We are planning a 2 wk. trip to include Barcelona, also NE Spain/SW France (including coast and Pyrennes), and Provence/Mediterranean areas. Would like warm sunny dry weather instead of cool rainy weather, also want fewer tourists but still museums and sights open, and also decent hiking weather in the Pyrennes. We know the terrain and weather will vary greatly throughout areas on our trip, so we are having difficulty deciding when to go for best overall weather and activities for all areas mentioned. Our choices are either late Aug.-early Sept., OR early Sept.-midSept. Any advice or thoughts? What are temps/rainfall in all those areas then? Also, would hiking be too cool and rainy in Pyrennes?
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Weather is never completely predictable, especially when you get into mountains. August will be the most reliable weather for hiking in the mountains. August usually gives you warm to hot days and warm nights. September is a great time of year - generally expect a warm days and cool (not cold) nights with marginally more rain.
That said, August 2015 may be unseasonably cool and rainy and September 2015 may be warmer and drier than normal - you really don't know for sure.
I prefer September only because August is THE vacation month in Europe, sights are more crowded and prices, both for plane tickets and lodging, are generally higher.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I agree with Brad.. I would choose early to mid September.
Its still going to be busy.. so don't count on solitude anywhere.. but August is VERY busy.. and in places like Barcelona.. can be unbearably hot still.
Start north and head south..