Best Time to Visit Valencia Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals
After my trip to Spain, during which Valencia was on my itinerary, I’ve been asked by travellers, When is the best time to visit Valencia Spain?
Weather and festivals would be two key factors I would consider. But beyond that Valencia is an amazing city year-round for travellers who love history, architecture, food and the beach.
This guide breaks down each month, highlighting the festivals and the weather helping you to decide the best month to visit Valencia.
I had an in-depth conversation with a local tour guide about this very question, focusing particularly on the festivals in Valencia. Additionally, I will share my firsthand experience of attending the most beloved festival—the Feast of San Vicente Ferrer.
Table of Contents
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Summary: Best Time to Visit Valencia Spain
Valencia in March is the ideal time to visit, as is April because the weather is perfect for sightseeing and you get to experience the city’s best festivals.
If you’re short on time, I’ve included two helpful charts: one detailing the average temperatures for each month and another listing the festivals by the month.
While I hope you’ll read the entire article for a deeper understanding and my personal experiences, these quick references should help answer the question of when to visit Valencia.
Average Annual Temperatures in Valencia Spain
Festivals in Valencia Spain
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Visit Valencia in January, February and March
Valencia Festivals in January
Saint Vicente Martir Festival in Valencia
This festival honours the patron saint of the city, Saint Vincent Martyr.
It’s both a religious and cultural festival that originated from the martyrdom of Saint Vicente in the 4th century.
Held on January 22nd each year, the festival kicks off with a church mass and processions in honour of the saint. You can expect to see parades featuring traditional Valencian attire and vibrant floral offerings to the saint.
Festivity of Saint Anthony Abbot
The Festivity of Saint Anthony Abbot honours the patron saint of animals and livestock. It began from ancient agricultural traditions, which I learned run very deep in Valencia.
This festival is celebrated on January 17th each year. It includes a mass to bless the animals. The local guide told me you would see a parade procession with animals adorned with flowers and ribbons. Now that would be a sight to see!
This festival is perfect for families to attend, with petting zoos and market stalls set up around the streets, bringing the local community together to honour their agricultural roots, including the protection of animals.
Valencia Weather in January
In January, Valencia experiences mild winter weather with average high temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F), along with an average of three rainy days totalling approximately 16mm of rainfall.
Valencia Weather in February
As a Canadian girl, the weather in Valencia in February sounds perfect to me! An average high temperature around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F), with an average of three rainy days totalling approximately 17mm of rainfall.
Valencia Festivals in March
Fallas of Valencia
The Fallas festival in Valencia is a showstopper!
It’s a UNESCO-recognized cultural celebration deeply rooted in local traditions. Visit the Fallas Museum to learn all about it, as I did.
It originated from the age-old practice of carpenters burning wood scraps on the feast day of Saint Joseph.
Fallas has evolved now into a grand spectacle of art, music, and pyrotechnics. The festival typically takes place from March 15 to 19, culminating in the “Nit de la Cremà” (Night of the Burning) where intricately crafted sculptures called “fallas” are set ablaze amidst cheering crowds.
Spread all through the streets, near the public squares there are these fallas sculptures, often satirical, depicting political or social themes, that resonate with the locals.
The festival also features parades, locals wearing traditional costumes, music, and elaborate fireworks displays.
The local tour guide told me this is one festival everyone should see in their lifetime.
Valencia Weather in March
The weather in Valencia in March is ideal! With an early start on spring, the average high temperatures are around 18°C (64°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F), and an average of four rainy days totalling approximately 33mm of rainfall.
Visit Valencia in April, May and June
Valencia Festivals in April
Saint Vicent Ferrer
Attending the Saint Vicent Ferrer Festival was the highlight of my trip to Valencia!
This festival is deeply rooted in religious celebration, honouring the famous 15th-century Valencian saint known for performing miracles. Now it’s one of the favourite cultural festivals Valencia offers.
On the morning of the festival, locals gather near each of the churches around the city centre. There is an excited energy in the air. A heartwarming sight was the young girls and boys gathered – some presented with small bouquets of flowers—an adorable gesture!
The sight of the traditional costumes was amazing. Having a big camera in hand, locals thought I was a professional photographer and graciously posed for photos. The colourful fallero suits for men and women donning intricately embroidered dresses known as falleras.
I spoke to a young woman who told me that the generations of families that belong to that church would be distinguished by the person leading the processions holding the medieval flag representing that church. This would be followed by statues of Saint Vicent Ferrer adorned with flowers and candles then the congregation and a marching band.
The procession was long and it was amazing to see it winding through the streets lasting several hours.
The entire day you would hear music and joyful cheers from the crowds echo throughout the streets. The energy was infectious.
Later in the day, Mass was held in honour of the saint at Valencia’s historic churches, where the devotees gathered to seek blessings and pay homage to Saint Vicent Ferrer’s legacy of faith and miracles.
Valencia Weather in April
In April, the average high temperatures are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F), with an average of four rainy days totalling approximately 34mm of rainfall.
