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Last updated on October 5th, 2024 at 12:59 pm
If you ever wondered what the off season in Spain is like, keep reading for weather information and tips on where to go and things to do in Spain in the off season.
We’ve been to Spain several times. Most of our trips to Spain were in the low season. At first, this was purely coincidental. However, it gradually became intentional. Because, once you’ve experienced the off season in Spain, there’s no going back. The privilege to have otherwise overcrowded cities and coastal destinations – almost – to yourselves is addictive.
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Is Spain Worth Visiting in The Off Season?
If you’ve been reading our guides for a while, you must know that we’re advocates for sustainable travel. One of the best ways to travel sustainably to saturated destinations is to visit these in the low season.
Spain has no shortage of overcrowded places that suffer in the peak tourist season. Therefore, visiting Spain in the off season is an easy way to support the country’s local economies when they need you the most.
Moreover, the off season in Spain allows you to make the most of your time in the country’s most popular destinations and enjoy them with fewer crowds, compared to the high season. Major tourist attractions, such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granada, are so busy in the high season that you can hardly appreciate them to the fullest.
In terms of weather, the off season in Spain is generally pleasant, especially in central Spain, southern Spain and the islands.
That said, with the exception of the Canary Islands, don’t expect T-shirt weather in Spain in the low season. Autumn, winter and even spring can be quite chilly in Spain. Yet, that’s the best kind of weather for sightseeing in the cities or hiking in nature without the scorching summer heat.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Spain
When Is The Off Season in Spain?
Similar to most European countries, the peak season in Spain starts in late spring and ends in early autumn. The summer months of June, July and August are the busiest time of the year. The off season in Spain runs roughly from November to March.
FAQs About Visiting Spain in The Off Season
What region of Spain should I avoid visiting in the off season?
The northern regions, such as San Sebastián and the entire Basque Country, are the rainiest in Spain. As such, they should be avoided in the low season. The summer season is the perfect time to visit northern Spain to enjoy great weather and less rain.
When is the worst time to visit Spain in the off season?
Besides the Christmas season, another bad time with crowds, long lines and restricted availability of accommodation, activities and dining options is in early December.
On December 6th and December 8th, Spain celebrates two national holidays. This is why most places in Spain are packed during the entire first week of December. We learnt this the hard way when we decided to plan a trip to Madrid on those exact dates.
Which is the coldest month in Spain?
The coldest month in Spain is January with average temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C.
When is the rainy season in Spain?
Unlike Asia, there’s no rainy season in Spain – or Europe – per se. But, if you’re wondering when it rains the most in Spain, the country sees most rainfall from late fall to spring. Therefore, the rainy season in Spain coincides with the low season. However, this doesn’t mean that there are heavy downpours 24/7. Sunny days to enjoy the outdoors with pleasant temperatures are quite common.
Spain in November
Weather in Spain in November
November still boasts the pleasant temperatures of autumn before the winter months arrive. High temperatures at midday range from 15°C in the north to 20°C in the south of Spain. Evening lows are a bit less than 10°C.
With six rainy days on average in Seville and nine rainy days in Madrid and Barcelona, the risk of November rain ruining your travel plans is low.
Where To Go in Spain in November
November marks the beginning of the low season in Spain as tourist crowds tend to shrink in popular cities like Madrid and Barcelona. However, our pick for November would be the southern regions of Spain or the coastal areas, where the weather is still mild enough for you to bask on the beach and do outdoor activities, with fewer crowds.
Andalusia
With several festivals held in the Andalusia region and plenty of things to do, spend at least 4 days in Seville to explore the city and the region without the exhausting summer heat.
Spanish culture is associated with good food and local wine. November is the month with a multitude of local festivals highlighting food and wine experiences. The International Sherry Week features several events with sherry tastings and pairings throughout the country, but mainly in Andalusia.
What’s more, November is olive harvest month in Mediterranean countries. The annual Olives & Olive Oil Festival in Baena, a city near Cordoba, celebrates the Spanish olive culture with tastings, workshops and exhibitions.
November is also the best month to visit Spain for cinema lovers. Numerous film festivals take place in Spain, such as the Seville European Film Festival.
Costa Brava
One of the best things to do in Spain in November is to enjoy the beaches without the summer crowds. Although the sea temperature in November might not be ideal for swimming, it certainly is for sunbathing or picnicking on the sandy beaches of Costa Brava.
Spain in December
Weather in Spain in December
With high temperatures around 10°C and evening lows at 2°C, the weather in Madrid and central Spain gets cooler in December. Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast enjoy warmer temperatures, two to three degrees higher than Madrid.
Seville and the south still boast pleasant weather with cooler temperatures that reach 16°C at midday. However, the best places to visit in Spain in December in terms of weather are the Canary Islands, where the average temperature never falls below 20°C.
Average rainy days in December range from five days in Barcelona and Gran Canaria to 10 days in Madrid.
Where To Go in Spain in December
From the Canaries to the Balearic Islands, December is the perfect month to visit Spain’s beautiful islands. Alternatively, head to the country’s largest cities for some festive cheer without the freezing temperatures of Central Europe’s traditional Christmas destinations.
Canary Islands
Plan a road trip across Gran Canaria, hike to the island’s imposing rock formations and watch surfers tame the waves in El Confital Beach or visit Tenerife for stargazing and swimming under the warm winter sun.
Be warned, though. Christmas is the high season for the Canary Islands. For that reason, it’s better to visit the Canaries in early December for a warm pre-Christmas season escape to one of Spain’s best year-round destinations.
