6 Things to do in Seville in May

This blog post was originally posted on April 21, 2015, and was updated on April 2, 2019. 

Spring is arguably the most important time of year on the sevillano calendar.

We’ve already experienced Semana Santa, which is one of the most storied events of the entire year in Seville in March (or April, depending on the year). Two weeks later, of course, it’s time for the legendary Feria. Throw in some beautiful weather and a lively, festive atmosphere throughout the city, and you’ve got the setting for a picture-perfect trip.

If you’ll be visiting Seville in May, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what you can’t miss this month here in the Andalusian capital.

Weather in Seville in May

Great news—you’re visiting Seville at one of the most beautiful times of the year. Here’s what to expect from the forecast.

• Sunny skies most days, with up to 10 total sunshine hours on average
• Average daytime temperatures hanging out in the 70s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius)
• Very little precipitation (only about six rainy days total throughout the month!)

Sounds perfect, right? Here’s what you absolutely have to do in Seville in May to make the most of that lovely weather.

1. Party like a sevillano at the Feria de Abril

If you’re only going to do one thing in Seville in May, make it this. As the biggest, best, and most anticipated fiesta of the year, Seville’s iconic Feria de Abril is a whirlwind celebration full of flamenco flair, elegant horses, sevillanas, and plenty of sherry wine and rebujito.

But wait—if it’s called the “April Fair,” why does it take place entirely in May in 2019? Well, because opening day of the fair is always two weeks after the end of Semana Santa, which falls relatively late this year. As a result, Feria gets pushed back out of its namesake month entirely.

Seville’s fair sometimes gets a bad rap for its exclusivity, due to the fact that many of its casetas (tents) are private for members only. However, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the fair in all its glory at one of the public casetas, which seem to grow in number year after year.

2019 dates: May 5–12

2. Visit the gardens

The beautiful weather in Seville in May makes it prime time to get out and about. Luckily, with so many beautiful parks in Seville, it couldn’t be easier to find a quiet corner of natural beauty just steps away from the action of the city. From the tranquil paradise that is Parque María Luisa (yes, there’s more there than just Plaza de España!) to the lavish gardens of the Real Alcázar, you’re spoiled for choice. Grab a book and a blanket and treat yourself to a relaxing few hours in the Spanish sunshine.

3. Have a picnic in the park

Obviously, we’re foodies here at Devour Seville, and if we’re already headed out to the park (see above), we likely have a picnic lunch in tow. After all, the only way to make a sunny day even better is with a full spread of tasty local goodies. If you’re not sure where to go, here are a few of our favorite picnic spots in town.

• Parque del Alamillo: A lovely little spot on the outskirts of town. Rent a bike to head out there and make a day of it—they often host concerts, workshops and other cultural events.
• Parque de los Principes: Tucked away at the junction of Triana and Los Remedios, this idyllic little park is home to a duck pond and a cute wooden bridge for the romantic stroll of your dreams.
• Parque de Miraflores: Seville’s largest green space, with a beautiful diversity of flora and fauna, as well as plenty of running and walking trails if you’d like to get moving after your picnic lunch.

4. Enjoy the views from the river

The majestic Guadalquivir River—one of Andalusia’s most important—flows right through Seville, and helps form one of the most picturesque parts of the city. As you might imagine, the views of the riverfront (including sights like the bullring, Torre de Oro, and the colorful buildings of Triana) look even more stunning when seen from the water itself. Hop on board a boat and get your camera ready—you’ll want to remember these views forever.

5. Take a day trip

While Seville is one of the most exciting places to be in Andalusia in springtime, sometimes a change of scenery is nice. Fortunately, there are plenty of smaller cities and charming towns easily within reach of Seville that will keep the magic of southern Spain alive in a new, exciting setting. Here are a few of our favorite options for day trips from Seville in the springtime.

• A day trip to Jerez promises plenty of sherry and fabulous food, as well as another fabulous fair—the Feria del Caballo (May 11–18, 2019), often considered a more laid-back yet equally fabulous alternative to that of Seville.
• Head east for a day trip to Cordoba—home of the awe-inspiring Mezquita, and also one of the places to be in Andalusia in May with its famous cruces de mayo celebration (May 1–5, 2019), patios festival (May 6–19, 2019) and feria (May 25-June 1, 2019) providing back-to-back-to-back festivities all month long.
• If a small-town vibe is what you’re after, consider heading out on one of the many possible village day trips from Seville. We’re particularly partial to the breathtaking pueblos blancos, like Arcos de la Frontera.

6. Treat yourself!

As the weather starts to warm up, you’ll likely find yourself in desperate need of a refreshing pick-me-up. Make your way to one of our top spots for ice cream in Seville for a cool treat, or head up to a rooftop bar to enjoy drinks with a view. After a long day spent exploring the city, you’ve earned it.