April in Spain signifies the arrival of Spring when the sun is out, and the beaches are opening for business. As if that isn't enough, some of the biggest parties and holidays in the world occur during this month. The icing on this sweet Spanish "tarta" is that April falls in the shoulder season, so you can enjoy low prices on flights and hotels.

Weather

Spring means the average daytime temperature throughout the country will be around 62°F (16°C), but at night, temperatures can still dip into the 40s (Fahrenheit). Of course, on the Mediterranean coast and the further south you go, the heat will rise, which means the sun will be out, and you can start sunbathing on Spain's beautiful beaches and its offshore islands. Alas, in most places in Spain, the water will still be too chilly for swimming. 

The region of Andalusia, particularly, will see temps spike, and it averages a glorious 75°F (23°C) while not dipping below the 50s at night. It's the perfect weather to enjoy outdoor walking tours of historic Andalusian cities like Málaga, Seville, and Cádiz. 

Crowds & Costs

During the big festival in Andalusia, expect Seville to swell with visitors (more on this below). Also, now that the beaches are starting to open, you can expect more people to show up on the Mediterranean coast and on the islands to enjoy some sunbathing. Even so, crowds won't be nearly as oppressive as they will be in the dog days of summer. You'll still be able to take advantage of the shoulder-season airfare and hotel prices, which can be hundreds of dollars less than they typically are in the high season. 

Where to Go

Spring in Spain? There's one place you can't miss: Seville. Travel to the southern Andalusia region, and in its historic capital city, you'll find a festival that draws over a million visitors each year for a week of food, fun, and flamenco. Moreover, the spring weather is perfect, as it's before the summer months when Andalusia becomes oppressively hot. 

Now that the sun is out in increasing strength, there are some other areas you won't want to miss. These include beach resort cities and islands like Marbella, Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Alicante, Málaga, and elsewhere. This would be the perfect time to plan a road trip along Spain's Costa del Sol with the top down and the wind in your hair. 

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What to Do

Aside from the big parties, April is a perfect month to enjoy the newly sunny weather. Even if a road trip isn't part of your vacation plans, there are other ways to enjoy Spain to the fullest. Consider a combined culture/foodie tour of the country. You could visit the most famous museums in Spain, such as the Prado in Madrid, Guggenheim in Bilbao, on the northern Atlantic coast, and MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) in Barcelona.

After marveling at the works of master painters, you'd then enjoy the distinct cuisine in each of these regions. In Madrid, you can take a walking tour of food markets and tapas bars; in San Sebastián, near Bilbao, you can sample the pintxos (small plates) for which the city is deservedly famous; and in Barcelona, you can preface your wild nights out in the Gothic Quarter with a quick bite in a moody tapas bar. 

And if you're religious or love spectacle and celebration, try to be in Spain in early April for Semana Santa or Holy Week (more on this below).

Events in April

Semana Santa, nationwide. In early April, the nation celebrates its Holy Week. Rather than a rabbit hiding eggs, however, Spain remembers the Passion of Christ through a series of processions in cities and towns throughout the country. If you're looking for the grandest festivities, head to the northern Castilla-Leon region and the city of Salamanca, or Andalusia and cities like Seville and Málaga. Before booking travel plans, check the exact dates of Semana Santa because it changes each year along with the liturgical calendar.

Feria de Abril, Andalusia. The biggest party in Andalusia kicks off in Seville two weeks after Semana Santa. Held at the giant fairground of Los Remedios, located in the southwest of the city, it features parades and plenty of dancing, as this is the birthplace of Flamenco music. Moreover, partaking in this festival is an excellent opportunity to dance to Sevillanas, songs of a specific genre of folk music. The festivities last a week; there are daily bullfights plus eating, drinking, and carousing that lasts until the wee hours of the morning. 

Traveling to Spain in April? Check out these great itineraries

Ultimate Andalusian Road Trip - 8 Days. This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you from Málaga to Cadiz through a section of Spain's southern coast that's particularly beautiful in April.

Highlights of Spain's Capital & Andalusia - 10 Days. Start in the capital city with a walking tour, including the collection of El Prado Museum, then make your way south with a stop in Cordoba, followed by the cultural scene of Seville. It's a must-visit if you're here during the Feria de Abril. 

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