Cordoba is a beautiful city in southern Spain, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. With a Mediterranean climate and plenty of things to see and do, it’s no wonder that Cordoba is a popular tourist destination. However, if you’re planning a trip to Cordoba, you may be wondering when the best time to visit is.
In this article, you’ll learn about the climate in Cordoba, what to expect in the different seasons, and dates for the city’s festivals and holidays to help you decide when to plan your trip for the ultimate experience.
Quick Answer: When’s the Best Time to Visit Cordoba, Spain?
- The best time to visit Cordoba, Spain is either in Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to November). At these times, the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy a good amount of daylight to explore the city, and you’ll see Cordoba at its best!
- Avoid visiting Cordoba in July and August as those are the hottest months of the year and it can get insanely H-O-T in the city! We’re talking temperatures of 35°C and above.
- For a unique Cordoban experience, visit in May when the famous Fiesta de los Patios Cordobeses happens in the first half of the month.
- To avoid crowds, the best time to visit Cordoba, Spain is January and February. The good news is: winters in Cordoba are mild so you can still have an amazing trip!
Weather in Cordoba
The weather in a city can make or break a trip so here’s an overview of the weather in Cordoba (you can read on below for a more detailed month-by-month breakdown).
Cordoba’s location in the center of Andalucia means that it experiences the best and worst of the weather in the south of Spain.
Generally speaking, the weather in Cordoba and the rest of Andalucia is warmer than the rest of the Spain. This means that Cordoba has relatively mild winters. In January and February, the temperatures are typically around 15°C to 6°C, making it a good choice for a winter getaway even in low season.
Spring in Cordoba brings ideal travelling weather. It starts warming up to over 20°C in April (with a low of 10°C). May and June are, in my opinion, the best times to visit Cordoba, Spain as the weather is just perfect at an average of 28°C in the daytime and 18°C when the sun sets.
On the other hand, this means that summers in Cordoba can really be scorching hot! Temperatures can peak at 40°C in the warmest months of July and August, with an average lof of 23°C. It gets so hot that the city does empty out a bit during these times so although you may find a good deal for accommodation, I wouldn’t suggest visiting in the summer.
Once October comes around, the weather cools off to an average high of 27°C with lows of 15°C, making it much more pleasant. This is another great time to visit to Cordoba!
Holidays & Festivals in Cordoba
Another thing to take into consideration when planning your trip to Cordoba is the holidays and festivals that take place in the city.
Festivals and cultural events can be an awesome way to experience a city and get a taste of local traditions and culture. But on the downside, these events often draw many other visitors to the city and prices for trains, buses, and accommodation may rise due to the higher demand.
The two biggest festivals in Cordoba are Semana Santa (April) and Festival de los Patios (May). So it’s important to plan and book in advance if you’re intending to visit Cordoba during one of these busy periods.
Here are the major festivals celebrated in Cordoba, categorized by month:
- January
- Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings’ Parade): Held on 5 January every year, this traditional parade features three men dressed as the three kings who throw sweets and small gifts to the crowds of children lining the streets.
- February
- Carnival of Cordoba: From 24 February to 5 March 2023, this festival takes place before Lent and has parades, music, and costume contests. The main parade is held on the final day, known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras.
- April
- Semana Santa (Holy Week): Beginning 2 April 2023, Cordoba celebrates this significant religious holiday with processions with elaborately decorated floats carrying images of the Virgin Mary and scenes from the Passion of Christ. Click here for more information on this event.
- Fiesta de las Cruces de Mayo (Festival of May’s Crosses): From 27 April to 1 May 2023, this four-day festival celebrates the arrival of spring. Decorated crosses are placed in the city’s plazas and streets, and locals participate in traditional dances and music performances.
- May
- Festival de los Patios (Patios Festival): From 2 to 14 May 2023, residents open up their patios to the public, displaying beautiful flower arrangements and traditional decorations.
- Feria de Cordoba (Cordoba’s Fair): Beginning 20 May 2023, this week-long festival celebrates the city’s patron saint and features parades, music, flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and food and drink stalls.
- June
- Noche Blanca del Flamenco (White Night of Flamenco): Happening 17 June 2023, this event celebrates flamenco music and dance and features renowned Andalucian flamenco artists and free shows and concerts around the city center.
- Festival de la Guitarra (Guitar Festival): Held from 22 June to 1 July 2023, the music festival offers concerts and performances including at the historic Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.
- September
- Festival Internacional de Música Sefardí (International Sephardic Music Festival): From 4 September 2023, this six-day festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Sephardic music, featuring concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
For the latest information on Cordoba’s festivals, visit this website.
Another thing to note is holidays during which many places are closed (attractions, shops, banks, national institutions). Some national holidays become extended weekends when you’ll find many Spaniards traveling domestically so you may find it harder to find a place to stay or a table at a restaurant.
In Cordoba, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will typically also be a holiday.
