About
The Balearic Islands are a Spanish archipelago of islands located off the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, 120 miles southeast of Barcelona. The four main inhabited islands are Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca.
The Balearics have an idyllic Mediterranean climate of long hot summers and enjoyably short mild winters.
Summers spread across 6 months of the year. Temperatures in the height of summer will frequently reach above 30ºC - perfect for lying on the beach and working on your tan (albeit not for too long if you donât want sunburn). Lying in the western Mediterranean Sea, the islands experience the refreshing evening winds that provide a welcome break from the scorching summer heat.
Winter is quiet in the Balearics as it coincides with the wet season. However, there are frequent crisp sunny days and it is an ideal time to visit if you want to enjoy the more âtranquilâ side of the area. The winds and sea currents help keep conditions mild throughout the season.
The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring maintain pleasant temperatures of low to mid 20âs, and the water temperature is warm enough for swimming.
On average, the Balearics enjoy around 300 days of sunshine every year - between five hours of sunshine per day throughout November and December, and an astounding twelve hours of sunshine per day during the peak summer months. So, if working on your tan and pulling out your sunglass collection is on your agenda then the Balearic Islands are probably the place for you.
The Balearic Islands are a popular summer destination, though the weather is pleasant year round. The conditions do vary slightly across the islands; this is mainly dependent on the differing geography of each island and also the proximity to the mainland.
Mallorca, for example, is quite mountainous which results in cooler temperatures and higher rainfall, especially at higher elevations. The islands that consist mainly of low lying plains will generally experience higher temperatures and less frequent rainfall.
Ibiza
Lying in the very west of the archipelago is the worldâs favourite party island of Ibiza. Ibiza revels in fantastic conditions all year round, with a summer that begins in May and lasts right through until October. The island is tiny, only 45 kms wide and 25km long, but packed into this area are some of the worldâs best nightclubs and some of Europeâs most serious party goers! The conditions on the island are pretty predictable, whenever you visit you are guaranteed clear weather and mild conditions - warm to cool in winter, warm to hot in summer!
In the height of summer the mercury regularly sits about 30ºC. July and August are generally the hottest months. Relief from the heat is provided by the local sea breezes which blow through in the evenings. The island sees night time lows around 21ºC. If you need to cool down then head to the beach and dive into the Med Sea which during this time boasts a temperature of 25º - 27ºC. The peak summer months from June to September see very little rainfall.
Winters in Ibiza barely ever see the mercury fall below 0ºC. The average daytime temperature generally sits at about 15ºC. However, in the middle of the day underneath the Mediterranean sun the thermometer can record temperatures of 25ºC! Pretty amazing for the middle of winter.
The majority of winter plays host to clear sunny days which are broken up by a few short periods of rain. The locals will tell you that it never rains for more than 3 days at a time, so while an umbrella should definitely be included in your suitcase if visiting in winter, so should your sunglasses.
Winter weather on Ibiza is actually sunnier and warmer than on neighbouring island Mallorca. Ibiza in winter is a time for lazy beach walks, stocking up on some Vitamin D which is absent from many other European winter destinations.
Ibiza becomes a completely different island outside of summer. Summer sees the island packed to the brim with partygoers and youths from all over the globe, however the off season sees Ibiza return (to an extent) to a picturesque Spanish island. As Ibiza is a famed summer destination a lot of the island does actually close down come off-season, so while you will have your pick of beautiful, deserted beaches there isnât the same âbuzzâ that the island is so famous for and accommodation choices are somewhat limited.
Ibiza is famed for its golden sunsets which can be enjoyed from the popular Caf© de Mar or any of the beachside haunts.
Mallorca
Mallorca lies in between the two smaller islands of Menorca and Ibiza, and is the Balearicsâ largest island, home to the regions capital of Palma. The climate in Mallorca is fairly similar to that of Ibiza, described above. Mallorcaâs mountainous topography results in regional variation and especially at higher altitudes.
Mallorca has two main mountain ranges lying in the northwest and the east of the island. The northwest is home to the Serra de Tramuntana range which plays host to the islandâs highest point. The mountains see cooler temperatures, higher rainfall and even snow in the winter.
The north coast of Mallorca is home to rugged terrain with many cliffs and great view points. As you head further inland you will reach the central plain which records less rainfall and higher temperatures. The summers in the lowlands can get particularly hot, especially as you move further from the coast as central locations are not as affected by the coastal breezes.
The summer months see temperatures in the mid to high 20âs, though the average daily highs are in the 30âs. The winter months can see average lows fall to 4ºC. Rainfall is at its maximum during the autumn months from September to November, with October on average being the wettest month. During the summer months, rainfall in Mallorca is at its bare minimum.
Menorca
Menorca (sometimes spelt Minorca) is the second largest of Balearic Islands, and lies to the north east of Mallorca. Menorca has remained relatively unspoilt by tourism when compared to its neighbours. Most of the resorts are concentrated along the island's south coast which is where the islands most accessible and picturesque beaches are located. The north coast is more rugged and wild with picturesque horseshoe bays.
Menorca averages 315 days of sunshine a year. Like its western Baleriac counterparts, the average summer high temperature is around 30ºC, though it increases to the mid 30âs in the height of summer. Humidity is generally quite high (as it is an island, i.e. surrounded by water) usually sitting at about 70-77% even in the winter months. The winters are mild and sunny, though the high humidity and strong winds that come through archipelago from France can have the effect of making it feel rather cold and damp.
Menorca is sometime called the "windy isle", a result of the eight distinct winds that prevail in the area. Each of these winds has been given a different name by the locals. The tramontana (north wind) is the most prevalent, blowing on 150 days a year, bringing with it highly changeable weather.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest of the inhabited Baleriac Islands, being only 19 km long. The tiny island has four clearly defined seasons, including very warm and dry summers and cooler winters. Due to the islandâs size and its flatness, temperatures are similar across the island. Formentera does occasionally suffer from strong winds, though these bring a cool relief in the height of summer.
Formentera is made up of lowlands which mean rainfall is low year round. The summer months often see no rain at all which leaves the island very dry. The dry conditions combined with the prevailing winds results in a fairly dusty little island!