Weather in Spain in July

This month, you’ll get a true picture of Spanish summers: golden beaches packed with sunbathers, cities buzzing with lively night markets, and countryside landscapes filled with sunflowers in full bloom. But keep in mind that July in Spain isn’t all sunshine and relaxation — the heat can get pretty intense, especially in the inland areas. Here's our guide to the weather in Spain in July.

Spain in July at a glance

• July in Spain brings warm to hot weather with average temperatures around 86°F (30°C), great for hitting the beach or enjoying the outdoors
• It's peak tourist season, so there are lots of people and prices can be higher, but the atmosphere is lively with tons of events.
• Perfect time for cultural festivals, like the famous San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona.

Is July a good time to visit Spain? 

The weather in Spain in July is reliably warm with clear skies and very little rain—it’s the height of summer. 

On the one hand, this is great for beach trips. On the other hand, the heat can be intense, especially in the southern regions. 

If you’re the type of person who thrives in the heat, this can be a fantastic time to go. With long, sunny days, you'll have plenty of time for sightseeing and enjoying the lively Spanish nightlife (after all the sun lasts from around 6:30 AM until after 9:30 PM). It is peak tourist season, so you can expect bigger crowds and higher prices, but the lively atmosphere, numerous festivals, and perfect beach conditions. Just remember to stay hydrated and consider taking a siesta during the hottest part of the day.

Average daily temperatures in July

July brings peak summer heat to Spain, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C), and sometimes even exceeding 100°F (38°C) in some inland areas. Nights are warm, usually between 61°F (16°C) and 68°F (20°C).

The Mediterranean Sea is pleasantly warm in July, with an average temperature of around 75°F (24°C), perfect for swimming and water activities all month long. The Atlantic Ocean is a bit cooler but still enjoyable at about 68°F (20°C), ideal for a swim, especially in the afternoons when it's warmest.

Basque Country

In July, the Basque Country has pleasant summer weather, with average highs around 77°F (25°C) and lows near 61°F (16°C). It’s typically sunny and comfortable, a great time to explore the coastal towns and lush countryside.

Barcelona

Barcelona is great for warm Mediterranean weather in July, with average highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows around 69°F (21°C). You can expect consistently warm days, and minimal rainfall. It’s definitely hot — although sea breezes often provide relief.

Madrid and central Spain

Madrid and central Spain experience hot weather in July, with average highs reaching about 91°F (33°C) and lows dropping to 63°F (17°C). This is the peak of summer heat, much warmer than the spring or fall months.

Seville and southern Spain

Seville and southern Spain face intense heat in July, with average highs around 97°F (36°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). These are some of the hottest temperatures in Europe, making this region significantly warmer than others during the season.

What about the crowd & cost?

In July, Spain is at the height of its tourist season, and you'll find popular destinations buzzing with visitors from all over the world. With this high demand, prices for accommodations, flights, and some attractions can go up. 

It's a chance to experience Spain's vibrant summer at its peak, but it's a good idea to book in advance to lock in your preferred options and possibly get better rates. 

What to do in Spain in July

Given the warm weather in Spain in July and little chance or rain, you’ve picked a great time to travel. Here’s how we suggest you make the most of the scorching weather despite the crowds:

Enjoy tapas and wine in San Sebastián

Treat yourself to San Sebastián's finest by hopping between pintxos bars in the Old Town. You’ll get to taste delicious bite-sized tapas paired with local txakoli wine. Warm July evenings make it the perfect time for a stroll.

Explore underground attractions like the Caves of Nerja

Escape the July heat by venturing into the cool Caves of Nerja, a stunning underground complex on the Costa del Sol. This impressive cave system features massive stalactites and stalagmites, along with prehistoric cave paintings. It’s a cool and fascinating retreat from the July sun, offering a glimpse into ancient history.

Attend an outdoor concert at the Roman Theatre of Mérida

Enjoy a summer night under the stars at the Roman Theatre of Mérida, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters. In July, it hosts the International Classical Theatre Festival, where you can watch live performances set against the stunning backdrop of 2,000-year-old Roman ruins.

Attend a zarzuela (Spanish operetta) performance in Madrid

For a unique cultural experience, attend a zarzuela in Madrid, a traditional Spanish operetta blending operatic music with popular songs and dialogue. In July, theaters like Teatro de la Zarzuela offer performances that showcase this lively and entertaining form of Spanish musical theater.

Tour the Prado Museum in Madrid

Stay cool while exploring the Prado Museum in Madrid, one of the world’s most renowned art museums. In July, you can take advantage of its extended summer hours and enjoy masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. It’s the perfect way to escape the midday heat and dive into Spain’s rich artistic heritage. Not to mention — it's air-conditioned.

Festivals and events in Spain in July

To enjoy Spain at its festive best, consider visiting in July, when numerous unique events and celebrations take place. Here is a short list of our favorites:

• The Festa del Carm honors the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. This vibrant maritime festival features colorful boat processions, with a statue of the Virgin carried out to sea to bless the waters. This is sometimes followed by street parties, traditional Sardana dancing, and fireworks displays.  @spain
• The world-famous San Fermín festival, held in Pamplona from July 6-14, is best known for the heart-pounding Running of the Bulls. Each morning, daring participants run through the city streets ahead of charging bulls. Beyond this iconic event, the festival offers a week of non-stop celebration with parades, fireworks, traditional dances, and plenty of food and drink.  
• The Cruïlla Festival, held in Barcelona in early July, is a vibrant celebration of music and arts. This eclectic festival features an impressive lineup of international and local artists across various genres, from rock and pop to electronic and world music. 
• The Festival Internacional de Benicàssim, commonly known as FIB, is one of Spain's premier music festivals, taking place in mid-July in the coastal town of Benicàssim. This four-day event attracts music lovers from around the world. 

Plan your trip to Spain

Plan your trip independently or let our local travel experts handle it for you. Our tailor-made trips take care of all the planning and booking, providing you with a worry-free experience and 24/7 support. Here are some sample trip ideas:

• Andalucía Explored (9 days): discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards (and more) on a culture-packed, 9-day trip that also showcases incredible natural landscapes. 
• Gems in Southern Spain (16 days): starting out in Seville, this will see you exploring Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol in an immersive, leisurely style.
• The Lands of Wine from Madrid (5 days): offering a deep dive into two of Spain’s most esteemed wine regions — Ribera del Duero and La Rioja — this includes tours of four famous wineries.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to Spain.