There’s nothing quite like experiencing the full bloom of spring with the promise of more sunshine and warm weather ahead. It’s the promise of soaking up the longer days, time spent by the water, dining al fresco, and everything in between. Travelling to Spain in May provides this exact opportunity.
While many travellers flock to Spain and Europe during the hot summer months, travelling to Spain in May is a delight for the senses that truly can’t be missed. The weather is just right, and you’ll be perfectly comfortable and content. There are plenty of bright and dazzling festivals to behold, and of course, the gastronomy in Spain is unbeatable. You’ll get to indulge in the incredible cuisine on our 7-Day Scrumptious North of Spain Tour.
Simply put, travelling to Spain in May has all of the positives and little to no drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.
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Where to Go in Spain in May
You really can’t go wrong when choosing which destinations to visit while travelling to Spain in May. Weather need not be a guiding factor, as the country as a whole experiences a fairly temperate climate, and there are no concerns about dealing with the scorching heat or extreme cold.
Of course, no visit to Spain is complete without a tour of its two best-known cities: its capital, Madrid, and the traveller’s favourite, Barcelona. Both world-famous cities are home to lively festivals during the month of May, which can be enjoyed without the busy summer crowds. Tennis fans can venture to Madrid to watch the Madrid Open and witness Rafael Nadal’s famous ultra-fast serves, while fans of Formula 1 can experience the rush and adrenaline of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Sunseekers can embrace the early summer feeling by visiting Seville before the summer heat gets to its full force. From there, you can make the quick journey to nearby Córdoba, the home of flower festivals and the city’s ancient Roman bridge, which was featured in the hit show, Game of Thrones. We even have a trip that allows you to explore Spain’s role in Game of Thrones: 13-Day Spanish Tour through Game of Thrones Film Settings.
The sounds of flamenco music will be your constant companion as you roam the cobbled streets of these Andalusian cities and take in the sights of their distinctive mix of Moorish, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Freshly bloomed flowers will decorate every street corner and building, leaving everything awash with vibrant colours.
What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences
Spain is filled to the brim with worthy destinations, from well-known cities to traditional scenic towns. Travelling anywhere within Spain during the month of May will be worthwhile, and we’ve highlighted three major cities that are a must-see for anyone exploring this diverse country.
Barcelona
Discovering that Barcelona is the most visited city in Spain can be both enticing and daunting. Luckily, visiting Barcelona in May means you’ll get to avoid the mass of tourists that come with the summer season. Barcelona is a highly walkable city, and you’ll be able to explore the famous food scene, the Gothic Quarter, and see Gaudi’s creations in complete comfort with the warm and mild temperatures. Experiencing Gaudi’s works is just one of the many stops along the way during our 18-Day Best of Spain – Art & Architecture trip – a must for art and history lovers!
Madrid
While tourists may be drawn to Madrid in summer, many of its residents find the city’s heat unpleasant enough to leave the city. Visiting during the spring season is a great alternative when seeing the capital city. Madrid is fully alive during May, and you can join in the celebration of Saint Isidore, the city’s patron saint. Called Fiestas de San Isidro, it’s an exceptional Madrid experience, with events planned throughout the city that we’ll take a closer look at in the next section. Madrid itself has plenty to do and see outside of the festival season, and our 5-Day Madrid City Break trip is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything.
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Planning to Visit Spain in May?
Seville
Located in the southern part of Spain, Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe, making May one of the best times to visit. It’s the largest city in Andalusia, and there’s an endless amount of culture and history for you to explore and experience. Though controversial, it’s home to the largest bullfighting ring in Spain, Plaza de Toros, which was built in the 18th century. Even older are Murallas de Sevilla (Walls of Seville), a series of defensive walls dating back to Roman times. After experiencing Seville, our 6-Day Hidden Gems of Andalusia will take you to all of the best places this autonomous region has to offer.
