Climate of Spain: Diverse Weather Patterns

The Climate of Spain

Spain is characterized by a variety of climates. The main ones are:

• Oceanic
• Mediterranean
• Mountain

The Canary Islands have a unique subtropical climate.

1. Oceanic Climate

This climate is found in the Cantabrian Mountains and Galicia. It features:

• Abundant Rainfall: Regular and evenly distributed throughout the year, exceeding 800mm annually. This gentle rainfall promotes soil infiltration.
• Mild Temperatures: The coast experiences a low thermal range (9-12°C) due to the sea's influence, with cool summers (22°C) and mild winters (6-10°C). Inland areas have more moderate temperatures, with colder winters (below 6°C).

2. Mediterranean Climate

Located south of the oceanic climate zone, this climate encompasses the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. It is characterized by:

• Low to Moderate Rainfall: Irregular and often stormy, with an annual total below 800mm. Distribution is uneven, with dry summers due to the Azores High and wet winters.
• Variable Temperatures: Temperatures vary depending on latitude and proximity to the sea. There are three types of Mediterranean climate:

2.1. Maritime Mediterranean Climate

This subtype is found along the mainland Mediterranean coast (excluding the southeast), the south Atlantic coast, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. It features:

• Low to Moderate Rainfall: Between 300 and 800mm annually. The south Atlantic coast receives more rainfall due to Atlantic storms, peaking in winter. The Mediterranean coast receives less rainfall as the storms lose moisture crossing the peninsula and mountains, with maximum rainfall in autumn.
• Moderate Temperatures: Thermal amplitude is moderate (12-16°C). Summers are hot (above 22°C) and winters are mild (above 10°C).

2.2. Continental Mediterranean Climate

This subtype extends across the interior of the peninsula, excluding the middle Ebro Valley. It is characterized by:

• Low to Moderate Rainfall: Between 300 and 800mm annually. The western peninsula receives more rainfall from Atlantic storms, peaking in winter. The heart of Castile and the Ebro depression receive less rainfall due to the mountains, with maximum rainfall in spring.
• High Thermal Amplitude: Temperatures fluctuate significantly (greater than 16°C) due to the lack of maritime influence. There are three climatic subtypes within this category:
  • The sub-plateau and highlands north of Guadalajara, Teruel, and Cuenca have cool summers (below 22°C) and cold winters (below 6°C), with frequent frosts and fog.
  • The southern sub-plateau and the edges of the Ebro valley have hot summers (at or above 22°C) and cold winters.
  • Extremadura and Andalusia have hot summers and mild winters (6-10°C).