The Best Ways to Survive Summer in Seville

Travelling to Seville in peak summer is often something people warn against, and for good reason. However, since August is when I’m usually in Spain, and the opportunity to visit Seville arose, I couldn’t resist. Heat or no heat, I had to go. As someone who visited in late August, I experienced firsthand what it’s like to navigate the city’s scorching heat, shuttered shops, and ghost-town afternoons.

But Seville still has so much to offer, even at 40°C+, if you plan thoughtfully and embrace the slower rhythm of the season. So, should you avoid Seville in the summer? Not at all. I found it to be a surprisingly lovely time to visit, quieter, more relaxed, and full of charm. The locals who stay embrace the heat much like we Canadians make the most of our own long, brutal winters. It’s all about adapting to and enjoying the season for what it is. Here’s my detailed survival guide to making the most of Seville in the summer heat.

1. Plan Around the Heat: Embrace the Siesta Hours

Temperatures in Seville often soar past 40°C (104°F) by mid-afternoon in the summer, so take a cue from locals and structure your day around the heat. Mornings and evenings are your golden windows, ideal for sightseeing, wandering, and eating out. From around 2 PM to 6 PM, retreat indoors where there’s air conditioning or at least lots of shade. Treat this time as sacred downtime: read, nap, or relax in a cool cafe or your hotel. The intense heat and sun can leave you feeling drained, making an afternoon nap the ideal way to rest and recharge during the hottest part of the day.

2. Book Accommodation with Air Conditioning

Not all accommodations are created equal in Seville, especially in older buildings. Make sure your hotel or apartment has powerful, functioning air conditioning! Ideally, one that runs quietly and all night long. Bonus points for accommodation that features a pool or shaded courtyard, which are crucial for summer afternoons. At the very least, make sure your accommodation has plenty of fans to keep the air circulating and prevent the space from becoming too hot and stuffy.

3. Seek Out Open, Shady Spaces

While many small businesses close for the August holidays, Seville’s public parks and shaded plazas remain accessible and refreshing. Parque de María Luisa is lush, spacious, and filled with fountains. Patio de Banderas and Plaza Doña Elvira offer leafy escapes within the old town. Even in the parks, the heat can be intense, but the ample shade from towering trees offers some much-needed relief.

4. Hydration is Everything (Beyond Water)

While carrying a reusable water bottle might not feel very European, it’s absolutely essential in Seville during the summer. You’ll find plenty of fountains around the city with safe drinking water, making it easy to refill throughout the day. I never visit Spain in the summer without a stash of Hydralyte or Liquid IV, lifesavers for staying hydrated and keeping energy levels up in the sweltering heat. For a more local approach, cool down with a bowl of gazpacho or salmorejo, chilled tomato-based soups that are as refreshing as they are delicious.

5. Visit Museums and Churches in the Afternoon

If you can’t make it back to your accommodation during the peak afternoon heat, a great way to escape is by ducking into the thick stone walls of Seville’s museums and churches. Places like Casa de Pilatos, the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, and the Museo de Bellas Artes offer not only rich cultural experiences but also blissful air conditioning. Many churches stay open and cool throughout the day, providing peaceful spaces for a quiet rest and reflection.

6. Dine Like a Local: Late and Light

Many restaurants shift to summer hours in August, opening later in the evening. Dinner often doesn’t start until after 8:30 PM, but that works in your favour. Use the late golden hour for a rooftop drink, then settle into a leisurely tapas dinner on a shaded terrace. Santa Teresa, Las Teresas, or Taberna Águilas are reliable, atmospheric picks.

7. Accept That Some Places Will Be Closed…and That’s Okay

In late August, it’s common for small boutiques, family-run shops, and even some bars to close as locals head north to escape the summer heat. Instead of seeing this as a drawback, take it as an opportunity to enjoy a quieter version of Seville. If a spot you had in mind is closed, try searching for something similar nearby; you might just stumble upon your own hidden gem in the process.

8. Cool Down with Local Treats

One of my favourite memories in Seville is wandering the streets at night, popping in and out of gelato shops, and enjoying a sweet, and most importantly, cool, treat on the walk home. Many traditional sweet shops and heladerías stay open late, even during the peak of summer, making it easy to indulge after a warm evening out.

9. Night is the City’s Second Life

As dusk falls, Seville comes alive again in the hot summer months. Locals fill the streets, bars buzz with conversation, and plazas glow with soft light. Consider booking a flamenco show, taking an evening walk along Calle Betis, or heading up the Setas de Sevilla for a breeze and spectacular nighttime panoramic views across the city.

10. Enjoy the Sun-Shaded Shopping Streets

Seville’s main shopping areas, like Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuán, are cleverly adapted for the summer heat. Large fabric shades are strung between buildings, casting a soft, dappled light that keeps these streets cooler and more comfortable for browsing. It’s a thoughtful (and stylish) way to shop in the summer without wilting. These pedestrian-friendly streets are home to a mix of big brands, local boutiques, and traditional shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll or some souvenir hunting without the full force of the sun.

11. Don’t Skimp on Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable in Seville’s summer sun. Choose a broad-spectrum of AT LEAST SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously before heading out. Don’t forget commonly missed areas like the tops of your ears, back of your neck, and the backs of your hands. Reapply every few hours, or more often if you’re sweating (which you most likely will be). Carry a small travel-sized bottle with you throughout the day to stay protected while exploring. If you forget your sunscreen, use it as an opportunity to pop into any of Seville’s beautiful pharmacies and pick up a Spanish sunscreen!

12. Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is one of the simplest ways to stay cooler under the scorching Sevillian sun. It provides shade for your face, neck, and shoulders, helping to prevent sunburn and heat fatigue. Choose a breathable material like straw or cotton, and make it part of your daily outfit. It not only adds practical protection but also fits right in with Seville’s sun-soaked style.

13. Embrace the Spanish Fan

Don’t underestimate the power of a good hand fan. In Spain, the fan (abanico) isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a practical and stylish tool for beating the heat. You’ll see locals of all ages expertly flicking them open in the streets, on patios, and even during church services. Pick one up at a market or souvenir shop, keep it in your bag, and use it often. It’s one of the most charming and effective ways to stay cool and feel like a local while doing it.

14. Take an Indoor Dip

If you don’t have a pool, one of my favourite places in Seville is the AIRE Ancient Baths, where you can take a dip in their candlelit thermal pools, soak in the saltwater floatarium, or cool off in the icy plunge bath, an indulgent escape from the relentless heat and a beautifully serene way to recharge.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Seville in August is hot. It’s slow, sleepy, and often sweltering. However, with the right mindset and some local strategies, it can also be soulful, surprising, and deeply rewarding.