If you happen to be in Gran Canaria in early December, don’t miss the massive Nativity Scene made of sand on Las Canteras Beach, one of the best things to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Another impressive Nativity Scene in Gran Canaria occupies an entire room in the information centre of Galdar.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea might not be as warm as the Canary Islands, but they enjoy mild weather, too. Mallorca, the largest Balearic Island, is a good option for December. From basking on the beach to savouring tapas and vermouth at cosy tapas bars, there are plenty of things to do in Palma de Mallorca in winter.
Spain’s Christmas Markets
Unlike Central Europe, Spain isn’t a popular Christmas destination. However, if you’re not a great fan of Central Europe’s cold weather, Spain has its fair share of joyful Christmas markets to visit.
Madrid’s Christmas Market at Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square, Fira de Santa Llucia, the 19th-century historic market next to Barcelona’s Cathedral and the market along Avenida de la Costitucion next to Seville’s Cathedral are only a few Christmas markets where you can be merry and buy local crafts, decorations and, of course, handmade Christmas figurines.
Madrid
If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in Spain, don’t miss the Twelve Grapes tradition. According to that, people eat one grape for each of the twelve clock strikes at midnight. This is supposed to bring them good luck and prosperity in the new year. The most popular place to experience this unique Spanish tradition is Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid. It’s going to be quite busy but it’s worth it for this fun tradition.
Spain in January
Weather in Spain in January
With average temperatures ranging between 0°C and 10°C, January is the heart of winter in Spain. Madrid is the coldest of all major cities, while Seville and Barcelona are three to five degrees warmer. The first snow makes its presence on the mountains attracting ski lovers from all over the country. Rainy days grow in number in Madrid and Seville, whereas in Barcelona the weather is significantly drier.
Where To Go in Spain in January
January is the best month to enjoy the most popular Spanish destinations with fewer tourists. Alternatively, January’s a great time for winter sports lovers to hit the slopes of the country’s dramatic mountains.
Barcelona
The days following the busy Christmas season are the ideal time to visit the bustling city of Barcelona. With hordes of tourists flooding the streets, Barcelona is one of the cities suffering from overtourism and the Airbnb effect. Yet, in January, Barcelona is at its least busy.
Moreover, plan to visit Barcelona in January to avoid the long lines and crowds at major Gaudi attractions, like La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. The low season is the best time of year to explore Gaudi’s genius at a leisurely pace, without frantic selfie stick bearers blocking your view.
Spain’s Mountains
January is the best month for winter sports enthusiasts to plan a trip to the mountains. Spain is not only home to magnificent beaches, but also to fantastic winter resorts perfect for ski adventures on the slopes. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Granada and the Pyrenees Mountain Range, you can find some of the best ski resorts in Spain.
Spain in February
Weather in Spain in February
From 7°C in Madrid to 12°C in Seville, average temperatures in Spain start showing a gentle increase in February. At the same time, the number of monthly rainy days slightly decreases. The combination of chilly weather and little rainfall is perfect for exploring the cities.
Where To Go in Spain in February
February – or, sometimes, March, depending on the date Easter falls each year – is Carnival season in Spain, thus the best time to discover Carnival events and traditions throughout the country. On the other hand, similar to January, February is an excellent time to take some days off and plan a trip to one of Spain’s sought-after cities, having them – almost – all to yourselves.
Cadiz
With celebrations, theatre competitions, singing events and street parties at every turn, Cadiz hosts the most exciting Carnival in Spain. For eleven days, the city fills with colour, music and costumes that transform this popular summer city into an all-day and night party in the heart of winter.
Madrid
Renowned for its vibrant life throughout the year, Madrid is always a good choice to fulfil your thirst for travelling. The best way to escape the cold and rain in February is to visit one or more of the city’s museums. Spain boasts plenty of important museums across the country, but Madrid is home to some of the best art museums in the world.
The famous Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, collectively known as Golden Triangle of Art, are three top-notch museums you should add to your Madrid itinerary.
Spain in March
Weather in Spain in March
In March, the first blossoms grace Spain with their beauty, while daylight gradually increases from one day to the next. From the north to the south of Spain, average temperatures start going up, with Seville’s temperature reaching 20°C. That said, March is the most unpredictable month as the transition to spring may sometimes cause extreme weather conditions.
Where To Go in Spain in March
March is quite unstable with a few rainy days but milder temperatures. Similar to November, Andalusia and places near the coastline are best for enjoying the sun and the beach, outdoor activities and mingling with locals at open-air cafés and tapas bars.
Costa del Sol
Besides magnificent sandy beaches and quaint towns like beautiful Nerja, Costa del Sol in the South of Spain, is home to over 70 golf courses. The popular golf destination is perfect for either skilled golfers or beginners who want to make the most of March’s long days by enjoying the sunshine and the sea breeze while playing their favourite sport.
Granada
True to its dance culture, Granada hosts the International Tango Festival every March. The festival activities include tango performances, tango parties and tango classes. If you plan to visit Spain in March, Granada is a great option for dance aficionados.
Seville
Seville is gorgeous all year long but, in March, it feels like a dream as the scents of the orange blossoms traverse through the sun-drenched city.
We hope our guide to the off season in Spain inspires you to visit this stunning European country outside the high season. This way, not only will you enjoy all that Spain has to offer to the fullest, but you’ll also help local communities breathe by not contributing to the negative effects of the peak season’s overtourism.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria