Spain has a unique location in which the temperate zone gives it a sub-tropical climate throughout most of the year. However, the country of Spain also experiences a vast amount of diversity in its climate due to the ruggedness of the landscapes in the country.The country is filled with rolling meadows, and sizeable mountains, which both have an effect on the climate in Spain.
In fact, the Cantabrian Mountains serve as a division in climate for the entire country. The mountain range separates Spain into two very distinguishable climatic zones. One being the rainy Spain, which occupies the area north of the mountains and the dry Spain, which exists south of the Cantabrian Mountain range.
The rainy Spain consists of: the Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicias. All of which are stationed on a small strip on the north end of the mountain range. The regions mentioned have an amazing temperate climate where the temperatures can vary during the year. Summers are quite cool, whereas winters are not that cold. The nickname “Rainy Spain” commonly owes its birth to the gigantic and very frequent rainfall that the countries in this region commonly experience.
At any rate, the climate in Spain in these places mentioned are equivalent to the climates in Western Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. The Atlantic coast of Spain generates very much rainfall. The Atlantic Coast of Spain is cool for most of the year because of this. The climate in all of these regions helps to support a Northern-European-type of vegetation, and that is partially the reason that the region is known for its vast array of beautiful National parks. The scenic views of these places mentioned, is second to none in the world.
To the south of the Cantabria Mountains is given the name “Dry Spain” due to the minimal rainfall and blistering sun that hits this region. The empty blue sky helps rule out any possibility of rainfall. Because of the dryness, and little rainfall, the region is prone to occasional violent thunderstorms which don’t tend to last very long. However, the climate is very unpredictable as the region does tend to vary.
Inland Spain lies in this region, and experiences hot summers with temperatures being excruciatingly hot at times. On the other end of the spectrum, the winters can be freezing with temperatures that dip to the freezing point, and occasionally lower.
The Mediterranean coast of Spain tends to experience better weather than that of the Atlantic coast, with temperatures being mostly mild year round. The beaches of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Del Sol also enjoy the warm Mediterranean weather. Because of that, this region remains popular among tourists who travel from all over the world to enjoy the climate in Spain. Spain’s other famous tourist destinations in Barcelona are desirable for visitors throughout the entire year, with the exception of the months of September and October, which tend to be very wet.
Madrid is situated on the highest altitude in the European continent, and experiences unpredictable weather at times. However, the stunning destination of Valencia is a safe and fun place to visit during the summers. Otherwise, other times during the year it can be host to some unexpected rainstorms.
Overall, the climate in Spain can be split into the rainy north and the dry and hot south. The prime months to visit the beautiful country of Spain are from April through October. July through August would be best to avoid, as temperatures in the country can become extremely hot, except for the coastal regions. In the end, Spain is very popular for tourists all over the world, mainly for its sunny weather and sprawling beaches.