Chapter 4 of the Ibiza villa rentals guide.
We wish we had a euro for every time we’ve been asked that question. It’s a big one, because there are a million factors to consider when deciding when best to visit Ibiza and rent your villa.
The island changes dramatically over the seasons and the time of year you choose will have a huge bearing on your holiday. We’ve stripped the essential info down to its bare bones, season by season.
January, February and March
A great time to grab a cultured city break, enjoy nature, get fit or learn a new skill.
Weather
January in Ibiza is as cold as it gets. But if we’re honest, it’s not really that cold. The temperature usually sits around 8 to 9C and depending on the year it could be sunny, but it will probably rain quite a bit too.
February is still pretty chilly and not much has changed. Rainy, grey and windy days are common and most of the island is still in hibernation. The temperature averages around 10C.
In March things start warming up considerably. The sunshine arrives, rain makes only the odd appearance and the temperature sits around 13 to 14C. Not bikini weather, but t-shirt weather. The sea is still cold and only the bravest are swimming, but it feels deliciously like spring and the island is bursting with wild flowers.
During the day
January and February are the islanders’ main hibernation period. Once the festive frivolities have died down, many residents are on a detox and lots of businesses shut for the whole month. Tourist facilities and things to do for the kids are limited. It’s quiet, which is great if quiet is your thing, and a great time to go walking or hiking.
The main towns are the only semi-lively zones, with museums, some independent galleries and a fair sprinkling of shops, bars and restaurants open all year round. Resorts are closed, villages remain quiet and out-of-town beaches are pretty deserted. Notable exceptions are the Port of San Miguel and Cala Llonga, where a couple of beach bar restaurants stay open.
March sees quite a bit more action. Businesses are hiring staff and preparing for the season, and shops that have been closed all winter reopen, as do a slew of bars and restaurants.
Inland, the flea market at San Jordi and the artisan market at San Juan are both open all year round, with live music or drumming. Both start and finish early: be there by 10am, stalls close 1 to 2pm.
On an eco tip, Casita Verde is open every Sunday, 2 to 6pm, all year round. A lovely spot for a healthy lunch, a tour of their eco-buildings and a lesson in sustainable living.
At night
Thought there were no parties in Ibiza during the winter? Think again. It may not be the best time to party day and night, but the weekends see some great parties, and you’ll meet many more residents than tourists, which makes for a very cool vibe. Drinks are often cheaper than in summer too.
Pacha traditionally stays open at weekends all winter. The famously decadent Pikes Hotel, popular with islanders, hosts some brilliant parties through the winter.
For a more sophisticated or romantic night out, Bambuddha Grove opens its doors in March. A favourite of many Ibiza residents: DJs in the cocktail lounge, impeccable wine list, superb menu. Pricey, but worth it.
But the truth is, during this time of year most islanders are snuggled in front of a fire or going for strolls in the pine-scented countryside. Winter picnics on the beach are a favourite pastime. Many residents are on the January detox and it’s a great time to get fit.
Tip: many teachers and therapists are mobile and will visit your villa. Ask us.
Good for
Natural, rural and eco Ibiza. Culture and history. Well-being. Outdoor pursuits.
Advantages: villa rental and car hire are as cheap as they get. British Airways fly direct from the UK all winter.
Disadvantages: many villas are not available to rent from November to April. Cheap airlines do not usually fly from mid-October through to April, although Ryanair and easyJet fly in March from some UK airports. Outside the main towns, public transport is almost non-existent.
Tip: got a wedding proposal to make? The almond blossom bursts into flower all over Ibiza during late January and early February. It’s really very special.
April, May and June
Spring is truly a great time of year in Ibiza. Energy and enthusiasm is everywhere. The island is getting busy but not too busy.
Weather
Nothing short of divine. In April the temperature averages 15 to 16C, rising to 19 to 20C in May and 22 to 23C in June. Although it might still rain on the odd day, the sunshine has arrived and by April the first bikinis are on the beach. The sea is still cool but more and more people are taking the plunge.
It’s often quite windy, ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Spring brings fields full of poppies, forget-me-nots and buttercups.
During the day
April is when the island really starts to wake up. Seasonal workers appear and there’s a tangible excitement in the air. The towns and resorts get livelier and the bigger beach bars such as Sa Trinxa open. Ushuaia starts its pre-opening pool parties and Ocean Beach Club opens in San Antonio.
