When to go — Andalusia

Andalusia is a destination to absolutely avoid in July-August for the inland cities — and to strongly favour in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-October).

In spring (March-May), Andalusia is at the height of its beauty. Temperatures range between 18 and 28 °C, the countryside is lush, orange blossom perfumes the streets of Seville and Córdoba, and the morning light on the Alhambra is incomparably gentle. It's also the season of great events: Holy Week (Easter) in Seville, with its nocturnal processions of rare emotional power, and the April Fair, the great Sevillian popular festival of flamenco dresses and horses. Both events are worth the trip but require booking accommodation three to six months ahead.

Summer (June-August) is feasible on the coast (Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz) but inadvisable for inland cities. Seville is regularly the hottest city in Europe in July-August (40-45 °C), making monument visits exhausting and potentially dangerous. If you travel in summer, favour the beaches of Almería or the Costa de la Luz and limit museum and monument visits to the early morning hours.

Autumn (September-October) is the second great window. Summer heat gradually dissipates from mid-September, the grape harvest brings a special atmosphere to the Jerez bodegas, and the cities recover an authentic daily rhythm after the summer tourist flow. The sea stays warm on the coast through October.

Winter (November-February) is Andalusia's best-kept secret: 15-18 °C in Seville in January, uncrowded museums, accommodation at its lowest and an Andalusian way of life that reveals itself in full authenticity. It's the finest season for Córdoba and the mosque-cathedral, which you can then explore in near-solitude.