Nestled in the lush northwest of Spain, Galicia is a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and slow travelers alike. From its rugged coastline and misty forests to centuries-old traditions and vibrant festivals, the region offers something unique every season.
As passionate advocates of sustainable travel, van life, and outdoor adventures based here, we’ve explored Galicia’s hidden gems for years. Whether you love hiking dramatic cliffs, discovering charming fishing villages, savoring incredible food, or immersing yourself in local culture, Galicia has an adventure waiting for you—no matter the time of year.
So, let’s take a journey through Galicia’s seasons, with our favorite monthly plans, local events, and personal highlights.
Winter in Galicia
While Galicia’s winters are milder than in other parts of Spain, they still offer a unique charm. This is the season for exploring historic towns without crowds, indulging in rich Galician cuisine, attending lively festivals, and even hitting the slopes in nearby ski resorts. Crisp air and stormy coastal landscapes add dramatic beauty to the region, making it perfect for slow travel and cozy getaways.
January: Back to the Great Outdoors
Start the year with a refreshing hike along Galicia’s intricate coastline. With cooler temperatures and fewer visitors, this is the best time to walk routes like the Lighthouse Way, where you can experience dramatic ocean views and discover sleepy fishing villages in peace. The off-season quiet creates the perfect setting to connect with nature.
Notable January Events in Galicia:
- Festa de San Xiao (Ferrol): Honoring Saint Julian with parades and traditional music.
- Festa dos Reis: Epiphany celebrations with processions and gift-giving across many towns.
- Festa do Botelo (O Barco de Valdeorras): A celebration of this traditional local sausage, served with cabbage, chorizo, and potatoes.
Our January Galician Highlight:
Kicking off the year hiking Galicia’s coastal trails, breathing in the crisp sea air along Costa da Morte, Rías Altas, Mariña Lucense, and Barbanza.
However, if conditions allow, we love heading to the mountains for some skiing or snowboarding—whether at Manzaneda in Galicia, San Isidro (our personal favorite) and Leitariegos in nearby León, or even Fuentes de Invierno and Valgrande Pajares in Asturias.
February: Celebrate Entroido (Carnival)
Cigarrons running in Verin, Ourense
Galicia’s Entroido (Carnival) is one of Spain’s most unique, with colorful parades, masked figures, and ancient pagan influences.
Madama in Cobres, Pontevedra
While many towns celebrate it their way, the Carnival of Cobres stands out for its intricate costumes and deep historical roots dating back to the 18th century.
Notable February Events in Galicia:
- Entroido (Carnival) in Verín, Laza, and Xinzo de Limia: Some of Galicia’s most famous and lively celebrations.
- Entroido de Cobres: A historic Carnival where locals dress in ornate, mask-free attire.
- Feira do Cocido in Lalín: A festival dedicated to Galicia’s most iconic winter dish, the hearty cocido stew.
- Festa de San Blas: Honoring Saint Blaise with traditional fairs and plenty of local delicacies.
A band warming up Laza before the ants come, Ourense
Our February Galician Highlight:
Joining the Entroido festivities—whether in our hometowns or venturing to one of the bigger celebrations.
March: Get Lost in the Forests
As winter transitions to spring, Galicia’s ancient forests begin to bloom, making it a magical time to explore its many nature reserves and national parks. Whether you’re after an easy family hike or a deep forest trek, the lush greenery and diverse wildlife make every step worth it.
Notable March Events in Galicia:
- Festa de San Xosé: Celebrations honoring Saint Joseph, held in towns across Galicia.
- Festa da Reconquista (Vigo): Historical reenactments commemorating the city’s recapture from Napoleonic troops.
- Festa da Arribada (Baiona): Commemorating the arrival of the Pinta caravel, marking the discovery of the Americas.
- Festa do Queixo (Arzúa): A cheese and music festival celebrating Galicia’s dairy traditions.
Our March Galician Highlight:
Spending longer days outdoors with our daughter, teaching her to appreciate nature’s small wonders—then, if the weather allows, ending the night in our van.
Reira beach by Vilan cape, Death coast, Galicia. Spain
Walking along nearby empty sandy shores, with no one else in sight, is also very special.
