Planning a trip to Spain? Here’s a guide on what to wear in Spain as a traveler!
Dressing up just makes me feel good and paying attention to what to wear in Spain made it easier for me to travel like a local.
No wonder I enjoyed numerous things to do since I started traveling Spain more than 12 years ago!
Planning my outfits for this historic country was tricky because of its diverse weather conditions, and I had to be mindful of some social norms, but it made me comfortable to blend in as the locals were to me.
How to dress in Spain? Here are my insider outfit choices for each season and region in Spain, plus tips for complete but light travel packing.
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Understanding Spain’s Climate
First things first. Having an insight into Spain’s diverse climate is important in choosing what to wear when traveling to Spain.
Spain’s climate is generally warm and sunny.
But because of its varied geography- a mountainous north and south, the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal rivers in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the east- weather nuances among cities and travel destinations are real.
I suggest reviewing your wardrobes list and considering outfit variations for your chosen cities’ climate conditions. I can help you out with this, so keep scrolling!
Seasonal Guide
Spring (March to May)
Weather: While there can be some brief rainfalls, spring is often the outdoor lovers’ favorite season to visit the most beautiful places in Spain, as temperatures start to warm and there are fewer tourists.
March is still too cold for a sea dip but the mild pleasant days will invite you to the lush interior.
So here’s what to wear in Spain in April:
- Light and loose cardigan for a nice layered look
- Comfortable travel shoes best for strolling around the beautiful towns of Malaga
- Packable raincoat for unexpected showers of rain
A scarf designed in Spain, light jackets, and sunglasses are the pieces I match with what to wear in Spain in May.
Summer (June to August)
Weather: The summer average daytime temperature in Spain is 30℃ or 86℉. If you’re in Andalusia or southern cities, expect hotter summer days.
With this heat, I’d rather stay in Paradores in Spain, unless it’s on the beach!
What to wear in Spain in summer? Go for lightweight fabrics and bring skin sun protection, which is as important as what to wear in Spain in June. Here’s my list:
- Light cotton tops to keep you cool from scorching heat
- Beach sundress that you can wear on multiple occasions
- A swimsuit that fits to a flowy swimsuit kimono
- Comfortable beach flat sandals
Extras that work with what to wear in Spain in July are trendy sunglasses and wide-brim straw sun hats.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Another tricky transitional season is Autumn, so layers are back.
Since the average temperature is around 21℃ (70℉), there are plenty of things to see and do. It starts to shower a bit in September and October and likely more in the north.
The beaches are still on, but this is the perfect time to visit the best wineries near Barcelona. Match these to your flowy dresses.
- Lightweight Sweater you can wear at night
- Versatile footwear
- A three-quarter sleeve denim top with a tie knot as an outer layer
Autumn is also an ideal time for hiking in Pyrenees, so when choosing what to wear in Spain in October, don’t forget a hiking hat, a scarf, and a protective raincoat.
Winter (December to February)
Weather: I think Spain has one of the best winter weather conditions. With an average temperature of 5-16℃ (40-50℉), it’s still common to experience sunny days until February, especially in the southernmost region.
Then again, depending on which region you are heading to, take note of this outfit list:
- Warm and soft base layer
- Jacket coat and water-resistant footwear if you’re exploring the mountains of Northern Spain
- Mid-long winter coat when going out at night or when visiting the Christmas markets in Barcelona and Madrid
When I plan to spend the winter holidays in Spain, my essentials include gloves and scarves. Then, a brimmer beanie to complete the look.
Regional Guide
Coastal Areas (e.g., Barcelona, Valencia, Costa del Sol)
- Explanation of the Coastal Climate
- Suggested clothing items for beach activities and casual outings
- Tips for blending in with the local style
Several cities in Spain experience a hot summer Mediterranean Climate, and some have a humid subtropical climate. Most of them are near the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea.
However, differences may still occur depending on which corner you’re enjoying a beach getaway.
Whenever I head to these coastal areas like Costa del Sol, I bring a long maxi dress and a two-piece summer outfit, which I can wear for boat tours.
Locals are typically stylish but practical, so a simple beach necklace and a crochet beach bag for your summer look will earn their nod.
Inland Cities (e.g., Madrid, Seville, Zaragoza)
If coastal cities have hot weather, some parts of Spain’s interior can turn hotter, like Madrid.
