Why so jealous, Europe? I know Spain has the most blessed Climate of all, but it has its downsides! (not that I can think of any at the moment)

Spain’s climate is one of the best in Europe! It varies depending on the region, so you can find a bit of everything anywhere, and there’s no one answer to this question.

So, let’s warm up because I’ll explain in detail Spain’s Climate according to Köppen’s classification of Climate.

I’ll show you the differences between them, the characteristics of every type and subtype of Climate, our yearly average temperature in central cities (tables included), and even our highest temperature ever recorded!! (which was in summer 2021, by the way)

The best place to store water is cloud storage, so open your notes and read carefully.

<hr>

1. Mediterranean climate

The Mediterranean climate is the second most common climate in Spain. We can find it in almost 80% of the whole territory! It characterizes by having warm and dry summers, in which the average daily temperature per month is up 22 degrees Celsius. 

This climate extends to the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in the mid-south of the Regions on the Mediterranean Coast. Except for the arid zones of the southeast and the Northern Plateau, which have fewer altitudes. 

We can also see this climate in the Balearic Islands. It is found in all of Menorca, in most parts of Mallorca (known as German’s vacation spot!), and in parts of Ibiza. 

On the Canary Islands, we have the Mediterranean Climate in zones of medium altitudes, like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera. And in coastal zones and medium altitudes of La Palma. 

• Continental Mediterranean Climate

This subvariant from the Mediterranean climate is Spain’s second most common climate. We can find it in approximately 22% of the territory. 

It is characterized by minimal precipitation in summer, the same as with the Mediterranean Climate. However, summers are softer and bearable here since they don’t surpass a monthly average of 22 degrees Celsius in the warmest month. 

The most representative zones of this Climate in Spain are Galicia and the city of León, in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León. 

We can also find it in mountainous zones of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, like a variation in altitude from the Mediterranean Climate. The same with the Gibraltar Strait.  

In the Canary Islands, we can see it in interior zones, especially those with medium to high altitudes in the Islands of Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, and La Palma. 

• Semi-Arid Climate

This subclimate goes from the Cabo de la Nao to Punta Sabinar in the South of Almeria. It is the aridest zone of the whole Peninsula and the whole European Continent.

It extends through the whole Southeast part of the Peninsula and some interior parts like the East of Zamora and the Ebro Valley. 

Fun fact: The precipitation of el Cabo de Gata is below the average of the Sahara Dessert!

2. Atlantic or Oceanic Climate

The Oceanic climate in Spain is on the Cantabrian Coast and in the western part of the Pyrenees. 

Santander, Oviedo, and Bilbao are perfect examples of an Atlantic Climate!

Meaning there are fresh and pleasant temperatures for most of the year. The average yearly temperature is between 11 ºC and 16 ºC. 

During summertime, temperatures usually go from 20 ºC to 24 ºC. In winter, they vary between 6 ºC and 9 ºC, depending on the zone. 

Another characteristic of this type of climate is the significant number of yearly rainfalls. These precipitations are more seen in occidental zones rather than in oriental zones. 

How much does it rain? In regions with this climate, precipitations are above 1.000 mm yearly, although it rains more in winter. Still, winter season is moderate since no month falls below 6º. 

3. Subtropical Climate

• Humid Subtropical Climate

The Subtropical Climate in Spain can be found in places like Teruel, the province of Aragón, and the city of Girona, in Catalunya.

Constant precipitations mainly characterize this climate during the whole year. However, in contrast with the Oceanic Climate that we saw before, winters are hot in this one. They surpass 22 °C on average in the warmest month. So… If you were wondering whether Spain is warm, then you will not believe the temperatures we reached last summer in 2022! Spaniards are not the only warm “stuff” we have in Spain. 

This climate occupies between 3% and 4% of the Spanish territory, and you can only find it in zones of low altitude like the Pre-Pyrenees and the surroundings of the Ebro River. 

Zones with this climate also are not usually too abundant. They are typically low in a way that the climate stands close to the limit with the Semiarid climate that we already saw before. 

• Arid Climate

In the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, in provinces such as Murcia, Almería, and Alicante, we can find Arid Climate. 

Spaniards from these parts of the country are known to be very warm, friendly, and sociable! So now we know where the stereotype might come from… (Just kidding, but they do speak very loud tho!) 

Warm Arid Climate is in the coastal or low altitude zones like the Canary Islands, which are found in almost all the Islands, especially in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Also, in the coast of Gomera, El Hierro and Gran Canaria. 

Lastly, we also have a Cold Arid Climate, which on the opposite, can be found in small zones of medium altitudes, which are also less common.  

