Spain & Portugal travel guide
The best time to visit Spain and Portugal is spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. In Spain, April to June and September to October suit sightseeing. Summer is hot and busy, especially inland. Winter is cooler and quieter, and rainy in northern Portugal.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
Spain and Portugal follow a similar seasonal pattern, so spring and early autumn are the strongest months for both. Weather varies by region, and our research describes the months in general terms rather than with temperatures or rainfall figures. This guide explains the seasons and suggests which months suit which kind of trip. Check current forecasts before you book.
Go in spring or early autumn. In Spain, April to June and September to October suit sightseeing, with lighter crowds and strong conditions for cities. In Portugal, spring and early autumn are recommended, and May to June and September to October are often considered the sweet spots.
Spring brings warmth and blooming conditions to Spain from March and April. In Portugal, temperatures improve through spring and rainfall begins to ease. April is mild with fewer crowds, and May is warm, sunny and excellent for sightseeing. In Spain, May and June are warm to hot and well suited to cities and coasts.
Summer is the busiest and hottest season. In Portugal, June is warm to hot and dry in many areas, and it is a good month for festivals and beaches. July is hot and dry, especially inland and in the south. August is the hottest and busiest month, especially on the coast. In Spain, July and August are the hottest months, especially inland and in southern Spain. Peak summer is busy and pricier in both countries.
September is warm and often very good for sightseeing, with fewer crowds than summer. In Spain, September and October stay warm with cooler evenings, which makes them strong shoulder months. In Portugal, October is mild and comfortable, although rain starts to increase later in the month.
Winter is cooler and quieter in both countries, and prices are often lower in several places. In Portugal, November and the early months of the year are cooler and wetter, especially in the north, and December is cool and rainy but still milder than much of Europe. In Spain, November and December turn cooler and wetter in many areas, though southern coasts stay milder. January and February are the coolest months and often the best value for budget travel.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather varies from year to year, so check current forecasts before you travel.
Ready-made trips
Barcelona 4N · Madrid 3N
Lisbon 5N · Seville 5N
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FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Spain & Portugal.
April to June and September to October are the strongest months for sightseeing in Spain, with mild weather and lighter crowds. Summer is hot, especially inland and in the south, and winter is cooler and quieter, with lower prices in many places.
Spring and early autumn are recommended. May to June and September to October are often considered the sweet spots. Summer is hot and busy, especially on the coast, and winter is cooler and wetter in the north.
Summer is hot and busy, with July and August the hottest months, especially inland and in southern Spain. It works for beaches, but plan sightseeing for the morning and evening, and expect higher prices in peak season.
Winter is cooler and quieter, and prices can be lower in January and February. Northern Portugal is often rainy, while southern Spain's coasts stay milder. Choose winter if you prefer fewer crowds over warm beach days.
January and February, and the shoulder months of spring and early autumn, usually offer better value than peak summer. Prices vary by city, so check your planner's quote for the dates you choose.
Rain is more common in winter and in northern Portugal. Rain starts to increase late in October in Portugal, while summer is mostly dry in many areas. Check current forecasts before you pack.
Yes. Portugal's Holy Week is one of the spring draws, and the country's festivals run through the year. Lisbon's June festivals and Porto's St. John celebrations are major summer draws in Portugal.
Spring and early autumn suit the Spain Highlights 7N package, with sightseeing in Barcelona and Madrid. Summer is hot in both cities, so plan outdoor visits for the cooler hours if you travel then.
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