last edited Dec 11, 2019
Climate and Weather in Andalusia
Location Map of Andalusia
Climate Overview
The climate in Andalusia varies significantly depending on whether you're on the coast or inland.
The entire coastline, including the Atlantic portion of the region, has a Mediterranean climate. The area enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with dry, hot summers that are tempered by the proximity of the sea and mountains. While average summer temperatures hover around 30°C, it's still cooler than inland. Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures often between 15 and 20°C and relatively little rain.
The inland areas have a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers that can even be scorching (temperatures regularly reach 40°C in some places). There are also significant temperature swings between day and night. In higher-altitude areas (which can exceed 3,000 meters), winters can be harsh. Like most of Spain, rainfall is relatively low, though the turn of the year tends to be slightly wetter locally.
Best Time to Visit
The period from April to early November is climatically ideal for exploring the coast, though July and August can be quite hot and, of course, extremely crowded. For those seeking mild winter sun, the coast is also very pleasant compared to the rest of Europe. Inland, spring and autumn are the best seasons—if only to avoid the summer heatwaves. In short, no matter which part of Andalusia you plan to visit, April–June and September–October are highly recommended.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal climate | ||||||||||||
| Inland climate | / |
: very favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.
Sea Temperatures Throughout the Year
Andalusia offers swimming opportunities for much of the year, though the most comfortable period is between May and mid-autumn.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cádiz | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 16 |