4. Mountain Climate

The fourth Climate of Spain is Mountain Climate. It is generally cold and humid in zones above 1.200 meters in altitude. 

We can find it in the pyrenees, the Central System, and the Baetic Range. From the southeastern Galician massifs and the Catalan coasts. Although these are predominantly influenced by the Mediterranean weather rather than the Atlantic.

It doesn’t rain very often, but when it does, you’ll definitely feel the humidity entering your pores as you walk down the streets. The Mountain Climate has cold, long winters and short, fresh summers.

• Continental Mountain Climate

This subclimate refers specifically to the Iberian Range, the Central System, Toledo Mounts, and Morena Sierra. 

In some cases, these high mountain reliefs have heights surpassing 2.000 mm. However, the contrasts with lowland areas are not as shocking as with the Pyrenees, the Ebro Valley, the Cantabrian Range, or the coasts. 

The yearly average temperatures are between 6° and 10°. Winters are very long and cold, between 0°/-2° on average, and summers are warm but consistently below 22°, and you can see daily solid contrasts from day to day. 

• Sub-tropical Mountain Climate

This type of climate is proper to the Baetic Range. It is low in latitud, so they are constantly subjected to subtropical influence. 

Winter temperatures are less rigorous than in the previous climates, but they’re always above 0°, and in summer, no month reaches 22°, although they are very dry and rarely rains!

However, it does rain a little bit, especially in Winter, followed by Autumn and Spring, with yearly precipitation between 800 and 1000 mm. There are some rare cases, like in Sierra del Pinar, which is close to the ocean and exposed to southeastern winds. 

5. Average Temperature in Spain’s Main Cities

• Average Yearly Temperature in Madrid

• Average Yearly Temperature in Barcelona

• Average Yearly Temperature in Valencia

• Average Yearly Temperature in Sevilla

• Average Yearly Temperature in Bilbao

6. Seasons in Spain

Winter in Spain

Temperatures range from 32ºF and 60.8ºF. In the north and higher altitudes, days are mostly snowy cloudy, and foggy and downpours are very common, especially between the Atlantic and Galician mountain ranges.

While in Southern Spain and in the rest of the country, the winter weather gets really dry and sunny. And, in the east of the Maritime Zone, there are slightly fewer precipitations because it is further from the Atlantic Ocean.

Spring in Spain

Temperatures during Spring in Spain increase as months go by. During March, the average minimum weather is 37.4ºF and 60.8ºF, while in May, 55.4ºF, and 82.4ºF.

The environment might feel warm and humid, which provokes low-intensity precipitations. Almost in the middle of Spring is when temperatures are at their best, and people say it’s the best time to visit Spain.

Precipitations occur to allow trees and flowers to flourish, but they’re every time less often. Days are longer, and nights are chilly.

Summer in Spain

The summer season in Spain is very hot and warm. It lasts about 4 months, with July and August being the warmest, while September and early June are more comfortable.

Daily average temperatures are around 86ºF (incredibly warm), and the sun is always out. There’s at least 11 to 12 hours of daily sun, and it rarely rains.

AND, the highest temperature ever recorded in Spain is 117.68°F (47,6°C) if you want to know where, then you’d love this post! Is Spain Warm? Surviving the Spanish Heat like a pro

In the north of Spain, summers are relatively warm and pleasant. Especially to the north of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, where an Oceanic Climate predominates, temperatures rarely surpass 86 °F. However, there is not much sun, and precipitations can be present during these months.

As for the continental climate, summers are really dry and warm, with temperatures from 77 °F to 95 °F in the daytime. In the south, there are plenty of sunny days, warm temperatures, and almost no rain.

Fall / Autumn in Spain

Temperatures are about 82.4ºF and 55.4ºF. And they begin to drop during October, with a minimum of 46.4ºF and 68ºF. And, it does rain occasionally around these dates. This season characterizes by its lovely atmosphere. In Spain, fall is primarily cold but never reaches extreme weather.

However, as the cold wind masses interact with the heat wave we just described in summer, it creates the perfect environment for some stormings. November is the rainiest month in Europe. Andalucia, Cantabria, Galicia, and the Canary Islands are some places where it rains the most in November.

Still, northern Spain takes the first place in regions where it rains the most during fall. Also in the South of Valencia, North of Alicante, and North of Baleares, in parts of Cadiz, and the Central System.

Spain’s climate is one of the most blessed climates in Europe since, compared to other countries, we have a bit of everything while getting the best of every season. Seeing different landscape colors and how activities change according to the weather is lovely. And, it doesn’t matter if it gets cloudy, because Spaniards will always be cheerful and looking for an occasion to celebrate!
​