Spring in Galicia
Spring in Galicia brings mild weather, blooming landscapes, and a full calendar of cultural events. This is an ideal time to hike the Camino de Santiago, cycle through lush countryside, and enjoy the first outdoor festivals of the year.
April: Spring Blossoms & Easter Traditions
Holy Week in Galicia is deeply rooted in tradition, with some of Spain’s most impressive processions. The Semana Santa celebrations in Viveiro and Ferrol are particularly famous.
Notable April Events in Galicia:
- Semana Santa de Viveiro & Ferrol: Some of Spain’s most significant Holy Week celebrations.
- Festa do Viño da Ulla (Vedra): A festival celebrating local wine traditions.
- Festa da Lamprea (Arbo): A gastronomic event where visitors can taste lamprey eel prepared in traditional ways.
Our April Galician Highlight:
Walking a segment of the Camino de Santiago, like Fisterra to Muxia, taking in the fresh spring air and renewed energy of fellow pilgrims.
May: Cycle a Via Verde
May is perfect for cycling, with lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures. The Vias Verdes, former railway lines converted into scenic bike paths, offer ideal routes for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Popular trails include the Vias Verdes of Salnés, Eo, Vigo-Redondela, and Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle.
Notable May Events in Galicia:
- Día das Letras Galegas (May 17th): A celebration of Galician language and literature, with cultural events and book fairs across the region.
- Festa da Ascensión: Celebrated in Santiago de Compostela, this festival combines religious ceremonies with fairs, concerts, and sports events, showcasing the city’s vitality.
- Festa do Maio: A spring festival filled with floral decorations, music, and traditional songs.
- Festa da Troita (A Pontenova): A trout festival featuring fishing competitions and tastings.
- Feira da Primavera (Santiago de Compostela): A vibrant neighborhood festival featuring street markets, live sculpture, DJs, parades, and activities to celebrate San Pedro and spring in full bloom.
Our May Galician Highlight:
Hitting the road in our motorhome, bikes loaded, and stopping along the way to enjoy the green landscapes, local markets, and peaceful nature spots—then wrapping it up with a well-deserved meal at a simple yet delicious local restaurant.
June: Celebrate the Longest Days of the Year
From June 21st to the 24th, sunset in Fisterra is at 10:20 PM—almost enough to keep enjoying the outdoors until midnight! I still remember inline skating at 11 PM as a teen, with enough light to see the path ahead. While it’s not quite the Midnight Sun, it’s a spectacular feature of Galicia’s summer.
Notable June Events in Galicia:
- Corpus Christi (Ponteareas): Famous for elaborate floral carpets decorating the streets.
- Arde Lucus (Lugo) : A huge Roman-themed festival, transforming Lugo into Lucus Augusti for a weekend of gladiator fights and ancient reenactments.
- San Xoán Bonfires (June 23rd-24th): One of Galicia’s most magical nights, where beaches are lit with bonfires, fireworks, and midnight dips in the ocean for good luck. A Coruña holds one of the largest ones, with hundreds of bonfires
- Resurrection Fest (Viveiro): One of Europe’s top rock & metal festivals, marking the start of Galicia’s busy music festival season along with O Son do Camiño, in Santiago de Compostela.
Our June Galician Highlight:
Traveling beyond Galicia’s borders in our motorhome for a month or more has become a cherished tradition. Last year, we had the thrill of crisscrossing 10 European countries—what a blast that was! We love setting off when the days are long, the crowds are still manageable, and the temperatures are just right.
However, we always make sure to return just before summer kicks off just in time to celebrate San Xoán with friends in a special spot, embracing a night of fire, music, and renewal by the beach.
Summer in Galicia
Summer in Galicia is all about long days, lively festivals, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you love music festivals, pristine beaches, or small-town celebrations, this is when Galicia truly comes alive.
July: Galifornia is back
From mid-July to mid-August, Galicia’s coastal towns are at their busiest, with visitors flocking to escape the scorching heat of inland Spain.
In recent years, we’ve seen real estate prices skyrocket, proof that people are catching on to how special this place is.
Notable July Events in Galicia:
- Festa dos Indianos: A celebration in Ribadeo honoring returning emigrants from America, featuring a packed schedule of cultural activities, including theater, music, workshops, and classic car parades.
