Spain in September: Fewer Crowds, Better Rates
As September makes way for the cooler Mediterranean weather, the chaos of Spain’s peak tourist season gradually settles. This is the best time to visit Spain to engage in less-crowded touristy activities. Travel back in time in Spain’s history-rich cities, sample the country’s famous cuisines, and explore the vibrant cultures of the different regions. For a bit of adventure, consider short hiking trips in the southern inland. As for beach enthusiasts, a dip in the sea and basking in the sun is still a viable option on your Spain holiday despite the drop in mercury.
- Christine Penn
Spain Weather in September
Considering the vast land stretch of the country, the temperature in Spain in September varies from one region to another. If you are traveling to Valencia, temperatures peak at about 28°C, and you can expect similar highs in the north-eastern capital of Aragon and Zaragoza, where maximum temperatures reach around 26°C. Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands, or even local beaches around Barcelona and Valencia are perfect to go for a dip in the sea or bask in the sun. However, the Basque country is a wetter and cooler coastal region in September with temperatures hovering around 22°C.
Weather in Spain in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 10 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 29 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 21 | 15 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 50 | 54 | 61 | 63 | 72 | 85 | 92 | 92 | 85 | 70 | 59 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 36 | 40 | 41 | 47 | 56 | 61 | 61 | 58 | 49 | 40 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 40 | 30 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 33 | 29 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 14 | 9 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 92 | 85 | 70 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 58 | 49 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 20 | 40 |
Why visit Spain in September
The end of peak tourist season is one of many reasons to visit Spain in September; locals get back to regular life, businesses in cities reopen, and there are numerous festivals to celebrate.
- More availability: While hotel prices don’t necessarily drop that much compared to peak season, there are generally more chances of finding a reasonably priced place to stay that has not been booked up. On average, a night at a standard hotel room can range under USD 100.
- Fewer crowds: As September isn’t a busy tourist month in Spain, you can avoid long queues at attractions. Get quicker access to cultural treasures like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona at your own pace, avoiding the touristy bustle.
- Festivals in September: Celebrate Catalan day on the 11th of September in Catalonia, or head to Tarragona in mid-September to see the start of the Santa Tecla Festival. Stretching over a span of ten days, visitors can sample local food of Spain and watch the parades.
- Lower costs: In general, Spain is one of the more affordable countries to visit in Europe. During September you can manage to get the most bang for your buck since tourists from peak season start to exit and there is less demand for accommodations as well as tickets to famous monuments.
Where to go and what to do
Granada, Madrid, Bilbao, and Logroño are some of the must-visit destinations with a collection of activities in Spain. If you are exploring the Spanish cities, September is an ideal time to go on a tapas tour. Granada, where Flamenco was born, is another popular tourist destination known for its evening Flamenco shows.
For art and history enthusiasts, Bilbao, the capital of the Rioja region, is a must-visit. Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum, known for its ground-breaking architecture and extensive contemporary art collection.
Further south, in Logroño, the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival begins in September. Visitors can find an all-inclusive experience of the festival. Apart from parties and food tasting, the annual grape treading at the Plaza de Espolón is among the festival highlights. You will find more information about must-visit highlights in our guide on the best places to visit in Spain. To find out how you can make the most of your time in the country, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Spain.
Spain in September sees favorable weather and a dip in crowds coming, just after the country’s peak tourist season, making it an ideal month for sightseeing, sunbathing, and more. For a customized trip to Spain that allows you to experience the culture first-hand, get in touch with one of our local travel experts. For a seasonal overview, go through our guide on the best time to visit Spain.
