Best time to visit Mallorca with kids
A month-by-month guide to planning a family holiday in the Balearics
Mallorca isn't a city to tick off a list — it's an island to live on for a week. And the month you pick completely changes the experience when you're travelling with kids. Between the August heat (32°C, packed beaches, hotels at double the May rate), April's still-cold sea (15°C, no swimming for the little ones), and the perfect sweet spot of June and September, not every month is the same.
This guide gives you the real weather month by month, the exact sea temperature (the number one thing that matters when you've got kids who actually want to swim), the crowd levels at the big north-coast resorts, prices for flights from London, Manchester and Dublin, and activities tested with UK families. We've also added the local festivals that actually matter (Sant Sebastià in January, Sa Rua in February, Nit de Sant Joan in June) and our picks for hotels with pools in Mallorca, kids club hotels and all inclusive properties depending on the season.
If your dates are locked to UK school holidays (half-terms, Easter, summer 6 weeks), the dedicated section below will tell you which window to aim for. Short answer: late May half-term and October half-term are the two best slots — sea still warm enough for kids in October (22°C), prices already softening, and crowds thinning dramatically after 1 September. Summer 6 weeks means perfect water (24-26°C) but expect to pay £1,500-2,500 more for the same 4-star hotel. And if you're travelling during Easter half-term, the sea is a no — plan for a hotel with a heated pool or you'll have two grumpy children by day three.
Mallorca is 1,405 sq mi with distinct microclimates: it can be 28°C in Palma and 15°C in Sóller in the Tramuntana mountains on the same day. It matters, because a rainy afternoon in Palma can be a perfect beach day 40 miles north in Alcúdia.
🏆 Our verdict
May, June and September are the ideal months: sea at 17-24°C, daytime 24-28°C, north-coast beaches still calm and prices 30% below August. July and August are unbeatable for sea temperature (24-26°C) but come with 32°C heat, saturated hotels, blocked roads to Alcúdia on Sundays and doubled prices. They also coincide with UK summer hols, so book six months ahead. April and October are great for sun and sightseeing, but the sea is cold in April (15°C) and patchy by late October. March works as a cheap city break, not for swimming. November through February, most coastal resorts shut down: only Palma stays alive, great for a cultural short break but forget the beach.
🗓️ Which season to choose?
Spring
March to MayCulture, almond blossom and cold water
From March to May, Mallorca wakes up. The almond trees blossomed back in January-February (still a gorgeous sight on the Llucmajor and Sóller plains), temperatures creep from 18 to 24°C, and the Serra de Tramuntana is brilliant for easy family walks. The catch: the sea stays cold, 15°C in April and 17°C in May. The bravest adults swim from mid-May; kids stick to the hotel pool. This is the ideal time to visit Palma, Valldemossa, the Caves of Drach and Sóller without summer crowds. Prices are still reasonable (-30% vs August). Sa Rua carnival in February and Easter processions add atmosphere for culture-minded families.
Summer
June to AugustSea is perfect, everything else is packed
From June to September, sea temperature climbs to 21-26°C, which is why most families come. June is our absolute favourite: sea at 21°C, beaches still manageable, 28°C in the shade, barely two rainy days in the whole month. July and August are peak everything: 31-32°C afternoons (tough with little ones), Playa de Muro wall-to-wall sunbeds, Sunday traffic jams into Alcúdia, 4-star hotel rates doubled. September is the big surprise: 28°C, sea still 24°C, Spanish kids back at school so beaches breathe again. Summer survival plan: a [hotel with a proper pool](/spain/mallorca/swimming-pool), beach before 11am and after 5pm, siesta in between.
Autumn
September to NovemberThe October half-term sweet spot
September and October are the real steal of the Mallorca calendar. September still feels like summer (28°C, sea at 24°C) with half the crowds. October is ideal for UK half-term: 24°C by day, sea at 22°C (swimmable for sturdy kids), and hotel rates down 40% from August peaks. The downside: around 6 rainy days per month in October, with short but intense showers. This is also the best time to combine beach with sightseeing: Palma, Valldemossa, Sóller and the Caves of Drach with no queues. Many all-inclusive resorts close at the end of October, so book one that stays open year-round (Palma, Alcúdia town).
