September: 86 places at their best

Spain, Europe

Seville in May

Patios in bloom and a lively city. Late May starts to feel properly hot at midday.

BestHot, highs near 82F (28C)
Plaza de Espana, Seville
SevillePhoto: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Seville. Patios in bloom and a lively city. Late May starts to feel properly hot at midday.

Weather
Hot, highs near 82F (28C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What May is like in Seville

May is hot and lively, with highs near 82F (28C). The city's patios are in bloom, and in some years the Feria spills into early May. Corpus Christi may fall late in the month, with streets strewn with rosemary. Late May starts to feel properly hot at midday, so plan for a siesta.

It suits couples and families who want warm weather and a lively city. It is less ideal for anyone who wilts in heat. If heat bothers you, go in late March or late October instead, when midday walking is still comfortable.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Seville this month.

01

Patios in bloom

Courtyards across the old town fill with flowers, and May is their peak.

02

Feria spillover, some years

When Easter is late, the Feria de Abril can run into early May.

03

Evening life

Warm nights make late tapas and evening walks along the river a joy.

What to pack for May

  • Light, breathable clothing
  • A wide-brimmed hat
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Sightsee from opening until about 1pm, rest in the afternoon, and head out again after 7pm when the city comes alive.

Book Seville for May.

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What's on in May

Feria de Abril

About two weeks after Easter, usually April, sometimes early May

A week of flamenco dresses, horses, sherry, and dancing in private casetas at the fairground.

Corpus Christi

May or June, 60 days after Easter

A procession with streets strewn with rosemary and altars in the old town.

Things to do in Seville

Full guide
01

Real Alcazar

A royal palace still in use, with extraordinary Mudejar halls and gardens. Book timed tickets well ahead in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

02

Seville Cathedral and the Giralda

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with Columbus's tomb and ramps to the top of the tower.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Plaza de Espana

The grand tiled semicircle in Maria Luisa Park. Early morning and late afternoon light are best, and cooler.

Tickets and tours →

04

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

The giant wooden canopy with a rooftop walkway. Go at sunset for the view over the old town.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

Casa de Pilatos

A beautiful noble palace mixing Mudejar and Renaissance styles, often less crowded than the Alcazar.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Triana and flamenco

Cross the river for ceramics workshops, the market, and evening flamenco shows.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • Book the Alcazar's first entry slot and the cathedral right after opening. Tour groups build by 10:30am.
  • Plan around Holy Week and the Feria if you do not want them. The weeks just before or after offer the same spring weather at far lower prices.
  • Eat and move on Spanish time: sights in the morning, rest in the afternoon heat, and tapas from 8:30pm or later.
  • Stay in Triana or near the Alameda rather than directly in Santa Cruz for quieter nights and more local bars.

Know before you go

  • Many shops close in the afternoon, roughly 2pm to 5pm, and reopen into the evening. Big chains and the main sights stay open through the day.
  • In August, some family-run restaurants and shops close for a week or more while owners take holidays.
  • During Holy Week, procession routes block streets and some sights change hours. The cathedral has special schedules.
  • During the Feria, many local businesses keep short hours because the city is at the fairground.

Seville in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Seville?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Seville. Patios in bloom and a lively city. Late May starts to feel properly hot at midday.

What is the weather like in Seville in May?

Hot, highs near 82F (28C).

Is Seville crowded in May?

Seville is busy in May, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Seville in May?

Feria de Abril (about two weeks after easter, usually april, sometimes early may); Corpus Christi (may or june, 60 days after easter).

Keep planning Seville.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Seville in AprilThe month before: Warm, highs near 74F (23C), some rainBest
  2. 02Seville in JuneThe month after: Very hot, highs near 90F (32C)Tradeoffs
  3. 03Seville in OctoberThe next best month: Warm, highs near 79F (26C)Best

Also at their best in May

Everywhere in May

Where else is good in May?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

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