best-time
Best Time to Visit Antequera: Season by Season Guide
Antequera's inland position means real seasons: hot summers, cool winters, and perfect shoulder months for exploring the dolmens and El Torcal.
The best time to visit Antequera is March-May or September-November when temperatures are perfect for exploring the prehistoric dolmens, hiking El Torcal's otherworldly landscapes, and wandering the historic town.
Antequera sits at the geographic heart of Andalusia, away from the moderating influence of the coast.
This means real seasons: genuinely hot summers and genuinely cool winters.
Get your timing right, and you'll experience one of Andalusia's most rewarding destinations in ideal conditions.
Compare hotel prices in Antequera
Find the best deal across booking sites
Antequera Weather at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Antequera
March-May & September-November
Spring
Mar-May- + Perfect hiking weather
- + Wildflowers at El Torcal
- + Comfortable dolmen visits
- - Easter can be busy
- - Some rain in March
Summer
Jun-Aug- + Long days
- + El Torcal early/late
- + Fewer crowds
- - Very hot (35-40°C)
- - Midday exploration difficult
- - Some services close August
Fall
Sep-Nov- + Ideal temperatures
- + Golden light
- + Clear mountain views
- - November rain possible
Winter
Dec-Feb- + Quiet and authentic
- + Clear views
- + Good value
- - Cold, especially mornings
- - Some attractions reduce hours
- - Shorter days
Best Time to Visit: The Quick Answer
Here's what you need to know:
- Best overall: April-May or September-October
- Best for El Torcal: Spring (wildflowers) or Autumn (clear light)
- Best for the dolmens: Early morning, any season except peak summer
- Best for budget: January-February (except Easter week)
- Avoid if possible: July-August midday hours
The El Torcal Factor
El Torcal Natural Park is just 15 minutes from Antequera, and timing your visit right transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Local tip
The best times to visit El Torcal are sunrise and the two hours before sunset. The angled light brings out the texture in the limestone formations, creating dramatic shadows and a magical atmosphere. Midday light is flat, and summer midday is dangerously hot.
In spring, wildflowers carpet the spaces between the rock formations.
In autumn, the clear air means views that stretch for miles.
Summer is possible but requires early morning or late evening visits. Midday temperatures can exceed 35°C with no shade.
Spring in Antequera (March-May)
Spring is Antequera's finest season for exploration.
The temperatures are perfect for climbing to the Alcazaba, the dolmens feel atmospheric in morning light, and El Torcal comes alive with wildflowers. This is when Antequera rewards visitors most generously.
April Weather in Antequera
Warm days, cool evenings, occasional spring showers
Our take: Ideal conditions. Pack layers for temperature swings between sunny plazas and morning chill at the dolmens.
Why Spring Works
March can still feel unpredictable, with fresh mornings and the occasional shower.
But by April, Antequera emerges into perfect visiting weather.
The dolmens feel ancient and mysterious in soft morning light. El Torcal's bizarre formations are softened by wildflowers. The town's plazas buzz with local life.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antequera features impressive processions through narrow streets. The town celebrates with genuine passion, though crowds are far smaller than in Seville or Málaga.
By May, temperatures rise to comfortable 25°C days, warm enough for café terraces, cool enough for hiking. This is arguably the single best month to visit.
Spring Highlights
- Perfect temperatures for the Alcazaba climb
- Dolmens are atmospheric in morning light
- Wildflowers at El Torcal
- Semana Santa processions
- Long days without summer heat
Summer in Antequera (June-August)
Summer in Antequera is genuinely hot, hotter than the coast, with less relief.
The town's inland position means temperatures regularly reach 35-40°C.
The dolmens bake in the afternoon sun. El Torcal's shadeless rock formations become dangerous at midday.
Smart visitors adapt or avoid.
July Weather in Antequera
Very hot and dry, relentless afternoon sun
Our take: Not ideal. If visiting, explore only early morning (before 10am) and evening (after 7pm). Carry water constantly.
The Summer Reality
July and August require careful planning.
The dolmens are manageable early morning but brutal by midday. El Torcal is only practical at sunrise or in the final hours before sunset.
The town itself empties as locals escape to the coast.
The saving grace is the long days.
A 6 am start at El Torcal, followed by morning dolmens, lunch in air-conditioned comfort, and evening tapas, is entirely workable. Just don't try to explore midday.
Warning:
The summer heat in Antequera is serious. El Torcal has no shade and limited facilities. If hiking in summer, start at dawn, carry at least 2 litres of water per person, and finish by 10 am. Afternoon hikes are dangerous.
Summer Considerations
- Very hot (35-40°C common)
- Midday exploration is difficult
- Town feels empty
- Some restaurants close in August
- El Torcal is risky at midday
Summer Advantages
- Long daylight hours
- Sunrise and sunset magic at El Torcal
- Hotel prices are lower than in spring/autumn
- Uncrowded attractions
Autumn in Antequera (September-November)
Autumn is Antequera's second golden season, and arguably the best for serious exploration.
September still feels like summer (30°C days), but by October, temperatures settle into a perfect 22°C. The light takes on a golden quality that photographers love, and El Torcal's rock formations glow in the angled sun.
