Ditch the summer crowds and sweltering heat, these Spanish escapes offer the perfect mix of warm weather and cool vibe during the shoulder season.
When most tourists think of Spain, they think of sun-baked beaches in August or city breaks in July. However, for other travelers, peak season can be a bit too much, with endless lines, jacked-up prices and sweltering hot days that sap your energy before lunch. That’s where the shoulder season comes in. The spring and autumn months from March to June and September to October are Spain’s goldilocks zone for good weather, fewer people and an overall more relaxed vibe.
And in case you’re looking for destinations with that perfect mix of sun and comfort, this article has got you covered. Spain-Holiday.com have done the math, factoring in average high temperature, UV indexes and humidity discomfort, to identify the best Spanish shoulder season cities with the most pleasant weather for you to visit.
Why shoulder season in Spain just makes sense
Before we dive into the cities, a word about why shoulder season is so underappreciated. Spain in the summer is a furnace. In cities like Seville or Córdoba, the temperatures are well over 100°F (38°C), and unless you’re a reptile, that’s not exactly ideal for touring. Shoulder season brings a much more agreeable climate, with sunny days in the 60s and 70s, cool nights and just enough daylight to make everything feel enchanted.
Not to mention, there are cheaper flights and hotels, and the major attractions like museums and tapas bars are less likely to be crowded.
March to June: Springtime charm in coastal and cultural hotspots
Spain starts to bloom in March and by May, a large part of the nation is in its prime. Following are some of the destinations that score highest for their great weather during this period:
Alicante – Sunshine, beach and leisure
If you’d rather ease into Spanish living without battling the humidity, Alicante is your place. Plopped nicely on the Costa Blanca, this coastal town enjoys springtime average highs of around 70°F (21°C). The UV index is moderate and the humidity discomfort is low, so you can actually enjoy the beach or a stroll along the Esplanada d’Espanya without feeling like you’re wading through a sauna.
Apart from the beaches, Alicante is a relaxed city with excellent seafood and a castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara) that has panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
Murcia – Spain’s sunniest secret
Overpowered too frequently by its coastal cousins, Murcia is somewhat of a sleeper gem due to which it sparkles during the shoulder season. In the period between March and June, this city in the south enjoys warm but not oppressive heat with an average temperature ranging in the high 60s and low 70s (°F), and witnesses some of the lowest humidity discomfort on offer. That is sun minus the muggy air, perfect to walk about the old town or sit out on a plaza with an ice-cold beverage and a plate of zarangollo (Murcian scrambled eggs and zucchini and onion).
Murcia also gains extra points for being genuine. It’s not so touristy that you can’t experience real Spanish daily life: Warm locals, vibrant markets and extortionately good-value tapas. Spring also means bustling festivals, like the colorful Fiestas de Primavera in April. If you prefer culture with a bit of local twist, Murcia’s your solution.
Castellón de la Plana – Coastal charm with an element of adventure
Right along the coast from Valencia is Castellón de la Plana, a shoulder-season deal second only to Valencia in spring and even surpassing it for September–October. Temperatures swing from around 18 °C (64 °F) in March to around 27 °C (81 °F) by June, with UV readings just high enough to raise sunblock enthusiasts’ alarms, though humidity stays discreet.
It’s a relaxed beach vacation along the Costa del Azahar as well as an access point for adjacent outdoor attractions such as the Desert de les Palmes mountains. Within the city, people can walk among gothic and baroque architecture, see the historic central marketplace and promenade along the seafront, all under stunningly lovely skies.
September to October: The season’s not over yet
Think summer’s over in September? Think again. These destinations stay warm well into the fall, offering a second chance at sunshine.
Valencia – Paella and warm weather
Valencia doesn’t receive nearly the attention it should. During the early fall, the city’s average highs are in the 70s with low humidity and the same crisp Mediterranean air. The beaches are still very much open for business, but the vibe is a great deal more relaxed.
It’s also the birthplace of paella, so foodies, take note. Add in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and a sprawling park built in a former riverbed, and you’ve got a city that’s both fascinating and refreshingly chill.
Girona – Medieval character and gentle spring days
Set within Catalonia an hour north of Barcelona, Girona is a charming shoulder-season getaway with warmth and charm. During March to June, the temperature here fluctuates between the high 50s and low 70s (°F) and the city passes both UV and humidity tests with flying colors, so it’s perfect for languid, long walks down cobblestone streets and along its renowned medieval walls.
History buffs will fall hard for the Roman ruins, ancient Jewish quarter and the grand Cathedral of Girona, while Game of Thrones fans and House of Dragon fans will recognize parts of the old city from the show’s epic scenes. Add in riverside cafes, blooming spring landscapes and far fewer tourists than its bigger Catalan neighbor, and you’ve got one of the most underrated spring destinations in Spain.
