One of Girona’s great advantages is that you can ride almost all year round. But each season has its own character, and the best time for your cycling tour depends on what you want to ride and how you handle the heat. Here’s what to expect.
Spring (March to June): the classic season
Spring is the most popular time for a cycling holiday in Girona. Temperatures are mild, the countryside is green and the days get longer every week. It’s the season of training camps for clubs and professional teams, and gravel riders come to ride the routes of The Traka, which is held in spring.
- Best for: every discipline, especially road climbs and long gravel days.
- Tip: book early, as this is high season for hotels and guides.
Summer (July and August): early starts and the sea
Summer is hot inland, so rides start early to finish before the strongest heat. The upside: long days, a lively atmosphere and the Costa Brava close by for a swim after the ride. Coastal and mountain routes are cooler than the plain.
- Best for: riders who love heat, and tours with a coastal finish such as Costa Brava Gravel.
- Tip: carry more water and plan shorter, earlier stages.
Autumn (September to November): the riders’ favourite
Many locals consider autumn the best season. The heat fades, the sea is still warm, roads are quieter after the summer and the vineyards of the Empordà are in harvest season in September and October.
- Best for: all tours, and especially the Empordà Wine tour and the Girona Cycling Tour.
- Tip: pack layers; mornings get cooler from October.
Winter (December to February): quiet and mild
Winters are mild compared with northern Europe, with many sunny days, although mornings inland can be cold. The north wind, the tramuntana, sometimes blows strongly in the Empordà. It’s a good time for riders escaping colder climates who want quiet roads.
- Best for: road and gravel riders looking for winter training, through a custom tour.
- Tip: bring winter gloves, overshoes and a windproof jacket.
Quick summary
| Season | Conditions | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, green, busy | Road climbs, gravel, training camps |
| Summer | Hot inland, long days | Early rides, coastal routes |
| Autumn | Warm, quieter, harvest | All tours, wine and road |
| Winter | Mild, sunny, some wind | Quiet winter training |
Plan your tour for the right season
Tell us when you can travel and what you want to ride, and we’ll recommend the best tour and dates. Our tours last 5 days and start from €1,990 per person, with the boutique Hotel Summum in Monells, guides and support vehicle included.
Contact us or see all our Girona cycling holidays.