Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Visiting Andalucia in spring — from mid-March through May — is consistently rated the best time by experienced travellers, and the reasons become obvious the moment you arrive.
Andalucia In Spring: Key Planning Points
Spring in Andalucia is the season locals say they’d choose if they could only have one. The almond trees blossom in February and the wildflowers follow through March and April. The temperatures settle into the sweet spot — warm enough for terraces and rooftop bars, cool enough to walk comfortably through the afternoon without wilting. And then the festivals arrive.
This andalucia in spring guide covers everything you need to know for your trip.
Use this andalucia in spring resource to plan each stage of your visit to Andalucia.
Here’s what March, April, and May each look like, and how to make the most of them.
March in Andalucia
Weather: Spring begins in earnest. Daytime highs climb from 18°C in early March to 22°C by month’s end in Seville and the lowlands. Granada runs 5–6°C cooler. Evenings are still cool (10–14°C) — a light jacket is needed after dark. Occasional rain, particularly in the western provinces. The countryside — especially the Grazalema Natural Park and the fields around Ronda — is at its most vividly green.
Crowds: Still low in early March, rising toward the end of the month if Easter falls in late March or early April.
What’s on: Semana Santa (if Easter falls in March — check dates for your year). The most powerful public event in Andalucia, transforming every city with candlelit processions and centuries-old ritual. See our Semana Santa guide for the full picture.
Best experiences in March:
– The wildflower bloom in the Serranía de Ronda and Sierra de Grazalema
– Hiking season begins in the natural parks — temperatures are ideal, trails are empty
– The almond blossom road in Almería province (fading by late March but still beautiful in the valleys)
– Granada and the Alhambra with genuine booking availability
– Córdoba without queues
April in Andalucia
Weather: The golden standard. Seville and Córdoba at 22–26°C. Granada at 18–22°C. Blue skies dominate from mid-April. The wildflowers are peaking in the mountains. The cities smell of orange blossom.
Crowds: High and rising. Semana Santa (if in April) brings the busiest week of the year to every Andalusian city. The Feria de Abril in Seville follows two weeks after Easter — another enormous influx.
Prices: The highest of the year during Semana Santa and Feria weeks. Book 6–12 months ahead for either event.
What’s on:
– Semana Santa (if Easter falls in April): See the processions, hear the saetas, stand in the Madrugá.
– Feria de Abril (Seville, two weeks after Easter): A week-long street party of flamenco dresses, horse-drawn carriages, and casetas (tented pavilions). One of the great festivals of southern Europe.
– Patios de Córdoba begin in late April / early May — homeowners open flower-filled courtyards for public viewing.
Best experiences in April:
– The Feria de Abril if you’ve planned ahead (accommodation and budget)
– The Alcázar gardens in full bloom
– The Sierra de Grazalema countryside, now at peak wildflower season
– Córdoba’s Judería as the Patios festival begins
May in Andalucia
Weather: Warm and approaching perfect: 26–30°C in Seville and Córdoba, 22–26°C in Granada. The coast begins to warm for beach visits (sea temperature around 18–20°C — brisk but swimmable for the hardy). Evenings are comfortable without a jacket from mid-May.
Crowds: Busy but not the Semana Santa/Feria extreme. A good balance between atmosphere and manageability.
What’s on:
– Fiesta de los Patios (Córdoba, first two weeks of May): The year’s most uniquely Andalusian experience — private homeowners open their extraordinary flower-filled courtyards to the public, free. A competition for the most beautiful patio, judged and taken very seriously. The results are breathtaking.
– Feria del Caballo (Jerez, early May): Jerez’s Horse Fair — sherry, fino, equestrian displays, elegant Andalusian fashion, and the finest horse-and-rider culture in Spain.
– Romería del Rocío (Pentecost Sunday, late May or early June): The annual pilgrimage to the hermitage of El Rocío — one of the world’s largest religious pilgrimages, with hundreds of thousands of devotees travelling by foot, horse, and decorated wagon across the Doñana landscape.
Best experiences in May:
– Córdoba’s Fiesta de los Patios — free, extraordinary, and almost unknown internationally
– The Feria del Caballo in Jerez if horses, sherry, and Andalusian elegance appeal
– The white village road trip — warmth without summer intensity, wildflowers still visible at altitude
– Seville’s rooftop bar scene in full operation
– Evening tapas crawls in Seville and Granada as the outdoor terrace culture hits its stride
Spring packing list
March: Layers essential. A warm jacket for evenings (and a proper coat for Granada). One waterproof. Comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen from mid-month.
April: Light layers. A fleece for evenings. Sun protection. One warm layer for Granada’s evenings (still 10–12°C at night). Smart casual for festivals.
May: Summer clothing for daytime. A light cardigan or shirt for evenings. Good sun protection. Swimwear if you’re headed for the coast in the second half of the month.
Spring vs other seasons: the trade-offs
vs Autumn (October): Spring has wildflowers and festivals that October can’t match. October has lower prices, thinner crowds, and Alhambra availability without the months-ahead planning.
vs Summer (July–August): No comparison for city sightseeing. Spring is dramatically better. Summer’s only advantage is beach weather and warm sea.
vs Winter (January–February): Winter is cheaper and quieter. Spring is warmer, livelier, and far more visually beautiful — but costs more and requires advance planning.
The verdict: Spring is the finest season for a first Andalucia trip, particularly if you can catch the Patios in Córdoba (May) or Feria de Abril in Seville. The only caveat is the advance planning required. Go in October if spontaneity is your style; go in spring if you want the full experience.
Plan your spring visit
- For the full spring itinerary: 7-Day Andalucia Itinerary
- For Semana Santa in detail: Semana Santa in Andalucia
- For the best time to visit overall: Best Time to Visit Andalucia
Useful Resources
For official travel information about Andalucia, visit Andalucia — Spain Tourism.
Related reading: best time to visit Andalucia, Semana Santa in Andalucia.
