Best time to visit · Granada · Spain
The best time to visit Granada
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Granada are April to May and October, when days are warm, the gardens of the Alhambra and Generalife are at their best and evenings are pleasant for tapas. March, June, September and November are also good. July and August are best avoided if you can: afternoon temperatures often approach 40°C, which makes the hilly Albaicín and the Alhambra exhausting. Winter is cold at night but sunny and quiet, with skiing nearby.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and October
- Shoulder season
- March, June, September and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 34°C (93°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 13°C (55°F))
- Rainiest month
- December (~6 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February and November
Seasons
At about 700 metres above sea level, Granada has a more continental climate than the Andalusian coast: very hot, dry summers, cold winter nights with frost and occasional snow nearby, and pleasant springs and autumns. The Sierra Nevada behind the city is usually snow-capped from late autumn to spring.
March–May
Spring
Mild, flowering and busy, with Semana Santa and the Día de la Cruz; book Alhambra tickets well ahead.
June–August
Summer
Hot and dry, with June concerts in the Alhambra but very hot afternoons in July and August; visit early and late.
September–November
Autumn
Warm September and October days with cool nights, autumn colours on the Alhambra hill and returning students.
December–February
Winter
Sunny days, frosty nights and snow on the Sierra Nevada; quieter Alhambra visits and skiing within an hour.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C | 1°C | 5 | 9.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 15°C | 2°C | 5 | 10.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 18°C | 4°C | 4 | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 20°C | 6°C | 5 | 13.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 24°C | 10°C | 4 | 14.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 30°C | 14°C | 1 | 14.7 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 34°C | 17°C | 0 | 14.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 34°C | 17°C | 1 | 13.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 29°C | 14°C | 2 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 23°C | 9°C | 4 | 11.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 17°C | 5°C | 5 | 10.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 13°C | 2°C | 6 | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Día de la Toma — civic ceremony marking the events of 1492 (2 January) |
| February | Fiesta de San Cecilio — patron saint's pilgrimage in Sacromonte (usually early February) |
| April | Semana Santa — Holy Week processions, including one climbing to Sacromonte (March or April) |
| May | Día de la Cruz — flower-covered crosses in squares and patios (3 May); Feria del Corpus — the city's main fair (late May or June) |
| June | International Festival of Music and Dance — concerts in Alhambra venues (usually June to July) |
| November | Granada International Jazz Festival (usually November); Sierra Nevada ski season opens (usually late November or December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February and November, and the sights are quietest in November–February. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Granada?
The best times to visit Granada are April to May and October, when days are warm, the gardens of the Alhambra and Generalife are at their best and evenings are pleasant for tapas. March, June, September and November are also good. July and August are best avoided if you can: afternoon temperatures often approach 40°C, which makes the hilly Albaicín and the Alhambra exhausting. Winter is cold at night but sunny and quiet, with skiing nearby.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Granada?
Usually in January–February and November. Sunny, crisp days with near-freezing nights; snow on the Sierra Nevada and quieter Alhambra visits.
+What is the rainiest month in Granada?
December, with about 6 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Granada get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).