The best time to visit Andalusia is from March to May and from October to mid-November: it is 20 to 28 °C (68 to 82 °F) in the afternoon in Seville, skies are often clear and sightseeing stays pleasant all day. July and August suit the beach, but inland (Seville, Cordoba) the average maximum then exceeds 36 °C (97 °F). Winter is mild on the coast and in Seville, cool in Granada. These 36 °C (97 °F) highs change everything: to plan a trip to Seville, it is better to aim for a gentler season.
Andalusia, in the south of Spain, brings together quite different climates. The Guadalquivir valley (Seville, Cordoba) is one of the hottest areas in Europe in summer. Granada, at more than 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, has cold winter nights. The coast (Malaga, Cadiz) is softened by the sea: less hot in summer, milder in winter. Rain falls mostly from October to April, and summer is almost totally dry. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official normals of AEMET, the Spanish meteorological agency.
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When to go to Andalusia at a glance
- Best times March to May and October to mid-November
- For the beach (Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz) June to September
- Hottest month July in Seville, with an average maximum of 36.3 °C (97 °F) (37.1 °C (99 °F) in Cordoba)
- Driest month July, with less than 1 mm (0.0 in) of rain in Seville
- Wettest month in Seville December (77 mm (3.0 in)), followed by October and November
- Major festivals Holy Week (March or April) and the Seville Feria (April or May)
- Cheapest period November to February, outside the year-end holidays
When to go by priority
- Best weather: March to May and October to mid-November
- Cheapest: November, January and February (low prices), outside the holidays
- Fewest crowds: February and November (low crowds), with mild temperatures
- Events: Cadiz carnival in February, Holy Week in March or April, the April Feria in Seville, the Cordoba Patios festival in May (variable dates)
To plan your itinerary, see our page on visiting Andalusia, and our picks for where to go in May.
Andalusia: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: February, March, April, may, October, November
❌ Period to avoid: July, aug
Climate in Andalusia: temperatures and rain month by month
The table uses the 1991–2020 normals for the Seville airport station, published by AEMET. Seville is the region’s main city and the most representative of the interior; the coast and Granada are covered further down.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.3 °C (61 °F) | 6.0 °C (43 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild afternoons, cool nights |
| February | 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 7.0 °C (45 °F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | Low (Cadiz carnival) | Low | ✅ Mild and quiet, low prices |
| March | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Spring, orange trees in bloom |
| April | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 52 mm (2.0 in) | High (Holy Week, Feria) | High | ✅ Ideal, but the festivals are in high demand |
| May | 28.2 °C (83 °F) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | High | Moderate to high | ✅ Warm and sunny, Cordoba patios |
| Jun | 32.9 °C (91 °F) | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ⚠️ Already very hot inland |
| July | 36.3 °C (97 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 0.6 mm (0.0 in) | High on the coast | High on the coast | ❌ Furnace in Seville and Cordoba |
| Aug | 36.2 °C (97 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 2.5 mm (0.1 in) | Very high on the coast | Very high on the coast | ❌ Too hot for sightseeing, beach only |
| September | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | Moderate to high | Moderate to high | ⚠️ Still hot, fine late in the month |
| October | 26.3 °C (79 °F) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 75 mm (3.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Pleasant warmth, rain returns |
| November | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | Low | Low | ✅ Mild and quiet, a few showers |
| December | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 7.4 °C (45 °F) | 77 mm (3.0 in) | Low to moderate (holidays) | Low to moderate | ⚠️ The wettest month, but mild |
Note: according to the same normals, Seville averages 6 to 6.5 days of rain (at least 1 mm (0.04 in)) per month from October to December, against almost none in July–August. Sunshine rises from about 175 hours in December to nearly 370 hours in July. These averages smooth out extremes: during heatwaves, temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C (104 °F) in the Guadalquivir valley.
The seasons in Andalusia: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the best season
Highs rise from 22 °C (72 °F) in March to 28 °C (82 °F) in May in Seville, and rainfall drops markedly in May. Orange trees blossom in the streets of Seville and Cordoba, and the countryside is still green. It is also the season of the big festivals: Holy Week, the April Feria in Seville, flower-decked crosses and patios in Cordoba in May. The sea is still cool for swimming.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for sightseeing, long days, cities in festive mood
- Cons: very expensive, fully booked accommodation during Holy Week and the Feria, a few showers in March–April
- Our tip: late April or May, outside Holy Week if you want to avoid the crowds
Summer (June to August): the beach, not the monuments
It hardly rains from June to August. In Seville, average highs reach 33 °C (91 °F) in June and 36 °C (97 °F) in July–August; Cordoba exceeds 37 °C (99 °F). Sightseeing is bearable only early in the morning and in the evening. On the coast the heat is more moderate (31 °C (88 °F) in Malaga, 28 °C (82 °F) in Cadiz in August) and the beaches are very busy.