However, when I visited in early April it was much warmer with a higher temperature of 24°C (75°F) and no rain.
Valencia Festivals in May
Our Lady Of The Forsaken Festival
This festival began in the 17th century to honour the patroness of Valencia, the Virgin of the Forsaken.
Traditional Valencian attire is worn and traditional music bands play in public squares. Street vendors offering delicious Valencian treats such as buñuelos (sweet fritters) and horchata (a drink). At night, a dazzling fireworks display ends the festival.
Valencia Weather in May
In May, Valencia experiences average high temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F), with an average of three rainy days totalling approximately 20mm of rainfall.
Valencia Festivals in June
Corpus Christi
Dating back to the 14th century, this festival honours the Eucharist and the presence of the body of Christ in the Catholic faith.
This festival stands out from the rest with streets adorned with intricate floral carpets known as alfombras de flores. These flower carpets line the procession route, as Valencians in traditional dress walk through the streets along with marching bands.
Valencia Weather in June
June experiences much warmer temperatures with average high temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F), with an average of two rainy days totalling approximately 6mm of rainfall.
Visit Valencia in July, August and September
Valencia Festivals in July
Valencia Fair
The Valencia Fair, known locally as Feria de Julio, traces its origins back to the mid-19th century. This month-long festival commemorates the founding of the city by King James I.
Music, food, fireworks and entertainment are just some of the things this lively summer festival offers. Families especially enjoy the carnival rides and games.
Valencia Weather in July
Visiting Valencia during the summer months will be hot and dry. July experiences an average high temperature of around 30°C (86°F) and lows of around 21°C (70°F), with an average of one rainy day totalling approximately 3mm of rainfall.
Valencia Weather in August
The average high temperatures are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F), with an average of two rainy days totalling approximately 6mm of rainfall.
Valencia Weather in September
September in Valencia continues to be warm with average high temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F), but does experience rainfall with an average of four days of rain totalling approximately 20mm of rainfall.
Visit Valencia in October, November and December
Valencia Festivals in October
October 9th Holiday
Día de la Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community Day), also known as the October 9th Holiday, commemorates the capture of the city by King James I in 1238, marking the Christian reconquest of Valencia from Moorish rule.
Fireworks and folk dancing are the spirit of this festival. Lots of street markets offer food and crafts as well as historical reenactments depicting key moments from Valencia’s history.
Valencia Weather in October
The average high temperatures in October are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F), with an average of five rainy days totalling approximately 42mm of rainfall.
Valencia Weather in November
Valencia in November continues to experience a lot of rainfall with an average of five rainy days totalling approximately 34mm of rainfall with average high temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
Valencia Festivals in December
Christmas in Valencia
Valencia in December is for Christmas markets! Christmas in Valencia is said to be a magical time, distinct from the traditional European Christmas markets we might find in Germany or Paris.
While Germany is known for its charming wooden stalls and mulled wine, Valencia’s Christmas markets are a bit more subdued with an emphasis on nativity scenes (beléns). The streets are lined with light displays and lit Christmas trees.
Just like the Christmas markets in Portugal, the stalls focus on handmade crafts, delicious seasonal treats like turrones (nougat), and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Valencia Weather in December
The weather in December in Valencia is mild with average high temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F), with an average of four rainy days totalling approximately 20mm of rainfall.
What to Do on a Sunday in Valencia
I arrived on a Sunday in Valencia, and quickly discovered it’s a cherished family day! Everywhere I looked I saw locals attending church services, gathering in family restaurants for a leisurely and delicious long lunch, and walking or cycling in parks. Sounds ideal doesn’t it?
As a visitor, here are some suggestions on what to do in Valencia on a Sunday:
- Enjoy a beach day
- Rent bikes with any of the tour operators and cycle through Turia Gardens
- Walk the Old Town of Valencia
- People watch in the beautiful public squares in Valencia
- Visit a museum, with some that offer Free Sundays like La Almoina Archaeological Museum and Fallas Museum
It really is considered a rest day in the city and that means you will find most places closed on Sundays in Valencia, or offer reduced hours from 10 am to 2 pm. It’s best to check before you go.
One popular site that is closed on Sundays is the Central Market. It’s only open Monday –Saturday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
One activity I highly recommend doing on a Sunday (from 10 am to 1 pm) is the flea market in front of the Lonja (The Silk Exchange). Many locals come here to browse but also many to exchange, buy, and sell antique collector’s items like stamps, coins, and postcards.
It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir from Valencia. I bought myself a paella pan for 9€.
As a Holidaymaker
Considering the weather and events always helps me decide went to visit a destination. I hope you found this article helpful in determining the best time to visit Valencia. Beyond being one of the most interesting cities to explore with many top attractions, I highly recommend planning your visit around one of the city’s festivals. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with me forever.
Consider the insights shared in my other articles discussing “Is Valencia Worth Visiting” and “How Long to Stay in Valencia” to help with your trip planning. Visit my Spain Guide for other helpful articles and trip-planning resources.
