic coast gets a good bit of rain, and the summer heat may still linger in central and southern Spain.

Winter

Winter is a good time to travel to the southern Mediterranean and the mountains in both the north and south for snow sports. Crowds are nonexistent, and prices drop for hotels and airfares.

But consider that some coastal resorts, especially on the Costa Brava, virtually shut down during this slow season. And in Central Spain, where extremes rule, winter can be as cold (with temperatures dipping into the 30s) as summer is hot.

Getting a handle on crowds and prices

Spain is one of the world's top tourist destinations; it gets more visitors every year than it has citizens. During much of the year, parts of Spain are quite crowded with tourists and expensive. You can find the best bargains during the shoulder seasons (late fall and early spring) and off-seasons. Prices are lower at hotels, and getting a reservation and doing just about everything else — going to a restaurant, visiting a museum or cathedral, traveling by train or on the highway, and so on — is much less difficult. The shoulder seasons are cheaper than summer (if not rock-bottom).

Prices in Spain are usually lowest in November through February and highest in July and August. If a bargain trip is high on your list, keep this pricing information in mind when making your reservation.

Besides July and August, prices are also highest during Easter week. Avoid it if you don't want rushes of Spanish and European tourists sweeping you away. Traditionally, Europeans, en masse, take off the month of August and head to the beaches. Most Europeans don't yet have the vacation flexibility that many North Americans enjoy (that said, though, most Europeans get a full month or more of vacation!). So take advantage of your greater flexibility if you can visit Spain in fall, winter, or early spring.

Knowing when not to go

You've probably already figured out that Spain in August can be miserable. The sun bakes everything in sight, major cities become ghost towns as wise Spaniards flee to the coasts, which are packed with Spanish and European tourists. If you're not on the coast, you may find the short hours and closings frustrating, and few restaurants are even open.

A number of museums and businesses are closed for business during Christmas and Easter holidays. But that's the trade-off to see Spain at its folkloric best. Many Spaniards have the entire Holy Week (Easter) off, so coasts and popular Easter cities such as Seville and Málaga fill up.

Prices go through the roof when everybody wants to visit a particular place. That's April and May, during the celebrated festivals of Seville and Cordoba, and summer (July and August) in the Balearics, Northern Spain, and along the Mediterranean coasts. If you don't want to run with the bulls or watch other people perform that original extreme sport, stay away from Pamplona in early July.