The Best Time of Year to Go to Valencia, Spain

 

So you’ve fallen in love with Valencia for your next vacation (of course you have – it’s amazing!), but you’re not sure when to go. When is the best time to visit Valencia, Spain? Well we’ve done our research and we’re about to tell you just that!

The best time of year to go to Valencia is during the months of April and May. The weather during these months is perfect for exploring, with temperatures averaging just above 20°C. This time of year is also less busy than the peak summer months, which means you avoid the crowds and avoid paying more for flights and accommodation.

So our research has shown when the best time of year is to visit Valencia, but why is that? What is that based on? Over the next few sections we’ll go into exactly why we think April and May are the best months of the year to go to Valencia. Also, once you’re done check out our ultimate guide to Valencia with interactive map to help you decide what you want to do during your visit.

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BEATING THE CROWDS WHEN VISITING VALENCIA

Everybody knows that the best way to avoid the crowds on holiday is to go when it’s quieter. You can of course visit during busier months and avoid peak visiting hours for attractions, but overall you’ll have a much easier time outside peak months.

On the flip side, for very seasonal destinations it’s best to avoid times when things like restaurants and attractions are likely to be closed. That’s not applicable here, with Valencia being a city, but when is the city at its busiest. 

Well we’ve done our research and came across the most recent annual study done by Visit Valencia. According to their 2021 study, this is how Valencia’s number of visitors averages by month:

You can see from the graph that visitor numbers (both daytime and overnight) really ramp up during the period between July up to October. 

It may be that you love the hustle and bustle of a busy city, and if that’s you then these peak months are your ideal time to visit. For the rest of us, however, aiming for anytime between November and June would be best suited.

MORAL: Avoid July, August, September, and October if you’re trying to avoid the crowds. 

 

THE WEATHER IN VALENCIA 

Honestly, with over 300 clear days and an average of 234 days per year when the temperature is over 20°C, you’ll be hard pushed to find a time of year when the weather in Valencia isn’t gorgeous! But when is the weather at its best?

Many say that the peak summer months (July to September) are the best for weather. We think it really depends on what you’re after. If it’s a beach holiday you’re after then July to September, with highs averaging 30-35°C, will be perfect. Just remember to bring your sunscreen.

BUT, if like most of us visiting Valencia you’re hoping to explore the city, we would suggest avoiding the hottest summer months. Here’s a what you can expect from the weather by month:

 

For us, whenever we have visited Valencia, we’ve found the temperatures during the shoulder seasons of March to April and October to December much more comfortable for exploring.

MORAL: Avoid June, July and August when temperatures are at their highest unless a beach holiday is what you’re after.

 

KEEPING COSTS DOWN WHEN VISITING VALENCIA

Spain as a whole is a relatively affordable place to visit when compared to other European countries. Valencia, despite being a city, is no different and much cheaper compared to Barcelona and Madrid.

The food and drink is cheap for Europe. You can expect to pay around €3-4 for a pint of beer, the same for a reasonably good glass of wine, and anywhere from €12 to €15 for the menu del dia which comes with 2-3 courses.

Similarly, the cost of monuments, museums, and attractions is inexpensive. Many of them are under €4, and a lot are free. There’s also healthy discounts for groups, and the usual concessions for those over 65 and children. Even better, most of the museums and other attractions offer free admission on a Sunday.   

HOWEVER, costs really start to increase during the peak months when it comes to flights and accommodation. Outside of the peak summer months (July to September) you can expect to get a very decent hotel in the centre for less than £100. This can increase by as much as 50% during peak months.

Finding accommodation also gets a lot more challenging during the peak months, especially the later you leave it. The graph below shows hotel occupancy rates by month, according to the Valencia study (2021):

MORAL: Flights and accommodation are much cheaper outside of the peak season, and so much easier to find!

 

HAVE A FIESTA IN VALENCIA!

Valencia really knows how to throw a party! A full calendar is put on every year including religious events and celebrations, the UNESCO heritage festival of Las Fallas, traditional events, and the annual Great Fair.

Las Fallas

From 1st to 19th March, the entire city is overrun with Fallas celebrations for the arrival of spring. During the period of festivities there’s fireworks displays. Flower offerings, and a finale bonfire.

The Great Valencia Fair

This traditional fair is held between 1st and 31st of July. During this time the city organises a host of events including outdoor concerts and firework displays.

Valencian Independence Day

On the 9th October since 1365, Valencia celebrates the day it was officially recognised as an independent region. The official Valencian Senyera flag presides, and celebrations are held by different groups all over the city.

Check out the official Visit Valencia website for all the festivals and events held every year.

If you are going to aim to book your visit on or around a festival or event, make sure that you book way in advance to avoid disappointment. Things get booked up pretty quickly around these times.

MORAL: Valencia really knows how to party. Festivals and events are put on throughout the year.

 

CONCLUSION

Valencia is an amazing city and worth visiting whatever the time of year. The weather is great all year around, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities, and there’s plenty to see and do.

But for us, the best time of year to visit Valencia has to be during either April or May. Visiting during this time means you’ll get weather that’s perfect for exploring, avoid the crowds, and won’t pay over the odds for your flights and accommodation.

Now you know when you want to visit Valencia, check out our Ultimate Guide to Valencia: 16 Things to do to work out what you want to do during your visit.

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