In Spain, autumn is a beautiful season to experience. The leaves get a stunning, movie-like palette that makes every day seem romantic. The weather gets cooler, and the cozy corners start getting busy.

As you might know, street life never dies in Spain, and autumn is an ideal season to enjoy wines and tapas sitting on a terrace with a nice outdoor stove (of course, if it’s not raining!).

It’s fundamental to check the weather if you plan to visit Spain in autumn, especially because this season is the transition between summer and winter, and the last weeks of September look different from the beginning of November.

In this article, you will get the weather of all the country’s essential regions, plus 5 top destinations and tips to make your trip to Spain in autumn the best possible.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SPAIN IN AUTUMN?

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to travel throughout Spain; the weather is mild, the sun still shines, and there are beautiful sunsets to enjoy before the winter.

The temperatures range between 52 to 75°F (12-23°C), making the days cool and cozy and the nights a bit more chilly. However, autumn is different through the three months of September, October, and November, so I will add a chart with which you can picture the evolution of autumn throughout the months. 

Autumns Weather in Madrid

Due to its location in the country’s center, the weather in Madrid can reach extreme poles. Madrid has icy winters and scorching, dry summers. 

And Autumn is the transition between both. People in Madrid welcome September with high temperatures that only become comfortable past 8h00 PM. 

However, as the weeks go by, September gets cooler, and the hours of sun decrease by two minutes every day!

Madrileños welcome October with temperatures between 11ºC - 22ºC, shorter days, and approximately six days of rain. In October, you get to see Autumn at its peak! Just visit any park to see the beautiful colors of the trees.

Finally, November has many cold winds, with temperatures ranging between 7ºC - 16ºC, so the nights get very cold! November has a more rainy panorama, leaves on the ground, and less sunshine. I recommend coming with cozy outfits and applying the onion technique: use layers smartly. 

Here I will leave you a list of our featured articles on Madrid:

• Madrid in Autumn: 15 Best Activities to “Fall” in Love!
• 9 Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Madrid (and Brunch!)
• 21 Iconic Bars in Madrid with the Best Drinks & Vibes
• 18 Best Tips & Tricks to Experience Madrid like a Local

Autumns Weather in Barcelona

Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast on the eastern side of Spain. This means that the weather of the Catalan capital will always be warmer and more humid than Madrid.

Barcelona welcomes September with a summer vibe, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC to 27ºC. The city enjoys long, sunny days, making it a perfect time to enjoy beaches. However, much like in Madrid, the evenings offer a refreshing coolness that allows you to sleep without a fan or an AC (impossible during summer!).

October comes with cooler temperatures, 16ºC to 23ºC. The days become shorter, but Barcelona still offers beautiful clear skies and comfortable temperatures until 4h00 PM. You can expect some rainy days throughout the month, just like Madrid, with around six days of rain.

November marks the gradual arrival of cooler temperatures in Barcelona, ranging between 12ºC and 19ºC. The city experiences more frequent rainy days, and just like in Madrid, the trees become leafless, announcing the beginning of the winter.

November in Barcelona gets colder, but you will survive it with a good jacket and a scarf.

Autumn in Barcelona offers a less crowded and more authentic experience, making it an excellent time for travelers wanting to explore the city without stumbling into millions of other tourists.

Here I will leave you a list of our featured articles on Barcelona:

• The 11 Best Rooftops in Barcelona: Drinks & Stunning Views!
• Barcelona in Autumn: 10 Best Activities to “Fall” in Love!
• 11 Top Barcelona Party Spots and Clubs for a Cool Night Out
• 15 Best Tips & Tricks to Discover Barcelona like a Local

Autumn Weather in Northern Spain

Northern Spain is the coldest part of the country. Even though every autonomous region is different, the temperatures are very similar, making all of its cities chilly and cloudy most of Autumn. 

So, just like the rest of the country, Northern Spain welcomes September with sunshine and comfortable day temperature; however, at night, the numbers drop to 12ºC and 13ºC, making them comfortable for a late stroll and sleeping. 

A particular characteristic of Northern Spain is that it is very rainy. If you visit the city of Galicia (Galicia), Pamplona (Navarre), or San Sebastian (Basque country), you can expect constant rain through Autumn, especially during October and November. 

From October to November, the temperatures start to reach below 10ºC, so I advise you to apply the onion technique once again. And additionally, take an umbrella with you as the days of rain increase to more than 10 in Northern Spain.

Autumns Weather in Southern Spain

When we talk of Southern Spain, we refer to Andalusia, Extremadura, Murcia, Ceuta, Melilla, and Castille-La Mancha. 

A continental climate characterizes all of these autonomous regions; because of its proximity to the water, Andalusia also presents a warm Mediterranean climate, while Murcia has an arid environment. 

Autumn weather in Southern Spain ranges from 58 to 79°F (15-25°C), which makes it the perfect time to visit stunning cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. 

Additionally, Ceuta and Melilla, which are located in Northern Africa, present a tropical, hot-Mediterranean climate. The temperatures in these autonomous cities range from 78.8°F to 59°F (26° to 15°) degrees, continuously decreasing during the three months of Autumn. 

