Seasonal Guide 2026 — weather, festivals, and when to book
Published 7 July 2026 · 8 min read
Andalusia sprawls across southern Spain from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and its climate varies dramatically between the scorching Guadalquivir valley, the breezy Atlantic coast, and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Choosing the right time to visit depends on what you want to do — from festival-hopping and city sightseeing to beach lounging, hiking, or skiing. This guide breaks down every season so you can plan the perfect eco-friendly trip.
March: 15-22°C · April: 17-25°C · May: 20-28°C
Spring is widely considered the ideal season to visit Andalusia, and for good reason. Temperatures are warm without being oppressive, the countryside erupts in wildflowers, and the festival calendar hits its peak. It is the sweet spot between the chill of winter and the furnace of summer.
The season begins gently in March, when almond trees are already blossoming across the Granada foothills and daytime temperatures climb into the low twenties. By April, Andalusia is ablaze with colour and energy. Two of Spain's greatest festivals happen back to back: Semana Santa (Holy Week) sees enormous religious processions winding through every city, with Seville's being the most famous — hundreds of hooded penitents, gilded floats weighing tonnes, and saeta singers crying out from balconies. Just two weeks later comes the Feria de Abril, Seville's spring fair: six days of flamenco dresses, horse parades, casetas (party tents), and sherry-fuelled celebrations until dawn.
May brings Córdoba's Festival of the Patios, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event where residents open their flower-filled courtyard gardens to the public. Patios overflow with geraniums, jasmine, and bougainvillea, and the competition for the best-decorated patio is fierce. Also in May, Jerez de la Frontera hosts its Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair), featuring equestrian displays, sherry tastings, and flamenco.
Spring is perfect for sightseeing in Seville, Córdoba, and Granada before the summer heat makes walking miserable. It is also the best season for hiking in the Pueblos Blancos, the Alpujarras, and the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Hotels fill up during Semana Santa and the Ferias, so book well in advance — and remember, through IMPT you pay the same price as Booking.com while removing 1 tonne of CO₂ per booking.
June: 25-33°C · July: 28-38°C · August: 28-39°C (Inland cities often exceed 40°C)
Summer in Andalusia is a tale of two climates. The coast is glorious: long sunny days, warm Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, and lively beach towns from Nerja to Tarifa. The interior, however, is brutally hot. Córdoba and Seville are among the hottest cities in Europe from late June through August, with afternoon temperatures routinely exceeding 40°C. Córdoba has recorded temperatures above 46°C — the highest ever measured in Spain.
If you visit in summer, plan your days the Andalusian way. Sightseeing happens in the morning (before 11am) and in the evening (after 7pm). The midday hours are for retreating to air-conditioned museums, swimming pools, or the shade of a tapas bar. Locals take this seriously — summer life in Seville revolves around finding shade, cold gazpacho, and a siesta.
The Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella, Nerja, Torremolinos) is the obvious summer destination, with reliable sunshine and sea temperatures reaching 24-25°C by August. The Atlantic coast around Cádiz and Tarifa is slightly cooler and windier — perfect for surfers and kite-surfers. Cabo de Gata in Almería offers the most pristine, uncrowded beaches in the region.
Summer nights in Andalusia are magical. Open-air flamenco shows, rooftop bars, and late-night terrace dining are at their best. The Festival de la Guitarra in Córdoba (July) and various music festivals across the region take advantage of the warm evenings. Just be prepared: Andalusians eat dinner at 10pm in summer, and nightlife doesn't get going until midnight.
Accommodation on the coast is at peak demand and price in July and August. Book early. Inland cities like Seville and Córdoba, paradoxically, can offer excellent hotel deals in midsummer because tourist numbers drop due to the heat — making it a surprisingly affordable time if you can handle the temperatures.
September: 24-32°C · October: 19-26°C · November: 14-20°C
Autumn is Andalusia's hidden gem. September still feels like summer, particularly on the coast, but without the August peak-season crowds and prices. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October along the Costa del Sol. Inland, the punishing summer heat breaks, and the Guadalquivir valley becomes pleasant for walking and sightseeing again.
October is arguably the single best month to visit Andalusia. Temperatures are ideal (19-26°C), crowds are thin, hotel prices drop, and the light takes on a golden quality that makes every whitewashed village and Moorish palace look even more photogenic. The olive harvest begins in late October and runs through November — if you visit the province of Jaén, the world's olive oil capital, you can see groves being harvested and taste freshly pressed oil at mills and cooperatives.
