While it’s true that September signals the end of summer in Spain, that does not mean that the fun is over. Far from it! September might be the start of autumn, but thanks to Spain’s fantastic Mediterranean climate, the sun-soaked beach days aren’t over yet!
What does end with September is the madness of peak season. As the month progresses, the crowds disperse, the prices drop, and the atmosphere starts to calm down from the chaos of August.
These conditions combine to make September one of the best months of the year to visit Spain! And that’s even before you factor in an events calendar bursting with music, dance, food, wine, and cultural festivals. September is such a good month to visit Spain that you might find it challenging to fit everything into your itinerary. So, to make planning your trip a little easier, we’ve compiled this list of the top 10 things to see and do in Spain in September. Let’s get started!
- Sip and stomp
- Beach please!
- Sausage fest
- Closing time
- Pilgrim’s progress
- Sporting chance
- Fall festivals
- Surf’s up!
- Feel the rhythm
- Pride before the fall
First things first: What’s the weather doing?
The scorching days of August are over, but things don’t change too much, and September in Spain still feels very summery in most of the country. This is especially true in Andalucía, where you can still expect highs of 30ºC or more. Cities like Granada, Cordoba, and Seville are still too hot to explore in the middle of the day, while the Andalucían coast offers perfect beach holiday conditions with average highs of 29ºC.
The Balearics and the Canary Islands still offer stunning summer holiday conditions, too, with highs of 27ºC+ and eight to ten hours of sunshine a day.
In Madrid and Barcelona, things are starting to cool off, with highs of around 26ºC common. However, as always, it is the north where things are coolest. You can expect highs between 22ºC and 24ºC in Galicia and along the north coast, and it can drop to around 15ºC in the evenings there, so pack accordingly.
There’s still very little chance of rain in Spain in September. There may be occasional showers in the north, the mountains, and occasionally around Barcelona, but they tend to be short-lived so don’t worry unduly.
Sip and stomp
September is the start of the grape harvest season in Spain, and do you know what that means? Wine festivals!
All over Spain, wine regions celebrate all things grape, and it’s the perfect time to sample some of the best wine in the country, paired with delicious food and live music. Plus, there are displays of traditional grape stomping and winemaking techniques.
Here are some of the top wine festivals to check out in Spain in September:
- Rioja Wine Harvest Festival: La Rioja is one of Spain’s premier wine regions known for its delicious red, which is drunk all over the world. September brings the start of the harvest in Logroño, the capital of Rioja, and it is celebrated with a week-long festival of parties, exhibitions, and parades. The demonstration of grape treading at the Plaza de Espolón is not to be missed!
- Jerez Wine Festival: One of the oldest wine festivals in the country, this one’s ever-expanding calendar now lasts for most of the month! This charming Andalucian town is renowned for three things: wine, flamenco, and horses, and during the wine festival, it showcases all three. Expect demonstrations of traditional wine and sherry making, vineyard tours, spontaneous flamenco performances, and equestrian shows to delight the whole family.
- Cariñena Harvest Festival, Zaragoza: It is worth a visit purely to see wine flow from the Fountain of La Mora in the centre of town – this only happens once a year during this festival.
- Fiesta de la Vendimia, Requena: This one kicked off in August with fireworks and flames, but the celebrations continue into September and tend to go on for longer than scheduled. More concerts and parties are added to the schedule each year.
- Valdepeñas Harvest and Wine Festival: Valdepeñas is one of Spain’s biggest exporters of wine PDO (protected designation origin), making this festival a big deal. With more than 100 events to watch spanning artistic, sporting, gastronomic and cultural themes, there’s no end to the entertainment on offer. You must try the popular festival drink made from white wine, lemon, and sugar, then stick around to watch who gets crowned the best limoná maker.
If you miss the festivals, don’t worry. Book a vineyard tasting tour instead. September and October, being harvest season, are when the vines are most heavily laden, and the vineyards are at their most beautiful. It’s a fantastic time to explore and sample some wines.
Look for accommodation in one of the country’s best wine regions now, and then start practising your grape stomping technique!
Beach please!
One of the best things about a September holiday in Spain is the shoulder season perks! Much like visiting in June, you get to enjoy weather that is just as sunny and almost as hot as the summer months, but the prices are lower, and the crowds are fewer. And nowhere is the lack of people more important than on the beaches!
It’s the perfect time to head to the areas that are crazy busy in August, such as the Costa Brava, the city beaches of Barcelona, the ever-popular Canary Islands and the beautiful Baelerics.
