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Climate in Spain: Types and Locations Discussed

In general, the climate in Spain consists of hot summers and mild winters near the south and centre of the country, and warm summers and cold winters near the north of the country. Millions from all over the world go to Spain every year on holiday and some even stay there to live or retire. The climate in Spain is often defined as perfect by tourists. People experienced with Spain will probably know, while famous for the hot summers, you can experience a wide range of weather throughout the year and the country. 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.

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.

Ski in Spain: The Best Locations Discussed

Spain is a renowned tourist destination for its sunny weather and beaches. However, Spain also offers excellent skiing opportunities in the north. The ski resorts in Spain are well-equipped and cater to all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts.

Spain is one of the most popular places to go skiing or snowboarding outside Europe because it has so many different options available for everyone’s skill level. Whether you want an exciting but easy day on the slopes with your children or you want something more challenging like downhill racing.

Popular ski resorts in Spain

Below you can find some famous ski resorts in Spain.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is one of the best places to ski in Spain, and it has a great ski resort. It’s a beautiful area with lots of mountains and ski slopes. The skiing is excellent, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the scenery is stunning. The Sierra Nevada is worth considering if you’re looking for a great skiing holiday.

The best time to go skiing in the Sierra Nevada is between November and May. This is when the weather tends to be at its best, and it’s also when most people are on holiday. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s usually possible to ski here out of season or during school holidays. However, while it’s never precisely crowded, the slopes aren’t as fun to ski.

The best place to start is in the village of Pradollano, which is where the closest hotels and restaurants are. Several excellent beginner-level pistes around this area, including an easy green run of pine trees. There are also many more difficult pistes for experienced skiers, including the red run down from Pico de Veleta. On top of the Pico de Veleta is also an IRAM 30-m telescope, a sight to be seen.

You’ll be surprised by all the choices you have here; choose between skiing in deep powder or carving down wide slopes, and take your pick of night skiing, ski orienteering routes for groups or solo outings, zones for snowboarders with halfpipes, and other facilities that will help you enjoy a unique skiing experience.

Their snow park is a real paradise for those who love tricks and jumps, with features that will satisfy even the most demanding skier. They have a great party atmosphere during weekends and there’s always live music playing.

Baqueira/Beret – Pyrenees

Many Spanish ski resorts are on the Pyrenees, and one of the highest-rated ones is the Baqueira/Beret, one of the top ones. It enjoys the highest slopes of Spain, with almost 100 km of ski runs.

Boqueria Ski Resort is located in the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ in Huesca, near the French border. This Spanish ski resort is one of the most modern resorts in Europe, equipped with an advanced lift system that ensures maximum safety and ease of access to all its slopes.

Next to this, it has a snowpark and plenty of opportunities for beginners and advanced skiers to practice freestyle (park and halfpipe). It has a vast ski area: 36 pistes, 160 km of runs at altitudes ranging from 1050-2610 meters, plus an unbeatable view on the French border and the Aragonese planes.

The Spanish Pyrenees are part of the mountain range that separates Spain from France, and they also form a border between Spain and Andorra, a tiny country nestled in the mountains. The highest peak in this range is Aneto Peak at 3404 meters. They pose one of Europe’s best outdoor activities opportunities, with outstanding scenery and various activities on offers such as skiing, rock climbing, caving, and mountain biking.

The Spanish Pyrenees are well worth visiting for keen skiers and snowboarders who want to ski in Spain. If you’re a beginner, the highest slopes of Spain aren’t for you, but if you’re chasing a challenge and want to experience some of Europe’s best skiing, then head on over.

La Molina – Pyrenees

La Molina is another ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees. It features 50 kilometers f pistes, 25 blue, 18 red, and seven black ones, so you have plenty of choices here. The resort also offers some off-piste opportunities.

