The autumn equinox marks the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this point, nights become longer than days until the winter solstice in December. The word itself comes from Latin and means “equal night,” because around this date, day and night are nearly the same length.

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Date and Times in Spain

In 2025, the equinox will fall on Monday, 22 September. It will take place at 20:19 on the Spanish mainland and 19:19 in the Canary Islands. This marks the end of astronomical summer and the beginning of autumn, a season that will last until 21 December.

Daylight and the Clock Change

After the equinox, the change in daylight becomes clear. Sunsets arrive earlier each evening, and mornings grow cooler and darker. Spain will also put the clocks back on Sunday, 26 October 2025. At 3:00 a.m., the time will shift back to 2:00 a.m., ending summer time and adding an extra hour to the night.

Weather Outlook for Autumn 2025

Spain enters autumn after one of its hottest summers on record. Forecasts suggest temperatures will stay above average for much of the season, especially in the north, east and Mediterranean areas. Rainfall is expected to remain scarce in western regions and the Canary Islands, while closer to normal elsewhere. These conditions are important for farming, water reserves, and wildfire risk, which remains a concern even after summer ends.

Astronomical Highlights

Autumn skies bring several events worth noting. Saturn is bright and visible in the evenings around the equinox, making it one of the easiest planets to spot. Meteor showers will follow throughout the season: the Draconids in early October, Orionids later that month, Leonids in mid-November and the Geminids in mid-December, which are often the strongest of the year. There will also be three full moons to look out for on October 6, November 5, and December 4.

Autumn Traditions Across Spain

The equinox itself is not marked with special festivals in Spain, but autumn is strongly tied to seasonal traditions. Vineyards in La Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Castilla-La Mancha will be busy with grape harvests and wine festivals.

The olive harvest also begins in late October and continues through the winter months, especially in Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha and Cataluña. Many producers now carry out early harvests in October to create premium extra virgin oils with a more intense flavour.

Mushroom foraging begins in the forests of Castilla y León and Catalonia, while chestnut fairs, known as magostos, take place in Galicia and northern regions. Rural tourism also grows in popularity as cooler air, clearer skies and colourful forests make the countryside a draw for both locals and visitors.

A Season of Transition

The autumn equinox is more than just a date on the calendar. It signals a shift in daily life, shorter days, cooler nights, and the start of seasonal foods and traditions across Spain. From wine harvests and mushroom fairs to meteor showers and bright planets overhead, autumn offers a mix of natural change and cultural rhythm that sets the stage for the months ahead.

Creating a Cozy Autumn at Home

In much of southern and coastal Spain, Andalucía, Extremadura, Almería, Murcia, and parts of Valencia, autumn doesn’t always feel like autumn. Even in November, temperatures can still reach the mid-20s°C, skies remain bright, and the evenings stay mild. For those wanting to bring the season indoors, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Lighting is key. Swap harsh overhead lights for warm, soft lamps or fairy lights to create a calmer, cozier atmosphere. Candles or lanterns add warmth and can subtly change a room’s feel in the evening.

Textiles and colours also help. Introduce blankets, throws, and cushions in autumn shades, such as rust, ochre, deep green, and burnt orange, even if the weather outside is still summery. Rugs or table runners in natural textures like wool or cotton make rooms feel more seasonal.

Seasonal scents bring autumn to life. Try spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or clove in your cooking, or simmer citrus peels and herbs on the stove. Small touches such as pinecones, dried leaves or pumpkins on shelves can reinforce the season visually.

Food and drink play a role too. Roast chestnuts (castañas), pumpkin dishes, baked apples, or warm soups can give your home a sense of autumn, while mulled wine or spiced tea adds to the cozy mood. Even a simple hot chocolate with churros can make cooler mornings or evenings feel more seasonal.

Layering your spaces works well in sunny climates. Lightweight curtains, cushions, or throws can be added or removed depending on daytime heat, keeping the home comfortable while maintaining the autumn vibe. In short, even if the weather doesn’t signal the season outside, small indoor changes can make a home feel unmistakably autumnal.

Image: Shutterstock-Botond Horvath