In English, La Manga means "the sleeve" a good description for the 20 kilometer stretch of land narrowly separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor ("small sea"). The semi-arid climate of this part of the Mediterranean provides warm summers and moderately cold winters. At its coldest, the weather in La Manga Del Mar Menor drops to a daily average of 10°C during January, the coldest month of the year, but temperatures also rise to a 26°C average during July, the hottest month.
The Mar Menor is a salty, shallow body of water protected by La Manga from the winds and waves of the Mediterranean, making it a calm and warm place to swim. The temperatures of the Mar Menor rarely drop below 15°C annually, and reach an average of 25°C in the summer. It can be enjoyed almost year round, especially as there are plenty of water sports such as kayaking that can be enjoyed even when the water is too cold for a swim.
Known as the "paradise between two seas," visitors to La Manga del Mar Menor can experience standing with the Mediterranean to their back and looking straight across to the Mar Menor. With the feeling of being on a small island, it's also surrounded by hotels and restaurants that add the comforts of home. This unique aspect makes it a popular spot, especially for summer travelers.
The average temperature throughout the year is a comfortable 17°C. Averages are calculated over a 30-year period and reflect the general feeling of an area. However, La Manga does occasionally see extreme temperatures. The hottest summer recorded in the Murcia region, where La Manga is located, was on July 4, 1994 when temperatures reached 48°C. Winters are usually very mild, though snow was recorded along the coastline in 2005.
Summer
Summer is the busiest season for this area as tourists flock to the coast for sunbathing and watersports. The summer is also the driest season of the year, with July receiving only 3mm of rain occurring over 2 days throughout the month. Boasting approximately 325 days of sunshine every year, June and July have an average of 13 hours of sunshine every day and a 68 percent chance of a sunny day. With plenty of sunshine and little rain, there's enough time to enjoy the warm weather and waters while vacationing in La Manga.
The sea temperature during the summer reaches a daily average of 25°C in August, though the Mediterranean tends to be a bit cooler as it is more exposed to currents and has deeper waters. The daily highs during the summer average around 33°C on warm afternoons while the Mediterranean winds can bring cooler evenings with temperatures down to 16°C, keeping the area comfortable throughout the day.
Autumn
When summer ends, the rainfall spikes as autumn begins. Though not quite as rainy as the spring, September has an average rainfall of 32mm spread throughout 7 days in the month. Even with a bit more rain, there is still only a 14 percent chance of a rainy day for visitors coming to La Manga this month. The daily amount of sunlight begins to drop a bit but stays far sunnier than autumn elsewhere as La Manga receives approximately 8 hours each day.
And though the daily average temperature drops from 23°C in September to 13°C in November, the sea stays fairly warm from the summer heat, dropping to a cool but comfortable 19°C in November. The wind is usually at its highest in autumn, so visitors hoping to enjoy more challenging kitesurfing or windsurfing will especially enjoy visiting at this time. The Mar Menor stays calmer throughout the year though, so there is always a gentler option for beginners to try watersports too.
Winter
When winter comes, nearby mountains protect the area from cold northern winds, so it rarely reaches freezing temperatures in La Manga. During the coldest month, January, average daily temperatures drop down to 10°C, still warm enough to enjoy exploring the area with fewer crowds during this lower travel season. January also shares low sea temperatures with February and March, each month with a daily average of 15°C, which some may brave for a swim while others may prefer to enjoy the water from sailboats and kayaks.
The temperatures in La Manga during winter are very similar to those in surrounding parts of Spain though La Manga also tends to receive more sunshine than surrounding areas, with 7-8 hours of sunshine a day during the winter. The rainfall during winter can be a bit unpredictable, though it tends to come in one, short downpour rather than linger for days. The average rainfall in January is 33mm occurring over 7 days throughout the month, with an overall 26 percent chance of a rainy day. Most visitors at this time of year will find that the rain isn't enough to cancel any major plans, but just enough that you may need an umbrella or a short retreat indoors from the beach. Of course, locals don't shy away from the rain or cool temperatures. February is festival season for the area and tourists who come during this time will be rewarded with beautiful costumes, parades and balls throughout the region.
Spring
Spring can be particularly wet in La Manga, though still drier than many places further north. March is the rainiest month, with an average of 37mm of rain taking place over 6 days through the month. There is a 27 percent chance of a rainy day and a 14 percent chance of a cloudy day in March. However, on the sunny days the sunshine lingers for 9-10 hours each day, so tourists have plenty of time to sunbathe.
The sea temperatures slowly begin to rise and the weather warms up. The daily average sea temperature is a cool 15°C in March but it climbs to 18°C by May, before truly warming up for the summer. Warm afternoons during this time of year can reach up to 26°C, plenty warm for enjoying the warm waters of the Mar Menor. Cool evenings can drop down to 8°C though, so visitors hoping to enjoy evening walks along the promenade or drinks with an ocean view will need to bring a light jacket. As the temperatures vary a bit during this time, travelers will benefit from checking the forecast before and during their trip, though most will find the combination of mild weather and low crowds before the peak summer season to be an excellent choice.