La Molina is the first ski station with a lift in Spain and opened on 28 February 1943, so it’s been around for a while. It hosted several world cups after 2008 and has a very updated lift system. Also, there is plenty of opportunity for rock climbing and mountain biking if that’s your thing.

Panticosa – Pyrenees

Panticosa is a family ski resort with an excellent reputation, which maintains quality through constant upgrading and improvement of services and a wide range of winter activities. A large beginners area with ski lifts and a snow kindergarten with the necessary equipment is ideal for a family-friendly ski holiday.

It is located at the heart of the Aragon Pyrenees. The whole area belongs to the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, which means that spectacular mountain landscapes surround ski runs. Panticosa is a lovely getaway with its picturesque countryside and mild climate.

There are 41 runs at the resort split into three areas (Selma Verde, Petrosos, and Sabocos) with elevations of 2200 m above sea level.

The thermal spring, known since ancient times as Panticosa’s healing thermal water, now houses the spa and wellness center, casino, and hotel.

Cerler – Pyrenees

This charming mountain village has plenty to offer skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The Ski resort has 316 acres of terrain over 65 pistes, totaling 76 kilometers (47 miles) in length. Most of the slopes here are suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Yet you can still find enough for beginners and more advanced riders. This Spanish ski resort is an excellent place for skiing enthusiasts of all levels with various slopes and well-developed infrastructure.

Cerler offers 25 kilometers (16 miles) of groomed trails if you’re looking to get your cross-country fix. Snowmaking covers over 90% of the resort, ensuring that there are always good skiing conditions.

Cerler is a large ski resort in the Aragon region of Spain. The ski resort offers 19 lifts, including ten chairlifts and nine surface lifts, allowing skiers to enjoy an impressive vertical descent of 1133 meters.

Puerto de Navacerrada – Guadarrama Mountains

If you’re looking for a great ski resort close to Madrid, Puerto de Navacerrada is perfect for you. With nine lifts, including five chair lifts and four surface lifts, there is plenty of uphill capacity to get you to the top of the 415 meters vertical drop. There are 19 pistes, ranging from beginner to expert difficulty, so that everyone can find something to their liking. And for snowboarders, there is a terrain park. Even better, a small proportion of the pistes is covered by snowmaking, so you can always count on good skiing conditions.

This ski resort is perfect for people of all skill levels, with a mix of difficult and beginner slopes. Not to mention, the scenery is beautiful – you’ll love skiing among the pine trees. And if you need a break from skiing, there are plenty of other great tourist destinations nearby, like La Granja and Segovia.

Tavascan – Pyrenees

If you’re looking for an exciting ski adventure amid stunning natural surroundings, look no further than Tavascan. This ski resort is located in the heart of the L’Alt Pirineu nature park in the Pyrenees. Its beautiful mountain scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop for your winter sports activities. What’s more, Tavascan is situated close to the village of Sort (34 km), so you’ll have all the amenities you need right at your fingertips. Next to this, Barcelona is about a 3-hour drive away. If you’re searching for some cross-country skiing adventure, Pleta del Prat in Tavascan has a Nordic cross-country skiing trail called Pleta del Prat. This path has 14 kilometers of groomed routes open to all lovers of cross-country skiing.

San Isidro – Leon

This place is a skier’s paradise, with its 1,500 to 2,100 meters of skiable area and 26 km of pistes that are sure to meet all your needs. San Isidro has something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

Not only is this resort stunningly beautiful, but it also offers modern facilities and some of the best gastronomy in the region. You’ll love the Picos de Europa Mountains surrounding this resort; they’re a must-see for any nature lover. It’s perfect for family ski holidays or even the week-long courses offered.

Enjoy a ski holiday in Spain

While Spain is not famous for its ski destinations, there are many ski slopes for enthusiasts of all experience levels. There are slopes located in the country’s north, south, and central mountains. Some of the most popular resorts are located in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The country is known for its natural beauty, and there is an abundance of beautiful mountain scenery to enjoy when you’re on the slopes.