The short answer
The best time to visit Andalusia is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). The weather is warm and sunny everywhere, without the extreme summer heat of the interior.
- Cities (Seville, Córdoba, Granada): spring and autumn. Avoid July and August in Seville and Córdoba.
- Beaches: June to September; the sea is warmest in August and September.
- Winter sun: the Costa del Sol, with around 17 °C at midday in January.
- Skiing: Sierra Nevada, usually from December to April.
Weather by area
Andalusia is large and varied. The coast is mild all year; the inland cities have hot summers and cool winters; the mountains are much colder.
| Month | Seville (high/low) | Málaga (high/low) | Granada (high/low) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 / 6 °C | 17 / 8 °C | 13 / 1 °C |
| February | 18 / 7 °C | 18 / 8 °C | 15 / 2 °C |
| March | 22 / 9 °C | 20 / 10 °C | 18 / 5 °C |
| April | 24 / 11 °C | 22 / 11 °C | 20 / 7 °C |
| May | 28 / 14 °C | 25 / 14 °C | 25 / 10 °C |
| June | 33 / 18 °C | 28 / 18 °C | 31 / 14 °C |
| July | 36 / 20 °C | 31 / 21 °C | 35 / 17 °C |
| August | 36 / 20 °C | 31 / 21 °C | 34 / 17 °C |
| September | 32 / 18 °C | 28 / 19 °C | 29 / 14 °C |
| October | 26 / 14 °C | 24 / 15 °C | 23 / 9 °C |
| November | 20 / 10 °C | 20 / 11 °C | 17 / 5 °C |
| December | 17 / 7 °C | 17 / 9 °C | 13 / 2 °C |
Approximate long-term averages. Single days can be much hotter or colder.
Sea temperature: the Mediterranean (Málaga, Nerja, Almería) reaches about 22–24 °C in August; the Atlantic (Cádiz, Costa de la Luz) is a little cooler and windier, especially around Tarifa.
Month by month
- January and February: mild on the coast, cold nights inland and in Granada. Quiet and cheap. Carnival in Cádiz in February.
- March and April: orange blossom, green countryside, Semana Santa processions everywhere. Book early for Easter.
- May: perhaps the best month: warm, long days, the Feria de Abril or its aftermath in Seville, the patios festival in Córdoba, and the El Rocío pilgrimage.
- June: hot inland, perfect on the coast. Corpus Christi in Granada and Seville.
- July and August: very hot inland (often above 40 °C in Seville and Córdoba); beach season on the coast; village fairs everywhere.
- September: still summer on the coast, better for cities from mid-month. Grape harvest in Jerez.
- October and November: warm and golden, with the first rains; ideal for cities and hiking.
- December: Christmas lights and markets, mild on the coast, snow in the Sierra Nevada.
Events calendar
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival in Cádiz |
| March or April | Semana Santa (Holy Week) everywhere, most famously in Seville and Málaga |
| April or May | Feria de Abril in Seville; Horse Fair in Jerez |
| May | Patios festival and Cruces de Mayo in Córdoba; El Rocío pilgrimage |
| August | Málaga Fair |
| September and October, even years | Bienal de Flamenco in Seville |
For Seville in detail, see the best time to visit Seville.
Best time by travel style
- Culture and cities: March to May, October and November.
- Beach: June to September.
- Road trip: April, May, late September and October.
- Hiking: spring and autumn (the Sierra de Grazalema, the Alpujarras, the Caminito del Rey).
- Budget: January, February and November, outside holidays.
FAQ
What is the weather like in Andalusia?
Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters, with most rain between October and April. The interior is hotter in summer and colder in winter than the coast.
What is the hottest month in Andalusia?
July and August. Seville and Córdoba often reach 40 °C in the afternoon.
Is Andalusia warm in winter?
The coast is, with around 17 °C at midday in January. Inland cities are sunny but cool, and Granada can be cold, with frost at night.
When is the rainy season in Andalusia?
From October to April, usually in short spells. Summers are almost completely dry.