Weather in the South of Spain

climate and weather in the south of spainThe South of Spain (including Andalusia) is bordered by Portugal to the west, is close to Morocco and Algeria across the Mediterranean to the south, and neighbours the Spanish region of Murcia to the east. Famous as a summer paradise, from the magnificent Moorish architecture in Seville and Granada, to the popular beach resorts in Malaga, there are a myriad of reasons that this is one of the most popular European holiday destinations. 

The weather in the South of Spain is hot and dry from May to September, becoming wet and cool from October to April. 

Spring is mixture of cool wet weeks and hot, dry days that reach up to 24°C (75°F) by the end of May. While, the early spring isn’t good for the beach, by the end of May it’s a great place to go for an early summer holiday.

The peak months of summer are July and August, but the heat is present as early as May and as late as October. Expect temperatures from the high 20s to the low 30s (80°F to 90°F) and it is very dry during this season.

When the rains come autumn has arrived. While it remains in the mid20s (77°F), it will start to rain heavily towards the end of the season, leading into the winter with close to 100mm (3.9in) of rain; the regions has experienced flooding in recent years.  

The wet weather continues into winter and, from December to February, it will be cold. There won’t be much sunshine during this time of year and it’s best to stay indoors. However, adventure waits at the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where visitors can enjoy some good ski slopes and snow sport fun. 

While many people come here for the weather, there are a myriad of quirky cultural traditions, a number of historic monuments and great local festivals that add a lot to the regions tourist charm. 

 

When is the best time to go to the South of Spain?

While July and August are the hottest months of the year, travelling in peak season is often unbearably hot for many visitors. Hence, May, June, September and October are more ideal because the weather is still fantastic, but not ferocious. Nonetheless, it is cooler at the coast than inland and a tan is a travel guarantee at this time of year. There is little rain, plenty of sunshine and it is more affordable in spring and autumn, because there are fewer crowds to contend with. 

 

What to pack for a holiday in the South of Spain

Unless travelling in the winter, shorts, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and sandals are perfect for Spain. The weather is hot and dry from May through to October, so loose fitting, comfortable clothing is best. Pack T-shirts, long sleeved shirts for cool evenings, hats, vests and light coverings for protection from the, at times, harsh sun. When it is cool enough to hike, take some comfortable walking shoes and water bottles, along with sun protection. 

If travelling to Spain from October to April, expect rain and cool weather that may become cold in inland areas. Pack a raincoat, some long sleeved tops, a warm jersey or two, scarves, gloves and hats, as well as thermals, especially for travel to elevated and inland areas.  

 

Climate and weather in the South of Spain in January

Average temperature in The South of Spain in January: 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in January: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in January: 30mm to 90mm (1.2in to 3.5in)
Note: Grenada drops to as low as 0°C (32°F), so be sure to pack something warm for inland areas.

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in February

Average temperature in The South of Spain in February: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in February: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in February: 20mm to 70mm (0.8in to 2.8in) 
Events in The South of Spain in February: The Spanish indulge in carnival season, before Lent begins, the last place to party before the pious months to follow; there will be large processions and plenty of festive spirit– the carnival in Cadiz is a particularly lively one. 
Note: Grenada drops to as low as 2°C (36°F), so be sure to pack something warm for inland areas.

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in March 

Average temperature in The South of Spain in March: 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 67°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in March: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in March: 20mm to 60mm (0.8in to 2.4in) 
Events in The South of Spain in March: Holy Week is celebrated a week before Easter and, especially in the south, is one of the biggest festivals of the year accompanied by feasts, parades and celebrations, great for families. 
Note: Grenada drops to as low as 3°C (38°F), so be sure to pack something warm for inland areas.

