Swap stifling heat for sun, sangria and sanity: Here's where to visit in Spain when summer travelers haven't quite arrived (or have just left)

Spain is a vacation paradise, no question. But come on, mid-summer in the urban areas is more about survival than discovery. For travelers seeking warmth without perspiration, the shoulder season is the golden moment. Spainholiday.com have researched and found the top Spanish cities for a shoulder season holiday, aka destinations to travel to from March to June and September and October - when the sun is gentle, the beaches are empty, and you don't need three showers a day.

The case for shoulder season travel

Summer might get all the hype, but shoulder season, those sweet in-between months of spring and early fall, is an underrated gem. You’ll still get that golden sunlight, al fresco tapas and vivid bougainvillea draping whitewashed walls, but without the long lines, sticky humidity and crowds shouting over each other in museum queues. If you've ever stepped out of a Madrid metro in August and seen your soul shrivel, you'll know what we're talking about. That's when shoulder season travel really shines.

Research has sorted through Spain's most enjoyable shoulder season destinations, from highest temperatures to UV levels and humidity that will make or break your vacation. The mission? To find places where you can wear a sundress or shorts without finding yourself a puddle. Based on the research, below are two stand-outs and should be on your list.

Valencia: Sunshine, science and seriously good Paella

Let's begin with Valencia, which leads the pack for spring shoulder season tourism (March to June). It's no wonder, this city has it all. First and foremost, the weather is just perfect. The mid-to-low 70s°F (around 22-24°C) average highs, manageable UV and humidity discomfort are all practically non-existent. It's warm enough that you can tell you're on holiday, but not hot enough that you're constantly searching for shade or ice cream (though there is plenty if you're in that mood).

Beyond the weather, Valencia is just a delight. There’s the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie. You’ve got wide, palm-lined boulevards, the Turia Gardens stretching through the city like a green ribbon, and the charming El Carmen neighborhood, where centuries-old walls are covered in edgy street art. And then of course, paella. Valencia is the birthplace of Spain's most famous rice dish, and eating it here, on a sun-drenched veranda with a glass of local wine, is one of the pleasures of life that's easy to enjoy.

Valencia is near beach resorts like Playa Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas too. The sea is still chilly in spring, but is ideal for sunbathing and promenades by the beach. It's a city that marries coast and culture with ease.

Castellón de la Plana: The underdog you'll be glad you found

Just an hour outside Valencia by train, Castellón de la Plana is a quiet coast city that's off the radar. Well, at least for now. It's on the list of the top shoulder season spots in Spain because the weather is soft and reliable, with springtime highs of around 72°F (22°C), and very low humidity irritation. Bottom line: You can breathe easy here, literally.

Castellón doesn't scream its welcome, but it rewards curiosity. Palm-lined plazas, easy rhythms and a seashore strip that is tidy and tranquil and blessedly deserted greet you. The city center is accessible and compact enough to familiarize yourself with, with enough museums, markets and modernist architecture to keep you enthralled between breaks in the café scene.

It is really the authenticity that makes it special. This is not a tourist-rebuilt city. The same places where residents have been going for years are where they head to drink café con leche, and you will not find too many menus in five languages. For visitors who want to take it slow, get in touch and drink in the rhythm of Spanish life without vying for elbow room, this is your spot.

Bonus: March to early June is all about flowering orange orchards and almond blossoms blanketing the surrounding countryside. Hire a bike or rent a car and drive along the surrounding villages on a scenic sidetrack for a genuine fairytale atmosphere.

What about fall?

If your calendar was more tipped toward September or October, the more power to you, most of these same cities radiate during early fall too. It's still warm, UV drops even further and the sea is still warm enough to swim in. That post-summer dip is gold nugget heaven for fans of peaceful beaches, laid-back city vibes and last-minute travel deals.

Certain coastal towns in southern Spain, Almería and Málaga, to name a couple, also fit the early fall description because of their warm, arid climate and lingering beach activity. If you're a museum nerd, a natural beauty appreciator or just someone who enjoys sticking your face in food without shame, there's something for everyone.

The verdict: Spain's shoulder season is the move

Traveling Spain's shoulder season isn't a weather decision, it's a lifestyle one. It's about circumventing the hassle, skipping the sweat-soaked thongs and getting everything you came for: Beauty, taste, culture and positivity.

Valencia and Castellón de la Plana are just two standouts among many. They’re warm without being overwhelming, vibrant but not exhausting. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree on a European adventure or just someone who wants to sip wine in the sun without melting into the pavement, these cities hit that sweet spot.