canuckuphereathome

Would like to plan trip to Spain to coincide with Canadian holiday so it would be either Sept. 4-18 or Sept. 25-Oct.9. Any advantages of one over the other that you can think of? Will go to Barcelona, Seville and a week in Andalucia. Thanks.

olga

The temperature should be more pleasant at the end of September, at least in Andalucia. The problem is that the rates will be higher at that time in the cities, also less availability because of high season, lots of groups, conventions, etc. in the fall.

canuckuphereathome

thanks olga..when would "shoulder" season start? I assume it would be cheaper and more availability at that time? So if I chose the Sept 25-oct. 9 option would that be better weather-wise and price-wise?

olga

Shoulder season would be more like the beginning of September, but it depends on the area you visit. At the coastal areas, it will still be high, but at the cities it will be shoulder seasons and you might even find some summer bargains in Seville, if the occupancy continues to be as low as it is right now. Everybody is having big summer specials right now, supposedly till end of August but I'm sure it will stay like that until midseptember.

stillaliveca

As another Canadian, I would recommend the later dates also (or even a few weeks later still if you can manage it). We found the weather in Seville and Andalucia warm but not overly hot (other than a few really hot days in Seville) in late September, early October; with a little rain thrown in. You might find it quite hot still earlier.

As well, the crowds had definitely thinned out by then, which made touring a lot more pleasant.

patg

You may want to visit
whatsonwhen.com
to see if there is a particular festival or exhibit that could sway your decision.

I've been in Spain as late as Halloween, and enjoyed very pleasant weather. If you want to swim in the ocean, though, I would chose the earlier dates.