September is an ideal time to join a Spain tour. The summer crowds thin out, but the energy stays high. The days cool off just enough to make exploring a joy, not a sweat session. Plus, plenty of events and festivals light up the calendar.
Whether you’re chasing sun in Andalusia or the grape harvest in La Rioja, you’ll find some of the best experiences in Spain in September. Here’s where to go, what to do, what to pack, and how to make the most of this month.
Best places to visit in Spain in September
Spain in September isn’t winding down for the winter, it’s just getting interesting once the summer crowds depart and locals reemerge. Here’s where to go at the start of the shoulder season.
Madrid – a cooler capital is calling
Madrid, set in the middle of Spain, doesn’t receive coastal breezes during the summer, making it hot, hot, hot. The locals will venture out to the seaside for summer escapes in July and August, leaving the capital a little quieter. Come September, locals return, terraces are buzzing, and it’s a fun time to be in the city.
Barcelona – beaches, food and architecture
Barcelona cools off a touch in September (an ideal time to see the La Sagrada Familia), but it still offers summer vibes throughout the month. But better yet, the city goes into festival mode towards the end of the month with La Mercè, a chaotic mix of fire runs, human towers, and open-air concerts.
Seville (Andalusia) – cooler days to explore
Seville sizzles in the summer, so September finally offers some relief. The Alcázar feels less like an oven, and warm nights are perfect for tapas crawls or catching flamenco shows. From the city it’s easy to reach Córdoba or Ronda on a day trip too.
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La Rioja – grape-stomping season
September is harvest time in La Rioja, with every vineyard turning into a hive of activity. Many wineries host tours and grape-stomping events, and it is easy to get involved if you’re a wine lover.
Costa del Sol – late-summer beach escape
Southern Spain is very hot in the summer, so September is still a brilliant time for an escape to the beach. You can stay in a small village like Nerja or Frigiliana on the Costa del Sol, or base yourself in the cultural city of Málaga. Here you can eat at beachfront restaurants, go kayaking or snorkeling, or just laze about on the sand.
Bilbao – art and pintxos
The Guggenheim isn’t the only draw in Bilbao, a cooler coastal city in northern Spain. In September, Bilbao hosts Aste Nagusia – a loud, nine-day street party with concerts, fireworks, and giant puppets. Here you can also hike into the green hills around the city, visit little fishing villages for fresh-caught seafood, or do a pintxos hop across town.
Valencia – festivals and paella
Come for the Las Fallas museum, and stay for the late-summer beach days and the best paella of your life in Valencia. While paella feels like the national dish of Spain, it’s actually from the Valencia region where the rice is grown – so if you’re a foodie pilgrim you must visit.
Best things to do in Spain in September
In September it is still warm enough to swim, hike, and eat outdoors, but cool enough to enjoy it. The beach is always a good idea, and more northern destinations such as foodie haven San Sebastián and the relaxed Costa Brava are ideal this time of year, with fewer towels and more space to float.
Head inland and you’ll find vineyards celebrating harvest season. Wine lovers should go winery hopping in La Rioja or Ribera del Duero. September is also ideal for hiking in places like the Picos de Europa or Cazorla, or you could even trek the famous Camino de Santiago across to Galicia’s Santiago de Compostela.
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City lovers can Dive Into Culture without the summer crowds. Locals return to Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, and the cities buzz with art shows, open-air concerts, and block-parties.
Down south, the popular destination of Andalusia finally cools off enough for rooftop bars, flamenco shows, and late-night tapas without the risk of heatstroke. Yes, it’s really warm in the south so plan your trip for late September if possible.
Trafalgar’s Spain tours to consider in September
- Best of Spain: a 15-day trip beginning in Madrid that captures the essence of Spain on a lap from north to south.
- Spanish Wonder: A 9-day journey through Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona
- Northern Spain: an 11-day jaunt from Barcelona to Madrid, crossing through the verdant northern regions of Galicia, Asturias and Basque Country.
- Highlights of Spain and Portugal: A 13-day tour that cuts a lap across the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula from Madrid, passing through Lisbon, Granada, Seville, and Valencia.
- NEW: Spain, Morocco & Portugal Whirl: a unique 12-day trip from Madrid to Lisbon, that includes Andalusia and a hop over to northern Morocco by ferry.
- Treasures of Spain and Portugal: A 14-day tour ticking off Spain and Portugal’s biggest cities and hidden gems.
- Mediterranean Highlights: a 13-day tour from Madrid to Rome, passing through Barcelona, southern France and Italy’s Florence.
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What is the weather in Spain in September?
In September, most of Spain still feels like summer. Coastal areas, especially the Mediterranean and southern shores, still enjoy warm sunshine with daytime highs ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F–86°F). Post-summer the sea is delightfully warm, yet most European students have returned to their studies giving you more space to enjoy.
Inland cities including Madrid and Zaragoza experience milder temperatures than July and August. Expect daytime highs between 20°C and 28°C (68°F–82°F). It’s comfortable weather for sightseeing. Just be sure to pack layers – nights start to cool down, especially in northern and mountainous regions.
In September, rainfall is low, but the north may receive occasional showers.
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Events and festivals in September
September brings some of the country’s most electric celebrations. In Barcelona you can’t miss La Mercè – nine days of fireworks, human towers (castells), and wild street parties that turn the city into one big, colorful playground.
In Bilbao, the Aste Nagusia festival also runs for nine days, with concerts, parades, and traditional Basque sports. Nearby the San Sebastián International Film Festival is on.
Grape harvest season kicks off with plenty of festivals, especially in La Rioja and Jerez. Keep a look out for opportunities to stomp grapes, enjoy tastings, and try seasonal dishes.
Valencia offers Fiestas de la Virgen de los Desamparados, which celebrates its patron saint with processions and folk music. And Tarragona throws the Santa Tecla Festival with dances, human towers, bells and fireworks. Other small towns and villages also celebrate saints with fiestas in September.
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What should I pack for Spain in September?
The key to packing for September in Spain is layering. While much of Spain still experiences warm summer temperatures, nights begin to cool off.
Pack light, breathable clothes for daytime exploring – think cotton tees, linen shirts, and comfortable shorts or skirts. For men, it’s more European to wear long slacks or trousers than shorts (especially in cities) but on hot days anything goes.
Evenings cool down, especially inland and in northern areas, so toss in a light jacket or cardigan for comfort.
Keep your footwear versatile. Pack good walking shoes for cobblestone streets, plus sandals for the beach. Sun protection is essential – so include a hat and sunglasses. If you can squeeze in a compact umbrella for a surprise show, great – if not don’t worry. Also bring your swimsuit and a light towel (if space allows).
Bring a day bag for exploring the cities with enough room to carry your reusable water bottle. You’ll want to stay hydrated! And don’t forget a power adapter with European plugs.
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That’s our comprehensive guide to September in Spain. Any tips we should add or questions? Leave a comment…