Today's weather for Mahon, Spain25th Jul 2008 20:00

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Weather Overview for Mahon

Mahon is the capital city of Menorca, the most easterly of the Balearic Islands which lie in the Mediterranean off Spain’s east coast. Although a beautiful island in its own right, it somewhat lies in the shadow of its more famous neighbours, Majorca and Ibiza. The fact that it is quieter, however, and lacks the big party towns of its flashy brothers makes it much more appealing to many. The fantastic climate is one of the main reasons tourists flock here every year.

Mahon’s climate is typically Mediterranean, characterised by long hot summers and short, mild winters. There are over 300 days of sunshine a year. Summer is the most popular time to visit, since the island thrives on its weather and beaches. If you fancy a quieter break then spring and autumn are still enjoy great weather. Winters are mild too and see a good deal of sunshine and so can give a welcome respite from the cold winters elsewhere in Europe.

An important factor in Mahon’s climate is the influence of the sea winds – there are as many as eight prevailing local winds which have led to Menorca being dubbed the ‘windy island.’ These winds can either be cooling in summer or bring unsettled weather in winter.

The sea around Menorca is warm year round and is an influence in the mild winters and hot summers. Surface temperature varies between around 15C and 25C.

Summer weather begins in May and the town is blessed with clear blue skies and warm temperatures. Daily highs average in the low 20s in early summer, and by the peak summer months of July and August it is frequently in the high 20s and above. August is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 25C. Good summer weather lasts into September and often longer.

Rainfall is very low in summer. The driest month is July with an average rainfall of just 4mm. Rain in June and August is rare too. By late summer rain becomes more likely.

Since Mahon is on the coast, relief is given on the hottest summer days by cooling sea breezes making it much more comfortable; temperatures inland can feel a lot hotter.

Autumn in Mahon is a very agreeable time. The town has quietened down after the busy summer months, but the weather remains great. Daily highs in September and into October remain in the low to mid 20s. Even November averages a healthy 14C – that’s on a par with June in London - and can enjoy highs approaching 20C.

Autumn is, however, the wettest time of the year in Mahon and is at its greatest when the summer heat begins to wane in late September. October is the wettest statistically, with an average of 84mm. Since most of this rain falls in short heavy bursts there is still a good deal of sunshine in autumn.

Winter in Mahon is mild and a little wet. It doesn’t really get cold – the coolest months are January and February which average 10C. Temperatures are akin to spring in the UK, and rarely drop below 5C. A sunny winter’s day can see temperature climb into the mid-teens.

Rainfall is not uncommon in winter, although neither is it very high. December and January are among the wettest of the year with around 70mm and then it begins to get drier again. The amount of sunshine remains healthy, even in winter.

Spring is arguably the best time to visit the island; it’s much quieter than summer but enjoys great weather. It’s the next driest time of year after summer and especially by late spring rainfall becomes increasingly rare. While nights can still be cool in early spring – under 10C - daytime highs are often in the 20s later in the season and there are a lot of sunny days.

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