With spring in full bloom across the country, May is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to visit Spain. It offers a wonderful climate, beautiful views and fewer crowds of tourists than in the summer months, making it the perfect time of year to relax and enjoy what Spain is all about: living the good life and spending time with the most people. important. (Spring is the best terrace season after all – who would say not to sit outside enjoying drinks in a sunny plaza with good company?)
Spring is not only ideal in itself for obvious reasons, but once you look at the cultural agenda, you will see that it is also one of the liveliest times of the year to visit Spain. Across the country, local festivals and events fill up almost every day of the calendar, so no matter where you are in Spain, there will always be something to do. Read on to find out what to expect when planning a trip to Spain in May in terms of weather and events, as well as a suggested packing list with destination-specific tips.
Spain Weather in May
In May, temperatures rise quite a bit in most of Spain, while the amount of rain falls a bit compared to April. However, your experience can vary greatly depending on where you are.
Central areas like Madrid see pleasant temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit for much of the month, sometimes surpassing 80s at the end.
Barcelona’s coastal location means temperatures are lower, but still don’t tend to get colder than 60 degrees during the day. In other parts of the north, things tend to be a bit colder (think high 60s and 50s), and rain is more common than in other areas of the country.
In the sunny south, Andalusia sees temperatures consistently in the high 70s and 80s throughout May, with plenty of sunshine and very little rain.
What to pack
May feels pretty much like summer in much of Spain, so when it comes to clothing, think about lightweight, flowy fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. As for footwear, although flip-flops are good for the beach, the locals generally don’t wear them in town. Instead, bring stylish sandals with a solid sole (you will need support for all the hikes you are going to do). If you’re heading north, consider layering your clothes, as the weather can be quite unpredictable, and throw an umbrella so you won’t be caught by an unexpected shower.
May events in Spain
Cultural festivals and other fascinating events abound throughout Spain in May. This is what to keep on your radar throughout the month.
- Mother’s Day in Spain takes place on the first Sunday in May of each year.
- The fairs in the city of Andalusia are in full swing throughout May. In 2019, the most famous, that of Seville, will take place entirely in May, despite the fact that its official name is Feria de Abril. In other parts of the region, Córdoba and Jerez also hold their fairs this month.
- Speaking of Cordoba, the city’s iconic flower patios festival and contest also takes place in early mid-May most years (May 6-19, 2019). Marvel at the beautiful flower displays that explode against the whitewashed walls of the city’s typical courtyards.
- To the north, the Girona Flower Festival (May 11-19, 2019) keeps the floral fun going as colorful gardens sprout up all over the city center (noticing a theme here?).
- The San Isidro Festival in Madrid (May 11-15, 2019) celebrates the patron saint of the city with a calendar packed with parades, street parties, live performances and more.
May travel tips
- Although the “high season” does not officially begin until June for most of Spain, the good weather and the busy cultural schedule attract a good number of visitors to the country throughout May. Book your accommodation as early as possible to guarantee your spot and avoid last minute price hikes.
- To avoid long lines at attractions like the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and the Alcazar of Seville, consider booking your tickets online in advance.
Still not sure that May is the best time of year to plan your trip? Read our full guide to the best time to visit Spain to choose a season and destination that is right for you.