Autumns Weather in Eastern Spain

We will consider Catalunya, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands for Eastern Spain. These three autonomous regions have Mediterranean climates with temperatures ranging from 21 °C (69 °F) to 14 °C (57 °F). 

If you visit one of these regions at the beginning of September, you can expect to be very warm. Still, as we move into October, the temperature will reach cooler, especially at night. 

Additionally, you can expect higher rain chances, with four to six days each month. 

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SPAIN IN AUTUMN

Best Places to Enjoy the Autumn Festivities

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a stunning coastal town in the Basque Country, and the best moment to visit during Autumn is September. 

There are plenty of reasons to visit San Sebastian all year long, but September is special for three reasons: good weather, fewer people, and the San Sebastian Film Festival. 

During the first month of Autumn, San Sebastian is still warm during the first week of September; but after that it offers an enjoyable temperature of 71.6°F to 60.8°F (22° to 16°).

If you pick San Sebastian as one of your autumn destinations in Spain, know that besides having more than ten hours of sunlight and beach, you can meet some of your favorite celebrities at the San Sebastian Film Festival during the last week of the month.

Remember to get your tickets and accommodation reservations ahead to avoid extremely high prices!

Read more about what to do in September Spain:

📽️Spain in September: 9 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the capital of the autonomous region of Aragon, a city with over 2,000 years of history. I recommend this city to get a break from the big cities, especially because you can get there quickly by a high-speed train or a flight.

Visiting in October is the perfect opportunity to experience the “Fiestas del Pilar.” A week-long celebration commemorating “Our Lady the Virgin of the Pillar,” the patron Saint of Zaragoza.

During this celebration, there are daily parades, food fairs, and religious ceremonies to commemorate the Virgin.

Additionally, there is plenty to see in Zaragoza, such as the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Palacio de la Aljafería, the Lonja de Zaragoza, the Santa Engracia Church, the Cathedral of San Salvador, and the Third Millennium Bridge.

Logroño

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During harvest time, the perfect time to visit the wine region is by the end of September and October. If you choose to visit Logroño by this season, you will fall in love with the beauty of the landscapes of La Rioja.

There are plenty of things to do in Logroño! First, you must assist with the San Mateo celebrations by the end of September. During seven days, you will celebrate the wine harvest with fireworks, parades, music bands, and live music. 

Read more about what to do in Spain in September in our featured article:

Spain in September: 9 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather

If you want to go in October, book your vineyard and experience Spanish wine like no other! Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, Dinastía Vivanco, Ramón Bilbao, Bodegas Muga, and Bodegas Lopez de Heredia are only a few of the vineyards you can book a tour in La Rioja.

If you are interested in wine, the check out our articles on vineyards and wine regions in Spain:

Spanish Vineyards: Insider’s Guide to the Best Wine Tours

15 Wine Regions in Spain for a fascinating “Ruta del Vino”

The Warmest Destination in Spain During Autumn

Tarifa

Tarifa is located in the southernmost tip of Spain; this is the city where you can visualize Morocco from a distance and even take a ferry to visit. 

As we mentioned earlier, even in autumn, or at least during September and October, Andalucia keeps warm weather that allows you to enjoy an afternoon at the beach. 

Tarifa is one of the warmest destinations to visit in Spain, with temperatures ranging between 24° and 14°, being November the coldest month and one with the most rainy days.

Depending on the months of autumn that you visit, there is plenty to do in Tarifa. First, you must visit the Old Town and enjoy a stroll through the small streets and white houses. Then, go to the Puerta de Jerez, which waths e fortified entrance to the city.

Also, tour the Guzman el Bueno Castle, a Moorish fortress from 960 AD, to protect Tarifa from attacks. 

And, of course, visit the beaches, even during the rainy days of November; a stroll through the beach is always romantic! My top recommendations are Bolonia and Valdevaqueros. 

And if you love ocean views, visit the Isla de las Palomas, locally known as “Punta de Tarifa,” where you will see the separation between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Read more: Travel to Tarifa: 5 Best Activities, Food & Attractions

Tenerife

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Tenerife is a perfect location if you are looking for a more tropical-like holiday in Spain. The weather in the capital of the Canary Islands ranges between 27° and 18°, again being November the coldest month with approximately four days of rain. 

As with any other beach destination, autumn is ideal for enjoying the sand and the ocean without many people. You can also do some hiking with dehydrating under the scorching sun; an excellent place to start is the Masca Gorge Trail.

One of the most amazing experiences of living in Tenerife is climbing the Teide or visiting the Teide National Park at night, where you will see a starry night like no other. 

Another activity to do in Tenerife during autumn is visiting the small villages and towns of the island. Rent a car and venture to Puerto de la Cruz, San Cristobal de la Laguna, or Los Cristianos. 

Read more about the island right here:

The Canary Islands: 8 Beautiful Spanish Islands in Africa

That would be it! San Sebastian, Zaragoza, Logroño, Tarifa, and Tenerife are the top five locations where you can spend autumn in Spain. You must add the Spain classics of Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, and Barcelona to that list.

If you want to organize a trip to Spain in autumn, check out all the articles tagged in this one! Those are full of ideas for you to make the best of your Spanish experience.