Too warm for summer holidays but still craving that Spanish sun? Here are the places to be when you desire balmy, not sweltering, weather and a little extra space to breathe.
Spain in the summer? Gorgeous, yes, but also kinda brutal. The heat can be relentless, the beaches are jam-packed, and if you’re the type who needs three showers a day just to feel human, it’s not exactly a dream.
If that’s your style, here’s a little travel tip: Shoulder season. March through June, or September through October. That sweet window when Spain is warm and sunny but the crowds are thinner, the air is lighter and your sunscreen doesn’t have to engage in a 100-degree war.
After digging around in weather stats (yes, this list is based on completely nerdy information like average temps, UV and humidity discomfort), Spain-holiday.com were able to rank the top Spanish cities with the most pleasant weather during the cooler months. You can see the entire list over at Spain-holiday.com, where they’ve ranked the top Spanish cities with the best weather in shoulder season.
Valencia: Where spring feels just right
If you’ve never been to Valencia, you’re in for a treat. This coastal city often flies under the radar, but that’s part of its charm. It’s got a little bit of everything, beach, history, artsy neighborhoods and some seriously good food, and in shoulder season, it’s basically perfect. March through June, the weather is in that divine range of low to mid-70s (°F). Warm enough to shed your jacket but not so warm that you need to sprint between air-conditioned cafes. Humidity? Totally under control. UV? Chilly enough that you won’t wrinkle out in 10 minutes.
But figures aside, Valencia simply feels good. You can bike along the park that sits in the old riverbed, sip coffee under orange groves or get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the El Carmen neighborhood. The City of Arts and Sciences, with its curving glass towers, is madness to look at (and even crazier inside) and of course, this is where paella was born. So, for dining, you’re all set.
And then there’s Valencia, one of those destinations that invites you to disconnect and fill your lungs. Whether you’re writing in a serene plaza or contemplating by the water, it’s a place where you can get caught up with yourself, not just mark things off your travel bucket list.
Castellón de la Plana: Peaceful, quirky and surprisingly cool
Just up the coast from Valencia is Castellón de la Plana, and if you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not on every tourist’s radar, which is exactly why it’s worth your time. In the spring, Castellón provides the kind of weather you wish you could have all year round. The temperatures stay in the low 70s, the wind is cool and it’s never humid enough that your clothes stick to you. You can spend the entire day walking and not get hot, then grab a seat and watch the sun go down over the Mediterranean with a glass of wine made locally.
The vibe here is slower, more local and honestly kind of refreshing. You’re not dodging selfie sticks or fighting for a table at every meal. You’re wandering through old town streets, stumbling on local markets and having conversations with actual locals. It’s ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to reconnect, either with each other or with themselves.
And don’t sleep on the beaches. Playa del Pinar is wide, laid-back and clean, and with shoulder season, you might have sections of it to yourself. If all you’re looking for is some quiet and a sea breeze, that’s the place to go.
Why shoulder season just hits different
If you’ve ever come back from a vacation more exhausted than when you left, you’re not alone. Vacationing in the middle of the summer season is work. But shoulder season? That’s when it gets magical. It’s spacious. It’s revitalizing. It gives you room to breathe, to think and just be.
Travel therefore is perfect if you’re at some point in your life when you’re in need of renewal, reflection or just want to try something new without the normal whirlwind. You don’t need a packed agenda. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can possibly do is sit in a sun-filled piazza with a pad and no agenda.
Cities such as Valencia and Castellón de la Plana make it easy. They’re sunny enough to get you in a good mood, cool enough to make you feel snug, and interesting enough to keep your brain active.
Last thoughts
If the prospect of summer in Spain is making you break a sweat just contemplating it, diversify. Shoulder season offers the best of both worlds, warm weather without the heatwave, culture without the crowds. Additionally, shoulder season is often lower in price, which is yet another benefit of choosing to travel off-season.
Valencia, it brings the frenetic energy of a beach town into all its character, but Castellón is more laid back and earthy. They are both inexpensive, easy to visit, and full of tiny things that make journeys special. Don’t wait for the summer. Go in off-season, when all the action takes place in a slower motion, the sun is warmer, and the streets are empty.