Weather in Spain

Expats often imagine the weather in Spain to be marked by magnificent sunny skies, Mediterranean temperatures and cool ocean breezes. Though this certainly happens to be the case in parts of the country, Spain has its fair share of geographic diversity and, as a result, the temperature in Spain varies considerably.

Most of the country does see hot, sunny summers, but winter weather changes depending on the locale, and the central and Alpine areas can experience their fair share of frosty temperatures and snowfall. Expats should pay careful attention to what patterns are associated with each region.

The Spanish east coast typically enjoys mild winters, abundant sunshine and off-season rainfall. Spain's southern region, Andalusia, is considerably hotter, and many expats will find the peak summer months of July and August quite uncomfortable; hot winds from the nearby African deserts often make an appearance. The northern part of Spain experiences moderate summers and cold winters, but is prone to a large amount of rainfall. The Spanish mountain region is subject to harsh winds, cold winters and mild summers.

Overall, though, the climate in Spain is enjoyable, and expats won't find too much to complain about in the way of weather. There are also lots of low-cost shopping opportunities for those who need to beef up their winter wardrobe or supplement the summer options in their closet.