We are in the early stages of planning a trip to Barcelona and Northern Spain (including Basque Country and Rioja wine region). Due to other conflicts, we cannot visit in May. Which would be the best alternative: late April, September or October?
Posted by
la rioja
531 posts
I can't comment on Barcelona and the Basque Country, but between April, September and October in La Rioja, I would go with late September/early October.
While it is not your New England fall foliage, the landscape is alive with color. And the weather is still generally good.
Posted by
Paris
6888 posts
Yes, I agree, I would actively avoid April in the Basque Country. It is the rainiest period. I have spent many Easter family holidays in neighboring Biarritz, and the weather was terrible every other year.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6525 posts
Another vote for mid-September to mid-October.
Posted by
Barcelona ☀️ Sweden ❄️
3897 posts
Agree with others above, if you can start late September in Barcelona and then work your way Northwest into early October, that would probably be the best, weather wise. Plus, if you can time it right, then you may be in time for Barcelona's annual Major Festival, La Merce, September 21-24, which is a great way to experience Barcelona as a local!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
Shortly after I started thinking about a trip to Galicia and Basque Country I met a man from Bilbao (in Hanoi of all places) and he told me Sept-Oct was the best time of year to visit and a car was the way to go, except in the major cities. I think any time that isn't summer is a good time to be in Barcelona.