Best Time to Visit Valencia

Spring and early summer: the sweet spot

March to May is when Valencia feels best. Days are mild, then properly warm by May, and you can walk the old town or cycle the Turia gardens (the old riverbed turned into a long park) without wilting. Showers do come in March and April, but they're short. Rain falls on about seven days a month, so keep your plans loose.

March is also Las Fallas, the city's big fire festival. Giant papier-mâché figures fill the streets, there are loud daytime firecracker shows (the mascletà) in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and everything burns on the night of 19 March. It's brilliant, but hotels fill up and the centre gets very crowded. If you hate crowds, come in April or May instead.

June is still rated Excellent, with long sunny days and warm sea. The beaches at Malvarrosa and El Saler get busy at weekends, and the Sant Joan bonfires on the beach on 23 June are a lively night out.

July and August: hot and busy

These are the two Fair months. July is the hottest at 35°C, with August just behind at 34°C, and nights stay warm at 22°C. Afternoons are for the beach or a long lunch, not for climbing the Miguelete tower. Spanish families are on holiday, so the sand is packed and the coast feels busy. The upside is lively evenings, and horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts) is at its best with a fartons pastry.

Autumn and winter: quiet and easy

September is warm but the wettest month in the table, at 55 mm over eight days. Storms can be heavy, so keep an afternoon free. October and November cool down nicely and suit city breaks: the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Central Market and the Lonja are all comfortable to see. Sea swimming is still possible in early October.

Winter is mild and often sunny, even if the sun is weaker. January and February are low season, so you'll find calmer streets, easier tables for paella in the Albufera area and lower hotel demand. Pack a jacket for evenings, but you won't need a heavy coat. Travelling with kids? Late April and early October are easy, with warm days and fewer crowds.