Today's weather for Costa Brava, Spain21st Nov 2009 18:30

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Weather Overview for Costa Brava

The Costa Brava receives a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, winters. Costa Brava is Spain’s northernmost east coast in the region of Catalunya. It’s position means it is cooler and wetter than the rest of Spain’s Costas which is in fact preferable in the summer. Inland from the coast the Pyrenees Mountains rise. These protect the coast by trapping wet weather coming over from the west, but also send the cool tramuntana winds down into the lowlands and coastal plain.

This region is subject to many conflicting weather systems coming over from the Atlantic, Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Sea and as such can be very unpredictable. Conditions can alter considerably from year to year. The mountainous topography creates regional variation in weather conditions. Many bays have microclimates depending on the direction they face and areas of higher altitude experience cooler, wetter conditions year round.

Costa Brava translates as “wild coast”. This name reflects the handsome, rugged landscape and its windy, changeable weather. It is home to many of Spain’s most popular seaside getaways including Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Calella and Santa Susanna. There are a many smaller, more traditionally Spanish seaside towns spread along the coast.

Summer, from June till September, sees ideal temperatures and lots of sun. The average high temperature sits around 25°C in June and September and gets up to a peak of 28°C in July and August. Night times are quite a bit cooler but in the peak months the average low is 21°C which can be uncomfortable. In the summer the prevailing wind is from the southeast and contrary to expectations this means that southeast facing resorts are actually warmer than north facing areas. This is because the southeast winds often bring warm, dry weather over from mainland Africa. If the sirocco blows from the Sahara temperatures can even be seen in the mid 30s. However, the Costa Brava is generally the mildest of Spain’s coastal regions and the heat is usually perfectly comfortable.

July is the sunniest month with nine hours of sunshine per day. September is the least sunny of the summer months with only six hours per day. The sea temperature peaks in August at 25°C but is warm enough for swimming throughout the season and for some time after. Rainfall is low, dipping to its annual lowest point in July, but a few showers and grey days are bound to occur.

Autumn, in October and November, is initially very warm but quickly cools down. The average high temperature gets down to 21°C in October and 16°C in November. Night time lows fall to 15°C in October and 11°C in November. Sunshine levels decline and rainfall increases; October is actually the wettest month in the year and often sees thunderstorms. This is a great time to visit for walking or sporting holidays which don’t depend on uninterrupted sunshine and are more suited to mild temperatures. The sea is warm enough for swimming for most of October but too cool in November. Conditions are generally quite unpredictable. The cool tramuntana prevails during autumn so even during warm days there can be a sneaky chill.

Winter, from December till February, is mild and sometimes cold. The average high temperature gets down to about 13°C for most of the season and the average low gets down to around 7°C. January is always the coldest month. It can get down to freezing but rarely does. Frost develops away from the coast and snow has dusted the region on the odd occasion. Sunshine levels stay at around five hours per day which is really very acceptable for winter in the northern hemisphere. Many Britons go to Costa Brava during the winter as it provides a cheap and close improvement on the dismal British winter. The sea is too cold for swimming and when the wind blows it can feel bitterly cold, but many clear days of bright sunshine also occur.

Spring, from March till May, is a bit wetter than winter but temperatures and sunshine levels increase throughout the season. The average high temperature increases to 16°C in March, 18°C in April and 21°C in May so from mid April sunny days often see the temperature in the low 20s. Night time temperatures remain cool and for the first half of the season the tramuntana can still push the perceived temperature down to the low teens. The sea does not get warm enough for swimming till the end of the season. Sunshine levels increase to six hours per day in March and April and up to seven in May.

The Costa Brava is a great holiday destination year round. The summer provides typical beach weather with warm nights for sipping sangria and gorging on tapas. Autumn is great for exploring the countryside. The winter is cool but much sunnier than winter in Britain so if you remember to bring your coat and don’t expect to swim and sunbathe, you’re sure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and rugged landscape. Spring sees the landscape come to life with new green leaves and colourful blossom.

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