Climate & Weather

Climate & Weather in Spain

Spain's geography creates diverse climate zones, from Mediterranean paradise to rainy north to desert southeast.

Climate Zones

Mediterranean Coast (Most popular):

• Cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante
• Summer: 28-35°C (82-95°F), hot and dry
• Winter: 10-18°C (50-64°F), mild
• 300+ days of sunshine annually
• Low rainfall
• Sea breeze moderates heat

Continental Interior:

• Cities: Madrid, Zaragoza, Valladolid
• Summer: 32-40°C (90-104°F), very hot and dry
• Winter: 0-10°C (32-50°F), can be cold
• Wide temperature swings
• Low humidity
• Extreme seasons

Oceanic North (Green Spain):

• Cities: Bilbao, San Sebastián, A Coruña
• Summer: 20-25°C (68-77°F), mild
• Winter: 8-14°C (46-57°F), cool
• High rainfall year-round
• Lush, green landscape
• Similar to UK/Ireland weather

Subtropical South:

• Cities: Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada
• Summer: 35-45°C (95-113°F), extreme heat
• Winter: 10-20°C (50-68°F), pleasant
• Very little rain
• Intense sun

Canary Islands (Year-round spring):

• Temperature: 18-26°C (64-79°F) all year
• Minimal rain
• Perfect climate
• Trade winds moderate heat

Best Weather by City

Perfect year-round:

• Canary Islands (Las Palmas, Tenerife)
• Málaga (Costa del Sol)
• Alicante

Great summer, mild winter:

• Barcelona
• Valencia
• Cartagena

Four seasons:

• Madrid (hot summer, cold winter)
• Bilbao (mild, rainy)

Hot summers to avoid?:

• Sevilla (45°C+ in summer)
• Córdoba (extreme heat)

Seasonal Guide

Spring (March-May):

• Best time overall
• 18-25°C typical
• Flowers blooming
• Festivals (Fallas, Feria)
• Tourism picking up

Summer (June-August):

• Peak heat: 28-40°C+ depending on region
• Coast: Beach season
• Interior: Can be oppressive
• Crowded with tourists
• August: Locals leave cities

Fall (September-November):

• September still beach weather
• 20-28°C
• Less crowded
• Grape harvest season
• Comfortable temperatures

Winter (December-February):

• Coast: 10-18°C, pleasant
• Interior: 0-10°C, can be cold
• North: Rainy, 8-14°C
• Skiing in Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada
• Fewer tourists

Sun and UV

Very strong sun:

• UV index high, especially summer
• Sunscreen essential (SPF 30+)
• Skin cancer rates increasing
• Siesta partly to avoid midday sun
• Sunglasses and hats recommended

Rainfall

Dry regions: Southeast, Mediterranean (200-400mm/year)

Moderate: Center (400-600mm/year)

Wet: North, northwest (1000-1500mm/year)

Rainy season: October-November (Mediterranean), year-round (north)

Air Quality

Generally good:

• Madrid: Occasional pollution (traffic)
• Barcelona: Sea breeze helps
• Smaller cities: Excellent
• Much better than Asian megacities

What to Pack

For Mediterranean coast:

• Summer: Light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Winter: Light jacket, occasional sweater
• Rain jacket (occasional)

For Madrid/interior:

• Summer: Light, breathable fabrics
• Winter: Warm coat, layers
• Very variable between seasons

For northern Spain:

• Rain jacket essential
• Layers year-round
• Warm jacket in winter
• Similar to UK packing

Heating and Air Conditioning

A/C:

• Not standard in older apartments
• Essential for summer (especially interior)
• Check before renting
• Portable units available (€200-400)
• Running costs: €50-150/month in summer

Heating:

• Radiators common
• Gas or electric
• Costs: €50-150/month in winter
• Insulation variable in older buildings

Best Climates for Different Preferences

Year-round perfection: Canary Islands

Beach lifestyle: Mediterranean coast (Barcelona to Málaga)

Four seasons: Madrid, northern cities

Mild and green: San Sebastián, Galicia

Hot and dry: Andalucía (if you love heat)

Avoid extreme heat: Skip interior/south in July-August