Spain’s Diverse Climates: From Oceanic to Subtropical
Oceanic Climate
It occupies the area north of Spain: Cantabrian and Galicia. Rainfall is abundant, regular, and soft. The annual total exceeds 800 mm. Its distribution throughout the year is fairly regular, with a winter maximum and a summer minimum due to the influence of the Azores anticyclone. The rain falls softly, promoting soil infiltration. Temperatures are characterized by a low temperature range on the coast due to the influence of the moderate sea and inland.
Mediterranean Climate
Occupies the largest area of Spain. Rainfall is low or moderate, irregular, and stormy. The annual total is less than 800 mm. Its distribution is irregular, with dry summers due to the Azores anticyclone. Rainfall often occurs as strong storms that erode the soil. Temperatures vary with latitude and distance to the sea. We distinguish 3 subtypes:
Mediterranean Sea Climate
Occupies the area of the Mediterranean coast. Rainfall is low to moderate. The annual total is between 300 and 800 mm. In the southern Atlantic coast, rainfall is more abundant due to the influence of Atlantic storms. On the Mediterranean coast, rainfall is lower because Atlantic storms lose their moisture crossing the peninsula. Temperatures are characterized by a moderate temperature range (12-16 °C) due to the warmth of the Mediterranean. Summers are hot, and winters are mild (not below 10 °C).
Continental Mediterranean Climate
Occupies the peninsular area. Rainfall is low to moderate. The annual total is between 300 and 800 mm. In the western sector, rainfall is more abundant due to the influence of Atlantic storms. In the center, precipitation occurs due to lightening in the mountains. Temperatures are characterized by a high temperature range (+16 °C) due to the isolation from the sea’s influence. We distinguish 3 subtypes:
- The northern sub-plateau (Guadalajara, Teruel, and Cuenca) has cool summers and cold winters with frequent frosts.
- The southern sub-plateau has hot summers and cold winters but with less frost impact.
- The Andalusian interior has very hot summers and moderate winters.
Dry Mediterranean Climate
Covers the area of the SE Peninsula and the middle Ebro valley. Rainfall is very low. The annual total is between 150 and 300 mm. The SE responds to the arid zone and is protected from storms by the reliefs of the Betic Cordilleras. In the middle of the arid Ebro valley, aridity is due to lightening in the mountains. The Betic system acts as a barrier against storms and slows the Catalan mountain’s Mediterranean influence. Temperatures vary with latitude and distance to the sea.
Mountain Climate
Occupies the area of territories situated over 1000m above sea level. Rainfall is very abundant. The annual total is over 1000 mm. As altitude increases, temperatures decrease, and precipitation increases. Temperatures are characterized by a low annual average (-10 °C). Winters are cold, and frequent precipitation occurs as snow. a) The Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains have no dry month and cool summers that do not exceed 22 °C. b) The mountains of the Mediterranean area suffer a significant reduction in summer rainfall, which may result in one or two dry months exceeding 22 °C.
Canary Climate
They have a subtropical climate due to their proximity to the tropics and the African coast, which results in mild temperatures all year round. The cold Canary current cools surface water and increases air stability in summer. In low areas, rainfall is very low, varying from sub-desert to desert climate. Temperatures are warm all year, no month below 17 °C, and the temperature range is very low (below 8 °C). In the midlands and highlands, rainfall increases and may reach 1000 mm; however, temperatures drop.