Things to Do in Spain in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Spain
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect transition weather - warm 25°C (77°F) days without July's scorching heat, ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration without overheating
- Post-vacation season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% after August tourist exodus while weather remains excellent, especially in coastal areas
- Harvest season begins - September marks vendimia (grape harvest) with wine festivals across Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Andalucía, plus fresh seasonal produce in markets
- Comfortable beach conditions - Mediterranean Sea reaches peak warmth at 23°C (73°F) while beach crowds thin significantly after European school holidays end
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - September storms can be sudden and intense, particularly affecting outdoor plans in northern regions like Basque Country and Galicia
- Seasonal closure period - some coastal beach bars and mountain refugios begin closing after first week of September, limiting dining options in resort areas
- Variable regional weather - while south enjoys summer-like conditions, northern Spain can feel distinctly autumnal with temperatures dropping to 12°C (54°F) at night
Best Activities in September
Camino de Santiago Hiking Routes
September offers ideal conditions for the pilgrimage with comfortable 20°C (68°F) walking temperatures and fewer crowds than summer months. The autumn light creates spectacular photography conditions across Galician landscapes, while hostels are less crowded but still fully operational.
Andalusian City Walking Tours
September's moderate temperatures make Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada infinitely more comfortable than brutal summer months. Daytime highs around 28°C (82°F) versus August's 38°C (100°F) mean you can actually enjoy exploring the Alcázar and Mezquita without heat exhaustion.
Rioja Wine Harvest Experiences
September is vendimia season when you can participate in actual grape harvests, not just tastings. Morning harvest work followed by traditional lunches with wine families offers authentic cultural immersion impossible other months. Temperatures perfect for vineyard walking at 22°C (72°F).
Northern Spain Coastal Drives
September offers clear visibility for Picos de Europa mountain views and comfortable temperatures for clifftop hiking in Asturias and Cantabria. Atlantic coast temperatures moderate to pleasant 20-23°C (68-73°F) without summer's tourist traffic clogging scenic routes.
Madrid Museum and Park Combinations
September's comfortable weather makes combining indoor museums with outdoor time in Retiro Park ideal. Morning museum visits (avoiding 2-4pm heat) followed by park picnics work perfectly. Prado and Reina Sofía less crowded than summer peak without school groups.
Barcelona Beach and City Hybrid Activities
September extends beach season with 23°C (73°F) water temperatures while making Gothic Quarter exploration comfortable. Beach mornings followed by city afternoons work perfectly without August's overwhelming heat and crowds.
September Events & Festivals
La Rioja Harvest Festival
Traditional grape harvest celebrations across Rioja region featuring stomping ceremonies, harvest blessing masses, and communal harvest meals. Multiple villages participate with different weekend celebrations throughout the month.
Barcelona's La Mercè Festival
Barcelona's biggest annual festival honoring the city's patron saint with human towers (castells), fire runs (correfocs), and massive street parties. Free outdoor concerts and traditional Catalan cultural displays throughout the city center.
San Sebastian International Film Festival
Major European film festival transforming the Basque city into a glamorous cultural hub. Red carpet events, outdoor screenings at Kursaal, and increased restaurant bookings require advance planning but create unique atmospheric energy.