Things to Do in Spain in April

April Weather in Spain

22°C (72°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in mountains and national parks - temperatures of 15-22°C (59-72°F) ideal for walking 15-20km (9-12 miles) daily without overheating
Wildflower season transforms Andalusian countryside and Pyrenean valleys into spectacular displays of poppies, lavender, and almond blossoms
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peak, with most hotels still offering winter rates until Easter week
Ideal museum and city exploration weather - comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) afternoons perfect for 4-6 hours of outdoor sightseeing without fatigue

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered packing - morning temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) can jump to 24°C (75°F) by afternoon
Beach weather is unreliable - coastal temperatures only reach 18-20°C (64-68°F), with water still cold at 16-18°C (61-64°F) from winter
Easter week (varies yearly) brings Spanish holiday crowds and significantly higher prices, especially in Seville and Granada

Best Activities in April

Andalusian White Villages Hiking

April's mild temperatures make this the perfect month for exploring pueblos blancos like Ronda, Grazalema, and Zahara. Morning mist clears by 10am, revealing spectacular mountain views. Wildflowers peak in late April, creating postcard-perfect hiking conditions with temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F) ideal for 5-8 hour mountain walks.

Booking Tip: Book village-to-village hiking tours 2-3 weeks ahead through certified mountain guides. Expect to pay €45-75 per person for day hikes. Look for operators including transport between villages and traditional tapas lunches.

Camino de Santiago Walking Tours

April marks the start of optimal Camino season before summer heat and crowds arrive. The French Route and Portuguese Coastal Route offer perfect spring walking conditions with 12-15°C (54-59°F) mornings warming to comfortable 20°C (68°F) afternoons. Albergues reopen after winter closures, and wildflowers line the paths.

Booking Tip: Self-guided packages typically cost €35-55 per day including accommodation transfers. Book sections 4-6 weeks ahead for April. Avoid Easter week when Spanish pilgrims create bottlenecks in popular stages.

Picos de Europa Mountain Adventures

Spain's most dramatic peaks emerge from winter snow in April, offering spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing. Brown bears are active after hibernation, and spring migration brings diverse birdlife. Cable cars and mountain refugios reopen mid-April, providing access to trails impassable in winter.

Booking Tip: Mountain lodge stays cost €25-45 per person in April before peak season. Book refugio accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as many operate limited schedules until May. Multi-day trekking packages range €180-280 per person.

Barcelona Architecture Walking Tours

April's mild 18-22°C (64-72°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring Gaudí's masterpieces without summer's oppressive heat and crowds. Sagrada Familia and Park Güell morning visits avoid tourist buses, while afternoon light enhances photography of modernist facades in Eixample district.

Booking Tip: Advance architecture tour bookings cost €25-35 per person in April versus €45+ in summer. Skip-the-line Sagrada Familia tickets must be booked 6-8 weeks ahead even in shoulder season. Morning slots offer better lighting and smaller groups.

Seville Flamenco and Tapas Experiences

April in Seville offers perfect evening temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) for authentic flamenco in outdoor courtyards and extended tapas crawls through Santa Cruz and Triana neighborhoods. Orange trees bloom throughout the city, creating aromatic backdrops for cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Authentic tablao experiences range €35-65 per person including drink. Book small-group tapas tours 10-14 days ahead for €40-60 per person. Avoid tourist traps near cathedral - look for experiences in residential Triana district.

Basque Country Culinary Tours

April marks the start of spring produce season in Basque country - wild asparagus, spring onions, and fresh seafood create seasonal menus unavailable other times. San Sebastian's pintxos bars offer outdoor seating, while Bilbao's food markets showcase regional specialties in comfortable 15-19°C (59-66°F) weather.

Booking Tip: Pintxos tours cost €65-85 per person including multiple bars and wine pairings. Book through certified food guides 2-3 weeks ahead. Cooking classes with market visits range €95-130 per person and fill quickly in April's pleasant weather.

April Events & Festivals

Late April (typically two weeks after Easter)

Feria de Abril (Seville April Fair)

Seville's most important festival features 1,000 decorated casetas (tents), traditional flamenco dancing, horseback parades, and regional cuisine. The fairground transforms into a temporary city of celebration with locals wearing traditional dress and welcoming visitors to join the festivities.

April 23

Sant Jordi Day (Saint George's Day)

Catalonia's version of Valentine's Day sees Barcelona's streets fill with book and rose vendors. Las Ramblas becomes a massive outdoor bookstore and flower market, with couples exchanging books and roses according to tradition. Many museums offer free admission.

Late March to Mid-April (varies yearly)

Easter Processions (Semana Santa)

Andalusian cities host Spain's most dramatic Easter celebrations with ornate floats, hooded penitents, and centuries-old religious traditions. Seville, Granada, and Malaga offer the most spectacular processions, but crowds can be overwhelming and accommodation prices triple.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layers - morning temperatures of 8-10°C (46-50°F) require warmth that breathes as days heat up

Packable rain jacket with hood - April showers are brief but frequent, lasting 15-30 minutes with little warning

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - you'll easily walk 8-12km (5-7 miles) daily on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain

Layering pieces like cardigans or light fleece - temperature swings of 10-15°C (18-27°F) between morning and afternoon are common

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 requires protection during 4-6 hours of daily outdoor sightseeing

Small daypack for hiking - essential for mountain excursions and carrying layers as weather changes throughout the day

Long pants and closed-toe shoes for church visits - many religious sites enforce dress codes year-round

Compact umbrella - more practical than bulky rain gear for April's short, unpredictable showers

Warm sleepwear - Spanish accommodations may not heat rooms above 16°C (61°F) in shoulder season

Quick-dry travel towel - useful for unexpected rain or spontaneous outdoor activities in variable weather

Insider Knowledge

Spanish lunch timing shifts earlier in April - restaurants open at 1:30pm instead of 2pm, and booking a 2pm table gets you better service before the rush

Many mountain refugios and hiking routes officially reopen April 15th after winter closures - calling ahead is essential for Pyrenees and Picos de Europa activities

April hotel rates can triple during Easter week without warning - book flexible cancellation rates and monitor religious calendar dates for your travel window

Locals take advantage of April's mild weather for weekend hiking and cycling - join them on Sundays when families fill parks and mountain trails, creating authentic cultural experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming beach weather - Mediterranean coastal temperatures only reach 18-20°C (64-68°F) and water remains cold at 16°C (61°F) from winter

Under-packing warm clothes for mountain regions - Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada can see snow at altitude even in April, with temperatures dropping below 5°C (41°F)

Not checking Easter dates when booking - Spanish Easter week transforms pricing and crowds unpredictably, sometimes overlapping with April travel dates