Tag Archive for: Climate

Exploring the Seasons in Spain

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Spain is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. But apart from these attractions, Spain also boasts a diverse climate that brings about four distinct seasons, each with its own charm and character. From the blossoming colors of spring to the sun-kissed days of summer, the golden hues of autumn, and the frosty landscapes of winter, Spain offers a wide array of experiences throughout the year. In this article, we will take a closer look at the four seasons in Spain, highlighting the unique features and activities that make each season special.

The seasons in Spain

Spain experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, with each season offering its own unique charm. During the winter months of December to February, many regions in Spain, particularly in the northern and central parts, are enveloped in a chilly atmosphere, with snow-capped mountains providing a picturesque backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts.

Spring arrives in March, bringing with it a burst of colorful flowers and mild temperatures, perfect for strolling through the parks and gardens that come to life. Summer spans from June to August, with scorching temperatures and long sunny days that make Spain’s beaches and coastal areas a popular destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

Finally, autumn arrives in September, painting the landscapes with rich shades of red and orange as the temperatures start to cool down, providing a pleasant transition from the hot summer months to the cooler winter season. Overall, Spain’s seasons offer a diverse and dynamic climate that attracts visitors throughout the year.

Seasons in Spain

Spring in Spain

If you’re looking for a Spain getaway, the spring season is the ideal season to visit. Starting March 20 and ending June 21 (in Central European Time), temperatures in sunny Spain gradually increase as the months go by. In March, average minimum weather can range from 37.4ºF to 60.8ºF, while May tenders between 55.4ºF and 82.4ºF -making it feel like summer. In many inland cities, spring is a great time to visit as temperatures can be slightly cooler than on the coast or in southern Spain. Moreover, expect light rains with humidity present but not too severe that’ll put a damper on your travels; mid-spring is especially inviting at its peak temps, so plan ahead if possible.

As the weather becomes increasingly beautiful, enjoy the sights of full green canyons, and orange blossoms in the Oranges Valley, and visit major cities like Madrid. For entertainment, head to Sevilla for its European Film Festival or to San Sebastian for its annual International Film Festival.

These are some great spots to explore:

  • Madrid
  • Córdoba
  • Valencia
  • Málaga
  • Barcelona

Summer in Spain

The Summer months in Spain are considered the peak season for tourists as temperatures rise. From June 21 – September 23, expect hot days and warm nights with the average temperature at 86°F (30°C). Inland cities such as Madrid can get even hotter due to their proximity to Central Europe’s monsoon winds. Keep this in mind when packing your bags as you may need more breathable, lightweight clothing.

The North Coast enjoys the hot summer making it a top destination for beachgoers. Head to the Costa del Sol for some of the best beaches on offer and enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing during this time. The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa, is also a great destination to visit year-round- but particularly if you’re looking for warmer weather all year long as they experience average temperatures of 75°F (24°C).

Visiting Spain in the summer season allows you to take full advantage of the pleasant weather, sunny days, and mild waters. Northern Spain is generally more humid, with temperatures rising during the peak season.

If you’re looking for sultry Spanish summers, these are some great spots to explore:

  • Costa Brava
  • Cantabria
  • Asturias
  • Mallorca
  • Cádiz

Autumn in Spain

In Central European Time, the Spanish Fall season begins on September 23 and ends on December 21. As summer fades away and Autumn creeps in with pleasant weather and cooler temperatures, the country becomes an inviting destination. The average temperature is still warm at around 68°F (20°C) and the days are still sunny and bright. Many beaches remain open, however, if you’re looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of peak season – Autumn may be your ideal choice.

Expect less heat and humidity while still enjoying the blissful sunshine of the country. Spanish resorts thrive during the autumn season due to the mild weather, and many festivals still take place. September’s weather makes it feel like summer has just begun and fewer tourists lead to reduced prices. With temperatures that never exceed 27°C (81°F) and seas warmed up to 22-24 °C (72-75 °F), Autumn is a great time of year for swimming or beach activities, even into November. Check out the Seville European Film Festival, and the San Pedro’s Feast over this time of year. Wine tasting and festivals are also popular activities during the autumn months.

