What Will the Weather Be Like in Spain This Easter 2026?

Easter 2026 in Spain: What to Expect

Semana Santa — Holy Week — is one of the most important events in the Spanish calendar, drawing millions of visitors to cities across the country for its famous processions, religious ceremonies, and festive atmosphere. In 2026, Easter week runs from Sunday March 29 to Sunday April 6.

For anyone planning to travel, attend processions, or simply enjoy the holiday, the question on everyone's lips is: what will the weather be like? The short answer, according to early forecasts, is cooler and wetter than usual — particularly in the south and along the Mediterranean coast.

The Overall Picture

Spain's national meteorological agency and independent forecasters suggest that Easter 2026 will bring temperatures slightly below the national average for the time of year, alongside a higher-than-normal probability of rainfall across several key regions.

It is worth keeping in mind that Easter in Spain has always been a weather gamble. Historical data shows that rain occurs in 70 to 80 percent of years across much of the country during Holy Week — making sunny Semana Santa processions the exception rather than the rule, despite the popular image.

That said, meteorologists are clear that these are early, preliminary forecasts. With the holiday still two weeks away at the time of writing, predictions "could change rapidly" as the date approaches. Always check closer to the time for the most accurate picture.

Regional Breakdown

Andalusia

Andalusia — home to Spain's most iconic Semana Santa celebrations in Seville, Málaga, Granada, and Córdoba — is unfortunately one of the regions flagged for higher-than-normal rainfall this Easter. Cold air and low-pressure systems moving in during the second half of Holy Week could bring showers and even thunderstorms to the region.

Temperatures are also expected to sit below seasonal averages, which could affect the famous outdoor processions that Andalusia is known for. That said, conditions in the first half of the week may be more favourable before the weather deteriorates.

Mediterranean Coast (Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia)

The Mediterranean coastline is another area where forecasters are flagging increased rainfall risk. The combination of cold air and low pressure makes showers and thunderstorms possible, particularly from mid-week onwards. Temperatures along the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Costa Brava are expected to be cooler than typical for late March.

Ebro Valley

The Ebro Valley — which spans from Aragon down through parts of Navarre, La Rioja, and Catalonia — also falls into the higher precipitation zone this Easter. Expect above-average rainfall probability and below-average temperatures.

Extremadura and the Southern Plateau

Extremadura and the southern Meseta similarly face a greater chance of rain than usual. While these inland areas can sometimes escape coastal weather systems, this Easter the broader pattern of cold air and low pressure means the risk is elevated across a wide swathe of the peninsula.

Canary Islands

Even the Canary Islands — often a reliable warm-weather destination in late March — are included in the areas where rainfall could be above normal and temperatures slightly below average. The spring forecast overall gives the Canaries only a 50% probability of above-average temperatures, making it less of a sure bet than usual for those seeking guaranteed warmth.

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) offer the brightest outlook of the major tourist destinations. Forecasters give the Balearics a 70% probability of above-average temperatures this spring — the highest of any Spanish region. While Easter week specifically may still see some unsettled spells, the overall spring trend here is more optimistic than on the mainland.

Temperature Summary by Region

Region	Temperature vs Average	Rainfall Risk
Andalusia	Below average	Higher than normal
Mediterranean Coast	Below average	Higher than normal
Ebro Valley	Below average	Higher than normal
Extremadura	Below average	Higher than normal
Balearic Islands	Above average (70% probability)	Near normal
Iberian Peninsula (general)	Near/below average	Near to above normal
Canary Islands	Slightly below average	Above normal

What About the Processions?

Spain's Semana Santa processions are among the most spectacular in the world, and cities like Seville, Málaga, Valladolid, Zamora, and Granada attract enormous crowds. The problem is that most of these processions take place outdoors — and even a short burst of rain is enough for brotherhoods to cancel or suspend their routes.

With the forecast pointing to a wetter second half of the week, the most at-risk days for procession cancellations are likely to be Wednesday to Good Friday (April 1–3), which are traditionally the most significant days of Holy Week.

For visitors with specific processions in mind, it is worth:

• Monitoring the local brotherhood (hermandad) announcements as the week approaches
• Having an indoor plan B — many cities have museum exhibitions, indoor concerts, and cultural events running throughout the week
• Checking the forecast again closer to your travel dates, as this is an early prediction that may shift

Spring Overall: Warmer Than Normal

Despite the mixed Easter outlook, the broader spring season for Spain is actually forecast to be warmer than normal across most of the country:

• Balearic Islands: 70% probability of an above-average spring
• Most of the Iberian Peninsula: around 60% likelihood of warmer-than-average spring temperatures
• Southwest peninsula and Canary Islands: 50% probability

This suggests that any cooler, wetter spell over Easter is likely to be temporary — and that April and May should warm up considerably across Spain.

Tips for Travelling in Spain This Easter

• Pack layers — even in Andalusia, evenings can be cool in late March
• Bring a compact umbrella — particularly if you are visiting southern or Mediterranean regions
• Book indoor alternatives — museums, tapas tours, and flamenco shows make excellent backup plans if processions are cancelled
• Travel early in the week — the forecast suggests the first half of Holy Week may be more settled than the second half
• Monitor local forecasts — AEMET (Spain's national weather agency) publishes regular updates and is the most reliable source for short-term predictions

Final Thoughts

Easter 2026 in Spain looks set to be a mixed bag — cooler and potentially wetter than ideal, particularly in the south and along the Mediterranean coast where the biggest Semana Santa celebrations take place. But Spain in late March is still a beautiful destination, and even a grey Holy Week has its own atmospheric charm in cities draped in flowers and candlelight.

The key is to stay flexible, check forecasts as the week approaches, and remember that even if the heavens open, Spain's Easter spirit rarely dampens.

All forecasts are preliminary and subject to change. Check AEMET (aemet.es) for the latest updates as Easter approaches.