Spain’s Diverse Climate Regions

Posted on Jul 21, 2025 in Geography

Spain, with its varied geography, experiences a wide range of climate types. The main climate zones found across the Iberian Peninsula and its islands include the Oceanic climate, Mediterranean climate (with its sub-types), Mountain climate, and the unique climate of the Canary Islands.

Oceanic Climate

This climate zone is located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically along the Bay of Biscay and Galicia. It is characterized by:

  • Abundant and Regular Rainfall: Annual precipitation typically exceeds 800mm, with over 150 rainy days per year. Rainfall is highest in winter and lowest in summer, influenced by the northward shift of the Azores anticyclone. A maximum of two months may be dry (less than 30mm of precipitation).
  • Mild Temperatures: Temperatures are generally mild with a small annual range, though differences exist between coastal and interior areas:
    • Coastal Areas: Due to strong maritime influence, summers are cool (average not exceeding 20°C) and winters are moderate (average between 6°C and 10°C). The annual temperature range is low (9°C to 12°C).
    • Inland Areas: With less maritime influence, winters are colder (average below 6°C). The annual temperature range is higher (12°C to 15°C).

Mediterranean Climate

This extensive climate zone covers much of the Iberian Peninsula south of the Oceanic climate, including the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. Key characteristics include:

  • Scarce and Irregular Rainfall: Annual precipitation is typically less than 800mm. Summers are dry due to the northward shift of the Azores anticyclone. Precipitation primarily occurs during the equinox seasons (spring and autumn).
  • Varied Temperatures: Temperatures vary significantly between coastal and inland areas, and from north to south.

Coastal Mediterranean Climate

This sub-type encompasses the Mediterranean coast of the peninsula, the southern Atlantic coast, the Balearic archipelago, and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Annual rainfall ranges between 300mm and 800mm.

  • Rainfall Patterns:
    • Mediterranean Coast: Rainfall is limited, influenced by occasional Atlantic depressions.
    • Southern Atlantic Coast: Experiences more frequent precipitation due to the passage of Atlantic depressions.
  • Temperatures: Vary from north to south, featuring an intermediate temperature range (12°C-16°C), hot summers (above 22°C), and mild winters (average above 10°C).

Continental Mediterranean Climate

Found in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula, including parts of the Ebro Valley. Annual rainfall ranges between 300mm and 800mm.

  • Rainfall Distribution:
    • Central Meseta and Ebro Depression: Rainfall is scarce. Minimum precipitation occurs in winter, with maximums during the equinox seasons, especially spring.
    • Western Interior: More abundant precipitation due to the influence of Atlantic depressions.
  • Temperatures: Characterized by high temperatures, with an annual average often above 16°C.

Dry Mediterranean Climate (Steppe or Semi-desert)

This very arid climate is found in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula and the central Ebro Valley. Annual precipitation is very limited, typically less than 300mm.

  • Extreme Dryness:
    • Southeast: This area is extremely dry, influenced by occasional Mediterranean and African depressions, and strong winds. It has a semi-desert climate, with less than 150mm of rainfall per year.
    • Central Ebro Valley: Also very dry, as Mediterranean depressions do not typically reach this area, and it is not directly affected by the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Temperatures:
    • Southeast and Central Ebro Valley (Inland Cold Steppe): Annual average temperature is below 17°C, with cold or moderate winters.
    • Southeastern Coastal Temperate Steppe: Annual average temperature is 17°C-18°C, and winters are very mild (not falling below 10°C).

Mountain Climate

This climate occurs at altitudes above approximately 1000m across Spain’s mountain ranges. Key features include:

  • Altitude Influence: As altitude increases, precipitation generally increases, and temperatures decrease.
  • Rainfall and Snowfall: Annual precipitation often exceeds 1000mm. Annual average temperatures are low (less than 10°C), with cool summers and cold winters. Consequently, snowfall is abundant.
  • Regional Variations:
    • Northern Mountains (Pyrenees and Cantabrian Range): Summers are not dry and remain cool.
    • Central and Southern Mountains: Summer rainfall is significantly less, with one or two months potentially being dry.

Canary Islands Climate

The Canary Islands possess a unique climate, distinct from mainland Spain, primarily due to their subtropical latitude and oceanic influence.

  • Low Rainfall in Lowlands: Rainfall in low-lying areas is very low. In the western islands, annual precipitation ranges between 150mm and 300mm, with maximums occurring in winter.
  • Higher Rainfall at Altitude: In contrast, high-altitude areas can receive over 1000mm of precipitation due to the “sea of clouds” effect.
  • Mild Temperatures Year-Round:
    • Low-lying Areas: Temperatures are mild throughout the year, with monthly averages consistently above 17°C, resulting in a small temperature range.
    • High-altitude Areas: Temperatures decrease significantly at higher altitudes, leading to cooler conditions.