Navarra Climate Zones: Alpine, Oceanic, and Mediterranean Patterns

Navarra's Diverse Climate Zones

1. Pyrenean Mountain Climate (Alpine and Oceanic Influence)

The Pyrenean valleys feature an alpine climate, although oceanic influence is maintained, resulting in high rainfall. High altitudes lead to snow accumulation. Precipitation and temperatures decrease towards the southeast due to less oceanic influence.

• Winters: Long and cold.
• Summers: Dry, short, mild, and bright.
• Frost-Free Period: Varies from 90 to 160 days.

2. Oceanic Climate (Northwest Wetland)

This climate corresponds to the northwest wetland area, characterized by the abundance and distribution of rainfall throughout the year. This is due to the proximity to the Bay of Biscay, from where atmospheric disturbances (the polar front) move from west to east.

• Maximum Rainfall: Winter is the wettest time, followed by spring. Autumn and summer rainfall is slightly less pronounced.
• Frosts: Rare, as temperatures are significantly influenced by the ocean.
• Temperatures: Moderately mild summers and relatively cool winters.
• Average Annual Temperature: Between 10°C and 13°C.
• Thermal Range: Less than 12°C.

3. Transition Climate (Middle Mountain Area)

The Middle Mountain area has a climate of transition, characterized by abundant cloudiness. Since the mountains of the Cantabrian-Mediterranean watershed are low-lying, they allow rain caused by humid westerly winds and Atlantic storms to enter.

• Annual Precipitation: Between 700 and 900 mm, decreasing gradually from north to south. Rainfall is irregular.
• Maximum Precipitation: Occurs at the equinoxes.
• Minimum Precipitation: Occurs during the summer period.
• Temperature: Obvious contrast between winter and summer, with an annual average value between 10°C and 12°C.

4. Mediterranean Continental Climate (Ebro Valley)

In the Ebro Valley, the limited rainfall that reaches this area comes primarily from Mediterranean storms associated with southeast winds and summer thunderstorms. Rainfall is low (about 400 mm annually) and highly irregular.

• Maximum Rainfall: Occurs in spring and autumn.
• Minimum Rainfall: Dry period in summer.
• Southeast Region: This area is semi-desert, where annual rainfall is very scant, often less than 300 mm.
• Average Annual Temperature: Between 13°C and 14°C.
• Clear Days: Over 120 clear days per year.
• Winters: Cold, reinforced by the gale wind, and frost is not rare.
• Summers: Hot.
• Thermal Amplitude: High, more than 18°C.
• Summer Aridity: Can last from 2 to 4 months.