Fall is a great time to explore many of Spain's little-known wonders. From historic city monuments to vast parks littered with gold and red leaves, the milder temperatures of fall make an ideal time of year to enjoy a Spanish vacation. In addition, there are plenty of activities taking place between September and December to keep visitors occupied.
With more people back at work and kids back in school, travelers visiting Spain around this time will have many of the tourist sites to themselves. The temperatures are a little milder but the sun still shines brightly throughout the season. From jazz festivals and celebrations in the street to incredible cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, the fall is one of the best times to head to Spain.
Film festivals, a national day celebration, and magnificent outdoor scenes offer visitors endless opportunities to have fun during the fall in Spain.
At the end of October, high-profile jazz performers mingle with up-and-coming stars to create a memorable jazz festival in the Catalonian capital. Venues are spread throughout Barcelona, so it's easy to catch a performance wherever you are in the city.
Spain celebrates its National Day on October 12th. There is a flag-hoisting ceremony in central Madrid led by the King of Spain, a military parade, and colorful representations of the Spanish nation in various plays and acrobatic displays. Many cities around the country take part in this national celebration, so wherever you are, enjoy the party.
Cooler temperatures and sparse crowds make it easier to enjoy Spain's many treasures in the fall. There are monuments to discover, valleys and picturesque towns in the Alpujarra, and lovely forests like the Irati Forest in Navarre, as well as the Castañar de el Tiemblo Park.
The weather in Mallorca is usually still very warm in the fall, with long hours of bright sunshine. That means that the scenic highlights of this Balearic Island, like the marvelous beaches, secluded coves, and dramatic mountains, are very much open for travelers to enjoy.
San Sebastian's Fantasy and Horror Film Festival runs from October 28th to November 3rd every year. For horror fans, this is a time of elaborate, terrifying costumes and screenings of some of the top films in the genre. Come to the city during this celebration of all things horror and you’ll see San Sebastian in a totally different light.
Temperatures in the fall are still fairly high across all of Spain, especially in the south. Throughout September, the weather can still feel like summer. In the center of Spain, rains are highly likely during the fall, and it's advisable to carry a sweater and an umbrella when heading outside. Temperatures are usually lower in the northern regions and traveling with multiple layers is advised.