Best time to go to Spain and Portugal 

Spain is a large landmass influenced by the Atlantic in the north and the Mediterranean in the south, with a vast central interior. Spain is best visited in the springtime, when the temperatures are generally warm and comfortable, the landscapes are in full bloom and the best of the fiestas take place. Autumn is equally comfortable, though less green and the landscapes are drier. July and August are very hot, particularly in central Spain where temperatures can soar. August is especially busy as international visitors line the beach resorts and the Spanish take their annual holidays. The winter climate varies from freezing in the central regions to pleasant on the southern coast and in the Balearic Islands.

Portugal’s climate is also influenced by the sea. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. July and August can be very hot, especially in the sheltered bays of the Algarve in the south, though this region is especially pleasant and mild during the winter months when it is popular with Europeans taking second holidays and short breaks. Madeira and the Azores benefit from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream and so are pleasantly warm year round.

Events in Spain

San Fermin (Pamplona Bull Run)

6 - 14 July 2012 (annual)
Pamplona
The Pamplona Bull Run is a week-long bull running and bullfighting festival. Every morning at 8am, the city's brave and the world's hot-headed run ahead of a group of angry bulls. If you don’t feel extremely brave or hot-headed, you’re more than welcome to watch in amazement.

Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia)

11th - 18th August 2012 (annual)
Bilbao
Semana Grande (Spanish for 'Big Week') is extremely attractive with its large number of concerts, from rock and pop, to classical and jazz. Every night you can enjoy a different important international fireworks competition, or the fascinating strong man competition. Also, a must-see is the giant puppets event. And don’t forget, a Spanish festival cannot go without a good share of food and a bit of bullfighting, too.

Catalonia International Film Festival

4th - 14th October (annual)
Sitges
Annually, Sitges holds the Catalonia International Film Festival, presenting a broad variety of films from around the world. These feature both releases from the previous year and old classics, and of course the best ones receive an award. 

Events in Portugal

Santos Populares

June 2012 (annual)
Lisbon
The Santos Populares celebrates various Saints' days during the summer months. A highlight is the celebration of St.Anthony's Day on the 13th of June, including a huge parade and the marrying of 12 couples from Lisbon's parishes. During June, cultural events, parades, prayers and parties take place. The inhabitants of Lisbon offer each other pots of Basil and small papers with poems on them.

Oceans Festival

July - August 2012 (annual)
Lisbon
A real mix of events takes place every summer in Lisbon during the Oceans Festival (Festival dos Oceanos). Enjoy water jumps, the fluvial parade, street animation and concerts, which are concentrated along Lisbon's riverfront from Alcântara to Nations'Park.

Shellfish Festival (Festival do Marisco)

10th - 15th August 2012 (annual)
Olhao
Seafood lovers will enjoy this festival with shellfish cooked in the traditional regional manner, traditional handicrafts, sweets and concerts in the seaside town of Olhao.

Madeira Wine Festival

September 2012 (annual)
Funchal
Every September residents celebrate the harvests of their famous wine.  The festivities include a live Harvest Show where grapes are collected and squashed in front of a cheering crowd.