Granada, a gem of southern Spain, is renowned for its rich history, architectural wonders, and a climate that is as diverse as its cultural heritage. This article explores the unique weather patterns in Granada, the local perspective on the climate, and how it shapes daily life in this beautiful city.
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Loading...In Granada there is a very popular and funny saying that goes like this:
“In Granada there are 4 seasons: summer, winter, the train station and the bus station” / “En Granada hay 4 estaciones: verano, invierno, estación de tren y estación de autobuses”.
Anonymous saying.
You can then ask a local to strike up a pleasant conversation and get a smile on their face. In short, it means that summer and winter temperatures are characteristically quite extreme, while autumns and springs are generally mild.
Table of contents
Granada’s Four Seasons
Unlike many parts of Spain, Granada experiences a distinctive four-season climate, owing to its geography. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and not far from the Mediterranean Sea, Granada’s weather is a delightful mix of warm – maybe hot – summers, mild autumns, chilly winters, and refreshing springs.
Spring in Granada
Spring, especially from the end of March through April, May and even early June, is undoubtedly the best time to visit Granada. With temperatures ranging between 15 and 20 °C and the city in full bloom, it is truly a sight to behold.
Since evenings and mornings during the early spring months tend to be quite chilly and midday temperatures hot, it’s quite common to pack a few easy-to-wear items of clothing for the constant changes in temperature that are so characteristic of Granada.
Although you may be surprised by the occasional refreshing thunderstorm, you know the saying: “April showers brings May flowers”.
Summer in Granada
Mainly from June to August, is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The sun is vibrant and the skies are always clear, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities, albeit with appropriate precautions.
The best time of day for sightseeing is early in the morning. In the evening, enjoy refreshing evening strolls and bars with terraces. At midday, it is best to seek good shade and whenever possible, a good siesta to avoid the hottest hours and direct sun.
Never be overconfident in Granada because temperatures can easily reach 40º or higher if a heat wave appears and could last for several days.
Autum in Granada
Autumn, from September to November, is mild and pleasant. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), and the city takes on a palette of beautiful fall colors. Autumn is undoubtedly the second best time of the year to visit Granada.
Some autumn days can surprise you by almost turning into a spring day in the morning and in the evening, be more like winter. It’s the ideal time to catch a cold if you get overconfident with your clothing.
Winter in Granada
The winter season, from December to February, can be quite chilly with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F). The higher altitudes of Sierra Nevada even see snowfall, turning it into a winter sports paradise.
Even if you visit the Sierra Nevada for skiing, the best months are usually from February onwards because the snow tends to arrive later and later in the mountains.
Average temperatures
The following table shows the average temperatures of Granada throughout the year, extracted from the last 20 years of climatological data.
Best time to visit Granada
In case it wasn’t clear enough, the best times to go sightseeing in the city of Granada are, firstly, spring, with its mild temperatures that increase as summer approaches.
On the other hand, autumn is the second best time to visit the city. It is the closest thing to prolonging the summer months although with other colours in nature and a little less light and heat.
Costa Tropical, An Exception
While Granada city experiences a four-season climate, there’s a unique exception within the province: La Costa Tropical.
This stretch of coastline, named for its subtropical microclimate, enjoys mild, temperate weather all year round. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F) in winter, nor do they exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer.
This temperate climate, along with the fertile soils, allows for the cultivation of exotic fruits like mangoes, avocados, and guavas, which are uncommon in the rest of mainland Spain.
Hence, while the rest of Granada may be experiencing a hot summer or a chilly winter, the Costa Tropical remains a paradise of year-round pleasant weather. This unique climate also attracts tourists, providing a beach escape just an hour’s drive from Granada city.