Your Essential Guide to the Best Time to Visit Valencia, Spain
With around 300 days of sunshine a year and a deliciously warm climate, it’s clear why Valencia is popular year-round.
The elegant, tangled streets of the old town and the spaceship-like structures of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias don’t change much month to month; however, it remains important to keep the seasons in mind as they impact what’s available during your stay. Want to cycle past sweetly-scented blossoming orange groves? Revel in the chaotic celebrations of Las Fallas? Get messy at a traditional grape stomping festival? Sip cocktails at a bohemian beach bar? It all depends on the time of year. Here’s a concise guide to when and how to visit this beautiful Spanish city.
July and August: Ideal for Beach Days and Art Exploration
This period marks peak summer in Valencia, where visitors flock to the city seeking guaranteed sunshine, while locals often escape to cooler climates. The average temperature in July reaches 27°C (81°F), and hot nights can feel stifling. Although many traditional bars and restaurants may close during July and August, the city remains lively.
Beach bars (chiringuitos) emerge on the sands in summer, from Playa de Las Arenas to Playa de la Patacona. Guests can beat the heat with a refreshing mojito, a sunbed, and the cooling sea breeze. Visit El Chiringuito de La Más Bonita for colorful pompoms over a sun-drenched terrace, or dance all day at Tres14, featuring DJs.
Valencia’s museums and galleries provide much-needed cultural experiences and air conditioning on those scorching days. Consider visiting Centro del Carmen Cultura Contemporánea for exhibitions highlighting local issues amidst its 13th-century cloisters. For contemporary art lovers, L’Institut Valencià d’Art Modern is a must-visit, as is Sala de la Muralla, a cozy basement gallery showcasing a section of the 14th-century city wall.
August is also the time to experience the famous La Tomatina festival, located just an hour west of the city.
September and October: Grape Harvests and Nightlife
As the temperature cools during autumn, Valencia’s vibrant nightlife takes center stage. Balmy evenings create perfect conditions for bar-hopping and socializing. Begin your evenings at Splendini Bar i Discos in L’Eixample, where friends enjoy their drinks while DJs elevate the atmosphere with soul records. Explore Russafa for artsy bars, such as Ubik Café, a café that transforms into a bar by night, or experience local rock music at Centro Excursionista or dance to house music at Hifi.
This is also a prime time to visit Requena, renowned for its wine region. Approximately one hour from the city, wineries like Pago de Tharsys host grape harvest parties every early October. Spend your day stomping grapes and enjoying Bobal, the local red grape, before resting in a charming cabin among the vines.
November to January: Affordable Hotels and Festivities
During the winter months, Valencia transforms into a festive wonderland with fairy lights and Christmas trees adorning the streets. December still sees bright days at around 17°C (63°F), while cooler evenings welcome visitors to the lively ice skating rink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Look out for impressive life-size nativity scenes (Belénes) that appear in main squares and markets, especially in Plaza de la Reina and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Bargain hunters will be pleased to discover significantly lower hotel prices during this season, with winter rates sometimes up to €100 less. For instance, YOURS Boutique Hotel lists double rooms for €278 in December and €378 in June, while Saman Hotel Boutique, featuring a stunning emerald-green swimming pool, offers doubles at €65 in December compared to €165 in June.
February and March: Bike Rides and Fiery Festivals
The pleasant weather in February encourages outdoor adventures. Rent a bike and traverse the pine-scented forests via the extensive bike lanes shaped from old train tracks known as Vías Verdes. Notably, the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros cuts through picturesque landscapes, making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
In March, vibrant flowers bloom in the Jardines del Turia, enticing friends to gather and enjoy the warmer weather. This marks the beginning of street parties, leading up to the grand Las Fallas festival around mid-March. Known for its lively atmosphere, this celebration features astounding pyrotechnics and enormous papier-mâché sculptures taking over the streets. One of the main attractions is Mascletà, a daily fireworks display held in Plaza de Ayuntamiento, drawing over 100,000 spectators to experience its explosive energy.
April to June: Wine Fairs and LGBTIQ+ Pride
As spring arrives, an array of open-air events beckons. With sea temperatures climbing to a refreshing 19°C (66°F) in May, the beach bars (chiringuitos) begin to open around mid-May.
In April, the Jardines del Turia hosts an extensive wine-tasting festival known as Mostra Proava, running from April 4 to 8. Proava, the Valencian marketing organization for local products, brings together top wineries from surrounding regions, featuring hundreds of wine selections, artisanal cheeses, and family-friendly activities. Tickets are priced at €18, so it is advisable to arrange tickets in advance.
June spotlights LGBTIQ+ Pride month in Valencia, featuring vibrant marches, protests, and celebrations spread throughout the city center. Check Lambda for the schedule, often including free art exhibitions, makeup workshops, and family-friendly events.
