Summary
- July and August are best for beach days and visiting galleries
- September and October are best for grape harvests and nights out
- November to January is best for cheaper hotels and festive fun
- February and March are best for bike rides and fiery festivals
- April to June is best for wine fairs and LGBTIQ+ Pride
With approximately 300 days of sunshine each year and a pleasantly warm climate, it is evident why Valencia attracts visitors consistently throughout the year.
The charming, intricate streets of the old town and the futuristic architecture of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias remain relatively unchanged across the months; however, seasonal variations significantly influence the offerings available during your visit. Whether you wish to cycle through fragrant orange groves, partake in the vibrant festivities of Las Fallas, engage in a traditional grape stomping festival, or enjoy cocktails at a eclectic beach bar, your experience will depend on the time of year. This guide provides insights on when and how to explore this splendid Spanish city.
July and August are best for beach days and visiting galleries
This period represents peak summer in Valencia. As visitors converge on the city, locals tend to seek cooler destinations. The average daytime temperature in July is 27°C (81°F), with warm nights that can feel oppressive. While many traditional bars and restaurants may temporarily close during July and August, the city’s vibrancy is far from diminished.
Beach bars (chiringuitos) emerge along the coast during these months, from Playa de Las Arenas to Playa de la Patacona. Enjoy a refreshing mojito, a comfortable sunlounger, and the soothing sea breeze. El Chiringuito de La Más Bonita decorates its sunlit terrace with vibrant pompoms, while Tres14 features lively DJs and dancing throughout the day.
Valencia’s exceptional museums and art galleries provide cultural enrichment coupled with air conditioning, rendering them ideal destinations for scorching days. Visit Centro del Carmen Cultura Contemporánea, a serene space featuring 13th-century cloisters hosting exhibitions that highlight local issues. Continue your cultural journey at L’Institut Valencià d’Art Modern, showcasing a diverse array of contemporary art from around the globe. Be sure not to overlook Sala de la Muralla; an intimate basement gallery displaying a portion of the 14th-century city wall.
Moreover, August is the ideal time to partake in the renowned La Tomatina festival, located an hour west of the city.
September and October are best for grape harvests and nights out
The temperatures ease during autumn, yet days retain their warmth; pleasant evenings create excellent conditions for exploring the city’s bars. Visitors can expect vibrant nightlife; therefore, allocate sufficient time to explore the captivating establishments. Begin your evening at Splendini Bar i Discos in L’Eixample, where patrons enjoy beers while DJs spin soulful tracks. Explore Russafa for creative atmospheres, including Ubik Café, which transitions from a bookshop and café to a bar at night. Alternatively, venture westward to listen to local rock bands at Centro Excursionista or dance to precise house music at Hifi.
This timeframe is also opportune for visiting Requena, recognized as Valencia’s wine region. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the city center, wineries such as Pago de Tharsys organize grape harvest celebrations in early October. Spend the afternoon stomping grapes and sampling Bobal (the local red grape) before retreating to a cozy cabin nestled among the vines.
November to January is best for cheaper hotels and festive fun
Valencia’s streets emanate further charm adorned with fairy lights and Christmas trees. Bright days still reach approximately 17°C (63°F) in December, while evenings turn cool and refreshing. For the fullest festive experience, visit the ice skating rink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Life-size nativity scenes (Belénes) also appear in the main squares, markets, and churches, with the displays in Plaza de la Reina and Plaza del Ayuntamiento being particularly striking.
Moreover, bargain hunters will appreciate the reduced hotel rates during this season, often around €100 lower. For instance, YOURS Boutique Hotel lists double rooms for €278 in December compared to €378 in June, while Saman Hotel Boutique, featuring a stunning emerald-green swimming pool, offers its smaller doubles for €65 in December versus €165 in June.
February and March are best for bike rides and fiery festivals
The mild climate in February is conducive to outdoor pursuits. Rent a bicycle and navigate through pine-scented woodlands utilizing the Vías Verdes: a comprehensive network of bike lanes derived from former train routes. Vía Verde de Ojos Negros commences at Teruel and meanders through rugged paths created for the erstwhile train that transported iron ore from the mountains to Sagunto. The trail meanders through lush farmlands, sunlit picnic spots, and mysterious ancient tunnels. To cycle a segment of the route, take the train from Valencia to Navajas (approximately 1.5 hours). It is a mere 6-minute stroll to Camping Altomira, where bicycles are rented, and an all-day dining facility is available. Bicycle rentals cost around €15 per day; for further information, visit hardacho.com.
In March, blossoms adorn the Jardines del Turia, and terraces are filled with individuals embracing the extended daylight. This creates perfect conditions for street celebrations, with the most prominent being Las Fallas, occurring in mid-March. This powdery-fume festival is characterized by stunning pyrotechnics and enormous papier-mâché sculptures populating the streets. Mascletà, a daily fireworks display, is a highlight, drawing over 100,000 attendees to witness the thunderous vibrations generated by 330 kg (0.36 tons) of gunpowder igniting in the square.
April to June is best for wine fairs and LGBTIQ+ Pride
With spring flourishing, myriad open-air events are at your disposal. Sea temperatures rise to a refreshing 19°C (66°F) by May, and chiringuitos begin to open in mid-May.
In April, the Jardines del Turia hosts an extensive wine-tasting event known as Mostra Proava for four days. Proava, the Valencian body promoting local products, invites premier wineries from the surrounding hills to partake in the festivities from April 4 to 8. Attendees can discover an abundance of bottles, artisan cheeses, and children’s activity areas. Tickets priced at €18 should be secured in advance due to high demand.
June heralds LGBTIQ+ pride month in Valencia, characterized by marches, protests, and celebrations throughout the city center. For the event schedule, it is advisable to check Lambda, which typically features free art exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly festivities.
This article was first published on October 29, 2021, and updated on October 18, 2024.