November is cooler and sees some rain, particularly in the western mountains (Grazalema is one of Spain's wettest municipalities). But rainfall is usually short and sharp, not the grey drizzle of northern Europe. Cities remain very visitable, and you will have major monuments almost to yourself. It is also the start of the mushroom season in the Sierra de Aracena (Huelva) and the chestnut harvest in the Genal Valley (Málaga).
For hikers, autumn is prime season. The oppressive summer heat has passed, springs and rivers are flowing again after the first rains, and trails through the Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras, and Pueblos Blancos are at their most pleasant.
December: 10-17°C · January: 8-15°C · February: 9-17°C
Andalusia's winters are mild compared to the rest of Europe, making it an excellent off-season escape. Daytime temperatures along the coast average 15-17°C, and while inland cities are cooler (8-15°C), snow is rare below 1,000 metres. Seville in January can feel like London in May — cool but bright, with comfortable walking weather.
The major benefit of winter is the absence of crowds. The Alhambra, which requires advance-booked timed tickets in spring and summer, is far easier to access in January and February. The Mezquita, the Alcázar, and Seville's cathedral are all more enjoyable without the summer throngs. Hotel prices hit their annual low (excluding the Christmas and New Year period), and flights from northern Europe are at their cheapest.
Winter is also skiing season in the Sierra Nevada. The resort at Pradollano (Solynieve) typically operates from late November to April, with over 100 km of runs at altitudes between 2,100 and 3,300 metres. It is Europe's most southerly ski resort, and on clear days you can see the Mediterranean and the mountains of Morocco from the upper slopes. A morning of skiing followed by an afternoon in Granada — warm enough for a terrace lunch — is one of Andalusia's great travel experiences.
The Cádiz Carnival in February is one of Spain's biggest, a wild two-week celebration of satirical songs, costumes, and street parties. It is second only to the Tenerife Carnival in terms of scale and irreverence. If you visit in late February, Cádiz is unmissable.
Rainfall in winter is moderate — typically 6-8 rainy days per month — and usually comes in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Pack layers and a light waterproof, but expect plenty of sunshine even in the depths of January.
Andalusia's calendar is packed with celebrations. Here are the highlights that may influence your timing:
Cádiz Carnival (February): Two weeks of satirical songs, costumes, and street parties. One of Spain's biggest carnivals.
Semana Santa / Holy Week (March–April): Solemn religious processions across every city. Seville's is the most elaborate, with 60+ brotherhoods carrying floats through the streets over a full week.
Feria de Abril, Seville (April): Six days of flamenco, horses, sherry, and all-night celebrations in hundreds of decorated tents. The city's biggest secular event.
Festival of the Patios, Córdoba (May): UNESCO-listed event where private courtyards open to the public, competing for the most beautiful floral display.
Feria del Caballo, Jerez (May): Horse fair with equestrian shows, sherry tastings, and flamenco performances in the home of sherry wine.
Festival de la Guitarra, Córdoba (July): International guitar festival celebrating classical, flamenco, and contemporary guitar music.
Bienal de Flamenco, Seville (September, even years): The world's premier flamenco festival, held every two years with performances across the city's theatres and open-air venues.
Book the Alhambra early. In spring and summer, tickets sell out 2-3 months in advance. Winter is much easier. Buy online through the Patronato de la Alhambra website — do not rely on day-of availability.
Avoid driving in Seville in July-August. The city empties as locals flee the heat. Parking is easier, but the heat makes walking unpleasant. If you must visit in summer, base yourself in a hotel with a pool.
Shoulder season = best value. March, May, October, and November offer the best combination of weather, crowds, and prices. Book through IMPT to get the same price as Booking.com, remove 1 tonne of CO₂, get €5 de crédito gratis, and earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.
Coastal vs inland. If visiting in summer, the coast is mandatory. In winter, inland cities are more rewarding. In spring and autumn, you can do both comfortably.
Pack for extremes. Summer requires sun protection, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Winter needs layers and a light jacket. Spring can swing from warm sunshine to sudden showers, especially in the mountains.
July and August are the hottest months, with average highs of 36-40°C in inland cities like Seville and Córdoba. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and Córdoba holds the record for Spain's highest recorded temperature. Coastal areas like Málaga and Cádiz average 30-32°C thanks to sea breezes.
November to February (excluding Christmas and New Year) is the cheapest period for flights and accommodation. Hotel rates can be 30-50% lower than peak season. The weather is mild (12-18°C), perfect for sightseeing without the heat and crowds. January is typically the quietest month across the region.
Yes, this is famously possible in spring. The Sierra Nevada ski resort near Granada operates from late November to April or May, and the Mediterranean coast is only about 90 minutes' drive away. In late March to April, you can realistically ski in the morning and reach a Costa del Sol beach by afternoon, though the sea is still cool (around 16°C) until June.