Climate in Spain

While Spain may be a relatively small country, as you travel from region to region you come to realize that it's huge in terms of diversity- cultural, historical, geographical, etc. This diversity carries over to weather, too.

The Spain of popular imagination is a land of endless sunshine, sprawling beaches and intense heat. Sure, this may go for sun-baked Andalusian cities like Seville and Córdoba, but what about the cool, damp pastures of Galicia or the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees? If you're packing your suitcase and preparing for an adventure throughout Spain, you'd best keep in mind that the weather could vary just as much as the landscapes!

Andalusia is commonly referred to as Spain's "frying pan", and if you've ever visited the region during the summer months then you've experienced the reason why. Summers are scorching, winters are mild, there are thousands of hours of annual sunshine and very little annual rainfall. While not quite as extreme, you'll find this kind of climate across the rest of southern Spain as well, though summers are decidedly more enjoyable on the coast.

Head north to the so-called "Meseta", Spain's inland plains, and you'll experience the area's famously extreme seasons- bitterly cold winters, extremely hot summers and enjoyable spring and autumn months. The mountains surrounding the Meseta experience even more extreme climate changes, especially in winter when snow is heavy and frequent!

The northern coast, which stretches from the northwestern community of Galicia to the northeastern Basque Country, is a stunning part of the country also referred to as "Green Spain". The region's famously verdant hillsides, fertile farmlands and lush forests are thanks to one thing: rain! While summers are beautiful, the rest of the year is dominated by a rainy climate similar to that of England or Ireland. However, its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Cantabrian Sea helps to moderate temperatures, resulting in mild winters and warm, comfortable summers.