Festivals / Special Events
San Isidro Festival
Taking place on the 15th of May every year, the days leading up to this national festival are filled with fairs, concerts, and large picnics in the city’s many parks. San Isidro is both the patron saint of Madrid and labourers, and though still a religious festival, there are plenty of non-religious celebrations to take part in, with music, dancing, and delicious food to be found throughout the city.
Festivals in Córdoba
Situated in Andalucia and not too far from Seville, the city of Córdoba is famous for its May festivals. There are four major festivals that take place: Cruces de Mayo (Crosses of May), Batalla de las Flores (Battle of the Flowers), Concurso Popular de Patios (Patio Contest), and Feria de Córdoba (Spring Fair).
A major component that these festivals have in common is the abundance of vibrant and colourful flowers that pop up all over the city. The streets and homes of Córdoba become a floral wonderland, and there are parades, flamenco dances, music, and plenty of delicious food to enjoy. You’ll immediately feel that spring is in the air!
Sports Events
May provides the perfect weather for sporting events throughout Spain. Both players and spectators can enjoy the warm sunshine without the unbearable heat of the summer. You can kickstart your time in Spain in May by attending the Madrid Open – a world-class Tennis and social event. Then, you can head east to catch the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. It’s one of the oldest races in Formula 1 history, attracting fans from all over the globe.
However, if you want to get off the sidelines, you can make your way to Costa del Sol along the Mediterranean coast for some of the best golfing in Europe. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy the beaches before the summer crowds overtake them. Treating yourself to the sun, sand, and sea is a staple of our 11-Day Marvellous Mediterranean Summer trip.
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Weather / Seasons
Springtime might make you think of rain, but you’ll be happy to know that Spain in May is light on rainfall. It’s a typically dry month, and even if it does rain, it’s a generally light and quick shower.
You’ll appreciate the summer vibes throughout the country, but of course, the southern parts of Spain will be warmer than other regions. In Madrid, you can expect highs of 23°C throughout the day, and it won’t get cooler than 10°C at night. In Barcelona, the temperature is only one to two degrees cooler than in Madrid.
For a true summer feeling, go on a trip to Seville. The temperature in the capital of Andalucia can reach highs of 27°C during the day, and nights dip down to around 13°C. This is also true for Cordoba, and Costa del Sol. Our 8-Day Highlights of Andalucia trip is a great way to experience this region in May’s ideal weather.
With such beautiful and mild weather, you’ll likely be enjoying plenty of adventures on foot, so be sure to wear a sturdy, but light and comfortable, shoe or sandal. You’ll be able to wear your summer wardrobe throughout the day, and you’ll be glad to have a light sweater for when the sun goes down. If meandering through city streets and wandering down nature paths sounds like your type of thing, our 15-Day Spanish Ibérico Ham Trail trip is perfect for you.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The currency used in Spain is the Euro. At the time of writing, $1 USD is equivalent to €0.95.
- If you’re travelling from outside of the EU, you’ll need a short-stay visa. This is their general tourist visa which allows you to visit and travel throughout Spain for 90 days.
- Meals in Spain may be taken later than you’re used to! Generally, breakfast starts at 10 am, lunch is at 2-3 pm, and dinner goes on late into the evening.
- Tipping isn’t necessary in Spain, though it is highly appreciated – especially in tourist areas.
- Spanish is the main language in Spain, however, there are other languages spoken in their respective regions.
Travelling and exploring throughout the country and seeing Spain in May will allow you to explore the diverse and rich culture and history without the heat and the crowds. You’ll feel reinvigorated by the Spanish landscape and people as the spring season brings the country to its full vibrancy. You’ll be overwhelmed by flowers in the best way possible, as the scent of orange blossoms and jasmine awaken and permeate the air. Spain in May is when the country transitions to warmer weather, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms to enjoy the food, music, and nature. To experience Spain in May, be sure to build and book your dream trip with one of our expert Local Designers in Spain, created to fit exactly what you need.
