Mallorca is often thought of as a summer-only destination, but families who know the island well understand that timing matters far more than temperature alone. While the main tourist season runs from May to October, Mallorca never fully switches off. Christmas is full of sparkle, January sees fiery festivals, and coastal hotels reopen from mid-February and the island gradually builds energy through spring.
For families, the shoulder and off-season months can be some of the most rewarding times to visit. Fewer crowds, easy parking and a calendar shaped by local life rather than tourist traffic, Mallorca feels like a cultured lived-in island rather than a beach backdrop. Vibrant foodie markets run year-round, villages host fiestas and harvest festivals, and outdoor adventures take to the mountains.
Weather is generally mild but changeable year-on-year – the last few years have seen plenty of warm, sunny winter days, punctuated by mountain snowfall, brief inland flooding and occasional coastal storms. Planning around that reality, rather than chasing guaranteed sunshine, is the key to an enjoyable family trip.
Best time to visit Mallorca with kids, at a glance
- Best overall: March to June, September to October
- Best for babies and toddlers: May, early June, September to October
- Best for guaranteed beach weather: June, July and August
- Best for culture and festivals: October to January
- Best value: February to March and November
| Month | Avg Daytime Highs (°C) | Avg Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 4–5 |
| February | 15 | 4 |
| March | 17 | 4 |
| April | 19 | 5 |
| May | 23 | 4–5 |
| June | 28 | 2–3 |
| July | 31 | 1–2 |
| August | 32 | 1–2 |
| September | 28 | 3–4 |
| October | 24 | 5–6 |
| November | 20 | 6–7 |
| December | 16 | 5–6 |
Below is a practical, family-focused guide to when Mallorca works best with children, including what’s open, where to base yourselves, and the cultural moments that make each season shine.
Spring
March to May; fresh air, green landscapes and Mallorca waking up
Spring is one of the easiest and most flexible times to visit Mallorca with kids. Temperatures are mild rather than hot, the countryside is green, and outdoor plans feel comfortable for all ages. March can still be chilly, especially in the mountains, but by Easter the island begins to reopen. Most seasonal hotels, beach restaurants and family attractions open their doors in April, with the official start of the summer season from May.
For families, spring suits active days without heat or crowds. City strolls, beach walks, playground stops, cycling along seaside promenades and family-friendly hikes all work well. Markets and village fairs feel more manageable with children, and by mid-April warm, sunny days may tempt you, or at least the kids, back into the water.
Why spring works for families
- Mild temperatures for outdoor adventures with all ages
- Easier parking and fewer crowds
- Landscapes at their greenest
Good to know
- Mornings and evenings can be cool, pack layers and plan for the odd rainy day
- Most hotels with kids’ clubs open late April or early May, with a small number opening from mid-February
- Resort and town-centre restaurants typically reopen from early March
- Most beach restaurants open between early March and late April
- Water parks and family attractions reopen mid-April to early May
- The Soller Train and tram run throughout spring
Where works best
- Port de Sóller and Port de Pollença for outdoor adventures, mini hikes and early beach days
- Palma for culture, cycling, seaside strolls and food
- Soller or Valldemossa for inland stays with culture, food and adventure
Key dates
- Easter week in March or April (varies yearly)
- Sant Jordi, 23 April, book stalls and roses across Palma
Summer
June to August; Peak season, full energy
Summer is Mallorca in full family-holiday mode. Everything is open, the sea is warm, and the island runs on a predictable rhythm that suits most UK and European school holidays. Kids’ clubs operate properly, water parks and boat trips are in full swing, and evening life stretches later to work around the heat.
This is the most reliable season for fly-and-flop hotel-based trips, or for families who want easy, resort-led days with minimal planning. It is also the busiest time of year, which makes choosing the right base especially important if you want to avoid long drives, daily parking dilemmas and crowded beaches. Seeing a more local side of Mallorca or eating out in the latest instagram hotspot is always possible, but don’t skip on the proper planning – reservations are a must.
Why summer works for families
- Reliable sunshine and warm sea
- Full kids’ clubs, activities and local holiday camps
- Evening promenades, night markets and village fiestas
Good to know
- July and August are hot, especially inland
- Parking can be difficult near most beaches, Tramuntana towns and on Island market days. Early starts are key.
