Spain Weather by Month

Spain, located in southwestern Europe, occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered by France and Andorra to the north, Portugal to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and south. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, and two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, in North Africa. With a total area of over 505,000 square kilometers, Spain boasts a rich diversity of landscapes, ranging from high mountains to vast plateaus and coastal plains.

Spain’s geography is marked by several major mountain ranges, such as the Pyrenees along the French border, the Sierra Nevada in the south, and the Cantabrian Mountains in the north. Central Spain is dominated by the Meseta Central, a large plateau, while the country’s extensive coastline along the Mediterranean and Atlantic offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Spain’s climate varies significantly depending on the region: the north experiences an oceanic climate with moderate temperatures and high rainfall, central Spain has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, and the southern and eastern coasts enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

Spain Weather by Month

January

General Overview

• Average temperature: 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F)
• Rainfall: Wet and cold in the north, dry and mild in the south

January is winter in Spain, with cold weather dominating most regions, especially inland and in the north. Northern Spain, including regions like Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, experiences frequent rain and cool temperatures. In central Spain, cities like Madrid experience cold and dry weather, with occasional frost or snow. Southern Spain and the Mediterranean coast, including cities like Seville and Valencia, are milder, with daytime temperatures averaging 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The Canary Islands, situated off the coast of northwest Africa, are much warmer, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias): Cool and rainy, with temperatures between 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F)
• Central Spain (Madrid): Cold and dry, with temperatures between 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F)
• Southern Spain (Seville, Málaga): Mild with dry conditions, temperatures between 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F)
• Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria): Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)

January is a great month for winter sports in the Sierra Nevada and Pyrenees mountains, while the Canary Islands offer an escape to warmer weather.

February

General Overview

• Average temperature: 5°C to 16°C (41°F to 61°F)
• Rainfall: Cold in the north, milder in the south

February is still part of the winter season, but temperatures begin to rise slightly, especially in the south. Northern Spain continues to experience cool, rainy conditions, while central Spain remains cold but with increasing sunny days. The Mediterranean coast and southern Spain begin to warm up, making it a pleasant time to explore cities like Valencia and Seville without the crowds. The Canary Islands continue to enjoy warm and sunny weather, making them a popular winter destination.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Cool and wet, with temperatures between 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F)
• Central Spain: Cold but with increasing sunshine, temperatures between 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
• Southern Spain: Mild and dry, temperatures between 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)

February is ideal for cultural exploration and hiking in southern Spain, while the Canary Islands continue to be the top choice for beach lovers.

March

General Overview

• Average temperature: 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F)
• Rainfall: Spring begins, with warmer temperatures and less rain

March marks the start of spring in Spain, with warmer temperatures and more sunshine across the country. Northern Spain remains cool but begins to dry out, while central and southern Spain experience warmer days, making it a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands start to see beachgoers as temperatures become more pleasant. The Canary Islands continue to offer perfect beach weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Mild with occasional rain, temperatures between 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F)
• Central Spain: Warmer and sunnier, temperatures between 6°C to 17°C (43°F to 63°F)
• Southern Spain: Warm and dry, temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F)

March is an ideal month for visiting Spain’s cultural landmarks and enjoying the early signs of spring, especially in the south and along the Mediterranean coast.

April

General Overview

• Average temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
• Rainfall: Warm with occasional spring showers

April is full spring in Spain, with warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Northern Spain sees moderate temperatures, while central and southern Spain become pleasantly warm, making this a great time to explore cities, hike in the countryside, and enjoy outdoor cafes. Rainfall decreases in most areas, though occasional spring showers are still possible. The beaches along the Mediterranean coast and in the Canary Islands start to fill with visitors as the weather becomes more conducive to beach activities.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Mild with occasional rain, temperatures between 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F)
• Central Spain: Warm with more sun, temperatures between 9°C to 20°C (48°F to 68°F)
• Southern Spain: Warm and sunny, temperatures between 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)

April is perfect for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and beach trips in southern Spain and the Canary Islands.

May

General Overview

• Average temperature: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F)
• Rainfall: Dry and warm, with summer-like conditions beginning to develop

May is the beginning of the dry, warm season in Spain. Temperatures rise across the country, and rainfall is minimal, making it one of the best months to visit Spain. The Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands experience summer-like weather, while central Spain and the southern regions are perfect for sightseeing without the intense summer heat. The Canary Islands continue to be warm and sunny, ideal for beach vacations.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Warm with some rain, temperatures between 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F)
• Central Spain: Warm and dry, temperatures between 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
• Southern Spain: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 16°C to 27°C (61°F to 81°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F)

May is one of the best months to visit Spain, offering perfect weather for both sightseeing and beach activities.

June

General Overview

• Average temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: Hot and dry, summer fully begins

June is the start of summer in Spain, with hot, dry weather across most of the country. The northern regions remain cooler, with mild temperatures and occasional showers. Central Spain, including cities like Madrid, experiences warm, sunny days, while the southern and coastal regions are hot, making beach destinations like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands very popular. The Canary Islands continue to provide excellent beach weather, with mild temperatures and low humidity.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Mild with occasional rain, temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
• Central Spain: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
• Southern Spain: Hot and sunny, with temperatures between 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F)

June is a fantastic month for beach holidays and exploring Spain’s vibrant cities before the peak summer heat sets in.

