When to Go

Summer in Spain is hot, and temperatures frequently hit 100°F (38°C). Although air-conditioning is the norm in hotels and museums, walking and general exploring can be uncomfortable—particularly in Andalusia. Winters are mild and rainy along the coasts and bitterly cold elsewhere. Snow is infrequent except in the mountains, where you can ski December through March in the Pyrenees and at resorts near Granada, Madrid, and Burgos.

May and October are optimal for visiting Spain, as it's generally warm and dry. May has more hours of daylight; October is the harvest season, which is especially colorful in the wine regions.

Spring has spectacular fiestas, particularly Valencia's Las Fallas in March and Seville's Semana Santa (Holy Week), which is followed by the Feria de Abril (April Fair), showcasing horses, bulls, and flamenco. April in southern Spain is warm but still cool enough to make sightseeing comfortable.

July and August mean crowds and heat. In August, major cities empty, with Spaniards migrating to the beach—expect huge traffic jams August 1 and 31. Many small shops and some restaurants shut down; most museums remain open.