Best time of year/weather for Spain

Probably central & southern Spain, perhaps the southern half of Portugal, if we can swing it.

We'll skip eastern Spain this trip (been to Barcelona and love it, but not this time). We'll also probably skip northern Spain (Galacia, Asturias, Cantabria, Rioja and the basque country - beautiful places, but probably too far out of the way given our limited time - although I might consider a quickie side trip to Santiago de Compostela). Basically, we're looking at from Madrid south (thus my concerns about the heat).

We're thinking about doing a bit of Portugal on this trip, too (Algarve, Lisbon, and MAYBE as far north as Coimbra).

But overall, we're talking about the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula.

What might be brilliant weather for a Spaniard could well be an infierno for a Seattleite. On the other hand, part of the joy of southern Spain is the way in which the weather effects the population. With warmer days and longer nights, the population still indulges in long siestas and late night reunions on the terraces of bars everywhere. Mid-September still feels like summer, where the light at the beginning of October has a definite Fall tinge to it. In either case the worst of the heat will be over by the time you arrive. As a long time Seville resident, I like the heat, but prefer the light in October. Either way, you won't be sorry, but mid-September might give you a wider range of travel options.

As regards southern spain, I would tend to go for September - you will still have the warmth and the longer days, which is lovely.

Rain won't be a major problem!

Liz, tell that to the folks in Castelleja.