- Booking popular restaurants ahead is required
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, particularly after rain or near wetlands like Albufera and Es Trenc
Where works best
- Alcúdia and Playa de Muro for shallow beaches and big resorts
- Santanyí and Cala d’Or for coves and boat days
- Southwest coast resorts for Portals or Camp de Mar for beach stays with easy Palma access
Key dates
- Sant Joan ‘Nit de Foc’ on the night of 23 June, for beach bonfires and fireworks
- Local summer fiestas throughout July and August, dates vary by town
Autumn
September to October; Second summer, calmer pace
If the kids are small or you’re not tied to school terms, early autumn is one of the best times to visit Mallorca with kids. September still feels summery, with warm seas and long days, but the atmosphere is noticeably calmer once August ends. Short end-of-summer storms can pass through in late September, while October often brings a second summer, perfect for beach days or outdoor adventures
A good window for crowd-free beach time. The sea is noticeably cooler than midsummer but still warmer than a British summer swim, which keeps beach days firmly on the agenda. Outside Palma, many seasonal hotels, beach restaurants and family attractions close in the final days of October. Depending on your base, some places may already be winding down or closed altogether.
Why autumn works for families
- Warm sea temperatures with noticeably clearer water
- Less intense heat
- Quieter beaches and easier dining out
Good to know
- Heated outdoor pools are rare and water temperatures the water will be cold. Light wetsuits are a good idea if the kids want long pool or sea sessions
- Short, heavy rainstorms can happen, especially inland
- September & October are peak mosquito season
- Waterparks and some outdoor attractions close early October
Where works best
- Most areas suit autumn well, though mosquitoes can be more noticeable near wetlands such as Playa de Muro and Es Trenc
Key dates
- Festa des Vermar, late September, wine harvest celebrations in Binissalem
Planning the timing and the base together makes a big difference. Pair this guide with Where to Stay in Mallorca with Kids to choose the right area for the season you’re travelling.
Winter
November to February; Authentic Mallorca, fairs & fiestas
Winter shows a different side of Mallorca. While many beach hotels and seasonal attractions close, local life continues at full pace. Weekly markets, village fairs and cultural traditions shape the calendar, and bright winter days suit hiking, cycling, castle visits and exploring towns on foot.
December can swing between T-shirt lunches and proper wet weather. In the Tramuntana, winter brings greener landscapes, rushing streams after rain and the occasional dusting of snow. Christmas is a highlight, with markets, lights and family events building through December, followed by Three Kings celebrations in early January. January may be the quietest tourist month, but it’s also when some of the island’s most distinctive festivals take place.
Why winter can work for families
- A strong cultural calendar with festive events and traditions
- Mild daytime temperatures and easy logistics for exploring
- Better value accommodation, though many hotels outside Palma may be closed
Good to know
- Most beach hotels and seasonal attractions are closed throughout
- The Soller Train and tram usually closes for December & January
- Tramuntana villages are wetter and moodier in winter and brief flooding can occur after heavy rain
Where works best
- Palma for food, parks and museums
- Soller or Valldemossa to outdoor activities
Key dates
- Christmas markets and lights throughout December
- Three Kings, 5 January, with island-wide parades
- Sant Antoni, mid-January (16th), bonfires and animal blessings
- Sant Sebastià, late January (20th), concerts and celebrations in Palma
Year-round things to do with kids
Even outside peak season, families can rely on:
- Cycling, promenades and coastal paths
- Castles, caves and family friendly hikes
- Markets, playgrounds and cafe culture
- Beach picnics on calm winter days
For wet-weather ideas, see our Rainy Day Guide for Families in Mallorca.
Final thoughts
There’s no single best time to visit Mallorca with kids, only the right time for your family. That being said, spring and autumn are the sweet spots, summer brings certainty and buzz, and winter adds festive traditions and a chance to see a more local side of the island.
If you’d like help choosing where to base yourselves, start with our guide to where to stay in Mallorca with kids, or we can help plan your trip and tailor an itinerary that fits your family.
