What's The Weather Like In Alicante?
Once known as 'Lucentum' or 'city of light', Alicante is famous for its beautiful beaches, palm-studded boulevards, and exciting nightlife.
Located in the Costa Blanca, the epicentre of Spain's tourist industry, Alicante draws thousands of visitors each year. The resort sees around 2800 hours of sunshine throughout the year.
The resort is protected by a ridge of small hills to the north, it has a milder and more temperate Mediterranean microclimate in comparison to some of its nearest neighbours, such as Benidorm and Elche.
Summer Weather in Alicante
Summer Temperatures In Alicante
Summer in Alicante is a long season and the most popular time of year for visitors. The prime summer months are usually hot and dry, with up to 11 hours of sunshine each day in June and July.
Heatwaves are common and temperatures often reach 40°C or above in late July and early August. On the whole though, average high temperatures are more commonly between 29°C and 31°C.
How Warm Is Summer In Alicante?
Average daily temperatures can reach a comfortable medium, with sea breezes helping to mediate the heat somewhat. In June for example, temperatures are more likely to be a lovely and mild 23°C. Night-time lows never go below 18°C.
Does It Rain In Alicante In Summer?
There's very little rainfall during the summer months with only 23mm across three days in June. July is the driest month of the year with only 4mm of rain across 1 day. Rain picks up in September, indicating that autumn is on its way, despite the reliably good temperatures during this month.
How Humid Does It Get In Alicante In Summer?
Humidity in Alicante during summer is a relatively high 70% meaning high temperatures will feel even hotter. For this reason, a lovely sea temperature averaging about 25°C will be perfect for a cooling dip in the sea.
The long, hot days and relatively little rainfall means summer in Alicante boasts perfect beach weather and tourism at this time largely centred around sun, sea and sand.
Autumn Weather in Alicante
How Much Rain Does Alicante Get In Autumn?
September sees the start of the rainy season in Alicante. While the mornings tend to start out clear and sunny, by the afternoon visitors can expect showers and thunderstorms.
There is also a risk of flooding at this time, especially later in the season as rainfall averages increase. October is the wettest month of the year, with 66mm of rain falling heavily across four days.
Autumn Temperatures In Alicante
Temperatures cool rapidly in the autumn months, though it should remain fairly warm and pleasant with October seeing average temperatures of 20°C, with highs of 25°C.
There are around seven hours of sunshine each day, dropping to six hours a day in November. By this time night-time lows have dropped to 11°C so a jacket is recommended.
Sea temperatures have also dipped to 19°C by the end of autumn so the season for swimming is over for all but the very brave.
Winter Weather in Alicante
Does Alicante Get Much Sun in Winter?
There are likely to be considerable temperature fluctuations in Alicante during winter and it can be fairly cool and windy. This is caused by the arrival of a fast-moving cold front which makes its way across the mountains to the north of the resort.
Is Alicante Sunny At Christmas?
December often offers a sunny Christmas Day with highs of 18°C and five hours of sunshine. With mild temperatures and little rainfall, the winter months can be an excellent time to visit Alicante and escape cold winters elsewhere.
What Are The Winter Temperatures Like In Alicante?
Average temperatures of 12°C in January remain temperate, especially compared to winter across northern Europe! However, night-time lows of 7°C may be reached, so although there is no danger of snow, you will need a coat. Still, there is plenty to enjoy in Alicante on a sunny winter day.
How Much Rain Does Alicante Get In Winter?
Winter is a relatively dry season between December and February, which sees only 27mm of rain across four days. Generally, autumn and spring are the damper seasons.
Spring Weather in Alicante
How Much Rain Does Alicante Get In Spring?
The spring weather in Alicante can be changeable as weather conditions make way for summer again. Some days will likely be clear, sunny and warm, while others might be wet and overcast.
April and May see a little more rain, just above 30mm in each month, but it is restricted to eight or nine days a month and is unlikely to affect your trip.
Spring Temperatures In Alicante
Temperatures gradually begin to rise with May seeing average temperatures of around 18°C, with highs of 23°C in comparison to peaks at 20°C in March.
Alicante Spring Sea Temperature
There is an increasing number of sunshine hours from seven in March to nine in May. Sea temperatures are warming up, reaching a pleasant 19°C in May so swimmers can get ready to dive back in soon.
Spring is quieter but still experiences reasonable weather conditions, so can be an excellent time to visit Alicante without the summer crowds.
Unusual Weather In Alicante
Dust And Sand Storms In Alicante
Because of Alicante's position in the Mediterranean, close to North Africa, dust storms can be a problem. Hot winds that blow across the Sahara cause the storms and they can cover large areas of Spain.
These tend to last for around 1-4 days and can severely reduce visibility. They also have an effect on respiratory problems so if you're travelling to an area that is prone to them, make sure you carry medication and seek inside shelter during a storm.
Droughts And Bush Fires In Alicante
Droughts are also occasionally a problem in Alicante, though one that affects locals more than tourists. They also exacerbate bush fires as the vegetation is much drier so the fires last longer and are more intense.
Alicante Thunderstorms
After long periods of drought, it's not uncommon to see severe wet weather, including thunderstorms and hail storms, as well as heavy rain. These can lead to flash flooding.
Spain can see around 10-20 thunderstorms and 10 hail storms a year, usually occurring between May-September.
January 2020 - When Storm Gloria Hit Spain
On 20 January 2020 Storm Gloria ravaged parts of Spain and the Balaeric Islands. 13 people died in the extreme weather surge that caused windespread flooding and and swept away roads. A foot of snow also fell, triggering a rare red weather alert. The ferocious weather saw winds of more than 90mph and waves reached more than 8 metres along the coastline of south-eastern Spain.