Before the pandemic brought recreational travel to a virtual standstill, Spain was the second most visited country in the world.
However, the European hotspot lost 80 percent footfall in 2020 from 83.5 million visitors reported in 2019.
Spain is almost set to open its door to tourism once again.
The government has stated that it expects footfall this year to touch at least 45 million, which is over 50 percent of the pre-pandemic count.
If you’re planning to visit Spain this year and want to keep it short, the iconic cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have all you need to visit, to experience the rich Spanish culture.
Before planning a trip to Spain, researching the weather is essential. Opt for a reliable weather app or websites like https://www.tomorrow.io/weather/ to find a reliable weather forecast.
In this article, we will touch upon various factors for visiting Spain’s largest cities such as the weather, best things to do, where to eat, and other need-to-know information.
Weather in Spain
Before visiting Spain, it may be a surprise to learn that the country has a diverse and seasonal climate. Spain typically enjoys warm weather throughout the year with an occasional shower, though it can be chilly particularly in the European winter months.
Let’s take a look at the overall weather in the three major cities of Spain…
Weather in Madrid
According to the official tourism website of Spain, the country witnesses around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. The climate is mild throughout the year, but the country also witnesses seasonal contrast.
The city of Madrid and Spain, in general, experience the mildest temperatures during the Spring and Autumn seasons. Therefore, the best time to visit Madrid is from September to November and March to May.
The weather in Spain in May is hot, dry, and mostly clear. The city of Madrid has the same climate, with the temperature varying from 33°F to 92°F.
The coldest weather in Madrid is observed in December, January, and February. This is when the country experiences the most rainfall, especially in the North, and it marks the off-season for tourists in the country.
Weather in Barcelona
The weather in Spain during November starts getting colder. It’s therefore suggested that the best time to visit Barcelona is from May to July when the weather in Spain is at its warmest and driest.
Weather in Valencia
The best time to visit Valencia for the warmer weather is during the spring season between March and May. The temperature is consistent at 18°C and goes down to 10°C in the evening.
Since it is considered peak season, budget travelers might want to check out the less busier Autumn season, from September to December.
Best Weather Month in Spain?
To conclude —the best time to visit Spain— if you’re looking for the warmest weather without worrying about budget, then May is likely the best month to visit.
The balmy days and pleasant nights will make any Spanish experience memorable. On the flip side, May is within the peak tourist season which may also mean bumping elbows with countless other tourists.
For crowd avoidance and meager budgets, another ideal month to visit Spain is during October. In October, the weather in Spain experiences occasional showers and tends to get a little chilly, which makes it off-season for tourists and ideal for those on a tight budget.
During visits to Spain any time of the year, it is recommended to pack a pair of good sunglasses, comfortable footwear, and a backpack with necessities like a small umbrella, sunscreen, and other such essentials.
Now that we know about the weather in Spain and when the ideal time to visit is, here are the top things to do in Spain and its most popular destinations – Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
Best Things to do in Madrid (Villa Y Corte)
Madrid is the capital of Spain and is also fondly called Villa Y Corte. It’s the biggest city in the country with over 3 million inhabitants. Aside from being home to the Spanish government headquarters, the City of Madrid is also regarded as a cultural haven.
Here are things to keep in mind while visiting Madrid.
Top Attractions in Madrid
It’s said that visitors never get bored in Madrid because the city is teeming with significant attractions. It would be wise to plan and decide on days of divided activities and exploration. Below are the top five attractions in the city of Madrid.
1. Plaza Mayor
2. Royal Palace of Madrid
3. Retiro Park
4. Temple of Debod
5. Puertadel Sol
Where To Eat in Madrid
For food lovers, there’s one place to be in Madrid – Mercado De San Miguel. It’s the food market in the city’s heart, with stalls selling local dishes in Madrid like tapas, patatabravas, sandwiches, and more.
Be sure to try the world-famous nougat candy, tortilla de patata, and garlic soup.
How To Reach Madrid
Madrid is a well-connected city within Spain as well as internationally through air, train, and road. The city is located in the center of the Spanish railway network, and the Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport is just 13 km from the city center.
The city also boasts of one of the largest road networks in the world.
Things to do in Barcelona (Ciudad Condal)
Barcelona is called Ciudad Condal, which means the seat of the counts of Barcelona. The city happens to be Spain’s most popular tourist hub for foreign visitors.
The laid-back town is known for its stunning coastlines, eccentric artist and architect Antoni Gaudí, and football’s famous Camp Nou.
Barcelona is known for its Gaudí architecture, seafront, FC Barcelona, and a lot more. While the city is full of attractions that may require days to explore, the top 5 attractions in Barcelona are:
1. La Sagrada Familia
2. Picasso Museum
3. Camp Nou
4. Park Güell
5. Casa Milà
We also have a comprehensive list of the top free things to do in Barcelona.
Where To Eat in Barcelona
Mercat de SantJosep de Boqueria or La Boqueria is the most famous market in Spain, frequented by both locals and tourists. Barcelona has a huge range of vegan restaurants and cafes such as Blu Bar, Roots and Rolls and Cat Bar.
How To Reach Barcelona
Barcelona has four airports, connecting it to major destinations across the globe as well as within Spain. The Barcelona-El Prat International Airport is 12km from the Barcelona city center and is connected to major cities worldwide.
There are three smaller airports called Girona-Costa Brava, Reus, and Lleida-Alguaire, used by low-cost airlines. Barcelona is also well-connected in terms of train, road, and sea transport.
Things to do in Valencia (The City of the 100 Bell Towers)
Located on the South East coast of Spain, Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The town has a laid-back vibe with tons of tourist spots for visitors to explore.
The city is home to paella and it has more beaches than any other area of Spain, making it a desirable tourist hub in the country.
From historical 13th century cathedrals to modern 21st-century constructions, Valencia has it all. Take a stroll in the Old City, relax at Playa de Malvarrosa, and walk through the Central Market; Valencia never runs out of things to do. Here are the top 4 attractions in Valencia.
1. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
2. The Central Market of Valencia
3. La Lonja de la Seda
4. Valencia Cathedral
Where To Eat in Valencia
If you love food, the Central Market in Valencia is a paradise on Earth. It’s the largest market of fresh produce in Europe and is known for the rich and varied cuisines on offer.
The market has over 1,200 stalls selling local produce. Stop by the Central Bar to enjoy tapas, bocadillos, and bravas patatas. Also, take some time to have paella at one of the many restaurants along the coastline.
How To Reach Valencia
Valencia is accessible by sea, land, and air. The city has a small airport with two terminals called València Airport, located 8km from the city center.
For train connectivity, there are two main railway stations – Estacióndel Norte and Joaquín Sorolla, catering to local trains and high-speed rail services, respectively.
The Port of Valencia, located about 5.5km from the center, is a popular destination for cruise ships.