- Pros: guaranteed sun, warm Mediterranean sea, long lively evenings
- Cons: crushing heat inland, expensive and crowded coasts, wildfire risk
- Our tip: save summer for the coast and visit Seville, Cordoba or Granada at dawn; stay somewhere with air conditioning
Autumn (September to November): the second good season
September remains hot (32 °C (90 °F) in Seville), especially in the first half. October is very pleasant (26 °C (79 °F)) and November mild (20 °C (68 °F)), with the return of rain as sometimes stormy showers. The sea is still swimmable in September and, depending on the year, early October on the Costa del Sol.
- Pros: bearable heat, fewer people than in spring, falling prices
- Cons: shorter days, episodes of heavy rain possible
- Our tip: October is the best month for a Seville – Cordoba – Granada tour
Winter (December to February): mild on the coast, cool in Granada
Winter afternoons are mild (16 to 18 °C (61 to 64 °F) in Seville and Malaga) but nights are cool. In Granada, the average January minimum falls to 0 °C (32 °F) at the airport, and the Sierra Nevada is snow-covered. December is the wettest month in Seville and Malaga, though rarely with more than 6 days of rain a month.
- Pros: low prices, monuments without queues, the chance to ski in the Sierra Nevada
- Cons: short days, sometimes poorly heated accommodation, sea too cold
- Who is it for? A cultural city break, small budgets, and anyone escaping the cold
What is the climate like in each part of Andalusia?
| Month | Seville | Cordoba | Granada | Malaga | Cadiz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.3 °C (61 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 15.2 °C (59 °F) / 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) / 42 mm (1.7 in) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16.1 °C (61 °F) / 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| February | 18.3 °C (65 °F) / 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) / 38 mm (1.5 in) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) / 51 mm (2.0 in) |
| March | 21.6 °C (71 °F) / 47 mm (1.9 in) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19.0 °C (66 °F) / 32 mm (1.3 in) | 19.7 °C (67 °F) / 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| April | 24.0 °C (75 °F) / 52 mm (2.0 in) | 23.6 °C (74 °F) / 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) / 36 mm (1.4 in) | 21.8 °C (71 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 28.2 °C (83 °F) / 34 mm (1.3 in) | 28.1 °C (83 °F) / 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25.0 °C (77 °F) / 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24.7 °C (76 °F) / 23 mm (0.9 in) | 23.0 °C (73 °F) / 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 32.9 °C (91 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) | 33.4 °C (92 °F) / 11 mm (0.4 in) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) / 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28.5 °C (83 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25.5 °C (78 °F) / 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| July | 36.3 °C (97 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) | 37.1 °C (99 °F) / 1 mm (0.0 in) | 34.8 °C (95 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) | 27.6 °C (82 °F) / 0 mm (0.0 in) |
| Aug | 36.2 °C (97 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 37.0 °C (99 °F) / 7 mm (0.3 in) | 34.2 °C (94 °F) / 4 mm (0.2 in) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28.2 °C (83 °F) / 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| September | 31.6 °C (89 °F) / 33 mm (1.3 in) | 31.8 °C (89 °F) / 37 mm (1.5 in) | 29.4 °C (85 °F) / 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28.4 °C (83 °F) / 25 mm (1.0 in) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| October | 26.3 °C (79 °F) / 75 mm (3.0 in) | 25.8 °C (78 °F) / 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24.3 °C (76 °F) / 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) / 75 mm (3.0 in) |
| November | 20.3 °C (69 °F) / 73 mm (2.9 in) | 19.1 °C (66 °F) / 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) / 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 77 mm (3.0 in) | 19.6 °C (67 °F) / 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| December | 16.9 °C (62 °F) / 77 mm (3.0 in) | 15.8 °C (60 °F) / 91 mm (3.6 in) | 13.4 °C (56 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 17.8 °C (64 °F) / 88 mm (3.5 in) | 17.1 °C (63 °F) / 77 mm (3.0 in) |
One table showing the recommended period for each major region, month by month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seville and Cordoba | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Granada (Alhambra) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Costa del Sol (Malaga) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Costa de la Luz (Cadiz, Tarifa) | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
Seville and Cordoba: the Guadalquivir valley
These are the hottest cities in Andalusia in summer: more than 36 °C (97 °F) average maximum in July–August, and records above 45 °C (113 °F). Aim for March to May and October to November. Cordoba is a little cooler at night in winter (less than 4 °C (39 °F) minimum in January) and a little wetter in December.
