Today's weather for Murcia, Spain9th Nov 2009 01:00

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Weather Overview for Murcia

Murcia has a Mediterranean climate typical of the Costa Blanca region. The region starts in the north at Denia and continues down to Torrevieja in the south. Costa Blanca encompasses the well-known tourist destinations of Benidorm and Alicante.

Murcia’s climate is fairly consistent and therefore predictable, though the winter months are subject to some variation. The region sees 2800 hours of annual sunlight with a yearly average temperature of about 19.3°C. Characteristic of the Spanish coast, summers are kept temperate by the light ocean breezes and kept dry by the mountains to the west which block rain-bearing, cool winds.

Like much of Costa Blanca, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Murcia as the weather is excellent year round in comparison to the UK. If you don’t mind being 45 km from the nearest beach, with mild winters and hot summers, Murcia is an ideal Spanish destination for those who want to escape the throngs of tourists in Valencia and Barcelona.

SUMMER

Summers in Murcia are very hot with very little rainfall. The average daily temperature rises to 27°C in June and to a peak of 31°C in July and August before getting back down to 29°C in September. It is best to try to avoid the sun between the hours of 12 -3 as the UV rating and heat are extreme. Due to its location almost 45 km from the coast, Murcia town is significantly hotter than the coastal areas and experiences little cooling from the sea breezes. Fortunately, low humidity helps to keep the heat bearable and after the peak of the day, afternoons can be quite comfortable. Exploring the streets of Murcia town is perhaps most pleasant during sunset around 8pm. The oppressive heat lifts but warmth still radiates from the buildings.

The hottest day ever recorded in recent times was in July 1994 when the barometer skyrocketed to 47°C Celsius! When the temperatures rise above 40°C it is often difficult to sleep at night so it’s best to ensure your accommodation has working air-conditioning!

WINTER

Winters are very mild, particular when compared to northern Europe. The months from December to January are still filled with clear, sunny days and low rainfall.

January is the coldest month with an average high of 16°C and an average low of 5°C. The surrounding months are slightly warmer. Wet, overcast conditions are more common than in the summer but do not dominate the season. Rain falls on around 11 days in each month in short showers, leaving time for around six hours of sunshine per day – astronomical in comparison to the UK.

However, unlike the summer months, Murcia’s weather throughout winter is known to be somewhat temperamental. You might enjoy a stretch of near 20°C days, only to wake up one morning to a grey sky, strong winds, rain and a pitiful 6°C. Despite this, the water temperature remains considerably warm which contribute to Murcia being a year round tourist destination as it is possible to swim in all seasons.

Murcia, and surrounding areas, occasionally experience ‘Gota Fria’ (cold drop) when temperatures plummet and it is possible to receive an entire year’s rainfall over a series of days. This torrential rain has lead to severe flooding in the past and can have devastating effects.

SPRING/AUTUMN

Spring sees Murcia warming up and the initial trickle of tourists begins to flow. The temperatures are warm enough to swim and are perfect for outdoor activities. March sees an average high temperature of 18°C; April is just about beach-compatible at 20°C; and May is gorgeous at 23°C.

Autumn in Murcia is when school starts; tourists leave and the average high returns to a comfortable 24°C. If you want to experience a more genuine taste of the region, autumn is a good time to visit as you can avoid the peak prices of summer, busy beaches and are much less likely to come home with unattractive tan lines and blistering sunburn!

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