Too sweltering for summer travel but still Spain-crazy? These destinations are perfect for the balmy shoulder months: Relaxed, welcoming and much, much less drippy.
Summer in Spain can be like walking around a giant oven. If you’re a person like me, the idea of touristy sightseeing in 100-degree weather is punishment, not pleasure. But the good news is here, and that perfect spot between the heat of summer and cold of winter is called the shoulder season.
Shoulder season in Spain, typically March to June, then September and October, is the ultimate travel trick. You have warm, sunny days without the tourist crowds, outrageous prices or sweltering heat. And if you are someone who travels to experience and develop yourself, then this is when Spain really allows you to breathe. Less distractions, more meaningful conversations, more leisurely moments. Travel the way it ought to be.
Spain-Holiday.com dug around in some really nerdy weather data, such as average high temperatures, UV index and humidity discomfort levels, to figure out the best Spanish shoulder season spots with the most pleasant weather for you to go enjoy.
Oviedo: Green, gritty and surprisingly gorgeous
If you want the taste of northern Spain without the heat (and crowds), Oviedo is a hidden gem. Located in Asturias province, this town is all about easy-going character, cobblestone streets, mountains in the distance and more cider than you can ever possibly drink in one trip.
During shoulder season, the weather is 60s and 70s (°F), humidity doesn’t exist and there’s a freshness to the air that makes you want to walk for miles. It’s the perfect hub for trekking, day trips by the coast or just diving into a bowl of fabada asturiana. Bonus: It’s also one of Spain’s cleanest cities.
A Coruña: Beachy bliss without the scorch
Located on the northwest coast of Spain in Galicia, A Coruña is the kind of place you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner. Shoulder season weather brings breezy, mild temperatures, ideal conditions for walking on the beach, viewing sunset over the harbor and visiting the old lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules.
What’s the best thing about A Coruña during this time of year is you get to experience it like a local. There’s no invasion of tourists and the tapas bars aren’t queuing up outside. The seafood here? Off the charts. If you’re the kind of person who pursues authenticity and self-reflection when you travel, this is your spot.
Santander: Serenity by the sea
Yet another of the northern stunners, Santander is the capital city of Cantabria and an undiscovered gem. Envision sweeping boulevards, golden shores and a lifestyle that makes you want to dawdle over that very first cup of coffee of the morning for just that little bit longer.
In the shoulder season, Santander excels. Cozy average temperatures, sun but not hot and there’s this laid-back, golden-hour vibe that seems to last all day. It’s a perfect place to refuel, remind yourself that life does not need to be so hectic and just recharge.
San Sebastián: Sun, surf and pintxos
San Sebastián might be known as a summer hotspot, but visit during shoulder season and it feels like you’ve discovered a secret version of the city. The weather? Mild and mellow. The crowds? Manageable. The views from Monte Urgull or the taste of freshly grilled pintxos by the sea? Still just as amazing.
If you are a foodie or a sun hunter, or just someone who likes sitting and viewing surfers glide effortlessly over icy Atlantic waves with a glass of txakoli in hand, then San Sebastián is the place to be. It is a city that reaches your heart, though never shouting during heatwaves.
Pamplona: Beyond the running of the bulls
Pamplona is overshadowed by its better-known July festival, but outside that wild window, it’s actually a stunning place to explore, especially in spring and fall. The weather is dry, the temperatures are perfect and the surrounding countryside bursts into bloom.
Visit in April or October, and you’ll find medieval walls, leafy parks and pintxos bars filled with locals. For travelers interested in introspection and slower travel, Pamplona is a breath of fresh air, literally.
Why the shoulder season is a smart season
Other than the weather, there is a deeper benefit to visiting during shoulder season. You see Spain on a more human level. Humans get a chance to talk to you, there isn’t the high price tag and you don’t constantly have to battle for elbow space. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery, or just in search of a smarter way to travel, this is your time.
It’s also shoulder season, the time of balance. Not too hot, not too cold. Not too full, not too bare. It’s a metaphor, actually. Shoulder season is the Wednesday of travel, right in the middle, with the weekend promise of enjoyment but none of Monday-level anxiety.
Let Spain surprise you
The idea of Spain brings to mind flamenco, fiestas and sunshine in the summer, but there is another option. A gentler, cooler, more reflective side that’s simply waiting to be discovered in the off-seasons.
So, whether you’re wandering the misty streets of Oviedo, sipping wine in A Coruña or watching the waves crash in San Sebastián, shoulder season is your ticket to the real Spain. The Spain that doesn’t shout, but whispers.
You don’t have to endure 100°F to fall in love with this country. Just go while the sun still shines and the sidewalks are not on fire. Your sweat glands will appreciate it.
