Alicante has one of the warmest and driest climates in Spain, with an average of 320 sunny days a year. Summers are long and hot — July and August regularly exceed 35°C — and the beaches are at their fullest. If you want sun and swimming without the extreme heat, June and September are excellent.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable times for sightseeing. The city is quieter, the temperatures are pleasant (18–24°C), and the light is beautiful.
The festival of Hogueras de Alicante runs in the third week of June, culminating in the burning of the sculptures on the night of 24 June. It is one of the great Spanish summer festivals and worth arranging a trip around, but accommodation is scarce and prices spike sharply during the week.