Looking to jet off to the vibrant streets of Spain without breaking the bank? Well, you’re in luck! Discovering the cheapest time to fly to Spain in 2026/2027 can be a game-changer for your travel plans. If you dream of exploring the cultural treasures of Barcelona, the historic charm of Madrid, or soaking up the sun on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, knowing the best time to score cheap flights to Spain can turn that dream into reality.
So, let’s embark on a journey to uncover the ideal moment to set sail across the skies and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Spain, all while keeping your wallet happy.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Spain in 2026?
Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Spain is during the off-season, typically from October to March. However, tourists still visit certain regions during this time, with Benidorm and Alicante staying drier towards the winter season.
Thanks to Spain’s almost year-round sun, you can not only find cheap flights to Spain during the winter, but you’ll also find beaches a lot less crowded. For the island of Menorca, late October and November bring the potential for rain, making this a less popular time for visitors.
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Spain
The cheapest day of the week to fly to Spain is typically Tuesday, and flights are often more affordable in the early morning or late at night.
Airlines usually release deals on Monday evenings, which leads to competitive pricing on Tuesday. By mid-week, fewer people are looking to book flights, so prices tend to drop compared to the busy weekend days.
The Cheapest Airlines That Fly to Spain in 2026 with Average Prices
Here are some of the cheapest airlines that fly to Spain in 2026, along with their average prices:
- Ryanair: This Irish low-cost carrier is generally considered the cheapest airline to fly to Spain, with fares often starting at around €11 (US$12). However, be aware that Ryanair charges extra fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and other amenities.
- Vueling: Another budget-friendly option, Vueling is a Spanish airline that offers flights to many vacation destinations in Spain and Europe. Average fares are around €15 (US$16).
- easyJet: This British low-cost airline is a good choice for flights from the UK to Spain. EasyJet’s average fares are around €17 (US$18).
- Wizz Air: This Hungarian low-cost airline offers flights to a limited number of destinations in Spain. If you can find a route that works for you, they can be very cheap. Average fares are around €20 (US$22).
- LEVEL: LEVEL is a low-cost airline brand of IAG, the parent company of Iberia. They offer competitive prices for long-haul flights to Spain from North and South America. Average fares are around €25 (US$28).
- Air Europa: Air Europa is a Spanish airline that offers a mix of low-cost and traditional fares. They are a good option if you want a bit more legroom and amenities than what you’ll get on a budget airline, but you won’t pay as much as a full-service airline. Average fares are around €30 (US$33).
- Iberia Express: Iberia Express is a low-cost subsidiary of Iberia, the Spanish national airline. They offer flights to many destinations in Spain and Europe. Average fares are around €35 (US$39).
- Iberia: Iberia is the Spanish national airline and offers a full-service experience. They are a good option if you want the most comfortable flight possible, but you will pay the most for it. Average fares are around €50 (US$56).
Pros and Cons of the Cheapest Time to Fly to Spain
Pros
- Flights and hotels can be substantially cheaper during the low season (typically November to March) compared to the peak summer months.
- Popular tourist destinations will be less crowded, allowing you to explore at your own pace and potentially avoid long lines.
- You might encounter local festivals or celebrations specific to the winter season.
- Tourist-driven restaurants and shops might offer lower prices during the off-season.
Cons
- Winter in Spain can be chilly and wet, especially in northern regions. Rain and snow can disrupt travel plans and some outdoor activities. Southern regions tend to be milder but still experience cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
- Daylight hours are shorter in winter, impacting sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Beach vacations and water activities will be limited or unavailable depending on the region.
- Some tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops may have reduced hours or close entirely during the low season.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Spain in 2026
- Be flexible with your travel dates. Flights are generally cheaper on weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest) and during the shoulder seasons (spring – April, May, June, and fall – September, October, November) compared to weekends and peak tourist seasons (summer – July, August).
- Consider flying into smaller airports near your final destination. Major airports in Spain like Madrid Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are often more expensive than smaller regional airports.
- Book flights in advance; generally, airlines offer the cheapest fares a few months in advance (2-8 months for international flights) for travel. Booking even earlier (3-4 months) is recommended for peak seasons.
- Use flight search engines like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to track flight prices and set price alerts to be notified of price drops.
- If you have flexible travel dates, you might be able to snag last-minute deals, but this is a gamble and not always reliable.
- Consider budget airlines like Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, or Wizz Air. While they may have lower base fares, factor in potential extra fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and meals.
- If you’re flying from Europe, check prices for flights to other airports in neighboring countries like Portugal or France, and then connect to Spain via budget airlines or trains.
- Play around with your travel dates on flight search engines to see if there are significant price differences for flying a day or two earlier or later.
By planning ahead, staying flexible with your travel dates, using comparison tools, and exploring alternative airports, you can significantly reduce the cost of your flights to Spain, making your dream trip more affordable.