July

General Overview

• Average temperature: 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F)
• Rainfall: Very hot and dry, especially in the interior

July is one of the hottest months in Spain, with temperatures soaring across the country. The Mediterranean coast, southern Spain, and the Balearic Islands experience peak summer heat, making beach activities and water sports popular. The northern regions remain cooler, providing a pleasant escape from the intense heat of the interior. The Canary Islands continue to offer mild temperatures, making them an ideal summer destination. Cities like Madrid and Seville can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Warm with some rain, temperatures between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
• Central Spain: Very hot and dry, with temperatures between 22°C to 35°C (72°F to 95°F)
• Southern Spain: Extremely hot, with temperatures between 23°C to 36°C (73°F to 97°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F)

July is ideal for beach vacations, though inland cities can be uncomfortably hot for sightseeing during the day.

August

General Overview

• Average temperature: 23°C to 36°C (73°F to 97°F)
• Rainfall: Peak summer heat, with no rainfall

August is the hottest month of the year in Spain, with extreme heat across the country, particularly in the interior regions. The southern cities, such as Seville and Córdoba, experience scorching temperatures, while coastal areas and the Balearic Islands offer some relief with cooling sea breezes. The Canary Islands remain mild and pleasant, making them a popular choice for those seeking to escape the intense heat of mainland Spain.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Warm with mild days, temperatures between 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F)
• Central Spain: Extremely hot, with temperatures between 23°C to 37°C (73°F to 99°F)
• Southern Spain: Hot and sunny, with temperatures between 24°C to 38°C (75°F to 100°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)

August is best suited for beach vacations, especially in the Canary Islands and along the Mediterranean coast, while the interior regions can be unbearably hot.

September

General Overview

• Average temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: Warm and dry, with cooling temperatures

September marks the beginning of autumn in Spain, though the weather remains warm and sunny, particularly in the south and along the coast. The Mediterranean and Balearic Islands continue to offer excellent beach conditions, while central Spain starts to cool down. The northern regions experience mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it a great time to visit cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Mild with some rain, temperatures between 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F)
• Central Spain: Warm with cooling evenings, temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
• Southern Spain: Hot but cooling, with temperatures between 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)

September is one of the best months to visit Spain, offering warm weather and fewer crowds, making it perfect for both beach and cultural holidays.

October

General Overview

• Average temperature: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
• Rainfall: Mild autumn weather with some rain

October is full autumn in Spain, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain, particularly in the northern and central regions. The southern and Mediterranean coastal areas remain warm, making it a great time to enjoy the beaches before the winter sets in. Rainfall becomes more frequent in the north, but the weather is still mild and pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Cool and rainy, temperatures between 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
• Central Spain: Mild with increasing rain, temperatures between 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
• Southern Spain: Warm and sunny, temperatures between 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 21°C to 26°C (70°F to 79°F)

October is ideal for exploring Spain’s cultural and historical sites, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

November

General Overview

• Average temperature: 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F)
• Rainfall: Cool and wet, especially in the north and center

November marks the beginning of the winter season in Spain, with cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall, particularly in the northern and central regions. The Mediterranean coast and southern Spain remain mild, though rain showers become more common. The Canary Islands continue to enjoy warm, sunny weather, making them the top destination for beach vacations.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Cold and rainy, temperatures between 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
• Central Spain: Cool and wet, temperatures between 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
• Southern Spain: Mild and rainy, temperatures between 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F)

November is ideal for those seeking cultural experiences and city breaks, especially in the Canary Islands, where the weather remains warm and dry.

December

General Overview

• Average temperature: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
• Rainfall: Cold and rainy in the north, mild in the south

December is winter in Spain, with cold temperatures and frequent rain in the northern and central regions. Southern Spain remains mild, while the Canary Islands continue to be warm and sunny, providing an ideal winter escape. The holiday season brings festive markets, decorations, and cultural events across the country, making December a great time to experience Spain’s rich traditions and vibrant culture.

Regional Differences

• Northern Spain: Cold and wet, temperatures between 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
• Central Spain: Cold with occasional rain, temperatures between 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
• Southern Spain: Mild and dry, temperatures between 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
• Canary Islands: Warm and sunny, with temperatures between 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)

December is perfect for winter festivals, city breaks, and enjoying the warm weather of the Canary Islands.

Summary of Spain’s Climate by Region

Northern Spain (Galicia, Basque Country)

• Best months: May to September (mild and sunny)
• Wettest months: November to February (rainy and cold)
• Coolest months: December to February (cold and wet)

Central Spain (Madrid, Toledo)

• Best months: April to June, September to October (mild and pleasant)
• Hottest months: July and August (extremely hot)
• Coolest months: December to February (cold and dry)

Southern Spain (Seville, Granada, Málaga)

• Best months: April to June, September to November (warm and sunny)
• Hottest months: July and August (extremely hot)
• Mildest months: November to March (cool and pleasant)

Canary Islands

• Best months: Year-round (warm and sunny)
• Mildest months: December to February (warm and dry)

Spain offers a diverse climate depending on the region and time of year. Coastal areas along the Mediterranean and southern Spain enjoy warm, sunny weather for most of the year, while northern and central Spain experience colder winters and warmer summers. The Canary Islands provide pleasant weather year-round, making them a popular destination for winter sun seekers. The best time to visit Spain depends on the activities and regions of interest, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) generally offer the most comfortable weather across the country.