There is something irresistible about Granada, Spain. It is a unique city, that can't help but fascinate and charm first-time visitors and constantly surprise regulars. It is a city of bright colors and festive ambiance, and the weather in this laid-back, sometimes rugged city, seems to be perfectly in step with the architecture and atmosphere.
There is a rich and varied history in Granada. Once a flourishing Arab city, conquest by the Spanish monarchy in 1492 quickly changed the dominant religion from Muslim to Christianity, and introduced a number of new ideas, beliefs and customs.
There are times when the Moorish history can feel overshadowed by the present-day Christian holidays and tourist attractions, but from teashops to souvenirs the cool and relaxed North African vibe continues across the city.
Granada is situated in southeastern Spain, within the region of Andalucía. Andalucía is known for a lot of strong sunlight and relatively temperate weather. Although, summers are characterized by a persistent dry heat and certain winter days can be rather cold.
The weather of all four seasons occurs in Granada throughout the year. Winter is infrequently frigid, while summer can be incredibly hot at mid-day. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant with some increase in precipitation. However, from the height of summer to the depths of winter the weather often cooperates to allow visitors the warming sunlight to explore every corner and attraction in this entrancing and interesting Spanish city.
Spring
As winter changes to spring the weather remains quite cool. Mornings and evenings are often cold, and the airy guest rooms in historic buildings, which are so common throughout Granada, can be cold as well. Guests should prepare for these lower temperatures in the early and later hours of each day. However, spring in Granada is relatively dry making it a great destination when other places are wet and overcast.
Like most locations in Europe, spring in Granada means the weather is slowly becoming warmer. Yet, there are still unpredictably cool days, especially throughout March and April. At the start of spring, March experiences an average temperature of 10°C (50°F), while April is a month of steadily rising temperatures that culminate in May's average temperature of 16°C (60°F).
Of the spring months, April receives the most precipitation at 52 mm. April also has the most rainy days with an average of 12 days throughout the month. However, historically November has been the wettest month of the year in Granada.
Summer
The tourism high season hits Granada in the summer months, and so do the high temperatures. June, July and August are all known for a persistent, dry heat that can become overwhelming in mid-afternoon, particularly during July and August.
Of the summer months, June is far and away the most temperate and comfortable for visiting Granada. The average temperature in June lingers at a pleasant 20°C (68°F). While the hours of siesta can feel much hotter due to the strong sun, most of the day guests will find it's comfortable to walk throughout the city and explore the Alhambra.
July and August are known for long days ending in late sunsets and sweltering afternoons. July is both the sunniest and hottest month of the year in Granada, and the average temperatures of August are not much lower.
Despite the high temperatures, these months of the year are when Granada sees the most visitors. The most popular sites, including the famous Alhambra, can be incredibly congested and crowded. Advance tickets for the Alhambra are always recommended, but during June, July and August are often necessary to be admitted.
Autumn
The heat of August has hardly lifted in early September. The summer season fades as the month progresses, and by the end of September Granada can become cool throughout the day. However, after August's heat it is a relief to many visitors and locals when the temperatures begin to drop in September. By the end of the month, autumn has arrived and so have mild mornings and some stellar, sunny afternoons.
While the average high temperature for August is 32°C (90°F), the average high temperature for September, just one month later, is 28°C (82°F). Despite the steady decrease in both the average high and low temperatures throughout September, the weather is consistent.
October and November see the autumn trends of September continue. There is a continual drop in temperatures throughout the month, shortening of daylight hours and increasing change of precipitation. The month of October is often pleasant and mild, but visitors should prepare for the odd day that is chilly and/or rainy.
Throughout November in Granada these chilly and overcast days become more common, and by the end of the month the winter cold is approaching. November is also the wettest month of the year in Granada.
Winter
The winter months of December, January and February all experience similar temperatures. The average temperature in December and February is the same at 7°C (45°F). January is historically the coldest month of the year in Granada, with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). There are few days (more nights) that drop below 1°C (34°F), and relatively the winter weather of Granada may be considered quite mild.
The city's location, just west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is at a higher elevation than other, more temperate, Spanish cities, and it has been known to snow in Granada. An infrequent occurrence, if precipitation does turn to snow it would be in these three winter months.
The winter months do experience rain and sometimes sleet. The data from past years shows an average of 10, 8 and 9 days in December, January and February, respectively. The most precipitation is likely in December with an average of 61 mm falling.
Conclusion
The lively atmosphere and welcoming culture means there is never a bad time to visit Granada. Even on the hottest day of summer and coldest night of winter, this laid-back, university city has plenty of places to explore that are out of the elements and tapas bars to revive the most weary traveller. Anyone considering a holiday in Granada will not be disappointed, regardless of the time of year.