The Costa del Sol is another ideal spot since the heat there can be overpowering in August, but in September, it drops out of the 30s into the high 20s. That’s much more bearable while still feeling like mid-summer! The cruise ship, package holiday, and teens-abroad crowds will be less visible as the month goes on, and you’ll have a much wider choice of accommodation in places like Malaga and Marbella, usually booked wall to wall in August.
If you’re chasing the heat but want to avoid the last lingering crowds of summer, then the Costa de la Luz is a fantastic option. This is the least known of the Spanish Costas yet one of the most beautiful. On Andalucía’s Atlantic Coast, it’s an area of wild, unspoilt stretches of sand, stunning sunsets, and historic towns. The climate is still fantastic in September, and the water is still pleasant enough for swimming (a mild 22°C), which is lucky because this coast is famous for its watersports!
Sound good? Look for accommodation on Spain’s Costa de la Luz now. Perhaps stay in ancient and beautiful Cadiz or peaceful Huelva, rarely visited by tourists.
Sausage fest
If you’re in La Rioja enjoying the harvest festivals and fancy celebrating some food alongside the wine, head to Baños de Río Tobía to sample this little town’s most famous export: Chorizo!
The annual Chorizo Festival usually takes place on the Sunday closest to the 21st of September. In 2023, it reached its 50th year, becoming the oldest such festival in Europe.
Get there early to watch the local butchers and restaurant staff cooking up huge vats of the spicy pork sausages which are then chopped up and served to the attendees in sandwiches. Munch on a hot spicy sausage and sip local wine as you wander the festival, enjoying the parades, traditional dances, live music, and football games.
This is a wonderful low-key festival that is currently attended mainly by locals. It’s a fantastic chance to experience a slice of Spanish life, and we recommend going soon before it becomes a must-do on the tourist trail!
Check out accommodation in La Rioja now, then start experimenting with chorizo so you’re a connoisseur come the day of the festival.
Closing time
With September comes the end of summer in Ibiza. For four long months, this island has been earning its global reputation for hedonism, debauchery, and nonstop parties. And it’s not quite over yet. Ibiza’s summer season does not go out with a whimper but an almighty bang because September is the month of the closing parties!
No venue, from the most famous super club to the beach bars to the party hotels to the pubs of the San Antonio strip, none of them would dream of finishing the summer without throwing a closing party. And so September through to mid-October is a crazy busy time with a packed events calendar and more parties than you could hope to hit in one holiday.
Though it seems impossible, the atmosphere can get even wilder in September than in August, as a real ‘last chance to party’ vibe fills the air. As well as tourists enjoying a late summer holiday, you’ll find club and bar owners celebrating a successful season, DJs going hard to finish up their summer residencies in style, and thousands of seasonal hospitality staff paying a final tribute to a fantastic summer before boarding that plane home. It makes for an electric atmosphere.
But, even if you’re not about partying or hitting the club nights, the White Isle is still a great place to head to in September. Temperatures still get as high as 27°C, and there are endless opportunities for sunbathing and swimming in the balmy azure waters. Come September, the peak crowds of the summer have dispersed, and it’s possible to enjoy some of the most popular beach and waterfront spots without fighting for a place. In addition, you can often bag an accommodation bargain and stay in a fantastic hotel or villa that would have been out of your budget in peak summer.
Sound good? Search for your dream accommodation in Ibiza now, then check the club calendars and line up those closing parties.
Pilgrim’s progress
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to tackle all or part of the Camino de Santiago, then September is it. Cooler yet still sunny temperatures alongside low chances of rain make for excellent hiking conditions, while the autumnal scenery makes a stunning backdrop. Plus, the dwindling summer crowds mean less congestion on the trails and more chance of finding a bed where you need one!
People have been making the pilgrimage to the mediaeval city of Santiago de Compostela for centuries, ever since the remains of the apostle Saint James were discovered there in the 9th century. Recently, people’s reasons for walking this route are more varied. Undoubtedly, many still do it for religious reasons, while some walk for more spiritual ones, some for the joy of traversing the Spanish landscape, and some for the physical challenge it presents.
Whatever the reason, the popularity of this pilgrimage continues, with almost 300,000 people making the trek in 2023. With that number in mind, you can see why tackling the trail during shoulder season is a good idea!
There are a variety of routes to Santiago de Compostela because pilgrims over the centuries would have begun their journeys from various places. So of the most common routes today are the Camino Português, which starts in Lisbon; the Via de la Plata, the longest route in Spain, starting from Seville; or the Camino del Norte, which takes you along the northern coast of Spain through San Sebastian, Santander and Gijon.
However, the Camino Francés is the most popular route and is often what people mean when they say Camino de Santiago. It is the most developed route lined with amenities and albergues or pilgrim hostels. The route begins in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees, almost 500 miles from the cathedral. If this sounds too much for you, don’t worry; join the trail at any point along its route, depending on your fitness levels and available time.
