Mallorca
From November to March the island is almost empty; in August it is almost full.
When to visit Mallorca
Mallorca is calmest in January and busiest in August. For the best balance of decent weather and smaller crowds, aim for December.
Mallorca has one of the most extreme seasonal curves in Europe. From June to September the resorts, the beaches and Palma’s old town are packed, the roads to the northern coves jam up, and the airport handles a huge share of its annual traffic. In January the same island is almost silent, and many beach hotels are closed.
The year has three distinct seasons. Summer is for the beach, and August is the busiest month by a clear margin. Spring and autumn are for hiking and cycling in the Serra de Tramuntana, with mild temperatures and far fewer people; in March and April professional and amateur cyclists fill the mountain roads. Winter is for Palma: the cathedral, the old town and the markets are calm, and the weather is mild compared with the rest of Europe.
The best balance for most visitors is May, late September and October. The sea is swimmable, the countryside is green or golden, and the resorts are open without being full.
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Tours and tickets in Mallorca, from our booking partner.
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Free cancellationCrowds month by month
Twelve months of Mallorca at a glance — tap a month for the full picture.
Every month in Mallorca
Weather, crowds and what’s on — one page per month.
Weather through the year
Typical highs, lows and wet days.
Best day of the week
How the crowd moves through a typical week.
Tue is normally the calmest day of the week.
Best time of day
The daily rhythm, hour by hour.
The 9:00 AM window is usually the calmest of the day.
Where the crowd gathers
A typical peak afternoon in the centre.
Cruise days change everything
Mallorca is a cruise port. On ship days the centre fills between mid-morning and late afternoon, then empties again.
How long to stay
Four to five days: one or two for Palma, one for the Serra de Tramuntana and Sóller, and the rest for beaches or hikes, depending on the season.
Local timing tips
- Visit Palma Cathedral at opening, and avoid the mornings when several cruise ships are in port.
- The historic train from Palma to Sóller is scenic but full in summer; go on the first departure of the day.
- Popular coves such as Caló des Moro have limited parking and fill by mid-morning in summer; arrive early or pick a less famous beach.
- In winter, check which hotels and restaurants are open before booking a resort town; Palma stays fully open all year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Mallorca?
The best time to visit Mallorca is January, the quietest month of the year, or the shoulder weeks around December when the crowd eases but the weather still holds.
What is the cheapest and quietest month in Mallorca?
January is the quietest month in Mallorca, with a modelled crowd level near 22/100 and typical highs of 16°C.
When is Mallorca most crowded?
Mallorca peaks in August, when both visitor numbers and prices are at their highest.
How many days do you need in Mallorca?
Four to five days: one or two for Palma, one for the Serra de Tramuntana and Sóller, and the rest for beaches or hikes, depending on the season.
Sources
Weather: 1995–2024 averages from the Palma de Mallorca weather station (NOAA GHCN-Daily); rain days count days with at least 1 mm.
Crowd scores are modelled estimates, not live counts.How the model works
Events, holidays and practical notes are checked against these official pages:
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Photo: Samuel Phillips · Pexels