October Weather in Antequera
Warm days, crisp evenings, excellent visibility
Our take: Excellent conditions. Perfect for both town exploration and El Torcal hiking. Bring a jacket for cooler evenings.
Why Autumn is Special
October combines pleasant weather with excellent light.
The fierce summer heat has passed. The crowds (such as they are) have thinned. The dolmens feel peaceful in the morning mist. El Torcal glows gold in afternoon light.
November brings cooler days (17°C) and the possibility of rain, but also exceptional visibility. On clear days, you can see the Sierra Nevada from El Torcal's viewpoints.
Local tip
Autumn afternoons at El Torcal are magical. The low sun casts long shadows through the rock formations, creating drama and texture that midday light can't match. Time your visit for 2-3 hours before sunset.
Autumn Highlights
- Perfect temperatures for all activities
- Golden light at El Torcal
- Clear mountain views
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Comfortable dolmen visits
Winter in Antequera (December-February)
Winter in Antequera is genuine winter, colder than many expect from Andalusia.
The town sits at 500m elevation, and temperatures drop to near freezing at night.
Days can be pleasant (14-16°C) when the sun shines, but mornings are cold. The dolmens feel exposed in the winter wind.
January Weather in Antequera
Cold, especially mornings. Mix of sunny and rainy days.
Our take: Pack warm layers, including a proper coat. Clear days offer spectacular visibility but mornings are genuinely cold.
The Winter Appeal
Winter strips Antequera back to its essence.
Tourists are virtually nonexistent. The tapas bars fill with locals. The dolmens feel even more ancient in winter emptiness. And on clear days, the views from El Torcal stretch to snow-capped mountains.
Christmas in Antequera is authentically Spanish: Belén scenes in churches, traditional celebrations, no tourist crowds. The town's pastry shops fill with seasonal sweets.
Save money
Winter offers the best hotel prices. The Parador drops significantly from peak season, and smaller hotels offer genuine bargains. If you can handle the cold, winter represents excellent value.
Winter Considerations
- Cold, especially mornings (frost possible)
- Shorter daylight hours
- Some services reduce hours
- The weather can be rainy
- Early morning dolmen visits are chilly
Winter Highlights
- Authentic local atmosphere
- Best prices of the year
- Clear mountain views
- Uncrowded attractions
- Christmas traditions
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Antequera Month by Month
What to expect each month
| Category | Weather | Why Go | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, quiet | Authentic winter | Lowest prices |
| February | Cold, quiet | Almond blossoms start | Good value |
| March | Warming up | Spring arriving | Wildflowers beginning |
| April | Ideal weather | Semana Santa | Peak conditions |
| May | Warm, perfect | Best month overall | Excellent time |
| June | Getting hot | Summer starting | Last comfortable month |
| July | Very hot | Early/late only | Avoid midday |
| August | Very hot | Town quiet | Some closures |
| September | Cooling | Still warm | Pleasant again |
| October | Ideal | Golden light | Excellent month |
| November | Cooling | Clear views | Rain possible |
| December | Cold | Christmas | Quiet, authentic |
Antequera has a continental climate, more extreme than the coast. Summers are hotter, winters are colder.
Best Time for Specific Activities
Dolmens de Antequera
Best: Early morning, any season (but avoid summer midday)
The dolmens are most atmospheric in soft morning light.
Arrive when gates open to avoid crowds and heat. Winter mornings can be cold but magical.
El Torcal Natural Park
Best: Spring (wildflowers) or Autumn (golden light)
The rock formations photograph best with angled light, early morning or late afternoon.
Spring brings wildflowers; autumn brings clear views. Summer requires dawn or dusk visits.
Town Exploration
Best: Year-round (avoid July-August midday)
The Alcazaba, the cathedral, and the old town are pleasant in any season. Summer heat makes midday walks uncomfortable, but mornings and evenings work.
Day Trips
Best: March-May, September-November
Granada, Córdoba, Málaga, and Ronda are all easier to explore in comfortable temperatures. Summer day trips require early starts.
Events and Festivals
Major Events in Antequera
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Before You Go
- Check El Torcal visitor centre hours (vary seasonally)
- Book Caminito del Rey tickets in advance if including
- Rent a car for flexibility with day trips
- Pack layers (temperatures vary throughout the day)
- Bring sun protection and water for outdoor exploration
Getting There
Antequera has no airport but excellent road connections:
- From Málaga: 45 min drive, regular buses
- From Granada: 1 hour drive
- From Seville: 1.5 hours via A-92
- From Córdoba: 1.25 hours
The AVE high-speed train stops at Antequera-Santa Ana station (10km from town), connecting to Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona.
Plan Your Antequera Trip:
Final Thoughts
Antequera rewards visitors who time their trip thoughtfully.
The dolmens deserve morning light. El Torcal demands respect for the weather. The town comes alive in comfortable temperatures.
Come in spring for wildflowers and perfect conditions.
Visit autumn for golden light and clear views. Consider winter for an authentic atmosphere and value. But approach summer with caution. Antequera's inland position means serious heat.
What makes Antequera special isn't just its monuments.
It's the chance to experience Andalusia's heart without the tourist crush. Time your visit well, and you'll discover why this crossroads town deserves far more than a quick stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
Planning a trip to Antequera?
Explore Antequera Guide→