Climate Zones of Spain: Dry, Mountain, and Canary Regions

Dry Mediterranean Climate

This climate is found in the Southeast Peninsula and the middle zone of the Ebro Valley. Rainfall is very scarce, ranging between 150 and 300 mm, which creates a steppe-like environment.

• Southeast Region: There is no influence from Atlantic storms, leading to significant dryness. Dry air masses from Africa are frequent, and precipitation only occurs from storms entering through narrow corridors. Cabo de Gata experiences a true desert climate.
• Ebro Valley: Dryness is caused by the surrounding mountains. The Iberian System acts as a barrier against Atlantic storms, while the Coastal-Catalan Range blocks Mediterranean influence.

Temperature Variations

• Warm Steppe (Southeast Coast): Annual average temperatures are around 17°C–18°C with mild winters (not falling below 10°C).
• Cold Steppe (Interior Southeast and Ebro Valley): Annual average temperatures are below 17°C, with mild to cold winters (ranging between 6°C and 10°C).

Mountain Climate

Located in territories above 1,000 meters, this climate is defined by altitude: as elevation increases, precipitation rises and temperatures decrease.

• Precipitation: Very abundant, often exceeding 1,000 mm per year.
• Temperatures: Low annual averages (below 10°C) with cold winters that can drop below 0°C, resulting in snowfall.

Regional Variations

• Oceanic Mountains (Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains): No dry months and cool summers.
• Mediterranean Mountains: Reduced rainfall in summer, resulting in one or two dry months and summer temperatures exceeding 22°C.

Weather in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands feature a subtropical climate influenced by several key factors:

• Geographic Location: Proximity to the tropics and the African coast, combined with the Azores anticyclone and NE trade winds, ensures mild temperatures year-round.
• Canary Current: The cold current cools surface waters and increases air stability during summer.
• Relief: Topography influences temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover.

Climatic Characteristics

• Lowlands: Rainfall is very low. Western islands receive 150–200 mm annually, while Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and parts of Gran Canaria receive less than 150 mm due to the dominance of the Azores anticyclone. Temperatures are warm year-round, never dropping below 17°C, with a low thermal range of 8°C.
• Mid-to-High Altitudes: Rainfall increases significantly, reaching up to 1,000 mm, while temperatures decrease accordingly.