Granada is a city that preserves the best architectural heritage of the Muslim past in Spain with the spectacular Alhambra, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its beautiful Nasrid Palaces, the Patio de los Leones and the Generalife. A whole set that is the great jewel of the place and the main reason why thousands and thousands of people visit the city. But the Moorish heritage does not end here, it continues in the Albaicin neighborhood, the oldest in the city and before the Alhambra, with many viewpoints to appreciate the panoramic views and full of history and movement. And in the Arab baths, some of which are still in operation.
Another unique neighborhood is Sacromonte which, besides offering great panoramic views, has the charm of its houses built on the rocks and painted white, with many flower pots, one of the most typical images of Granada that you can enjoy.
In Sierra Nevada you can enjoy the adrenaline of snow sports and take walks in the mountains through many routes with great scenery. An ideal getaway for those who love snow sports such as skiing or snowboarding and also for those who enjoy hiking and nature walks.
Traditional and modern Andalusian gastronomy come together in the bars of Granada where it is very typical that, with a beer or a glass of wine, you get a free tapa. And after lunch or dinner, if you are in the center of the city, the best option is to taste an exquisite Moorish tea in a place in the beautiful Calle de las Teterías.
Best time to travel
Temperatures in Granada can be somewhat extreme in summer and winter, very hot and very cold, respectively, although this will not prevent you from enjoying your vacation. Because the city is full of charms all year round. But the best times to visit the city are spring and autumn.
March – June
It is the best time of the year to visit Granada and enjoy walking around the city without the extreme heat and without suffering too much cold. And the smell of spring in the streets full of flowers will fill your visit with magic.
Weather
In spring, the days in Granada are usually clear and with very little rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 18 °C to 27 °C. The weather is extremely pleasant, the sun is shining and there is a gentle breeze that is ideal for strolling around the city.
Events & Parties
In spring, Granada dresses up to welcome Easter, a festival with a long tradition in Andalusia and that in this city can be enjoyed with the processions and the spectacular Easter Sunday. And also at this time are the Cruces de Mayo, the most colorful festival of the city that comes every May 3, the day of the Cross, when all the squares, courtyards and shop windows are decorated with crosses made of red carnations.
Price evolution
Spring is considered the high season for tourism in Granada, mainly for two reasons. The main one is the weather, since climatically it is the best time to travel. And, secondly, because of the Easter celebrations, when hotel demand rises sharply and, with it, so do prices.
June – September
It is the hottest season in Granada and during the day the temperatures can be very high for walking in the street, so if you are visiting the city in summer, you should restrict your outings and visits to very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Weather
Maximum summer temperatures average 30 °C, with July being the hottest month, with an average of 34 °C. But there are days when it can reach 38 °C. The heat can be very intense and uncomfortable in the midday and early afternoon hours, so it is recommended to use sun protection, wear a hat and always hydrate with a bottle of water.
Events & Parties
Music is the main protagonist of summer events and parties with festivals of all kinds. In the Generalife Gardens, the Flamencolorquiano is held by the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía as a tribute to the poet Federico García Lorca. Then there is the Guitar Festival, the International Festival of Music and Dance and the Granada Sound, for all audiences and musical tastes.
Price evolution
Tourists visiting Andalusia at this time tend to choose beach destinations, so the demand in Granada is quite low compared to spring and you can get good deals on flights and hotels.
After spring, autumn is another of the best seasons for walking in Granada. Until the end of October the weather is not so extreme and you can enjoy a cool Granada sun that does not force you to dress warmly.
Weather
Grenada’s weather in autumn is usually between 25 °C and 15 °C, with November recording the lowest numbers, with temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 8 °C. As you can see, already in this month, which is approaching winter, it is necessary to wrap up warmer than in September or October.
Events & Parties
Autumn has a lot of events and parties, since two of the most popular festivals of the city are celebrated: the Albaicín and Zaidín festivals. You can also enjoy the best flamenco with the Autumn Festival. And it is also a good time to visit the Generalife and enjoy its September concerts.
Price evolution
While prices in the fall are not as high as in the spring, they are not as low as in the summer. The demand for tourism in Granada at this time is usually considered high and it is recommended to book flights and accommodation well in advance to get good prices.
December – March
The coldest season of the year in Granada is ideal for lovers of snow and skiing and snowboarding. And for those who want to get good deals on accommodations.
Weather
The average daily maximum temperature in winter in Granada is usually between 12 °C and 16 °C, with January being the coldest month of the year, with average minimums of 0 °C and maximums of 10 °C, and with days when there can be numbers below zero.
Events & Parties
On the first Sunday of February, the Fiestas de San Cecilio, the patron saint of Granada, are celebrated with a mass in the Abadía del Sacromonte and a gastronomic contest that is perfect for tasting the best food of Granada. It is also a perfect time for skiing and other snow sports in Sierra Nevada.
Price evolution
From November to February is the low season for tourism in Granada because the cold is quite intense, especially when it starts to get dark and the Sierra Nevada is felt throughout the city. Flights and hotels are usually quite cheap, although not as cheap as in summer, because in winter is the ski season and Granada receives a lot of ski tourism.
What to see and do
How to get from the airport
Granada airport is 21 km from the city. And you have a few options to get there.