Winter
December to FebruaryThe island hibernates
From December to February, Mallorca outside Palma more or less shuts down: many beach hotels close for refurbishment, resort restaurants close too, half the beaches are deserted and buses run a reduced timetable. Life concentrates in Palma, which stays lively: Christmas market on Plaça d'Espanya, midnight mass at the cathedral, Sant Sebastià fiestas in January, Sa Rua carnival in February. Daytime 15-17°C, 5°C at night, 6 rainy days per month. Not a beach season but genuinely good for a cultural city break at rock-bottom prices. To stay warm, aim for a [hotel with a spa](/spain/mallorca/spa-wellness) in Palma.
📊 Weather month by month
| Mois | 🌡️ Max | 🌡️ Min | 🌊 Mer | 🌧️ Pluie | ☀️ Soleil | 👥 Affluence | 💰 Prix | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥶 January | 15°C | 4°C | 14°C | 5j | 5h | Palma only, resorts shut | ||
| 🎭 February | 16°C | 4°C | 14°C | 5j | 6h | Sa Rua carnival, rock-bottom prices | ||
| 🌸 March | 18°C | 6°C | 14°C | 5j | 6h | Mild but no swimming yet | ||
| 🌼 April | 20°C | 8°C | 15°C | 5j | 8h | Great for Easter culture, cold sea | ||
| ⭐ May | 24°C | 12°C | 17°C | 4j | 9h | Half-term winner, teens in the water | ||
| ⭐ June | 28°C | 16°C | 21°C | 2j | 10h | Our pick: sea good, crowds manageable | ||
| 🔥 July | 31°C | 19°C | 24°C | 1j | 11h | Perfect sea but everything rammed | ||
| 🥵 August | 32°C | 20°C | 26°C | 2j | 10h | Peak heat and crowds | ||
| ⭐ September | 28°C | 17°C | 24°C | 4j | 8h | The real family sweet spot | ||
| 🍂 October | 24°C | 13°C | 22°C | 6j | 7h | Half-term ideal, sea still warm | ||
| 🌧️ November | 19°C | 9°C | 18°C | 6j | 6h | Resorts closing, calm in Palma | ||
| 🎄 December | 16°C | 6°C | 16°C | 6j | 5h | Christmas in Palma, Three Kings on 5 Jan |
Click a month for the detailed guide with activities, hotels and budget.
🏊 Swimming in Mallorca: the real season, month by month
Mallorca is an island and everyone comes for the water. But sea temperature varies wildly by month, and that's the number one factor when you've got kids who won't tolerate cold water. Under-6s give up below 22°C: no point planning a Mediterranean holiday if they last five minutes before demanding a towel.
The real family swimming season in Mallorca runs from mid-June to mid-October. By mid-June the sea hits 21°C and most kids will happily stay in. July climbs to 24°C, August peaks at 26°C (perfect, but you're sharing the beach with 5,000 other people). September holds at 24°C with half the crowds, the best compromise for many families. October drops to 22°C until around the 25th, then slides to 20°C in November, too cold for little ones.
April (15°C) and May (17°C) are out for children. Only the hardiest adults bother. If you're coming over Easter or May half-term, book a hotel with a pool, heated if possible. Most outdoor pools aren't heated until mid-May.
Best family beaches: Playa de Muro (6 km of fine white sand, shallow water for 50 m out, ideal for toddlers, Blue Flag status, shaded pine grove behind the beach), Cala Agulla (beautiful northeast cove backed by pine forest, turquoise water, gentle slope), Cala Mondragó (natural park with twin coves, stunning setting but limited parking), Alcúdia Beach (good family services, sunbed hire, kiosks, close to the hotels). Avoid with small children: Es Trenc (gorgeous but parking is 1.5 km from the sand, miserable with a buggy and a cool bag), Cala Varques (20-minute rocky scramble from the road).
📅 Pick your month
January
Palma only, resorts shut
February
Sa Rua carnival, rock-bottom prices
March
Mild but no swimming yet
April
Great for Easter culture, cold sea
May
Half-term winner, teens in the water
June
Our pick: sea good, crowds manageable
July
Perfect sea but everything rammed
August
Peak heat and crowds
September
The real family sweet spot
October
Half-term ideal, sea still warm
November
Resorts closing, calm in Palma
December
Christmas in Palma, Three Kings on 5 Jan
🎯 Family must-dos
Palma Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the Mediterranean, with 55 tanks including the famous Big Blue, a 3.5 million-litre shark and ray tank. Kids love the underwater tunnel and the sensory garden. Plan three hours — it's well designed and saves any windy or rainy day.
Caves of Drach (Porto Cristo)
The most impressive caves in Mallorca, carved out of limestone over 2 km. The tour ends with a short classical concert performed on boats rowing across Lake Martel, one of the world's largest underground lakes. Kids are mesmerised by the lighting and stalactites.
