Andalucía - When to go and why?

January: Once the celebrations of the Three Kings on the 6th January are over, there is little attraction in going to Andalucía at this time of year - the mood is very subdued following the frivolities of the festive season.

February: Spring can comes early in Andalucía, the Almond blossom, makes a perfect back drop for a Valentines break with the warmth of the sun making it ideal for romantic alfresco lunches. Cádiz hosts its annual carnival – a riot of colour to help wash away those winter blues.

March: One would normally expect fairly mild weather with a reasonable amount of sunshine, ideal for sightseeing or for enjoying the annual Flamenco Festival in Jerez which runs from late February to almost mid March. Also in Jerez, between late March and early May is the Motorbike Grand Prix.

April: Semana Santa, celebrated all over Spain from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday followed by Fería de Sevilla make this a fabulous month, the odd April shower and days of warm sunshine make it a popular month to visit the cities and historical sites of Andalucía.

May: The wild flowers and green rolling hills make it a perfect month for walkers and photographers with long sunny days followed by cooler nights, don’t miss the Fería de Los Patios in Córdoba or La Fería del Caballo in Jerez.

June: Sunflower fields out number the poppy fields, farmers harvest their summer crop and the sun is at its strongest. An ideal month to travel if you want hot sunshine but want to avoid travelling in July and August. The Fiesta de San Juan celebrated all over Spain on the eve of the 24th June is an unforgettable experience!

July & August: Strong sunshine and hot weather. Families et al descend on the beaches and the atmosphere is one of everyone enjoying long, lazy days and balmy evenings. The cities are at the quietest with the residents decamping to the cooler costas.

September: The seawater is at its warmest, most of the children have returned to school and their parents to work, the sun caresses, so again a popular month for those who can travel outside of the school holidays. Sporadic storms help dispel the heat haze to be replaced by crisp blue skies.

October: A very popular month for those wishing to spend some time touring around, the cities are very popular as is the fiesta Día de Hispanidad on the 12th October, celbrating both Colombus discovering the new world and the Moors being expelled from Spain in 1492.

November: Starts with a fiesta on the 1st with Dia de Todos Los Santos, the last really good month for touring around, warm days and cool nights make it an ideal time to grab some sun before the winter really kicks in.

December: Fiestas on the 6th, 8th, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve make December a fun-filled month. Christmas day is normally an alfresco affair with blue skies and much cheer.