Some great spots to explore in Autumn are:

  • Irati, Navarra
  • Gorafe, Granada
  • La Rioja
  • Zaragoza, Aragón
  • Gijón, Asturias

Winter in Spain

From December 21 to March 20, the winter season officially arrives in Spain. Although it has some of the best climate conditions throughout Europe, temperatures in cold winters can still be nippy, ranging from a low of 32ºF to a high of 60.8ºF. In northern parts and higher altitudes, you may encounter foggy days with rain often occurring between the Atlantic and Galician mountain ranges – yes, there is snow. So make sure you bring appropriate clothing during winter months.

Exploring the sun-soaked during Spain winter can be an unforgettable experience – it’s not as cold here compared to other northern European countries. With less precipitation in regions closer to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll often find yourself under bright and sunny skies. January is considered the chilliest month, with temperatures ranging from 51.8°F to 55.4°F all around Spain; however, even then, visitors are sure to savor every ray of warmth this beautiful country offers them. Additionally, some of Europe’s best ski resorts are located throughout Spain’s majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains – a perfect winter destination.

If you are looking for a few recommendations on where to spend your winter holidays – some great places include;

  • Granada, Canary Islands
  • Vielha, Catalunya
  • Formigal, Huesca
  • Picos de Europa, Asturias
  • Navacerrada, Madrid

A word from SublimeSpain

Overall, Spain is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations due to its unique blend of climates across the whole country. June to October is the best time to visit Spain; Spain’s beaches and resorts are bustling with vacationers taking advantage of the Mediterranean sun. But that is only part of what this country can offer; all year long, ski slopes are open for those who enjoy winter sports, and a variety of festivals take place in spring and autumn. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or an exciting adventure in the mountains, no matter the season, you can be sure that Spain has something to offer everyone. So get planning and enjoy all the best this breathtaking country offers.

Climate in Spain: Types and Locations Discussed

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In general, the climate in Spain consists of hot summers and mild winters near the south and center of the country, and warm summers and cold winters near the country’s north. Millions from all over the world go to Spain yearly on holiday; some even stay there to live or retire. The climate in Spain is often defined as perfect by tourists. Those familiar with Spain likely know that, while it’s famous for hot summers, the country experiences diverse weather year-round. In this article, we discuss the climate in Spain and the opportunities those climates offer.

Types of climates in Spain

In Spain, you can find 6 different climates. These are:

  • Hot Summer Mediterranean Climate (South of Spain)
  • Warm Summer Mediterranean Climate (Northwest of Spain)
  • Oceanic climate (North of Spain)
  • Humid subtropical (East of Spain)
  • Cold Semi-arid steppe climate (Elevated areas)
  • Hot Semi-arid
  • Subarctic (mountain areas)

Some of these climates can be found very close to each other. Such as in Barcelona where you can find Hot Summer Mediterranean Climate, Oceanic Climate, and Humid Subtropical Climate.

 

Hot Summer Mediterranean Climate in Spain

The Hot Summer Mediterranean Climate is a hot, dry summer climate. The average temperature in the coldest month is above 0 °C (32 °F), at least one month’s average temperature is above 22 °C (71.6 °F), and at least four months have an average temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) or more.

The temperature is perfect for people that love the summer and don’t mind high temperature or high humidity. If you can hang out at the beach, pool or on a boat all day you will love it. Sunshine in this climate is almost all year round.

This climate in Spain can be found in large parts of Andalucia, Extremadura, Canary islands, and the Balearic Islands. Next to this parts of the autonomous regions Catalonia, valencia and Murcia also have this climate. Cities that have this weather in Spain are Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona, Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia, Seville, Ibiza, Valencia.