Granada and the Sierra Nevada
Altitude makes Granada cooler: 13 °C (55 °F) in the afternoon in January, nights close to 0 °C (32 °F), but still 35 °C (95 °F) in July. Spring arrives later than in Seville: April–May and September–October are the best months for the Alhambra. The Sierra Nevada, just above, has a ski resort in winter depending on snow conditions.
The Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella, Nerja)
The Mediterranean coast is the mildest part of the region: 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon in winter, 31 °C (88 °F) in summer, with summer nights staying above 21 °C (70 °F). Rain is concentrated from November to March. The beach season runs from June to September; Malaga is pleasant to visit all year. Open to visitors all year, the city suits a stay in Malaga outside summer, combining mild weather and sightseeing without the crowds.
The Costa de la Luz (Cadiz, Tarifa, Huelva)
On the Atlantic side, Cadiz is even more temperate: 28 °C (82 °F) in August and more than 9 °C (48 °F) at night in January. The ocean stays cooler than the Mediterranean and the wind often blows, especially near Tarifa, a kitesurfing hotspot. The rainy months are October to December.
When to go to Andalusia by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Andalusian cities tour | March to May, October–November | Seville, Cordoba, Granada |
| Alhambra in Granada | April–May, September–October | Granada (booking essential) |
| Beach and swimming | June to September | Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Almeria |
| Popular festivals | March–April (Holy Week), April–May (Feria), May (Cordoba) | Seville, Cordoba, Malaga |
| Hiking | March to May, October–November | Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras, Grazalema |
| Skiing | December to March, depending on snow | Sierra Nevada |
| Budget | November to February, outside the holidays | Everywhere |
Major events in Andalusia
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February (variable date) | Carnival, one of the best known in Spain | Cadiz |
| February 28 | Andalusia Day (regional public holiday) | The whole region |
| March or April (variable date) | Holy Week (Semana Santa): processions of the brotherhoods | Seville, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba |
| April or May (after Easter) | April Feria: casetas, traditional dress, horses | Seville |
| May | May Crosses and Patios festival | Cordoba |
| May | Horse Fair (Feria del Caballo), a festival of international tourist interest | Jerez de la Frontera |
| May or June (Pentecost) | Rocio pilgrimage | El Rocio (Huelva) |
| August | Malaga Fair | Malaga |
| Even-numbered years (several weeks) | Flamenco Biennial, created in 1980, Spain’s main flamenco festival | Seville |
Andalusia month by month: what to expect
January: Mild in the afternoon (16 °C (61 °F) in Seville, 17 °C (63 °F) in Malaga), cold at night in Granada. Few people, low prices: a good month for monuments.
February: A little drier (46 mm (1.8 in) in Seville) and milder (18 °C (64 °F)). Cadiz carnival and Andalusia Day on the 28th.
March: Spring arrives (22 °C (72 °F) in Seville), orange trees bloom. In some years, Holy Week falls at the end of the month.
April: An excellent month (24 °C (75 °F)). Holy Week and the Seville Feria depending on the year: book very early. A few showers.
May: Warm and sunny (28 °C (82 °F) in Seville), less rain. Cordoba patios. The best month for the Alhambra.
June: Already very hot inland (33 °C (91 °F)). A good month to combine coast and cities, sightseeing in the morning.
July: The hottest and driest month: 36 °C (97 °F) in Seville, 37 °C (99 °F) in Cordoba. Beach only during the day.
August: Intense heat, crowded and expensive coasts. Malaga Fair. Avoid sightseeing in the middle of the day.
September: The heat recedes (32 °C (90 °F) in Seville), the sea stays warm. The end of the month becomes pleasant for sightseeing.
October: One of the best months: 26 °C (79 °F) in Seville, fewer people. Rain returns, often as showers.
