The best time to visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 87/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 5 months a year, warmest in August at 25°C.
Spain by month, averaged across 31 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45 | 14° / 57°F | 60 mm | 16° | Good |
| February | 48 | 15° / 59°F | 50 mm | 16° | Good |
| March | 62 | 17° / 63°F | 55 mm | 16° | Very good |
| April | 73 | 18° / 64°F | 50 mm | 17° | Excellent |
| May | 84 | 22° / 72°F | 39 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| June | 90 | 26° / 79°F | 23 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| July | 85 | 28° / 82°F | 15 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| August | 85 | 28° / 82°F | 21 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| September | 88 | 26° / 79°F | 39 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| October | 82 | 22° / 72°F | 66 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| November | 64 | 18° / 64°F | 77 mm | 19° | Very good |
| December | 50 | 15° / 59°F | 63 mm | 17° | Good |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — Spain's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 87/100, ~27°C / 81°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~28°C / 82°F. Wettest: November (77 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Gran Canaria (3,298 h/yr), Jerez de la Frontera (3,263 h/yr), Granada (3,197 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Spain month by month, the hottest places in Spain, or every Spain destination with a full climate card.
In winter the Canary Islands pull far ahead of the mainland — they have their own month-by-month guide.