Plan your trip to southern Spain with this month-by-month breakdown of weather, local festivals, and seasonal costs across Andalucía.

The best time to visit Andalucía depends on your tolerance for heat and your interest in traditional festivals. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer is dominated by intense heat inland and high prices on the coast, while winter provides a mild, budget-friendly alternative for city breaks and hiking.

January: Quiet Cities and Three Kings

January is the coldest month in Andalucía, but it remains mild compared to northern Europe. Daytime temperatures average 15°C–17°C on the coast and 12°C–15°C inland. Nights are cold, often dropping to 4°C in Granada.

• Key Event: Cabalgata de Reyes (5 January). Massive parades take place in every city and town as the Three Kings arrive to throw sweets to children.
• Crowds: This is the quietest month for tourism. Expect no queues at major monuments like the Alhambra, provided you book a few days in advance.
• Costs: Hotel rates are at their annual lowest, often 40% cheaper than in spring.
• Insider Tip: Visit the Sierra Nevada for skiing; the season is in full swing and just 30 minutes from Granada city centre.

February: Almond Blossoms and Carnival

February sees the arrival of spring-like blossoms. Weather is unpredictable with occasional heavy rain, but sunny days reach 18°C.

• Key Event: Carnaval de Cádiz. One of the world’s largest carnival celebrations, featuring satirical singing groups (chirigotas) and street parties.
• Key Event: Día de Andalucía (28 February). A regional public holiday with local breakfasts (molletes with olive oil) and official ceremonies.
• Crowds: Low, except in Cádiz during the ten days of Carnival.
• Costs: Prices remain low, but Cádiz hotels will triple their rates during the festival.

March: The Start of the High Season

Nature is in full bloom. Temperatures settle around 20°C. If Easter (Semana Santa) falls in March, expect a dramatic shift in both atmosphere and pricing.

• Key Event: Semana Santa (dates vary). Massive religious processions featuring large floats (pasos) and brass bands. It is a sombre but visually spectacular week.
• Crowds: Moderate, turning to extreme in Seville and Málaga during Holy Week.
• Costs: Prices for accommodation rise significantly towards the end of the month.

April: Fairs and Orange Blossom

April is many locals' favourite month. The scent of orange blossom (azahar) fills the streets of Seville and Córdoba. Expect highs of 23°C.

• Key Event: Feria de Abril (Seville). A week of horse parades, flamenco dress, and temporary marquees (casetas) where locals drink rebujito (sherry and lime soda).
• Crowds: Very high in Seville. Book months in advance.
• Costs: Peak season pricing. Seville hotels can be 200% more expensive than in January.

May: The Festival of Flowers

May offers the best balance of warm weather and cultural events before the summer heat becomes oppressive. Temperatures average 25°C–27°C.

• Key Event: Los Patios de Córdoba. Residents open their private, flower-filled courtyards to the public for free.
• Key Event: Feria del Caballo (Jerez de la Frontera). A celebration of horse culture and sherry.
• Crowds: High in Córdoba and Jerez.
• Insider Tip: Visit the Patios during the week to avoid the massive weekend queues.

June: The Arrival of Summer

Beach season officially begins. Temperatures reach 30°C. Inland cities start to feel the heat by midday.

• Key Event: Noche de San Juan (23 June). Coastal towns build bonfires on the beaches to celebrate the summer solstice; tradition dictates washing your face in the sea at midnight.
• Crowds: Increasing on the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz.
• Costs: Mid-range. Beach resorts begin to raise prices for the summer peak.

July: Peak Heat and Coastal Retreats

Inland Andalucía (Seville, Córdoba, Granada) frequently exceeds 40°C. Sightseeing between 13:00 and 19:00 is not recommended. Most locals head to the coast.

• Key Event: Festival de la Guitarra (Córdoba). A world-class music festival featuring international acts.
• Crowds: Massive on the beaches; very low in inland city centres during the day.
• Costs: Coastal accommodation is at a premium. Inland hotels often offer discounts to attract brave travellers.

August: The Holiday Month

August is the hottest month. Many small, family-run businesses in cities close for the entire month as owners go on holiday. Highs of 42°C are common inland.

• Key Event: Feria de Málaga. A massive city-wide party that lasts ten days, featuring day and night festivities.
• Crowds: Peak capacity on the coast. Driving and parking near beaches becomes difficult.
• Insider Tip: Stick to the coast or the mountains (Las Alpujarras) where temperatures are 10°C cooler than the valleys.

September: The Harvest Season

The intense heat breaks, though it remains warm (28°C–30°C). This is the time for grape harvests (vendimias).

• Key Event: Fiesta de la Vendimia (Jerez). Celebrating the sherry grape harvest with grape treading and tastings.
• Crowds: Beaches become quieter as schools return in mid-September.
• Costs: Prices start to drop from mid-month onwards.

October: The Second Spring

October is ideal for hiking and exploring the white villages (pueblos blancos). Expect mild days of 23°C and the occasional rain shower.

• Key Event: Feria de San Lucas (Jaén). The last major fair of the year.
• Crowds: Manageable. It is a popular month for hikers in the Grazalema and Aracena mountain ranges.
• Costs: Moderate. Good value for money compared to the summer.

November: Olive Oil and Autumn Colours

The rainiest month in Andalucía, though "rainy" here often means short, heavy bursts followed by sun. Temperatures average 18°C.

• Key Event: The start of the olive harvest. Visit Jaén or Baena to see the mills in action and taste the first "green" oils of the season.
• Crowds: Very low. This is an excellent time for indoor attractions like the Picasso Museum in Málaga.
• Costs: Low. Great deals are available for long-term stays.

December: Christmas Lights and Markets

Andalucía takes Christmas seriously. The weather is cool but often sunny, with highs of 16°C.

• Key Event: Málaga Christmas Lights. The Calle Larios light show is famous across Spain and attracts thousands of spectators nightly.
• Key Event: Zambombas in Jerez. Traditional flamenco-style Christmas carols performed in streets and squares.
• Crowds: High in Málaga city centre; low elsewhere.
• Costs: Moderate, with slight increases around the Christmas and New Year period.

Note: Event dates and prices are subject to change. Always check the official municipal tourism websites for the specific year of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hottest month in Andalucía?

August is typically the hottest month, with inland temperatures in Seville and Córdoba frequently reaching 40°C to 44°C. The coast remains slightly cooler due to sea breezes, averaging 30°C to 35°C.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

November, January, and February are the cheapest months. You can find high-quality hotel rooms for under €60 per night in major cities, excluding holiday periods like the Three Kings or local festivals.

Is it worth visiting in August?

Only if you plan to stay by the sea or in the high mountains. Sightseeing in cities like Seville or Granada is physically exhausting in August due to the heat, and many local restaurants close for their own holidays.

When are the main festivals?

Most major festivals occur in spring. Semana Santa (Holy Week) usually falls in March or April, followed by the Seville Fair (April/May) and the Córdoba Patios (May). These require booking accommodation at least 4–6 months in advance.

Summary

• Best for weather: May, June, September, and October offer sunny days without extreme heat.
• Best for budget: January and November provide the lowest rates for flights and accommodation.
• Best for culture: April and May are the peak months for traditional fairs and floral festivals.
• Avoid: August for inland sightseeing due to extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C.