Thinking of tackling the Camino? Why not book a beautiful hotel in Santiago de Compostela so you can relax and rest your weary muscles once you reach the end of your journey?
Sporting chance
Like to exert a little energy on your holiday (beyond simply lifting a cocktail or two)? Or do you like to spectate while others do the hard work? Whichever it is, Spain hosts several awesome sporting events in September that are well worth checking out.
Runners, pack your trainers and head to Seville at the end of September for a chance to run through the majestic city’s streets after dark. The Carrera Nocturna del Guadalquivir is an annual race that attracts around 22,000 people. The 8.5 km route takes you through the city’s ancient streets over historic bridges, past iconic monuments and buildings. It’s a unique experience, and the event has a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
LGBTQ+ athletes and allies head to Barcelona for Panteresports! This three-day multi-sports tournament is an inclusive event that allows athletes to practise and compete in various sports and wellness activities in a safe and welcoming space. Sports on offer include beach volleyball, basketball, water polo, archery, running, swimming, skating and even salsa! Sign up to get involved in the games or head along to watch athletes from all over Europe compete in this diverse and friendly event. And, of course, enjoy the accompanying parties!
Rather watch a world-class event than participate in one? Spain’s got you covered. La Vuelta is an annual multistage cycling race inspired by the Tour de France. The route changes yearly, but in 2024, it includes 21 stages over 23 days, including time trials, flat stretches, and altitude climbs through the Pyrenees before finishing in Madrid on 8th September. This year, the final stage will be individual time trials in Madrid, making it thrilling for spectators to watch. Bag a seat at the finish line in front of the Edificio Telefónica to watch the action. If you miss out, don’t worry; you’ll get a second chance in May with the women’s race La Vuelta Femenina.
Fancy taking part in or watching one of these events? Grab accommodation in Seville, Barcelona, or Madrid now, then scout out the perfect sport to watch the action.
Fall festivals
Another month, another packed festival calendar! Here are our top five festivals to catch in Spain in September:
- Catalan Day: On the 11th of September, Catalonians commemorate the day that Barcelona fell in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. This ended Catalonia’s autonomous rule, so the day is marked with protests, political statements, abundant Catalonian flags, and the laying of floral tributes at monuments throughout the region. Though this may sound quite sombre, it’s also a chance to celebrate Catalonia. So there are, of course, parties, fireworks, and concerts, and plenty of eating, drinking, and dancing.
- Euskal Jaiak: The Basque country is a region unlike any other in Spain, and this is a chance to see that for yourself. This festival celebrates the diverse Basque traditions, heritage, and pride. Expect traditional folk dancing, sporting displays and competitions, live music, and of course, plenty of excellent Basque cuisine.
- Santa Tecla Festival: This is another great celebration of all things Catalonian held in Tarragona. It originated as a religious holiday but has evolved to become a 10-day celebration of the rich local culture. Expect streets packed with locals and tourists enjoying parades and dancing, local gastronomy, and fire shows. One of the highlights is the Castells, the incredible human towers traditional in Catalonia that can reach up to ten people high!
- San Sebastián International Film Festival: To enjoy a little glitz and glamour on your Spanish holiday, why not check out one of the oldest film festivals in Europe? With hundreds of films of all genres and origins showing over the week-long festival, it’s a must for movie buffs and a chance to spot famous directors, film critics, and actors attending the screenings and awards.
- Festes del la Mercè Barcelona: This is one of the biggest festivals in the city’s calendar and marks the official start of autumn. In addition to food, drinks, fireworks, and dancing, you can expect displays of the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance, exhilarating Correfoc fire runs, and the incredible human towers or Castells that are unique to this region of Spain.
Fancy catching one of September’s best festivals? Search for your ideal accommodation in Catalonia or the Basque country now.
Surf’s up!
Feeling sad that the summer is drawing to a close? Well, chin up because with the end of summer comes the start of the Spanish surfing season!!
Although you can find waves in Spain all year round, the swell undeniably picks up from September, plus the beaches and water empty out, giving you more space to do your thing. The waves only get better as the winter progresses, but in September, you’re in a real sweet spot of enjoying great swell while still having long days of sunshine and warm sea temperatures.
If you want to pair surfing with sunbathing, head to Fuerteventura, where the temperatures are still balmy, and there’s swell for all abilities. Or visit surf-mad Tarifa and Andalucía’s Atlantic coast for the southern sun. But if you don’t mind trading a few degrees for better waves, the north is where it’s at. Head to the many fantastic surf spots around Galicia’s dramatic coast, or try San Sebastian to find plenty of surf camps and schools. Nearby Zarautz is a less well-known spot, while Mundaka, east of Bilbao, is home to one of the longest left-hand breaks in Europe and attracts pros from around the globe.
