Today's weather for Alicante, Spain16th May 2008 05:30

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Weather Overview for Alicante

Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.

There is a lot of sunshine here – on average 6hrs a day in winter and a massive 12hrs in summer.

Rainfall is generally low. Its highest in autumn and winter and very low in summer.

Summer weather:

Summer is hot, sunny and dry. This is perfect beach weather time, the sort of beautiful sunny weather that has made this part of Spain so popular with tourists.

Daily highs average around 29°C in the height of summer, July and August. The months of June and September see average highs of 27°C.

These pleasant daily highs are ensured by the cooling sea breezes that frequent the Costa Blanca. However on days when the sea breeze fails, temperatures can become stifling. Each year will see days when the mercury soars into the mid to high 30s, and sometimes even into the 40s.

At the other end of the scale temperature doesn’t generally drop below 20°C in summer time, even at night.

Summers are very dry in Alicante. June sees around 20mm on average, while July and August get next to no rainfall. Rainfall begins to build up again in late September.

Humidity is low in Alicante, making the hot days more comfortable.

Be sure to take good care in the sun, especially between noon and 3pm. Hat, t-shirt and sun cream are all advisable when out in the sunshine.

Winter Weather:

Winters are very mild in Alicante, making it a popular place for those looking to escape the cold winter of northern Europe.

It is not uncommon to enjoy a sunny winters day reaching 20°C. Daily highs are in the mid teens on average, while night time can see temperatures dropping to 6 or 7°C.

Occasionally it can get colder, however, and temperatures just below zero have been recorded, though they remain rare.

Rainfall is at its most likely in autumn and winter. Late autumn/early winter is the wettest time of the year. Still, the wettest month November, only sees around 60mm of rain on average. Most of this will fall in short heavy spells too, so there are plenty of sunny days throughout the winter - a welcome break from grey and wet England!

The one time it can get cold and miserable in Alicante is when the ‘Gota Fria’ hits town. This phenomenon is well known to locals, and translates as ‘cold drop’. It brings cold temperatures and heavy rains and is caused when warm, moisture laden air off the sea meets cooler air inland. Heavy storms can result, lasting anything from a couple of hours to four days. At this time, the coast around Alicante is battered by huge waves.

Although Gota Fria usually only occurs a couple of times a year, its severity has made it notorious in the region.

Spring and Autumn:

These are both great seasons to visit Alicante. Temperatures are very comfortable, often in the low to mid 20s. You won’t experience the very hot temperatures that can sometimes occur in summer, so it’s a great time for an active outdoor visit.

Rainfall is more likely than summer, especially in late autumn but there is still plenty of sunshine on offer. Combined with fewer crowds and cheaper prices, it can be a great time to visit.

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