Here are holiday dates in Cordoba to take note of:
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 6 January – Reyes Magos
- 28 February – Andalusia Day
- 1 May – Labor Day
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 12 October – Spain National Day
- 24 October – Saint Raphael’s Day
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 6 December – Constitution Day
- 8 December – Immaculate Conception
- 25 December – Christmas Day
Best Time to Visit Cordoba, Spain: Month-by-Month Overview
Want more details on what the weather is like in Cordoba in each month? Read on for an overview of the weather, happenings, and what you can expect when you visit Cordoba during that particular time.
Cordoba in Spring
Weather in Cordoba in March:
- Average temperature: 12℃ (53℉)
- Average sunny days: 17 days
Weather in Cordoba in April:
- Average temperature: 15℃ (58℉)
- Average sunny days: 16 days
Weather in Cordoba in May:
- Average temperature: 20℃ (67℉)
- Average sunny days: 22 days
Spring is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Cordoba, Spain! Springtime sees the weather warming up, more sunshine and longer days, plus you’ll start seeing splashes of color everywhere as flowers begin to bloom.
While I believe April and May are the best months to visit, March is also still pretty nice. When I visited in March, I got sunny days and it was even warm enough to walka round mid-day without a jacket!
Cordoba in spring is also the busiest period of the year as the city celebrates several festivals including Semana Santa and Festival de los Patios which are arguably their two biggest events of the year!
If you’re visiting Cordoba in spring, it will be a bit busy especially during festival time so it’s a good idea to book your accommodations way in advance to get the best deals. That said, it’s worth it as you’ll be experiencing the best the city has to offer.
Cordoba in Summer
Weather in Cordoba in June:
- Average temperature: 24℃ (76℉)
- Average sunny days: 26 days
Weather in Cordoba in July:
- Average temperature: 28℃ (82℉)
- Average sunny days: 29 days
Weather in Cordoba in August:
- Average temperature: 28℃ (83℉)
- Average sunny days: 28 days
When summer arrives, things get hot in Cordoba.
July and August see the highest temperatures, with an average high of 36℃ (97℉). The sun is scorching and the heat can be stifling so this isn’t the most pleasant time to be in Cordoba. In fact, there are fewer visitors in August which is why you can find cheaper accommodation during this month.
Unless you absolutely can’t avoid it, I would suggest not visiting Cordoba in the summer. If you must, the heat is more tolerable in June. Otherwise, be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated in the Andalucian summer!
Cordoba in Autumn
Weather in Cordoba in September:
- Average temperature: 24℃ (75℉)
- Average sunny days: 23 days
Weather in Cordoba in October:
- Average temperature: 20℃ (67℉)
- Average sunny days: 23 days
Weather in Cordoba in November:
- Average temperature: 13℃ (55℉)
- Average sunny days: 20 days
As summer bids goodbye, it starts cooling down in Cordoba and the lower temps make the autumn months another great time to visit the city. You still get a good number of sunny days and more than enough daylight to enjoy exploring the day. You may get some rainy days so be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella.
If you want to enjoy pleasant weather but without the hecticness of festival time, I highly recommend visiting Cordoba between September and October. November is also still good although the weather does get quite cool by then.
I’ve visited Cordoba in October and found that it was ideal – there were enough crowds for the city to be vibrant and lively, it was comfortably warm, and I had loads of daylight hours to wander the city.
Cordoba in Winter
Weather in Cordoba in December:
- Average temperature: 10℃ (50℉)
- Average sunny days: 22 days
Weather in Cordoba in January:
- Average temperature: 8℃ (47℉)
- Average sunny days: 22 days
Weather in Cordoba in February:
- Average temperature: 9℃ (49℉)
- Average sunny days: 20 days
One thing I love about Cordoba is that it’s a year-round destination. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Cordoba has mild winters with an average temperature of 8℃ to 10℃ and an average high of 15℃. Compared to inland Spain, this is positively warm weather!
Christmas is a pretty big deal in Spain and Cordoba celebrates in style with christmas markets, nativity scenes, and decorations around town. This is a pretty magical time to visit
An advantage of visiting Cordoba is winter is that there are fewer tourists so if you want to avoid crowds, this is the time to visit. You may also find a great deal on accommodations during this period!
Best Time to Visit Cordoba, Spain: FAQs
What are the hottest months in Cordoba?
July and August are the hottest months in Cordoba, with a peak average temperature of 36℃ (97℉).
When does it rain the most in Cordoba?
March is the month with the most rainfall in Cordoba, so be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella!
What are the busiest months in Cordoba?
April and May are the busiest months in Cordoba as they celebrate two big festivals, Semana Santa and the Patios Festival. October is also a busy month with a large number of tourists, due to the favorable weather.
For more on Cordoba
- Cordoba Travel Guide
- Is Cordoba Worth Visiting?
- Top 10 Things to Do in Cordoba You Can’t Miss (2023 Guide)
- One Day in Cordoba: The Perfect Cordoba Itinerary for a Day Trip
- Seville to Cordoba Day Trip (Ultimate Guide)
- Málaga to Córdoba Day Trip (Transport, What to Do & More!)
Liza’s love affair with Spain began when she started taking Spanish language classes. Since then, she regularly travels to Spain to explore new places and discover new things to love about this gorgeous country. This travel blog is her way of sharing her love of Spain and helping you plan your dream Spanish holiday!