Marineland (Costa d'en Blanes)
A long-established animal park (1970) with dolphin shows, parrot enclosure, sea lions and a tropical shark aquarium. The dolphin show at 12pm and 4pm is the highlight. It's smaller and more intimate than a SeaWorld, and ideal for 4-10 year-olds who've never seen dolphins in real life.
Hidropark Alcúdia
Alcúdia's veteran waterpark (opened 1985), smaller than Aqualand but ideal for children aged 3-10: big wave pool, lazy river, Kidsland zone with scaled-down slides, baby pool. It isn't the place for extreme slides (teenagers will be bored), but for family comfort it's perfect.
Sóller wooden train
The little Sóller train from Palma is an attraction in itself: a wooden 1912 railway that crosses the Serra de Tramuntana in an hour, with tunnels and views over the orange groves. From Sóller, hop on the century-old tram to Port de Sóller (20 min), a pretty fishing village. Back in the late afternoon after a swim.
Valldemossa and Sóller villages
The two prettiest villages in the Serra de Tramuntana. Valldemossa is a stone jewel with the Carthusian monastery where Chopin spent a winter with George Sand (€12, 45 min, a bit dull with little ones). Sóller is livelier, with a café-lined main square, a Saturday morning market, ice-cream shops and lovely gardens. Ideal for a day away from the beach in a heatwave (5°C cooler than the coast).
🎉 Events and festivals not to miss
January to March
16-17 January - Sant Antoni bonfire nights: foguerons (bonfires) light up the whole island on the night of the 16th. In every village people grill sausages and sing around the fire. In Palma, the next day brings the Beneïdes, the blessing of animals: families bring dogs, rabbits, horses, and it's brilliant fun for kids. Free.
19-20 January - Festes de Sant Sebastià (Palma): Palma's patron saint festival. A full week of free concerts in the squares (Plaça Major, Plaça d'Espanya), a huge bonfire on Es Born, and Sant Sebastià Petit, a programme designed for children with circus acts, workshops, a mini train and giant games. 10-24 January, free.
14-15 February - Sa Rueta and Sa Rua (Palma): the Palma Carnival. Sa Rueta on Saturday 14 is the children's parade (small floats, family vibe). Sa Rua on Sunday 15 at 5pm is the big adult parade, 15,000 participants, starting from Plaça d'Espanya. Free, turn up by 4pm for a decent spot.
April to June
Mid-April - Semana Santa: Good Friday processions in Palma (the Davallament, in the old town) are striking but densely packed. In Pollensa, the Davallament de la Creu is quieter and more atmospheric for children (lit only by torches). Free, solemn mood, not for toddlers.
23-24 June - Nit de Sant Joan: Mallorca's magical night. Bonfires on the beaches (Can Pere Antoni in Palma, Port d'Alcúdia, Porto Cristo), fireworks at midnight, families picnicking on the sand, teenagers jumping over the flames to ward off bad spirits. Kids love it. Free, arrive by 9:30pm.
28-29 June - Festes de Sant Pere (Port de Pollença): the fishermen's patron saint. Boat procession with decorated fishing boats, free sardinada (grilled sardines) on the harbour, traditional ball de bot dancing, craft market. Very family-friendly, free.
July to September
2 August - Festa de la Patrona (Pollensa): the Moros i Cristians battle reenacts a 16th-century pirate raid. Full-scale performance through the streets of Pollensa, costumes, choreographed fights, kids are transfixed. Free, turn up by 9am for a good spot, it lasts the whole morning.
Mid-July to end of August - Pollença Festival: classical music concerts in the Dominican cloister in Pollensa, with some family-friendly nights. Tickets from €15, cool evening setting after 9pm, teenagers love it.
6 September (first Sunday) - La Beata (Santa Margalida): the wildest parade on the island. Costumed "dimonis" (devils) run through the streets shaking bells to wake the town, then a procession of floats tells the life story of the local blessed Catalina Thomas. Loud and spectacular: toddlers may find the devils frightening, older kids love it. Free.
October to December
Mid-October - Fira del Meló (Vilafranca): the melon fair, a rural tradition with tastings of the famous Vilafranca melons, craft market, activities for kids (pony rides, workshops). Village atmosphere, 30 minutes from Palma. Free.
1 December to 6 January - Palma Christmas markets: the markets at Plaça Major and Plaça d'Espanya open from 1 December. Craft stalls, hot chocolate, a live nativity scene in the cathedral, a Ferris wheel on Passeig del Born. Gentle, warm atmosphere, free.
