Weather on the Costa Brava , Spain
The Costa Brava enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. Due to its north eastern location, Costa Brava's weather is generally cooler and wetter than many other coastal areas in Spain. Whilst this might sound like a negative point, the cooler damper weather is much enjoyed during summer, when many other parts of Spain are affected by scorching temperatures.
In land from the coast lie the Pyrenees Mountains which protect the coast by trapping wet weather coming over from the west, simultaneously sending the cool tramuntana winds down into the lowlands and coastal plain.
In addition to the Pyrenees Mountains, the weather in the Costa Brava is also affected by many conflicting weather systems coming over the Atlantic from Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Sea and as such can be very unpredictable, with conditions regularly changing considerably between one year and the next.
The mountainous topography creates regional variation in weather conditions. Many bays have microclimates, depending on the direction they face. Generally, the areas of higher altitude experience cooler, wetter conditions throughout the year than the lower-lying areas.
The name "Costa Brava" literally translates into "wild coast" in English. This name reflects the handsome, rugged landscape of the region and its windy, changeable weather. It's home to many of Spain's most popular seaside getaways including Blanes, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, Calella and Santa Susanna. There are a many smaller, more traditional Spanish seaside towns spread along the coast.
Summer Weather: June - September
The summer season in the Costa Brava generally falls between June and September, when the region enjoys high temperatures and lots of sunshine. The average high temperature sits around 26-27°C in June and September, rising up to a peak of 30°C in July and August. Night times are quite a bit cooler, with the average low dropping down to minimum of 14°C in June. The highest temperature ever recorded in the Costa Brava fell during the summer season and took place on August 13th 2013, when temperatures as high as 41.2°C were registered at the weather station in Girona.
In the summer, the prevailing wind is from the southeast and contrary to expectations this means that southeast facing resorts are actually warmer than north facing areas. This is because the southeast winds often bring warm, dry weather over from mainland Africa. If the sirocco blows in from the Sahara, temperatures can soar up to the mid 30s. However, the Costa Brava is generally the mildest of Spain's coastal regions and the heat is usually perfectly comfortable.
On average, June, July and August are the sunniest months of the year, each with 12 hours of sunshine per day. September is the least sunny of the summer months with ten hours per day. The sea temperature peaks in August at 26°C, but it's warm enough for swimming throughout the entire summer season and for some time after.
Rainfall in the Costa Brava during the summer season is low, dipping to its annual lowest point in August, which averages a mere 21mm of rainfall spread out across eight rainy days. Despite the general low quantities of rainfall, the highest number of storm days ever seen in a single month in the Costa Brava took place during the summer season. In September 1995, there were 12 storm days within a single month.
Autumn Weather: October - November
Autumn October and November in the Costa Brava is initially very warm but quickly cools down. The average high temperature gets down to 22°C in October and 16°C in November, with night time lows falling to 11°C in October and 6°C in November. Sunshine levels decline down to eight hours each day and rainfall increases up to 82mm of rainfall spread out between 11 rainy days and nine rainy days in October and November, respectively.
Generally, October is the wettest month of the year in the Costa Brava and often sees a number of thunderstorms. The highest monthly rainfall ever seen in any month in the Costa Brava fell during October 1987 when 421.4 l/m2 of rainfall fell within a single month. Not surprisingly, this month is also known for having the wettest day ever experienced in the Costa Brava on October 3rd 1987 177.1 l/m2 fell within a single 24-hour period. The highest number of rainy days ever experienced in the Costa Brava also falls within the autumn period. In October 1992, the region saw 21 rainy days during the month.
The cooler temperatures and damper weather make October a great time to visit the Costa Brava for walking or sporting holidays which don't depend on uninterrupted sunshine and are more suited to mild temperatures. With an average sea water temperature of 22°C, the sea is warm enough for swimming for most of October but at 18°C, is generally considered too cool in November. Weather conditions throughout the month are usually unpredictable as a whole. The cool tramuntana prevails during autumn so even during warm days, there can be a sneaky chill.
Winter Weather: December - February
Winter December to February in the Costa Brava is mild and sometimes cold. The average high temperature gets down to 13-15°C and the average low gets down to 2-3°C. January is always the coldest month of the year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. On January 9th 1985, the Costa Brava experienced its coldest day since records began, when temperatures plummeted down to -13°C.
Frost develops away from the coast and snow has dusted the region on the odd occasion. With 3 snowy days, February 2005 was the snowiest day ever experienced in the Costa Brava. Sunshine levels rise from seven to eight hours per day throughout the month which is really very acceptable for winter in the northern hemisphere. Many Britons go to Costa Brava during the winter as it provides a cheap and close improvement on the dismal British winter. Unfortunately, at 13-16°C, the sea is too cold for swimming during the winter season and when the wind blows it can feel bitterly cold, but many clear days of bright sunshine also occur.
Spring Weather: March - May
Spring March to May in the Costa Brava is a bit wetter than winter but temperatures and sunshine levels increase throughout the season. The average high temperature increases to 18°C in March, 19°C in April and 23°C in May so from mid-April onwards, sunny days often see the temperature in the low 20s.
Night time temperatures remain cool and for the first half of the season, the tramuntana winds can still push the perceived temperature down, with average daily lows ranging from 4-10°C throughout the season. The sea does not get warm enough for swimming until the end of the season, usually during the last week of May when the average sea water temperature lies between 18°C and 21°C. Sunshine levels increase to nine hours per day in March, ten in April and up to 11 in May.
The Costa Brava is a great holiday destination all-year-round. The summer provides typical beach weather with warm nights for sipping sangria and gorging on tapas, whilst autumn is great for exploring the countryside. The winter is cool but much sunnier than winter in Britain, so if you remember to bring your coat and don't expect to swim and sunbathe, you're sure to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and rugged landscape. Spring sees the landscape come to life with new green leaves and colourful blossom.