Today's weather for Costa Dorada, Spain8th Nov 2009 10:30

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Weather Overview for Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada is a 216km long section of Spanish coastline which lies in Catalonia, on the North East coast of Spain, adjacent to France and Andorra.

The Costa Dorada plays host to a beautiful Mediterranean climate, of long hot summers and short mild winters. The region benefits from a steady sea breeze that helps to cool the heat on summer evenings.

Summer sees days that often reach in excess of 30°C. June and September see daily averages of 22°C, with highs of 25°C and 26°C respectively. July and August are the hottest months, each seeing daily averages of 24°C and 25°C respectively and highs in the high 20’s, often reaching into the 30’s. Rain during this period is rare, though toward the end of summer (late September) you can expect the occasional thunderstorm.

In the summer months the south easterly winds, known as the ‘garbi,’ blow through the region keeping moisture levels low resulting in low relative humidity making the summer heat much more bearable - during summer, the humidity is between 66 and 69%.

Winters along the Costa Dorada are cool but rarely freezing. The sea means that conditions are moderated by the warm currents which stop the area from reaching any temperature extremes. Rainfall is moderate, falling regularly throughout the winter months, though the wettest months are actually September and October.

December to February sees average highs of 14°C to 16°C, with January being the coolest month. Average minimums fall to 6°C to 7°C and only very rarely hover around freezing point. As you head inland toward the mountain ranges there is a wider range of temperatures across the year, with summer highs reaching in excess of 40°C and the mercury often falling below 0°C in winter.

One of the things that Costa Dorada is famed for is its intense blue skies during the winter months. This is a result of the northeast mistral wind that prevails in the region. In the winter months it is at its strongest, clearing clouds, mist and fog.

Costa Dorada is a great destination for a holiday whatever the time of year. It is hot and sunny but crowded in the summer, and mild and quiet in the winter. Spring is a great time to visit if you want to miss the summer crowds and extreme heat. Autumn is similar but often wet.

The local towns celebrate a fiesta every month, each one with its own theme. So no matter what time of the year you visit Costa Dorada, you will be sure to find a celebration to attend. August is the busiest month and plays host to the majority of the summer festivals. During August is when the Ascension of the Madonna - Mystery of La Selva is celebrated with dancing in the street, fireworks, and traditional folk dance.

Even in the coolest month of January, Costa Dorada is still a hub of activity. January sees The Tres Tombs take over the streets. The Tres Tombs is a time-honoured parade of horses and carriages held around the time of St. Anthony's Day.

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