Travel experts list the 10 Spanish cities to visit to avoid unbearable heat

Record breaking temperatures are forcing holidaymakers to reconsider what time of year they head to Spain. The European country has long been a favourite with British sunseekers, having headed there in their droves for 75 years.

But last year parts of the south of Spain had roasting temperatures meaning that tourists sweltered in unprecedented levels of heat with wildfires breaking out. in July last year Seville hit 41C, Madrid 37C and Catalonia a simply unbearable 45.3C.

Now a holiday home provider claims that tourists are avoiding the country in peak seasons – and has drawn up a list of places to head to during the less hot “shoulder seasons” – between the less baking months of March and June.

Researchers analysed the average daytime temperatures, average UV rating and a “humidity discomfort” level (how uncomfortable it actually feels) for all of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations in the months of March, April, May and June.

Ranking in the top spot for early shoulder season travel is Valencia which is Spain’s third-largest city. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, it has a long stretch of beach and plenty for tourists to see, do and enjoy at its many bars and restaurants.

During the early shoulder season, you can expect warm temperatures of between 19 and 26C.

Taking second place for early shoulder season travel is Castellon de la Plana. This is a medieval city and a cultural delight with many gorgeous churches and lots of pretty architecture.

It has a wider range of temperatures throughout the early shoulder season – from around 18C in April right up to 27C in June.

Third place goes to the Andalusian port city of Huelva, which is situated close to the Portuguese border. It’s less well known than others on the list but still boasts plenty to do such as enjoying its stunning natural landscapes. 

Its temperatures during shoulder season ranges from 21C in April to 28C in June.

The full study can be found on the Spain-Holiday website.

(City, high average temperatures in degrees Celsius March, April, May and June)

1. Valencia: 19, 20, 23, 26

2. Castellon de la Plana: 18, 20, 23, 27

3. Huelva: 20, 21, 25, 28

4. Javea: 18, 20, 23, 26

5. Moraira: 18, 20, 23, 26

6. Alicante: 19, 20, 23, 27

7. Denia: 19, 20, 23, 27

8. el Campello: 19, 20, 23, 27

9. Cadiz: 19, 20, 23, 26

10. Guardamar del Segura: 19, 21, 23, 27.