November: Mild (20 °C (68 °F)) and quiet, low prices. Bring an umbrella: 73 mm (2.9 in) in Seville, 87 mm (3.4 in) in Cadiz.
December: The wettest month in Seville (77 mm (3.0 in)), but mild. Christmas lights and crowds at New Year.
When to book your trip to Andalusia
For Holy Week and the Seville Feria, book your accommodation 4 to 6 months ahead: central hotels are full and prices rise sharply. For the coast in July–August, allow 3 to 6 months, rental car included. Alhambra tickets also need to be booked well ahead in spring and summer. In the low season, a few weeks is usually enough. Another option is to reach Madrid and continue to Seville, Cordoba or Malaga by high-speed train. Passing through the Spanish capital lets you add a stop: check when to go to Madrid before taking the train south.
Planning your trip to Andalusia
- Entry requirements: for passport and ID rules and arrival procedures, see our page on the entry requirements for Spain.
- Time difference: mainland Spain is on Central European Time (UTC+1), and on UTC+2 in summer during daylight saving time.
- Currency: the euro.
- Heat and weather: GOV.UK (updated 12 August 2026) says extreme weather can affect many parts of Spain, particularly over the summer months, and advises checking AEMET warnings; it also notes that wildfires happen often in summer and that flash flooding can cause travel disruption. The U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025) says temperatures can exceed 104 °F (40 °C) in regions such as Andalusia and advises staying hydrated when exercising outdoors.
For help organizing your tour, see our guide to Andalusia. To compare with the rest of the country, see when to go to Spain, when to go to Portugal, when to go to Morocco and our Spain travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Andalusia?
May and October are the most balanced: 26 to 28 °C (79 to 82 °F) in the afternoon in Seville, little rain and reasonable crowds outside the festivals. March, April and November are also good choices.
Is Andalusia too hot in summer?
Inland, yes for sightseeing: the average maximum reaches 36 °C (97 °F) in Seville and 37 °C (99 °F) in Cordoba in July–August according to AEMET normals, with peaks above 40 °C (104 °F) during heatwaves. The coast is more bearable (31 °C (88 °F) in Malaga, 28 °C (82 °F) in Cadiz).
What is the wettest month in Andalusia?
December in Seville (77 mm (3.0 in)) and Malaga (88 mm (3.5 in)); November in Cadiz (87 mm (3.4 in)). Even in those months, it rarely rains more than 6 to 9 days.
Can you swim in Andalusia in October?
Often early in the month on the Costa del Sol, where days stay warm (24 °C (75 °F) in Malaga). The water then cools; on the Atlantic coast it is cooler.
When should you visit Andalusia to avoid the crowds?
From November to February, outside the year-end holidays. In spring, avoid Holy Week and the Feria if you want calm, and visit the Alhambra or the Alcazar at opening time.
Is Granada cold in winter?
Afternoons are cool (13 °C (55 °F) in January) and nights close to 0 °C (32 °F) according to the Granada airport normals. Pack warm clothes, especially if you head up into the Sierra Nevada.
When is the rainy season in Andalusia?
Rain falls mostly from October to April, peaking in November–December (77 mm (3.0 in) in December in Seville, 88 mm (3.5 in) in Malaga, 87 mm (3.4 in) in November in Cadiz according to AEMET). From June to August it hardly rains.
What is the cheapest time to visit Andalusia?
From November to February, outside the year-end holidays: cheaper accommodation, monuments without queues and mild afternoons (16 to 20 °C (61 to 68 °F) in Seville). Holy Week, the Seville Feria and summer on the coast are the most expensive periods.
Is April a good time to visit Andalusia?
Yes: 24 °C (75 °F) average maximum in Seville, the countryside still green and the big festivals. But Holy Week and the Feria send prices soaring: book 4 to 6 months ahead or go outside those dates.
Should you visit Andalusia in November?
It is a good choice for quiet sightseeing: 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Seville and low prices. Bring an umbrella: November is among the wettest months (73 mm (2.9 in) in Seville, 87 mm (3.4 in) in Cadiz).
Our sources
- Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET): normals for Seville, Cordoba and Malaga airports (1991–2020), Granada airport (1981–2010), Cadiz (provisional 1991–2020 normals)
- Heat, weather and wildfire information read on October 26, 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Spain (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Spain country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025)
- Wikipedia (English), articles « Jerez de la Frontera » (Feria del Caballo) and « Bienal de Flamenco », read in October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
