Whether you’re visiting Barcelona in northwestern Spain or traveling to the southern coastal city of Gibraltar, April is a great time to plan a vacation to Spain, although weather and events vary by region.
While the southern Spain region of Andalusia experiences slightly warmer weather than the northern part of the country, the rainy season begins in April, which means you should bring a raincoat and umbrella along with layers for fluctuating temperatures during the month, no matter where you are. to travel.
Along with warmer weather, and despite some spring rains, you can also expect cities across the country to seize the opportunity to host a variety of seasonal events, festivals, and parties, including Easter and Holy Week celebrations. (April 1, 2018)
When choosing where to go in Spain in April, it all comes down to what you want to do and what you want to see during your trip. All the best cities in Spain are relatively warm at this time of year, but you should be sure to check the regional weather before you go.
Spain Weather in April
Depending on where you stay during your trip to Spain, you are likely to experience a very different climate, no matter what time of year you visit. However, the high and low temperatures for the entire country during the month of April remain near 62 and 47 F and Spain only sees around five days of rain during the month, on average.
There are three main climatic regions in Spain, each with slightly different April temperature averages: Andalusia in the south, the Basque Country in the north, and Galicia in the northwest. Andalusia has the warmest and driest month with 68 F maximum and 52 F average minimum, while the Basque Country experiences highs of 63 and lows of 46 F. Meanwhile, northwestern Spain experiences highs of 63 F and lows of 46 F in cities like Santiago de Compostela. In general, the further north you go in Spain, the more likely you are to experience April showers.
If you travel to Madrid in April, you can expect an average high of 63 F and a low of 43 F, although you may also see heavy rain and mini heat waves this month. Barcelona, on the other hand, is a bit drier throughout the month with the same high average and a slightly warmer average low temperature of 46 F.
What to pack
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when visiting Spain in April: layers. Bring scarves, cardigans, lightweight T-shirts, and similar clothing that can easily be layered. Temperatures can be quite chilly in the mornings and afternoons, but are generally pleasant during the day in most places, so it’s nice to have options.
Keep in mind that Spaniards generally dress according to the season, not the weather. That means even if it’s sunny and hot, don’t be surprised if you see the locals in light jackets and long pants (it’s not summer yet, after all). Keep this in mind if you don’t want to stand out.
While some places are rainier than others, you never know when an unexpected shower will hit. A compact umbrella that can easily fit in your bag or backpack is always a good idea when you are in Spain in April.
What to experience: April events in Spain
As the weather warms up, especially towards the end of the month, cities in Spain host annual and special events to celebrate spring each April. From the Easter and Holy Week celebrations to the beginning of the month to the film and art festivals to complete April, these are the events you can expect to find this spring in Spain:
- La Passió , a performance of “The Passion of Christ” takes place every weekend in Esparraguera, Catalonia.
- La Mostra de Cinema Llatinoamericà de Lleida is a Latin American film festival that will take place in Lleida, Catalonia, from March 29 to April 5, 2019.
- The Half Marathon , a half marathon and a 5 km race, will take place in Madrid on April 7, 2019.
- The Film and Human Rights Festival will take place in San Sebastián from April 5 to 12, 2019.
- Bando de la Huerta is a street festival complete with colorful flowers and parades, taking place in Murcia on April 23, 2019.
- The Sant Jordi Festival is a local celebration that combines the traditions of Valentine’s Day with a celebration of the lives of Cervantes and Shakespeare, who died on the same day. It is celebrated in Barcelona on April 23 of each year.
- Festimad is a festival of musical diversity that will take place in Madrid from April 24 to May 11, 2019.
- The Montilla-Moriles Wine Tasting is a great tasting event with local wines. It will take place in Córdoba from April 25 to 28, 2019.
Travel tips
- In general, April is considered the beginning of the high season in much of Spain. As a result, accommodation prices can be higher than they were during the winter months, and hotels book quickly. Try to book as far in advance as possible.
- No matter where you go, remember to check the weather in advance and pack accordingly to avoid being caught off guard in the event of an unexpected rain or street procession.
Still not sure if visiting Spain in April is right for you? Check out our complete guide to the best times to visit Spain.