5 January (evening) - Three Kings Cavalcade: THE big Christmas moment in Mallorca. The Three Kings arrive by boat at Palma harbour around 6pm, then parade through the city until 9pm, handing out sweets to children. Alcúdia, Inca and Manacor have their own local cavalcades the same night. Free, genuinely magical.
👍 What we love
Short cheap flights from the UK: 2h30 from London, departing from dozens of regional airports, from £50 return on low-cost in the shoulder season
Outstanding family beaches: Playa de Muro, Cala Agulla and Port de Pollença offer fine sand and shallow water ideal for toddlers
Huge family hotel choice: over 200 four-star hotels with pool and kids club on the north coast — easy to find the right match for your family
Good, affordable food: tapas, paella, ensaimadas, local pastries, prices roughly 20-30% below London or Paris
Plenty to do: caves, mountain villages, aquarium, waterparks, boat trips — you'll never run out of ideas
Family infrastructure: every hotel offers cots, high chairs, kids' menus; most have kids clubs and mini-golf as standard
⚠️ Good to know
July and August are brutal on the north-coast beaches: 32°C, beaches packed from 10am, Sunday traffic jams into Alcúdia, prices doubled
Off season (Nov-Mar): island dormant, resort hotels closed, restaurants shut, beaches deserted, only Palma stays alive
Magaluf and Palma Nova are a no with kids: rowdy young British nightlife, cheap hotels but problematic clientele
Without a hire car the island is hard to explore: TIB buses exist but are rare on Sundays — you'll be stuck at your resort
Sea is cold before mid-June: at Easter, swimming is out (15°C), so plan a heated-pool hotel or two grumpy children
✈️ £80-£350 per person return from the UK (£50 in May or October on low-cost, £200-£350 in August with hold luggage)
🏨 Which hotel for your dates?
The right hotel depends on when you go. In summer, a pool is non-negotiable. In winter, it's the spa and indoor activities that make the difference.
Iberostar Selection Albufera Park All Inclusive
Playa de Muro
Excellent
471 reviews
The Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is Playa de Muro's premium all-inclusive, with **6 restaurants**, an indoor pool, an outdoor water park with slides, and direct access to the beach. The Star Camp kids club splits into ages 4-7 and 8-12 with outdoor sports, crafts, and beach games. Premium all-inclusive means à la carte dining, imported drinks, and room service are all covered.
From
€725/night
“We went in July with kids aged 5 and 8. We'd read mixed reviews about the all-inclusive but we were really impressed: the buffet is well above average, the kids club is staffed by friendly activity leaders who speak English, and crucially the hotel opens straight onto Playa de Muro, THE best family beach on the island (shallow water for 50 m, Blue Flag). Mornings on the beach, back for lunch, siesta, pool until 5pm, beach again. Evenings at the buffet without going out. Expensive in July (£650 per night for four of us) but with everything included you stay in budget.”
Hotel Sabina Playa
Cala Millor
Excellent
116 reviews
A 4-star hotel in Cala Millor with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa lounge, and on-site restaurant. The indoor pool is heated to 28°C year-round. Located on the Es Rafal street, a 5-minute walk from the Cala Millor promenade and beach.
From
€191/night
“We were looking for a decent family hotel for October half-term. The Hotel Sabina Playa ticked every box: 200 m from Alcúdia beach, outdoor pool plus a small indoor one for fresh mornings, friendly staff who were great with the kids. Family room at €210 per night in late October (the same room is €500 in August). The girls loved the breakfast buffet. Perfect base for combining beach mornings with afternoons wandering the old town of Alcúdia.”
Hotel Gloria de Sant Jaume
Palma Old Town
Wonderful
367 reviews
A 5-star boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century palace on Carrer de Sant Jaume with an underground spa featuring indoor pool, steam room, jacuzzi, and sauna. The courtyard has a restaurant with Mallorcan cuisine, and the hotel provides children's high chairs, books, and DVDs.
From
€413/night
“For a February weekend in Palma we wanted a boutique hotel in the old town. The Gloria de Sant Jaume is a 16th-century palace beautifully restored, 20 rooms, internal courtyard and a small spa with a heated pool that saved our chilly afternoons. 5 minutes' walk from the cathedral and Passeig del Born. We paid €280 per night in February with the kids (vs €550 in June). Perfect for a cultural short break: markets, cathedral, Sa Rua on the Sunday afternoon. The team even lent us a buggy for Mia.”