Spanish climate

Spain is generally categorised as having a sub-tropical climate, although different regions boast different climatic conditions. The climate in Spain is divided by the Cantabrian Mountains; wet in the north and dry in the south. The Basque country, Asturias, Galicias and Cantabria are the rainiest areas, and feature a temperate climate that varies only slightly throughout the year.

The drier regions inland in the south experience a little bit more variation with scorching summers, outbursts of thunderstorms and frosty/snowy winters. The Mediterranean coastline however, has a far more stable climate, with mild seasonality making summers fairly warm and winters fairly cold.

Spain is one of the sunniest countries in Europe and features four distinct seasons. Similar to the UK: Summer runs from June to August and is the warmest time of year; Autumn runs from September to November and is slightly colder than Summer; Winter runs from December to February and is generally much colder, although some parts of Spain maintain temperatures in the 20°C’s; and Spring runs from March to May with the latter months of Spring reaching the heady heights of the Spanish summertime.

Here is a list of the average temperatures in different parts of Spain:

City: Summer Avg. Temp. Winter Avg. Temp.
Barcelona 24°C 9°C
Madrid 25°C 6°C
Alicante 26°C 12°C
Bilbao 22°C 9°C
Ibiza 26°C 12°C
Malaga 25°C 12°C
Seville 28°C 10°C

Humidity levels can be fairly high in some built-up Spanish areas, with Barcelona and Madrid experiencing levels over 65% regularly. The mountainous areas require thorough care in what you wear such as hats and coats and scarves, and the same is true of the inland areas during the winter months. But on the whole light clothing is appropriate all year round during daylight hours with a light sweater or thin jacket perhaps in the evening.

Spain experiences a number of weak earthquakes every year, thought to be in the region of 2,500. Most of these are too gentle to be felt, but occasionally a strong one can be known to damage buildings and put lives at risk.