September in Spain follows the peak season, as families travel back home for work and school you will find that Spain in September is a month of leisure and opportunity. As peak season ends, the crowds die down and the sun cools to a perfect temperature of around 26°C. Aside from the iconic landmarks and numerous places to visit, Spain in September has a multitude of benefits, as Autumn looms, prices drop by a staggering 20%, waiting times decrease and there are more choices of accommodation at budget prices.
The cherry on top comes in the form of the endless activities to partake in and the sights to feast your eyes upon. It is as full of joy as any other time of year, only this time there is more on offer, making Spain the perfect place for you to visit in September.
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Where to Go in Spain in September
When visiting Spain, surprises are everywhere to be discovered. You will find that no two places are the same in their activities or culture. Some areas offer acres of shimmering sand and bobbing seas (like the Balearic Islands), whilst others are renowned for the diverse architecture and enticing cultural history (like Granada and Sevilla) that is hard to witness anywhere else.
Whether you’d rather spend a day lounging under the sun or following a tour of one of Spain’s most iconic and trendy landmarks, there are plenty of options to choose from. Cities such as Marbella may be a respite for those who desperately crave hot climatic conditions, whilst experiencing places such as Bilbao, can offer a more tranquil and artistically enriching experience. September in Spain hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the month, all different in shape and size.
There are three cities, in particular, that are brilliantly different from one another in their own right. Any, or all, would make your visit to Spain unforgettable. Bilbao, Marbella, and Granada are all cities that host dazzling attractions. You may marvel at the walls of the world-famous Guggenheim, or walk the streets of Marbella’s breath-taking old town.
What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences
Bilbao
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a city that takes you away from the business of life and places you amongst a mix of traditional and modern Spanish culture. Standing proud ahead mazes of cobblestoned streets with a backdrop of hills, is the famous Guggenheim, a structure that is revolutionary in both its architecture and the unique art it exhibits. Visiting Guggenheim Museum is an experience like no other and is one that Bilbao is commonly known for, along with the refreshing climate and friendly locals.
You can take it all in at Bilbao with our 10-Day Alluring North Spain Tour
Marbella
The sun shines through Marbella in September with an average high temperature of 20ºC, being what some would consider just right for cocktails by the beach and strolls through vibrant villages. Marbella may be the main attraction for those who are beach hut savvy but also enjoy absorbing rich historical backgrounds.
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Planning to Visit Spain in September?
If that is the case, then you can’t let the opportunity to witness the old town of Marbella, slip through your fingers. The oldest and proudest standing area of the city is anything but utterly captivating. Marbella’s streets are painted with original tiles that are splashed with colour and overlooked by romantic, whitewashed buildings, woven together with flower-draped balconies. Pondering under the blooming orange trees, you’ll soon discover that Marbella is a destination that will capture your heart and make it burst with love. It’s no surprise that it is therefore the perfect romantic getaway, and is also included in our 9-Day Spain for Honeymooners package.
Granada
Granada is a city enriched with mediaeval architecture and greenery that takes visitors centuries back with its historical monuments. The most prominent attraction (and often regarded as the most visited monument in Spain) is The Alhambra. Termed to be The Red Palace and built way back in the 13th century, the stunning buildings and their surroundings are an immersive look into Granada’s past and how it came to be. Hours will tick by as you stroll through the palace gardens and wander the winding halls.
If you have a knack for adventure, you can also explore the great Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are visible from most corners of the city. On top of its many places to get lost in and discover, Granada also offers free tapas with each beverage along the way.
Festivals / Special Events
La Rioja Grape Harvest Festival in Logroño
If you are a connoisseur of grapes and a wine aficionado then the La Rioja Grape Harvest Festival is the ultimate place to be. The Feast of San Mateo, which takes place each September at the first ceremonial picking of grapes carried by local children and pressed in rustic barrels, is a celebration of all things cheerful and carefree. You may soak your feet with traditional foot-pressing of the grapes, throw and catch balls with the locals as the sun sets, and even watch the parades as part of the harvest festival.
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Festa de la Mercè in Barcelona
The La Mecè festival, which takes place over five days and is sometimes referred to be Barcelona’s biggest event, has over 106 concerts! Giant kings and queens parade the streets that are filled to the brim with hundreds of activities that explore the arts and music. The festival is the greatest celebration of Catalan culture that you can ever witness. During the Correfoc (fire run) a group of individuals disguised as dragons and devils glide over the streets with rockets and firecrackers, making the celebration even more exciting among the music and arts as the day turns into night.
The Santa Tecla Festival
When you arrive at The Santa Tecla festival you will be greeted by literal human towers who twist and turn and stand on each other’s shoulders to form these eccentric and captivating art forms. The festival is also home to their own Correfoc with fire-runners who dance with elemental flames and dive over characters who represent devils. If the unmissable activities are not enough to draw you in, then the local cakes, food parades, and music concerts that immerse the streets of Tarragona will. You can even try your hand at something completely new, such as the local speciality ‘espineta amb cargols’ which translates to ‘tuna back with snails’.
Weather / Seasons
While there is a risk of three to eight days of rain while visiting Spain in September, the weather is usually still pleasant enough to dip your toes in the water. The average high temperature in Bilbao is 24° and the average low temperature is 14°. The average high temperature in Marbella is 28° and the average low temperature is 19°. Granada had a high of 28 degrees and a low of 15 degrees. It is advised that you bring light and cool attire for the warmer days, as well as one or two coats in case it gets cooler. There’s a roughly 70% probability of a sunny day with clear skies and warm water for you to enjoy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- September is often cheaper and less busy than peak months.
- It is a good idea to learn some lingo and key phrases, especially if travelling to an area that is less tourist-heavy.
- People in Spain eat later than in most other places, 8 pm is a common time to eat a meal, whilst lunch often begins at 2 pm.
- When travelling to a different country it can often be confusing as to whether or not you can drink the tap water. However, the tap water in Spain is completely safe to drink.
- The currency in Spain is the Euro, USD$1 currently equals €0.95.
- Many places in Spain offer free small bites or tapas with drinks.
- Tipping isn’t normally a requirement in Spain unless you feel like doing so.
Spain in September has all of the advantages of Spain during peak season, but without the overcrowding, lack of availability, and high prices. While visiting Spain during peak season is still a fine decision, arriving in September allows you to fully immerse yourself in the country and culture. Spain is a popular tourist attraction in September since there are so many festivals and historical festivities to witness, as well as renowned buildings and architecture to explore. With fewer people visiting Spain during this time of year, especially as autumn approaches, you may still enjoy your favourite beachfront bar.
The diversity is infinite, and you’ll want to repeat the experience the following year. Designer Journeys has a variety of tours to meet your preferences. Once you have a broad concept of the sort of trip you want to take, you can begin designing your journey by connecting with our Local Designers in Spain.