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in April

Average temperature in The South of Spain in April: 11°C to 21°C (51°F to 71°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in April: 17°C (63°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in April: 20mm to 60mm (0.8in to 2.4in) 
Events in The South of Spain in April:  Easter is celebrated over a number of days and along with Holy Week is the biggest nationwide religious celebration of the year, other than Christmas. The Seville Festival is normally two weeks after Holy Week, there will be music, dancing, bullfighting and feasting in true, extravagant Seville style 
Note: Low temperatures in Grenada may be half that of other areas. 

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in May

Average temperature in The South of Spain in May: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in May: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in May: under 40mm (1.6in) 
Events in The South of Spain in May: Either on the last weekend May or the first in June, The Festival of Moors and Christians celebrates the historic Reconquista, where the Spaniards defeated the Moors. El Rocio attracts more than a million pilgrims to this religious festival and, because it is known so little outside of Spain, it is a good place to see authentic Spanish tradition that dates back to the 17th Century. 
Note: Grenada lows may be below 10°C (50°F).

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in June

Average temperature in The South of Spain in June: 17°C to 28°C (82°F to 62°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in June: 21°C (70°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in June: under 20mm (0.8in) 
Events in The South of Spain in June: On either the last weekend May or the first in June, The Festival of Moors and Christians celebrates the historic Reconquista, where the Spaniards defeated the Moors. Corpus Christi is a massive religious celebration, especially in Granada, where the festival lasts for three days. 
Note: Tarifa is significantly cooler than other cities, remaining in the low 20s (68°F).

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in July

Average temperature in The South of Spain in July: 20°C to 32°C (67°F to 89°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in July: 23°C (73°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in July: under 5mm (0.2in) 
Events in The South of Spain in July:  The Granada Music Festival is over 50 years old and has numerous musical and dance acts entertaining the summer crowds. 
Note: Tarifa is significantly cooler than other cities, remaining in the low 20s (68°F).

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in August

Average temperature in The South of Spain in August: 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 89°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in August: 23°C (73°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in August: under 10mm (0.4in) 
Events in The South of Spain in August: Granada has had an early New Year's festival in August ever since a power cut in 1994 and it is complete with Reyes Magos and 12 grapes at midnight. The Noche Del Vino takes place mid-month and, while originally just celebrated by the families of grape harvesters, today artists and musicians join in the celebrations with their own labours– be on the lookout for local food festivals at this time of year. 

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in September

Average temperature in The South of Spain in September: 18°C to 29°C (64°F to 85°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in September: 22°C (72°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in September: under 20mm (0.8in) 
Events in The South of Spain in September: Ronda hosts one of the biggest bullfighting festivals of the year, where participants have a unique dress sense. For those who enjoy good food and wine, fill up the glasses at the Jerez Sherry Festival .
Note: This is the best month to travel around the country and visit the numerous wine festivals in Spain. 

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in October

Average temperature in The South of Spain in October: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 76°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in October: 21°C (69°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in October: 30mm to 90mm (1.2in to 3.5in)
Events in The South of Spain in October: Columbus Day is a national holiday that celebrates the Spanish arrival in the New World. 
Note: Tarifa remains in the low 20s (68°F) and Grenada drops to lows of 8°C (47°F).

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in November

Average temperature in The South of Spain in November:  10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in November: 18°C (65°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in November: 30mm to 90mm (1.2in to 3.5in) 
Events in The South of Spain in November: All Saints Day is a national holiday, where people will travel to their birthplace in order to place flowers on the graves of deceased relatives. 
Note: Tarifa remains between 14° and 18°C (57°F and 64°F), while Grenada drops to lows of 5°C (41°F).

 

Climate and weather in The South of Spain in December

Average temperature in The South of Spain in December: 8°C to 17°C (47°F to 63°F) 
Sea temperature in The South of Spain in December: 17°C (63°F)
Average rainfall in The South of Spain in December: 20mm to 100mm (0.8in to 3.9in)
Events in The South of Spain in December: Christmas festivals in Spain are always a grand, family oriented occasion, expect a warm welcome, good food and a festive atmosphere. 
Note: Grenada drops to as low as 2°C (36°F) and Tarifa remains warmer than most other cities.