Climate Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol
In the far southern parts of Andalusia (Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz) January and February are the only ‘chilly’ months, while from mid-July to mid-September, the heat and humidity can be stifling and uncomfortable. If you are from Northern European climates and not used to such heat it can be very uncomfortable. Many expats, who have the means, will choose this period to visit family in Central and Northern Europe, or spend some of the time holidaying further North.
Climate Costa Blanca
In the Northern Costa Blanca, the months of January and February are usually the coldest, but by March you are already welcoming warmer temperatures. Summers can stretch on to November with many people still bathing in the sea and enjoying sunny days at the beach. And in the southernmost regions, there are many fine beach days even in December and March.
Climate in Spain’s Interior
The interior of Spain experiences greater temperature fluctuations than on the coast. In summer, you will find it a lot hotter inland than by the coast, and in Winter you will find it a lot colder inland than by the coast.
For this reason, and during the school holidays, you will find many Spanish families fleeing to the coast of Spain in July and August for some respite from the heat inland.
Climate in the North of Spain
The north of Spain, and in particular (when looking from a map above) the 80km thick strip that runs along the Atlantic coast, offers some spectacular greenery and scenery.
This area experiences the highest rainfall in Spain, by far, and the coolest year round climate. The wettest areas in the North are those closest to the Alps, and the coolest are the ones that are further from the coast. That said, the regions in the North on the Atlantic coast still enjoy warms summers with plenty of beautiful beach days, even if the waters are a bit fresh.
Best climate in Spain for expats
Generally speaking, and due to the fact that the majority of people relocating to Spain are from Central and Northern Europe, the Spanish summers tend to be more uncomfortable for internationals than the winters.
For Northern Europeans, the winters in the South of Spain will feel more in line with their spring or early summer. The most agreeable climate for Northern Europeans tends to be the Northern Costa Blanca (between Alicante and Valencia) where there is a satisfactory trade-off between slightly milder summers and slightly fresher winters.
Warm winter destinations Spain
The areas in Spain with the mildest winters are usually the areas in the South that are protected from prevailing winds, and that also receive more hours of yearly sunshine. There are some areas in Spain that offer fantastic winter microclimates.
The areas around Mojacar receive the most hours of sunshine per year in Spain. Just inland you find the Tabernas Desert, Europe’s only desert, and where many of the spaghetti westerns were filmed. There are many areas in Spain, and Europe, that claim more sunshine hours per year, but unless you have a desert climate, I think we know who the winner of this category is.
In addition, Mojacar has the Sierra Nevada mountain range which shelters the area from the prevailing winds.
Nerja and the surrounding areas of the Eastern Costa del Sol, are also well protected from prevailing winds in winter. And being close to the Almeria Province they are also blessed with record hours of sunshine each year.
Estepona and the southern Malaga Province have a privileged winter climate. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 12-15°C (54-59°F), and daytime highs can often reach a comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F). The region’s unique positioning between the Mediterranean Sea and nearby mountain ranges, shields the area from extreme weather and strong winds.
Of course, the Canary Islands, and especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, offer the mildest winter climates in all of Spain. However, most expats and internationals still prefer the proximity and extra amenities and services of mainland Spain, versus a gain of perhaps 1-3°C on the coldest winter days in the Canary Islands.
It’s worth noting that outside of January and February, and especially in November, December, March, and April, southern Spain will on average experience more warm and sunny days than the Canary Islands.
