Spontaneous trip to Spain next week - questions related to weather.

Well in those big cities there are always things to do indoors (actually the top attractions are all indoors). However there does appear to be quite a bit of rain on the horizon as the remnants of Storm Benjamin make their way south. If it were me I'd still go, I'd still be able to do most of what I want, just with an extra layer of inconvenience

A) What Carlos said.

B) I cannot imagine passing up a trip to Spain because it might be a little rainy. Honestly, and trying to be respectful, that is just silly. I had the best time EVER one late October (rainy, misty, cloudy, rainy, floody) in Venice. Almost zero other tourists. Hecka romantic. And yes, we mostly stayed inside - in glorious museums and cathedrals, and in cozy coffee shops and wine bars.

Anyway, I am sorry to come off as judgmental, but I truly think that weather won’t spoil your fun, and you should just go. (Pro tip: bring or buy an umbrella.)

Thank you both for your replies!

Honestly, I wouldn’t be asking if I weren’t concerned about my elderly parents. And especially since this is a fairly short visit (we'll land on Tuesday and leave early Monday morning). With the last-minute (somewhat expensive bookings), I was just hoping we wouldn’t end up stuck in the hotel room for most of the 5½ days we have there. Based on your replies, I understand we might not be able to stroll around much, but hopefully we can still visit a few indoor places.

Is there a site that shows somewhat accurate weather forecast that folks here use and recommend? I've been using accuweather, weather and bbc.

Is there a site that shows somewhat accurate weather forecast that folks here use and recommend? I've been using accuweather, weather and bbc.

I use all three and I can tell you that they are all fairly inaccurate. Every time I visit Spain in the shoulder season the forecast invariably doesn't completely match with the reality. I was in Spain two weeks ago and rain was forecast on two days by most of the forecasters but it never materialised.

Oh dear! Ami - I apologize. I read your question and somehow managed to interpret it as your parents not being with you! LOL and D’oh! So sorry.

That does change the equation, I think. If they get cold easily, have mobility challenges that mean slick pavement would be treacherous to negotiate, or just wouldn’t enjoy themselves in rain and chill, you might want to reconsider.

But do check out the weather apps! And explore indoor possibilities as well. This could work! But yes - older folks might be less chuffed to be there in the drizzle and wind. :-)

With respect, if your folks are fair weather travelers, this uncertain weather time of year is probably not a great choice for a visit. Since you mentioned up thread that this is also a costly travel situation, I'd save my pennies and go a different time of year.

Keep in mind that even IF it rains it probably won’t last all day and may only be a light drizzle lasting 5 minutes. I wouldn’t let a possibility of rain stop me from going. Spain’s weather prognosticators are no better than those from wherever you’re from.

Go and enjoy yourself.

Monday to Monday.... when?

Basically land on coming Tuesday, and then take a flight back on the following Monday.

Ami,

This is your weather forecast for next week (from tomorrow) in Barcelona: https://meteo.cat/prediccio/municipal/080193 -it's from the local Catalan National Weather Service, it's normally pretty accurate, although we've got a complex geography here in Catalonia and sometimes forecasts get thrown out a bit of the window, so take it with a pinch of salt.

To me, this is one of the perfect times of the year to visit: less crowded -albeit we get visitors all year round!-, temperatures are a delight (15-20ºC) and when it rains -rare at the end of october- it's "normally" either a short downpour or a more sustained drizzle, in any case, it's not an obstacle to enjoy the city. Again... that's the usual weather, climate change unusual phenomenon permitting, of course.

As somebody once said "there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing". Make sure you have good waterproofs.

With that short a time, I'd limit it to two cities, as it will take more than half a day to travel each time.

Actually I would be more concerned about heat in summer than rain in autumn when traveling to Spain with elders.
It rarely rains for days nonstop in Spain, but a heatwave could make a whole month miserable. The forecast looks nice enough - with all the usual uncertainties of forecasts - in the higher 60s and low 70s temperature wise.

Enric, looks perfect. The problem was tgey want to go to Madrid too which shows rain almost every day next week. Maybe just make it a Spain coastal week?

How elderly the elderly parents are and whether they have balance issues might be a consideration. As for myself, now considered elderly, wouldn’t have any issues.

The weather app I use is only showing a 50% chance of rain in Madrid on two days next week. To me that’s hardly a reason not to go.

Thanks Enric, super helpful! How can I use the link to see Madrid weather forecast?

Mr. E: I know it's only 5 days but we would like to visit Madrid as well.

jaimeelsabio, they don't have mobility issues, it's just that they are not used to cold and walking in rain. Honestly, I am not either.

Nah, sorry, this link works only for Catalonia, it's the Catalan National Weather Service. For Madrid or Seville, you can use the Spanish meteo at www.aemet.es

aemet also works for Catalonia too ya know lol!

Ami, I'd highly recommended taking plastic rain ponchos with you. We're probably considered quite elderly and normally wouldn't walk around out in the rain but did just that on our recent trip to Norway. Our ponchos weren't expensive (about $12 each) but with their hoods, they kept us dry head-to-knees and when not needed, could be carried in a large pocket or bag. And no worries about inadvertently hitting others with our umbrellas.

The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.

Thanks Mary! I'll try to find some locally.

Ami. I dont blame you. That woukd be high on my list too. Mary, I carry with me hooded disposable ponchos. So far ive used one in the 10 years ove carried them but it was a life saver.

I really wasn't sure my husband would wear one but he did, more than once, and really appreciated that it kept his jeans dry!

I just wanted to thank this amazing community for all the help! Your support really boosted my confidence when it came to handling the weather forecast and not letting it hold me back. Unfortunately, a few factors didn’t line up for a spontaneous trip this time, so Spain will have to wait. On the bright side, when I do visit, I hope it won’t be rushed, so I can take my time and explore more of this wonderfully beautiful country beyond just a city or two. All the advice on how to prepare for different weather conditions will definitely help, not just next time, but every time. I can’t believe I never thought of buying ponchos before!

Age is not a factor. Mobility and balance are. Also a person’s tolerance for heat in the summer and colder rainy weather in the fall or winter. An overweight 40 year old is more troublesome to travel with than a 75 year old person who works out every day.