The tourists descend on the area to enjoy the amazing weather that Sotogrande experiences in the month of July. Like nearby Alcaidesa, the average daily temperature is 24°C (about 75°F), a near perfect temperature for being outside and exploring the area. From golfing to hiking to sitting on the beach, the resort has something to offer everyone on holiday. The lows only get down to 19°C (around 66°F), an ideal temperature for sipping on a cool drink near the beach while watching the night stars come out.
In the heat of the day, the highs jump up to 29°C (about 84°F). Thanks to the ocean breezes that come across from the north of Africa and the Sahara, the humidity stays down making it feel nice. Bring along the summer clothing, such as shorts, short-sleeve shirts, and sandals. Don't forget your bathing suit either! The area sees over 11 hours of sunshine each day, so make sure you have sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from a nasty sunburn.
With a scant 3 mm of rain that falls in the entire month, you can leave the umbrella at home. The area sees only one day of rain this month and sometimes, the whole month goes by without a single drop. If it does rain, you can be assured it will be short and light. With an average sea temperature of 22°C (about 72°F), the warmest it gets all year, you'll definitely want to get into the water to swim or try some watersports.
While rare, this part of southern Europe has seen some extreme highs and lows. The highest recorded temperature was an unheard of 41°C (around 105°F). The lowest recorded temperature went down to a cool 14°C (about 58°F). More than likely, you won't face major highs or lows during your stay, but check the local forecast to be sure.
Where to Stay
Part of the exclusive San Roque Club in Sotogrande, the Suites at San Roque Club will spoil you with the beauty of Andalucia and top-quality service. Each of the rooms, suites, and bungalows has tasteful décor with marble bathrooms and views of the gardens. On-site you'll find a restaurant, cafeteria, bar, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, sauna, polo, paddle tennis, and horseback riding. You'll also enjoy golfing at the San Roque Club.
At Hotel Las Camelias, the bright and colourful décor welcomes you and makes you feel at home. You can choose from the standard double, triple, or family room, or opt for an apartment with separate living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens. The on-site restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Relax in the snooker room or head out to the large terrace to enjoy sweeping views of the sea and the warm July weather.
Another good choice for budget travellers, the Atrium at San Roque has comfortable rooms, including several with private en-suite bathrooms. The affordable rooms include simple but tasteful décor, comfortable beds, high ceilings, lots of space, and traditional Spanish touches. Each morning, you're treated to a full breakfast and the hotel owners are helpful and knowledgeable about the area.
Things to Do
Cool off from the July heat with some watersports at Centro Náutico de Sotogrande Watersports found in the heart of Sotogrande. At the Centro Nautico, you can try canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. You can also do stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing, perfect with the breezes that blow across from Africa. The instructors are friendly and helpful, teaching you the basics to get you out on the water in no time.
Not just for royals and the wealthy anymore, polo is an exciting sport to watch. You can take in a match at the Santa Maria Polo Club just outside Sotogrande. Most of the polo games are free, so you can spend the money on yummy drinks to sip on while you watch. The club also has numerous food vendors selling delicious local delicacies and you can also do some shopping at the boutique stands around the club.
The La Canada Club de Golf is another premier course in the Sotogrande area. The course has sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. It's also full of lush greenery, palm trees, and willows. Utilise the practice area to perfect your stroke before you head out on the greens. Check out the Spanish-style clubhouse with pro shop, caddie master, changing rooms, café, and restaurant.
Hit the Beach
Just west of the Guadiaro River estuary, Playa Sotogrande invites beachgoers to enjoy its warm sand and gorgeous water. The sea temperatures get up to 22°C (about 72°F) in July, plenty warm for swimming and watersports. With 2 km of sand, the beach offers toilets, lifeguards, and a parking lot. It's home to the Trocadero Beach Club with amazing amenities. Members of the beach club have access to swimming pools, sun loungers, and restaurant and bar. You can get yearly memberships, as well as daily passes.
Eating and Drinking Out
A traditional Argentinian steakhouse, El Gaucho has some of the best steaks in the Sotogrande area. All the meat dishes are cooked over a traditional Argentina grill and served by a friendly and helpful staff that speaks French, Spanish, and English. Several side options exist to accompany your meat dish including French fries, potato puree, vegetable skewers, green beans, and spinach.
Laid-back, casual, and fun, the Chambao Beach Bar is part of one of Sotogrande's premier beaches. Open for breakfast through late night, the beach bar has a sushi master on hand, rolling up delicious sushi plates. You can also get appetisers, breakfast, Japanese dishes, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. Enjoy your meal or snack right on the beach, as you enjoy the sweet breezes blowing across the sand.
Part of the Milla de Plata Hotel, the Milla de Plata Restaurant has a spacious dining room with huge windows overlooking the water. In the warmer months, dine on the outdoor deck with glass windows that make you feel like you're sitting right on the water. The classy dining room is the perfect setting for a wonderful seafood dinner. Most of the seafood and fish is caught fresh right from the Mediterranean Sea.
