Spain’s Costa Blanca has been a popular tourist destination since the dawn of the package holiday. Boasting two hundred kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, much of its golden sands with calm, crystal clear water lapping up to it, then add to that the buzz of exciting nightlife, and it’s little wonder the region is a Mecca for holidaymakers. The question many people ask is if the Costa Blanca is a viable year-round holiday destination or just one for the summer. When is the best time to visit this beautiful and vibrant region?
The answer is it depends!
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Summer Sunshine and Beach Life
If you’re after a tan, and let’s face it, many of us are, then the best time to visit the Costa Blanca is, without doubt, between the months of June and September. July and August are generally the hottest months of the year, with June and September only slightly cooler. Temperatures often break the 30°C mark with nonstop sunshine from dawn to dusk.
Thanks to the Med being a shallow sea, it warms very quickly, and by the summer months, the sea is a perfect temperature for swimming and water sports.
Everything sounds fantastic so far, I’m sure you would agree, but the problem is that everybody wants perfect holiday conditions. This leads to the summer period being the peak tourist season on the Costa Blanca. Peak season means peak season prices and lots, and mean LOTS of people. If crowds don’t bother you and you don’t mind spending that bit extra to guarantee a hot sun, then summer is when you want to visit.
Spring and Autumn – Balancing Weather and Crowds
If crowds really aren’t your thing or you are planning a trip on a tight budget, then you should consider visiting during the spring (April and May) or the autumn (October and November), the shoulder seasons, as our American cousins would call them.
The weather is still very warm during these months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. There will be far fewer crowds than during the peak season, so there will be a lot more space on the beaches. Hotels and restaurants will be vying for the diminishing tourist trade so prices inevitably come down.
What you will notice during these months is that the local population tends to use the beaches and amenities much more, especially on nice warm weekends, which is great, they’ve earned through the busy summer season.
Mild Winters and Quiet Exploration
Some people may think that the Spring and Autumn are still too busy or that they don’t care for the warmer temperatures. If you fall into that bracket, then you will love the mild winters experienced on the Costa Blanca.
The average winter temperature for the Costa Blanca is around 16°C, although this, like the summer temperatures, does seem to be creeping up every year.
Regarding rain, winter is definitely the wettest season, but rainfall is still relatively low when compared to other regions in Spain.
If you are more into exploring old towns and visiting places of historical interest and importance, the winter is the perfect time to visit. Not only do you still get a good percentage of bright sunny days to enjoy your exploration, but you also get to do so with no crowds and without paying over-inflated peak season prices.
Local Insights: When to Visit Specific Destinations
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Costa Blanca extends 200 kilometers north to south and also stretches inland. With that being the case, it is little surprise that each destination on the Costa Blanca will have a unique climate.
Alicante is a popular year-round city destination thanks to its historical attractions, such as the Santa Barbara castle, meaning it’s an ideal winter stopover.
Xàbia (Jávea) is an excellent destination for beach lovers, with warm temperatures from June to October; outside of those summery conditions, there is not that much to keep you occupied.
Benidorm is probably the most popular tourist destination on the coast, with a lively nightlife and plenty of hotels and attractions. Because of its geographical location, it is said to have its own microclimate. However, regardless of what the weather is doing, there is always something to do!
Conclusion
There is no denying that the Costa Blanca is a beautiful region with plenty of seasonal attractions and activities. Whether a lively summer holiday rocks your boat or a quiet winter, checking out castles and museums is your thing; there’s something for everyone.
Always take the climate and your specific destination into consideration when planning your trip. By doing so, you are guaranteed to have a memorable holiday.
