It is often said that Spain enjoys nine months of great weather and about three months of a cold winter, but this really depends on the exact location where the traveler intends to go. The country’s diverse climate is due to its geographical location in the world. It is located in southwestern Europe along the Mediterranean, but at the same time, it is only about 13 kilometers away from Africa. Also, with a land area of over 500,000 square kilometers that covers mesetas or plains and mountains, with the added influence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder that the country’s climate has been divided into various climatic regions. Spain is the second most mountainous region in Europe, so its topography plays a role in the type of climate a specific region experiences. Therefore, the weather in Spain will depend largely on where the traveler will go.

On the average, the warmest time of the year is during the summer season between the months of July and August, where some of the highest temperatures have been recorded in some parts of the country. Siestas or sleeping indoors in the daytime is common in Spain as a means to escape the hot afternoons. On the other hand, the coldest temperatures are experienced in January and February, wherein the temperatures can hit the single digits and sometimes even fall well below zero degrees in some areas. It is also warmer in the plains compared to the coastal towns, owing to the cooling breeze from the waters.

The warmest temperatures have been recorded in Andalusia, located in the south central region of the country, hitting a sizzling 47 °C or a very hot 116.6 °F. This makes it the hottest part of Spain. Seville is another city that is known to have some sweltering temperatures, especially in the summer. In contrast, Lerida over at the Pyrenees is recognized as the coldest part of Spain. Here, temperatures of -32 °C

(-25.6 °F) during the wintertime have also been recorded.

There are three climatic zones in the country. There is the typical Mediterranean weather, wherein the summers are warm and dry. This type of weather is experienced mostly in the peninsula. Mediterranean weather is also typical in the Balearic Islands. Rain isn’t very abundant in this area and is mostly concentrated during the fall and winter months late in the year. The regions with a Mediterranean climate often have higher temperatures than those of the rest of the country. On average, the winter temperature is at about 11°C, which is about 51.8 °F, and rises to 23 °C or 73.4 °F in the summer. Typical summer thermometer readings are between 20 °C to 30 °C or 60 °F to 86 °F. These areas receive an ample amount of sunshine during the summer, normally about 12 hours. On the other hand, there is only about six hours of sunshine during the winter season.

Over on the southeastern side of the country, it is more of a semiarid climate. Here, the weather is also warm and dry, although the warm weather extends well beyond the summer season. This is the type of climate that is typical in Ebro Valley as well as in the Murcia region. As the closest European point to the continent of Africa, it can get pretty hot in this region. Blue clear skies are common most of the year. During a summer day, the temperatures here can hit up to 40 degrees C, or well over 100 °F.

On the northern side of Spain, the climate is described as Oceanic. The location of the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate of the region during the summer and winter seasons. Regions having an Oceanic climate often have the wettest weather and receive the most amount of rainfall in Spain throughout the year. During the summer season, the average temperature is about 18 °C which is in the 64 °F region, while in the winter, the temperatures drop down to about 9 °C or close to 48 °F. Travelers going to the Basque region, such as the cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao will experience this type of climate. The small land of Asturias, where the Picos de Europa National Park is located, also has an Oceanic climate.

There are sub types of climates found in Spain given the diversity of the topography. The Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees are characterized by a cooler alpine climate. There is an abundant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The peaks of the Pyrenees also receive a lot of snowfall throughout the year, about 90 to 120 days worth of snow. This is why there are many ski resorts located in the Pyrenees. Strong winds are also a factor that affects the temperatures on the Cantabrian Mountains.

On the other hand, the Canary Islands leading to Africa is characterized by a sub tropical climate. Here, there is an average temperature of about 22 °C (71°F) in the summer and 14 °C or 57 °F in the winter. The Canary Islands are known as “Islands of Eternal Spring” because of its pleasant climate just about all year round. It is hot and sunny, but the cooling breeze from the waters keeps the islands from becoming uncomfortably hot.

Travelers going to Spain should check the specific weather of the particular city to be visited in the country. This allows for the proper preparation of specific articles of clothing to bring. Overall, lightweight clothing is ideal in Spain, especially during the summer season. It is typical for travelers to pack shorts, pants, sleeveless tops and other light colored clothing during their travels to Spain. Also, sun protection is a must, such as a hat, cap and a high SPF sunscreen lotion to prevent sun damage to the skin, especially when out hiking, touring and sun bathing. Travelers to Spain should pack a light jacket and other warmer clothing when visiting the country from October onwards, since the temperatures do drop.

Travelers who plan to visit some churches are also advised to dress conservatively in deference to the site. Dressing in layers in a good option, so a jacket can be donned as needed, and removed with the sun starts to sizzle. Women may opt to bring a shawl, pashmina or cardigan to cover up their bare arms when entering religious sites. On the other hand, those who wish to hit the slopes during the winter season should obviously pack warm down jackets and other winter apparel.

Sun bathing, swimming, shopping and skiing – travelers can do it all in Spain, thanks to one of the most enviable and stable climates in Europe. When traveling to Spain, learn about the climate in Spain and temperature in Spain, so that you can properly plan your itinerary and prepare yourself for a fabulous trip to one of the most enjoyable countries in the world.