The climate in Spain can be a lot more variable than most clubs first assume and can have a big impact on the success of your tour if you get the months or region of tour wrong.
Choose Your Months Carefully
Whilst the summer months of July, August and September are popular months for Rugby tours to Spain, it’s essential that your tour takes place in either the Spring (March to May) or the Autumn (September to October).
Coastal Versus Inland Venues
In terms of temperature, Barcelona, and the Mediterranean coast are generally milder and offer a pleasant breeze. However, Madrid, which is situated at around 650m above sea level, has very hot summers and cold winters, so it is worth considering these when choosing the time of year to visit.
Managing Heat and Player Performance
Although temperatures in Spain can drop at night during spring, the afternoons can still be very hot. As reported in research on how heat affects physical performance outdoors, the best time for rugby training and matches would be in the mornings, with adequate recovery time in shaded areas and with plenty of hydration.
Plan for Rain and Storm Disruption
Be aware that even in the autumn short, sharp storms can occur in the north of Spain. If you are booking a tour with fixtures, it is worth asking the tour organizer what their policy is for rained off matches and are there backup venues or alternative times for the match to be played?
Watch Sun Exposure at Training
The mild spring weather experienced in Spain during a Rugby tour can be strong even on mild days. Make sure to include time for players to apply sunscreen before long training sessions and make sure they have access to shaded areas to prevent sunburn and fatigue before match day. If you want Rugby Tours To Spain, https://www.foxsportstravel.co.uk/sports-travel/rugby-tours/spain/ is a good place to start.
By understanding and planning around Spain’s climate, you can enjoy a top class rugby tour.