So what are you waiting for? Book accommodation in one of Spain’s premier surf spots, then pack up your board and head for those waves!
Feel the rhythm
If the passionate beat and rhythm of flamenco delight your soul, then you’re in luck! Head to Seville in September to catch Spain’s biggest dance festival, the Flamenco Bienal!
This month-long festival has taken place every other year since 1980, and the next one will be held in 2024! It showcases all elements of this passionate art form with competitions, concerts and displays of dance, guitar and song. You’ll find flamenco in all possible forms, from super traditional to contemporary, modern, fusion and avant-garde, solo performances to group dances and even flamenco flash mobs.
The performances happen in a variety of venues across the city, from iconic places such as the Alcazar and the Bullring to theatres, bars, and cafes. And don’t be surprised to see spontaneous street performances happening, too, as throughout September, this city seems to burst with music and dance everywhere you look.
Alongside the performances, you’ll find classes, workshops, talks, and exhibitions to help you learn about flamenco and even try it out for yourself.
Not visiting in a Bienal year? Don’t worry. Seville has begun hosting the Septiembre es Flamenco (September is Flamenco) festival in odd-numbered years. It’s a little shorter and less prestigious than the Bienal, but this two-week-long festival goes a long way to fill the flamenco-shaped hole that previously occurred every other September.
Take a look at the accommodation on offer in Seville now so that you can be in the middle of it when the city fills with flamenco music and rhythms.
Pride before the fall
June and July were big months for Pride celebrations across the country, but if you missed out, don’t worry. In September, it’s Benidorm’s turn to fly the rainbow flags!
Benidorm, the world-famous resort on the Costa Brava, has come a long way from its roots as a small village of olive groves and citrus trees. Now, its four-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by a forest of shiny high-rise hotels and impressive skyscrapers that have given it the nickname The Manhattan of the Med. It still has some old-world Spanish charm tucked away in its quaint old town but is better known for catering to the many tourists and ex-pats who love it for its cosmopolitan range of shops and restaurants. And, of course, it has a reputation for non-stop nightlife with LGBTQ+ friendly vibes all year round. And come September, those vibes kick up a few notches!!
Benidorm Pride is seen as the closing party for European Pride, and it takes its job seriously. Its packed events and party calendar centres upon the atmospheric old town, the heart of the Benidorm LBGTQ+ community. But the real highlight is the vibrant parade, which takes place on the resort’s premier beach, Levante.
Fancy checking out the closing party of summer Pride? Hunt down your ideal accommodation in Benidorm now and book your spot.
Top tips for travelling in Spain in September
Not sure what to pack or how to plan for the shoulder season in Spain? We’ve got you covered with these 5 top tips for a holiday in Spain in September:
- When it comes to packing, layers are your friend. You’ll want lightweight summer clothes and beach wear – including a hat and sunglasses – to make the most of the late summer sun and then something warmer for the evenings, especially if you are in the north or on the coast where it can get chillier at night. There’s also a slight chance of rain in some areas, so pack a jacket just in case.
- The sun in Spain is still fierce in September, so don’t forget your sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day.
- Although we always think of the summer holidays ending with August, that’s not entirely accurate. Many European schools and colleges don’t start back until a week or two into September. So, the later in the month you plan your trip, the fewer crowds there’ll be, and the lower the prices will drop!
- Though the summer crowds are dispersing, some events can still draw large numbers, so if you’re dreaming of seeing a specific event or festival, you should still book your flights & accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Don’t forget your travel insurance! Spain can feel like a very safe country to travel to, and while that is true, accidents and unforeseen events can always derail a holiday. Make sure you’ve purchased insurance and check the policy so you know what coverage you have for things like gadgets, flight delay / cancellation, illness and repatriation. And if you plan on doing any adventure sports, ensure they’re covered in your policy.
So what do you think of our top 10 things to do in Spain in September?
Do you fancy exploring Spain in the late summer? Treading the grapes and sampling some vino at one of the wine festivals? Getting wild at the Ibiza closing parties, running through the nighttime streets of Seville or flying the rainbow flag in Benidorm?
Well, what are you waiting for? Book your accommodation now to start planning your dream holiday in Spain in September.
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Spain in October.
I am a huge fan of Spain and knew I would be before I’d ever set foot there. Any country where meals last for hours and afternoon naps are part of the culture is always going to be right up my street! And it did not disappoint. From beach holidays in the Canaries to working in the Balearics to road-tripping through the mainland and city breaks in the country’s urban hubs, I have returned again and again to Spain and will continue to do so for years to come.