However, many inland cities still enjoy a warm to mild climate like the Zaragoza because of the bordering natural landscapes.
These cities typically have pleasant urban environments where you can visit the most famous landmarks in Spain.
In touring old quarters or museums, pack a long-sleeved mini dress and pair it with either ballet flat shoes or casual sneakers.
I admired Spain’s profound cultural traditions, so I opted for modest outfits to show respect for the local customs. When visiting churches, please do the same.
Northern Spain (e.g., Bilbao, San Sebastián, Santiago de Compostela)
Near the Atlantic coast, Northern Spain is known to have a maritime climate, which is typically mild. Since rain is trapped by farther mountains inland, cloudy days and rainfall are more frequent than in the rest of Spain.
Because of its distinct landscapes, this is where you can explore some of the most unique places to visit in Spain.
Remember to bring a long open cardigan or comfy pajama pants for cold nights and a waterproof rain jacket if you’re staying long outside.
Since rain is common, wear waterproof clothing and keep an umbrella when exploring the region.
Mountainous Areas (e.g., Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada)
What is Spain known for? Spain is the most mountainous country in Europe, next to Switzerland, which includes the towering Pyrenees in the northeast and the Sierra Nevada in the south.
Among the things to know before hiking Camino de Santiago trail is that the temperatures here are cold, and there is frequent snowfall in the highest areas.
So I usually wear quick-dry hiking pants and waterproof hiking boots.
When venturing major hikes like these, choose a comfortable mid-layer like a fleece pullover to keep your body warm, and don’t forget to check the weather!
Cultural Considerations
Dressing Modestly
It’s always right to consider your comfort and the weather when listing or packing your travel wardrobes. However, in Spain, I figured that it’s also about the city or town you’re visiting.
Save the casual shorts for the coastal towns and avoid wearing things that will make you stand out as a tourist, like Hawaiian shirts and baseball caps.
Remember that churches or religious sites are deeply valued in Spain. In churches, you’ll commonly see men wearing long trousers while women have a full top covering their shoulders.
It won’t be appropriate to wear mini-skirts or skimpy outfits.
Fashion Trends
Spain’s fashion trends are typically modern and chic, with conservative cuts and colors.
I also noticed they’re still into timeless classics like layering a sweater over a button-down shirt and jeans and fitted-style clothes with high-quality fabrics.
To feel comfortable blending with the locals, simply put a bit of effort and polish into your appearance.
It will only take a colorful pashmina to achieve this. Wrap it around your neck as you wear a little black dress, grab an embellished clutch bag, and you’re all set for an elegant dinner.
Social Etiquette
What do people wear in Spain? There’s no strict clothing rule, but it’s best to be aware of the social norms to avoid unwanted attention.
Avoid wearing too casual clothes like baggy shirts and flip-flops, which is a no-no, especially when touring style-conscious cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
At first, I was even hesitant to wear jeans, but I realized later on it’s acceptable. Pair it with a simple cami for your tops and a nice wedge sandal to give it a slick look that you can also wear for night clubbing.
Well-fitted business casual attire is trendy in Spain, especially for working professionals. For a more formal look, men wear suits and ties, and women wear sophisticated clothes with elegant accessories.
Packing Tips
Now it’s time to secure your essentials. Don’t forget these:
- Documents like Visa and passport
- Beach essentials (e.g., towels and phone pouch)
- Sun protection such as sunglasses, sun hat, and an SPF70 Sunscreen
- Waterproof travel umbrella
- Electronics: Smartphone, headphones, power bank, and charger
Whether you’ve already mastered the art of mix and match or don’t plan to bring a lot of stuff, I still highly recommend using a baggage organizer to pack light.
Pro tip: When in doubt, remember that being a bit overdressed is not frowned upon in this country.
My final thoughts on what to wear in Spain
With all the guides you can find, deciding which to wear to one of the most visited countries in the world is not a piece of cake. But ace it, and you can have the most comfortable 48 hours in Barcelona!
Whether visiting the famous buildings in Barcelona or the unique things to book in Madrid, the key is to pack something that goes with the season, region, and social norms.
Here are the mainstays of my Spain’s luggage: flowy dresses, scarves, sunglasses, umbrellas, and raincoats.
Besides sightseeing and active adventures, there’s no better way to enjoy exploring historic Spain than to immerse in its culture. Blend in and embrace local fashion!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
