“Closed for August”: How Spain Moves with the Rhythm of the Seasons

“Cerrado por vacaciones del 1 de agosto al 1 de septiembre. Buen verano.”

“Closed for vacation from August 1st to September 1st. Have a good summer.”

I am definitely in Spain, I thought, walking past this sign on a near-empty street. It seemed that everyone in my neighborhood had left for vacation, and I was the last to get the memo.

Here in Spain, August is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment. Businesses close or limit their hours. Friends and colleagues flee the heat and humidity of the city to take refuge in the beaches of Costa Brava, the mountains of the Pyrenees, or the cool, rugged coastline of Galicia.

It caught me off guard when I first arrived. My first August, for example, I showed up at my local print shop needing copies of a document for a meeting later that day—only to find they shifted to summer hours and wouldn’t reopen until the next morning. Grrr.  Spain wasn’t bending to my urgency. Nope, it was up to me to bend.

And so, I’ve adapted. Now I embrace the slow, sultry rhythm of Spanish summers. Even though I’ll be working in August, I’m easing my pace. I take a break in the afternoon to read a book (or try to) while my dog and I share the lounge chair on the patio. I enjoy evening strolls in the warm summer air, capped off by a cone of gelato. 

This punctuated rhythm of the seasons is something I’ve come to deeply appreciate about Spain—a cadence of bustling activity interspersed with slow and intentional movements. The quiet of August is the rest before the buzzy energy of the fall.

By contrast, in the U.S., we’re often expected to ignore seasonal signals. Whether it’s a Wednesday in March or a Thursday in August, the pace rarely changes. We press on at full tilt, missing the natural cues to rest, reflect, and recalibrate. 

Of course, neither the U.S. nor Spain is a monolith, and these comparisons don’t always hold. But they reflect my lived experience. 

So, am I less productive as a result of adapting to Spain’s more rhythmic pattern? Not at all. In fact, I’ve found the opposite to be true. By honoring the natural ebb of summer, I feel more energized, creative, and engaged when the tempo picks back up. The pause doesn’t dull my ambition—it sharpens my focus. I’m learning that productivity doesn’t always come from pushing harder. Sometimes, it comes from letting things rest long enough to bloom.

Obviously, this way of life will not suit everyone. If you thrive in a go-go environment, you may feel frustrated by the extended vacations, abundant public holidays, and slower summer pace. Ask yourself: Does following the rhythm of the seasons make you swoon with delight or squirm with impatience?

It’s one of the many cultural differences I explore with clients who are considering a move to Spain.  Because while the lower cost of living, affordable healthcare, and delicious food and wine are attractive, those aren’t the factors that will make or break your experience living in Spain. What will is your readiness to adapt your expectations and your willingness to embrace a culture different than your own. 

If you’re thinking about moving to Spain, this is part of the transition that doesn’t show up in real estate listings or visa checklists. The slower pace is beautiful, but it can be an adjustment. One worth exploring before you pack your bags. 

Curious whether the rhythm of Spain might suit you? Schedule a free exploratory call—I help people navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.