- El Carmen (July, 16th): The Galician coastline comes alive with maritime and land processions, creating a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Boats are adorned with colorful flags and floral decorations, all while following the vessel that carries the Virgin’s statue in procession. - Festa do Apostol (July 25th): Galicia honors its patron, Saint James, with religious and cultural events in Santiago de Compostela, including a traditional mass at the cathedral and fireworks in Plaza del Obradoiro.
- International Celtic World Festival: In July, the vibrant sounds of the International Celtic World Festival fill Ortigueira. This free event draws artists and visitors from all over the world, celebrating Celtic culture with concerts, workshops, and markets. Set by the sea, the festival offers a perfect mix of music and nature.
- Rapa das Bestas: The traditional festival in Sabucedo sees wild horses rounded up for grooming and health checks, offering a rare glimpse into the centuries-old bond between humans and animals. Spanning several days, the event features activities that celebrate Galician heritage and customs.
- Festa da Dorna in Ribeira: A maritime-themed festival featuring boat races, music, and street performances.
- Festa do Albariño in Cambados: Celebrating the renowned Albariño wine with tastings, music, and cultural events.
Our July Galician Highlight:
Reuniting with friends and family who return for the summer, then escaping to the Costa da Morte or western Asturias in our van to avoid the crowds.
August: Experience the Vibrancy of Local Festivals
August is festival season in full swing. There are more fairs, feasts, and cultural celebrations than anyone could attend.
Notable August Events in Galicia:
- Festa da Peregrina in Pontevedra: A week-long celebration with music, dance, and religious processions.
- Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia: A step back in time and history takes us to Ribadavia in the Middle Ages, complete with its own currency, the maravedí.
- Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño: A gastronomic festival dedicated to the famous Galician octopus, featuring tastings and cooking demonstrations.
- Romería Vikinga in Catoira: A reenactment of Viking landings with boat races, theatrical performances, and traditional music.
- Festa do Albariño in Cambados: The festival highlights the finest wines from hundreds of participating wineries and has been recognized as an event of International Tourist Interest.
- Festa da Auga in Vilagarcia de Arousa: A large crowd gathers, drawn by the excitement it stirs in both locals and visitors, with the main goal being to enjoy the day and end up drenched from head to toe.
Our August Galician Highlight:
Attending Gulliver Fest, a festival celebrating van life near Ferrol, packed with sports, music, and kid-friendly activities. Also, revisiting festivals from our childhood, like Xira de Santa Cruz and Rinlo’s Festa do Percebe, both in Ribadeo.
September: Hiking Season is Back
As the summer crowds thin out and temperatures become more pleasant, September marks the perfect time to get back into hiking mode. The landscapes are lush from summer rains, and the air is crisp but still warm enough to enjoy Galicia’s incredible outdoor spots.
Whether it’s exploring the dramatic cliffs of Costa da Morte, wandering through the Ribeira Sacra vineyards as harvest begins, or discovering hidden waterfalls inland, this is one of the best months for nature lovers.
Notable September Events in Galicia:
- Feira Franca (Pontevedra): A huge medieval fair that transforms the city into a time-travel experience, with markets, traditional games, and tournaments.
- Pantin Classic (Ferrol): One of Europe’s premier surfing competitions, attracting top surfers from around the world to Galicia’s stunning coastline.
Festa da Vendima: A celebration of the grape harvest, where vineyards host tastings, music, and local feasts. - Festa da Barca (Muxía): One of Galicia’s most iconic pilgrimages, honoring Nosa Señora da Barca. Pilgrims gather by the sea to celebrate this centuries-old tradition.
Our September Galician Highlight:
After soaking up the early-September festivities in Ribadeo, we love venturing inland to explore destinations like Terras de Pontevedra and the Sil Canyons, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil atmosphere along the way.
If the weather holds, a weekend camping trip to the Cíes or Ons Islands is another favorite—mid-month is when ferry services and campsites close for the season, making it one last chance to soak in their wild beauty. If we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of bioluminescence on the beaches!
Finally, we like to take a short—sometimes long, if we can—van trip as a farewell to summer. Like that time we went to the Pyrenees and hit the jackpot with the weather! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the last bit of daylight before daylight savings kicks in and shorter days keep us indoors.
