Weather, temperatures and climate in Spain

Spain’s climate is quite diverse, due to the country’s geographical situation and its mountainous regions. Setting aside the mountain regions, Spain has five climate areas. In the inland region of the Iberian Peninsula, where Madrid is located, there is a Continental Mediterranean climate. This is Spain’s largest climate area. The coastal strip along the Bay of Biscay has an Oceanic climate, and is often called Green Spain. On the southeast coast, where the principal city is Murcia, the climate is Semiarid (also called Mediterranean Arid). This climate region separates the two regions that enjoy a Mediterranean climate; southern Spain and the Spanish east coast. This climate region includes the Balearic Islands. The Canary Islands have a Subtropical climate.

The average annual temperature is about 21 C, and there are about 300 days of sunshine. These stable weather conditions are found in few other parts of the world. Such consistently pleasant weather might at least partially account for the laid back lifestyle here and the overall friendliness of the local people. The stress factor here is low; there is a priority on enjoying life. Newcomers often find it difficult to adjust to this Mediterranean attitude of “tomorrow”. However, once they have settled into the Mediterranean lifestyle, they usually wish they did not have to go home.

The climate of Murcia is Semiarid (Mediterranean Arid). It has hot summers, with temperatures rising above 40 C, but enjoys short, mild winters. Murcia’s pleasant climate provides an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, or about 3,500 hours annually. The overall average temperature is between 16 C and 19 C. In June the weather is usually warm, with an average high of 33 C and an average low of 20 C.

The Malaga region enjoys a climate that brings more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The average temperature is 23 C. This area has long been famous for its olive groves and citrus orchards. Lemons and oranges thrive in this warm, sunny environment. Malaga’s perfect weather and its many beautiful beaches make it one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.

Valencia’s Costa Blanca is a 500 kilometer stretch of coastline that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It stretches from Alicante to Valencia. The weather here is mild all year round. It is slightly cooler here than in the more southerly parts of the country. Nonetheless, in the summer months the daytime highs can reach into the mid and high 30’s C.

The magnificent city of Barcelona has pleasant weather for most of the year. However, the very best time of year to visit, as far as weather is concerned, is from mid April to the end of July. August can be quite hot and uncomfortable here, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 34 C. In October and November the weather is still mild, with temperatures ranging from highs of 21 C to lows of 15 C. From November to February the average temperature is around 12 C.

Winter in Madrid can be cold, but is usually quite dry. For those who are not necessarily looking for sunny weather, winter can be a good time to visit the Spanish capital and avoid the tourist crowds. Spring, however, is considered by many to be the best time to visit Madrid, as that is when the weather is most pleasant. In summer, Madrid enjoys long warm days, and cool nights. The Madrid summer can actually be divided into two parts. Early summer and late summer are pleasant, but mid summer can be uncomfortably hot. Autumn is also a good time to visit Madrid, as the temperatures can be quite comfortable. This is the time of year when residents settle back into school and work after the August holidays.