Warm Summer Mediterranean Climate

This means that the temperatures are not too hot or too cold. The summers are warm and dry, and the coldest month is still above freezing. All months have average temperatures below 22 °C (71 degrees Fahrenheit), and four months average above 10 °C (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

This temperature is perfect for people that like the weather to be warm but not too hot. The winter is pretty short and has mild temperatures, perfect for people that don’t like long cold winters.

This climate in Spain can be found throughout Galicia, Castile, and Leon. Parts of Madrid and Asturias’ autonomous regions are included as well. Salamanca, Segovia, Ourense, Pontevedra, and Aveiro are some examples of cities in this area.

Learn more about climate in Spain

Oceanic climate

The oceanic climate doesn’t have a dry season. It’s warm in the summer and the coldest month averages above 0 °C (32 °F). All months have temperatures below 22 °C (71.6 °F) and there are at least four months when the temperature averages above 10 °C (50 °F).

This climate is great for people that enjoy cool summers and a mild winter. The summer is not so hot and perfect for going out during the day, but sometimes it will be too cold to wear a shirt outside in the evening.

Parts of Aragon, North parts of Castile and Leon, Valencia and Catalonia have this climate. It can be found in cities like Santandar, Burgosa, Soria, Teruel, Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Huesca, Figurues.

Humid subtropical

The coldest month averages more than 0 degrees Celsius. The average temperature is above 22 degrees Celsius in at least one month, and above 10 degrees Celsius (50 °F) in at least four months.

This climate is perfect for people that like warm and humid weather. This climate has a lot of hot and humid days and only a few cold days in the winter. You will love it if you can stand high humidity and sunshine. Next to this, it creates a perfect environment for plants to flourish, so if you enjoy nature this climate is perfect for you.

Small parts of Catalonia have this climate. The climate can be found near the cities Barcelona, Lleida, and Navarra

Cold Semi-arid steppe climate

The steppe is a middle point between desert and humid climates in terms of ecological features and agricultural potential. In cold semi-arid climates, the average annual temperature is below 18°C. The temperature in the coldest month will not be above 0°C.

This climate can be found in elevated areas. You can enjoy this climate if you like sunny weather and colder temperature. You can still go out and about, but you will need to wear warmer clothes.

Parts of Andalucia, Murcia, Valencian Community, Aragon, Castile and Leon have this climate. Cities like Murcia, Zaragoza and Zamora have this climate.

Hot Semi-arid Climate

In hot semi-arid climates, the average annual temperature is at least 18°C or greater than 0°C in the coldest month. The summers can be extremely hot, and the winters can be cool with some precipitation. They are most commonly found near the edges of subtropical deserts.

In this climate, you can enjoy a nice warm day in winter, but it will be extremely hot during the summer. There is not much vegetation apart from cactuses and other types of desert plants.

A very small part of Spain has this climate, and it is located in Murcia near the city of Murcia.

Subarctic Climate

The subarctic climate (also called subpolar climate, or boreal climate) is a climate characterised by long, usually very cold winters, and short, cool summers. Mean temperatures in summer only rarely exceed 16 °C (61 °F).

This climate can create perfect conditions for skiing in Spain. The summers are short and the winters long and cold. You can go out in winter if you wear enough clothes, but it will be too cold to enjoy the sun for a longer period of time.

A very small part of the mountain area in the Pyrenees in Spain has a climate that is this good.

Explore the Spanish Climate

Spain has one of the most diverse climates in the world with over 7 types. From the Mediterranean coast and its warm and sunny weather to the cold and Siberian style snowy mountains of the Pyrenees to the cloudy Atlantic coast in Gijon.

The climatic variability has given Spain the perfect conditions for exploratory adventures in nature. Each climate brings its own benefits, from the great beaches of Valencia to the Ski resorts in Asturias. Moreover, you can explore places with frequent rainfall, cooler easterly wind, and wet winters. But also north Africa style desert climate with extremely sunny summers and scarce rainfall.

So the next time you are in Spain, not only go to the summer sides but also explore the other climates. It will for sure be an unforgettable experience.