Fall in Galicia
Autumn in Galicia is a season of cozy traditions, vibrant foliage, and delicious food. This is the perfect time to explore rural villages, go mushroom foraging, and participate in local wine harvest festivals in the Ribeira Sacra. Parada de Sil makes for an ideal base to experience it all.
October: Rural Living and Furanchos
October in Galicia is a feast for the senses—golden leaves, misty mornings over the mountains, and the unmistakable smell of chestnuts roasting over open fires. It’s the perfect month to explore rural villages, where small local festivals, cozy taverns, and fall flavors take center stage.
This is also prime time for mushroom foraging—the forests are bursting with edible treasures, and many local guides offer foraging experiences followed by a tasting session.
Notable October Events in Galicia:
- Festa de San Froilán (Lugo): One of Galicia’s most traditional and beloved festivals, with street music, food stalls, and processions.
- Festa do Marisco (O Grove): A must-visit seafood festival, showcasing the freshest Galician shellfish with tastings, cooking demos, and local wine.
- Magosto Celebrations: Marking the start of chestnut season, with bonfires, music, and wine-filled gatherings in villages across Galicia.
Our October Galician Highlight:
While October is a great time to explore Galicia, it’s also the month we often cross the border into Northern Portugal for a food and hiking-filled weekend getaway.
That said, if we stay local, the Outono Gastronómico (Autumn Event for Foodies) is one of the best ways to enjoy the season, with rural accommodations offering amazing seasonal menus.
November: The Magosto Season
November in Galicia means chestnuts, bonfires, and the deep autumn hues taking over the forests. Days are shorter but still mild, making it a fantastic time to enjoy Galicia’s cozy traditions.
The Magosto festival is the highlight of the month—a gathering around fire pits to roast chestnuts, drink young wine, and celebrate with traditional songs and games.
Notable November Events in Galicia:
- Samaín (October 31st – November 1st): Galicia’s Celtic-rooted version of Halloween, where towns celebrate with pumpkin carvings, spooky legends, and nighttime rituals.
- Festa de San Martiño: A feast in honor of Saint Martin, usually paired with newly harvested wine and seasonal dishes.
- Culturgal (Pontevedra): Galicia’s biggest cultural fair, featuring music, literature, and arts—a must for anyone interested in the region’s creative scene.
Our November Galician Highlight:
Gathering around a bonfire with friends and family for Magosto, roasting chestnuts, and sharing stories as the smell of autumn fills the air. It’s a simple yet deeply special tradition that never gets old. And when we’re craving some extra relaxation, a weekend in Ourense’s thermal springs is always a good idea—especially when the crisp air meets the warm, steamy pools.
December: Embrace the Festive Spirit in Galicia
As the year draws to a close, Galicia transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, markets, and holiday traditions. While temperatures drop, the festive atmosphere warms up every town and city.
Christmas in Galicia is a mix of deep-rooted traditions and modern celebrations, making it a magical time to explore.
Notable December Events in Galicia:
- Christmas Lights in Vigo – The city goes all out, with one of Europe’s biggest holiday light displays, turning the streets into a glowing spectacle.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th): A national holiday, often turned into a long weekend filled with local fairs and markets.
- Festa dos Santos Inocentes (December 28th): Similar to April Fool’s Day, this day involves practical jokes and various festivities across Galicia.
- New Year’s Celebrations (December 31st – January 1st): From huge street parties to cozy rural gatherings, Galicia knows how to ring in the new year.
Our December Galician Highlight:
While Vigo’s Christmas lights steal the show, we prefer spending December in Santiago de Compostela—it’s less crowded but just as charming.
The Estrela Market, happening mid-month, is a great place to find artisan gifts and seasonal treats. Plus, with so many kid-friendly activities (including a Christmas playground in Obradoiro Square), it’s a magical time to explore the city with our little one.
Hot chocolate in hand, walking through the illuminated historic streets—it’s the perfect way to close out the year.
Conclusion
Galicia is a year-round destination—whether you prefer stormy winter coastlines, lively summer festivals, or the golden hues of fall. Every month offers new opportunities to experience Galicia authentically and memorably.
So, what’s your favorite time of year to explore Galicia?
