The best time to arrive given Spanish holidays and office closures

Key rules

• Slowest periods: August, Christmas to early January and Easter week are when offices, landlords and schools are least available.
• Local holidays: Each region and town sets its own holidays, so check the calendar for your destination.
• Schools: Enrolment is run by each region, so ask the regional education department before choosing your arrival date.

Exact holiday dates and school enrolment timing differ by region and year, so confirm them with your town hall and regional education department.

The periods to avoid

Avoid arriving in August, in the two weeks around Christmas and New Year, and in Easter week. In these periods many offices run on reduced staff, many landlords and agents are away, and schools are closed or between school years.

August

August is the slowest month. Many people take their holiday then, and small offices, agencies and advisers may close for part or all of the month. Appointments are harder to get and replies take longer. If you must arrive in August, expect to wait for housing viewings, paperwork and bank steps. Do not plan anything that depends on a quick answer.

Christmas, New Year and Easter

Expect a slow stretch from before Christmas until after 6 January. Easter week is the same, and some regions also have extra days off around it. Shops and offices may close on the days themselves, and the days around them are often quiet too.

Public holidays

Spain has national holidays, and each region and town adds its own. A holiday that falls on a Tuesday or Thursday often turns the days next to it into a long weekend, when many people are away. Check your destination's calendar on your town hall's website before you fix a date. Avoid landing on a holiday, because nothing will be open for the steps you need first.

Schools

The school year runs from September to June, with the summer break in between. If you are moving with children, arriving in July or August leaves you without an open school office. Applications and place allocation are handled by each region, so the timing differs. Ask your regional education department about enrolment dates before you choose when to arrive.

A better arrival window

Aim for September to November, or February to early April. Offices, agents and schools are working normally then. Arrive at least a few days before you need to start any appointment, and book what you can in advance. Arrive early in the week so you have working days to deal with first tasks.