Resorts open from April, although villages stay quiet. Sunbed concessions on the smaller beaches often don’t arrive until May, so take your own towel and umbrella before that.
May sees the season start with a vengeance and the first big opening parties. Superstar DJs arrive for the International Music Summit. Beach clubs and boat parties rev into action, and the bars and restaurants on San Antonio’s sunset strip are fully open. On a more hippie tip, the first Sunday of May sees the Ibiza Spirit Festival at Atzaro.
June sees summer properly arrive. Every day is filled with party options. Pikes, Ushuaia and Hard Rock Hotel host daytime events, and you can take your pick of maybe 20 different boat parties: Beautiful People, Cirque de la Nuit, Oceanbeat and Float Your Boat are among the most popular.
From May, options for families are much improved. The water parks in San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa are open and the huge hippie market at Es Canar runs every Wednesday and Sunday. Ibiza Town buzzes in May as the annual Medieval Festival comes to town. See Chapter 3 for more family activities.
Last but not least, April to June is a wonderful time to be out in the countryside. Ibiza is in full spring bloom and it’s not yet too hot for midday exertion.
At night
All the big clubs open during May and June: Amnesia, DC10, Hi Ibiza, Es Paradis and Pacha. All the big parties start too: Glitterbox, Elrow, Music On, Circo Loco and many more.
From June, Pikes begins its full summer schedule of daytime pool parties and decadent night-time events. Hard Rock Hotel starts its summer evening schedule of live gigs and Ushuaia hosts evening events on the rooftop tower, with amazing views over the island.
For a more sophisticated or romantic early evening, from May most high-end beach bars and restaurants are open: KM5, Amante, Sa Capella, Lio, Babylon Beach, Cala Bassa Beach Club, Cotton Club, Blue Marlin, Experimental Beach. The list goes on.
It’s a time marked by a noticeably more mature, 30-plus crowd. With the exception of the May half term, there are not many families or students around. The beaches are divine, warm and still wonderfully chilled. The huge crowds of high season have yet to arrive.
Good for
Everything: nature, culture, outdoor pursuits, beaches, clubbing, families, mixed groups, bohemian Ibiza.
Advantages: cheap flights from Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and TUI, plus good deals from British Airways. Villa rental prices are at their most competitive until around the end of May, when they start to climb. Beautifully warm and sunny, getting hot by June but not too hot. Public transport improves greatly from May, when summer schedules kick in (Ibiza Bus timetable).
Disadvantages: a difficult time for students and families to visit, except during the May holidays.
July, August and September
Hot sunshine 99% guaranteed, party season in full throttle and the entire island buzzing day and night. Hello summer.
Weather
It’s hot. Official reports say the average temperature is 26C, but we regularly see it reach 34C during July and August and sometimes higher. Heatwaves are common. September is only slightly cooler, thanks to the odd isolated (and refreshing) storm. The sea is warm throughout, so swimming, paddle-surfing and snorkelling are a joy.
It’s a great time for watersports, but a bit too hot for vigorous land-based pursuits in the middle of the day.
Tip: it can be difficult to cool down, especially after a day on the beach. Look for air conditioning in your villa at this time of year.
Tip: take extra care with the little ones. Keep them out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, with sunblock, eye protection and a hat. Reflected sunlight can still burn, even in the shade. The NHS fact sheet covers avoiding, recognising and treating heat exhaustion.
During the day
Endless choice for absolutely everyone. The only things that are tricky to find are quiet roads, easy parking and space on the beaches.
Tip: if you’ve got a favourite spot for lunch, or a bed you want in front of a swanky beach club, book at least a month in advance.
At night
During July and August, every party and club on the island is open. Take your pick of world class DJs and some of the most frenzied crowds you’ve ever seen. In September the first closing parties begin, the individual club nights first, but the big club closings are not until October.
For the low-down on all the clubs, parties and dates, the go-to bible is Ibiza Spotlight’s clubbing guide.
The Port of Ibiza Town is particularly good fun at night for pre-club drinks, with flamboyant party parades passing by, often handing out discount wristbands.
A lot of families visit at this time, as do the younger crowd and students. In August a huge number of Spanish and Italian visitors arrive too, which makes for a cosmopolitan vibe, especially around Ibiza Town and Playa d’en Bossa. The west end of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa can be pretty boisterous in July and August. If that’s not your thing, the bay of San Antonio, Santa Eulalia and the smaller resorts, beaches and villages are much more chilled.
The countryside is hot and dry. Exert yourself early morning or evening.
