BEST TIME TO VISIT Granada, Spain

When is the best time to go to Granada?

  • BEST OVERALL TIME TO VISIT: APRIL - MAY
  • BEST WEATHER: MAY
  • LEAST CROWDED MONTH TO VISIT: JANUARY

When is the best weather in Granada?

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.

Graph of temperatures in Granada (Spain) by month

Rain in Granada is fairly consistent throughout the entire year with the exception of June-September when it is barely present.

Graph of rainfall in Granada (Spain) by month

When to visit to avoid crowds

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.

Graph of total hotel nights in Granada (Spain) per month

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVAL TIMES

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 13 - 21 2025

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.

Top Hotels & Apartments in Granada

HOTELS
HOTEL CASA 1800
$$$
Occupying a restored 16th century building in Granada’s Albaicín neighborhood, the rooms of this hotel are spread around a traditional patio. They feature traditional stylish decoration in neutral tones with exposed brick walls and luxurious furniture. Some rooms have views of the Alhambra.
ISSABEL’S MARQUIS HOTEL
$$
Modern 4-star hotel in Granada’s center, just steps away from a bus stop to the Alhambra. The rooms are comfortable and feature oversized windows with great city views. Guests get free access to the hotel’s spa and Turkish bath.
SHINE ALBAYZÍN
$$
Design hotel occupying a 16th century palace on the Carrera del Darro in the very center of Granada. Its stylish rooms are arranged around a typical patio where guests can enjoy free tea and cake in the afternoon. Some rooms have views of the Alhambra. There are also apartments for up to 6 people.
PALACIO DE LOS NAVAS
$$
Housed in a 16th century palace, this accommodation offers stylish rooms with traditional white-washed decor and some original elements such as wooden ceilings. All the rooms are set around a traditional Andalusian patio, where guests can enjoy free pastries and tea in the afternoon.
EUROSTARS CATHEDRAL
$$
Located in Granada’s center, just steps away from the Cathedral, this hotel offers modern rooms will all amenities. Some rooms have balconies with great cathedral views. Guests have free access to the hotel’s sauna and Turkish bath.
CASA DE REYES
$
Affordable accommodation with a lot of character and charm in Granada’s city center – 5 min walk from the Cathedral. Featuring a very unique decoration, this hostal will make you feel like you are visiting a heritage museum. Great value for your money.

MORE HOTELS IN GRANADA
APARTMENTS
CASA MIRAVALLE CATEDRAL
$$
Located right in front of Granada’s cathedral, these modern apartments feature bright rooms and fully equipped kitchenettes. Some apartments have great cathedral and city views.
SHINE ALCAICERIA
$$
Situated just steps away from the cathedral, these elegant apartments are spacious but cosy and homey feeling at the same time. All units are fitted with a fully equipped kitchen.
PALACIO CABRERA LILLO
$$
Quiet, stylish and spacious apartments occupying a 19th century palace with contemporary design. Guests love the great location and the staff who are very knowledgeable about the city.
CASAS DEL ALBAICÍN
$
Affordable but yet stylish apartments at a great location in the Albaicín. The units are set around a traditional patio with water feature and a lounge area. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the Alhambra.

MORE APARTMENTS IN GRANADA
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Patricia Palacios, co-founder of España Guide
About
PATRICIA PALACIOS
España Guide Co-Founder
Patricia is an engineer turned content creator who for over a decade has been helping travelers navigate her native Spain. In addition to her own website, her tips and recommendations have been featured on BBC Travel, CNN, El País & Lonely Planet, just to name a few.

This article might include affiliate links, allowing us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check our disclosure page for more info.

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