Granada has chilly winters and hot summers. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn. July and August are months you may consider avoiding, since temperatures can get quite uncomfortable during the day – up to 40 ºC (104 ºF).
Due to its high elevation (738m or 2,421 ft) and close proximity to the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada experiences much cooler temperatures in winter than other parts of Andalusia. It is not uncommon for the temperatures to drop below freezing at night. With that being said, winters are much more mild compared to anywhere in northern Europe.
Regardless when you visit, you should be prepared to dress in layers since there is a great deal of temperature fluctuation from the day to the night.
Rain in Granada is fairly consistent throughout the entire year with the exception of June-September when it is barely present.
With the exception of the Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicín neighborhood and the Alhambra itself, the city of Granada doesn’t ever feel too terribly overcrowded. It can be said that September and October are the busiest months in the city while winter is less crowded.
When it comes to the Alhambra, the winter months (nov-feb) definitely see fewer visitors. We enjoy visiting the Alhambra in the winter for that reason, but we also really love it at other times of the year when the Generalife gardens are in full bloom and the weather is nicer.
Festival of San Cecilio: first Sunday of February
A festival for Granada’s patron saint, San Cecilio, takes place on the first Sunday of February. There is a mass held at the Sacromonte Abbey. The other big part of the festival is a gastronomy competition which is a great way to try some of the best of Granada’s food.
Holy Week: April 2 - 10 2023
Holy Week is a week long celebration in preparation for Easter Sunday. Like in other parts of Andalusia, the locals take Holy Week pretty seriously. Expect to see processions featuring lots of religious figures, people wearing traditional costumes and lots of crying. If this doesn’t particularly interest you, then avoid visiting during these days as the city can get busy and loud.
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