When to Go

Galicia can get very hot (over 30°C/90°F) between June and September, though summer is the best time for swimming and water sports and for Celtic music festivals—the Ortigueira Festival (www.festivaldeortigueira.com) in early July attracts leading Celtic musicians worldwide. Asturias, in the mountains, is cooler. Galicia can be rainy to the point of saturation—not for nothing is this region called Green Spain—so avoid the area in winter: the rain, wind, and freezing temperatures make driving an arduous experience. Spring and fall are ideal, as the weather is reasonable and crowds are few.