Good for
Culture, beaches, clubbing, families, mixed groups.
Advantages: an unbelievable choice of DJs, events, parties and dining. Public transport as good as it gets. Hot sunshine 99% guaranteed.
Disadvantages: flights, car hire and villa rental at their highest prices. Taxis can be difficult to get. Uncomfortably hot for young babies and the elderly. Roads congested, beaches packed, parking tricky.
Be extra vigilant
This is the time of year when professional thieves are around, on the lookout for drunken tourists not paying attention to their valuables. Whilst Ibiza is in general very safe, it’s important to be aware.
If you’re going out to party, take only the cash you need and the most essential items. Leave your phone, wallet, cards and certainly your passport at your villa in a safe place, unless you know you’re going to be 100% sober. Lock all doors, windows and gates before leaving. Yes, even the small windows.
Never leave valuables in your hire car, even tucked away out of sight. There are devices that clone your car alarm signal and disable the locks as soon as your back is turned.
Tip: always carry a photocopy of your passport or keep your driving licence on you. Spanish law requires you to carry photo ID.
October, November and December
The legendary Ibiza closing parties, Halloween, Christmas, New Year and glorious nature. Autumn in Ibiza is very special.
Weather
From late September the first storms and rains of autumn arrive, but in October it’s just the odd day. The temperature stays warm and mainly sunny, averaging 19C in October and 16C in November. By December the chance of rain increases and the average drops to 13C. You can still walk around in a t-shirt on sunny days, but you’ll need a warm jacket at night.
The rains bring a revival of Ibiza’s forests and mountains. The parched heat of summer subsides and the flora comes alive again. Ideal for outdoor pursuits.
During the day
By October the beach bars are closing. A few close as early as the end of September, but most stay open for at least part of October, and the ones in Playa d’en Bossa close later. The Ibiza Spirit Festival returns in October, a wholesome family alternative to the closing parties. Sunset is getting earlier, the sea colder and choppier, and many boat charter companies shut for the season. It’s still sunbathing weather, with plenty of space on the beaches.
Most shops, bars and restaurants in the towns stay open but the resorts wind down. Public transport stays at summer levels until the end of October. By November the resorts are very quiet and the towns and villages return to their out-of-season calm, plazas full of lazy lunches as hardworking residents finally get to socialise.
December gets quieter still. Christmas is a quiet, family affair in Ibiza and if you like your festive season low-key, it’s a great time to visit. The markets at Las Dalias, San Jordi and San Juan stay open all year. The best thing about this time of year is getting outdoors: long walks in the mountains and country lanes, barbecues with friends, the first log fire of the autumn.
Tip: Toby at Walking Ibiza organises an around-the-island hiking adventure each year. A unique way to see Ibiza and connect with wild nature.
At night
October is when the main clubs hold their legendary closing parties. Amnesia, Hi Ibiza, Es Paradis and DC10 all say goodbye for another year. It’s big, it’s messy and it’s emotional. Residents hang up their work clothes, apply glitter and finally get to party, and the DJs are in full party mode at the end of a non-stop season.
Tip: the closing parties are packed out and there is often broken glass on the floor, so wear closed shoes. Never attempt to pay on the door unless you like queuing for hours. Get tickets in advance, from each club’s official ticket seller. We can often help with this, just ask.
By November the closing parties are over but Pacha and Pikes are still open at weekends, and the towns bustle in the run-up to Christmas. The last big night until New Year is Halloween, with Bambuddha, Hard Rock Hotel, Pikes and Boutique Hostal Salinas all holding fabulous parties. The whole island dresses up.
New Year’s Eve is the next big night, with Pacha, Amnesia and DC10 normally throwing huge parties. Ibiza Town is full of families on the port for the firework display at midnight, and the bars are full of people attempting to eat the traditional 12 grapes, one on each stroke of midnight. It’s not as easy as it sounds.
Closing parties aside, it’s a wonderfully chilled time with a more mature crowd, and nature lovers are blown away by the lush countryside.
Good for
Natural and eco Ibiza. Culture. Well-being. Outdoor pursuits.
Advantages: villa rental and car hire as cheap as they get. Good flight deals until the end of October with Ryanair; after that British Airways fly direct all winter.
Disadvantages: many villas are not available in November and December. Cheap airlines do not usually fly from mid-October to April. After October, public transport outside the main towns is minimal.
To sum up
Every season in Ibiza has its own character. Pick the one that fits your group, then read the final chapter before you book anything.
