For most British buyers the climate is a large part of the reason for buying at all. More sun, milder winters, life lived outdoors.
But Spain does not have one climate. From the subtropical south to the greener north, every region has its own temperatures, seasons and weather patterns.
So it is worth looking past the headline number of sunshine hours. The climate has a lot to do with how comfortable somewhere is to live, in February as much as in August.
Costa del Sol: sun and mild winters #
The Costa del Sol in Andalusia is one of the sunniest regions in Europe, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a notably stable climate.
Winters are mild and summers hot and dry, so you can be outdoors for most of the year. Winter averages sit around 16 to 18°C and summer around 28 to 32°C. Rainfall is low, and what there is tends to fall outside the summer.
It is the reason the region is full of winter residents, golfers and people who simply wanted to stop being cold.
Costa Blanca: a comfortable microclimate #
The Costa Blanca around Alicante is warm and dry with mild winters, and is known for stable weather and relatively low humidity. The heat feels more comfortable here than in some other Mediterranean areas as a result.
Winter averages run around 15 to 18°C, summer around 28 to 33°C. Rainfall is limited and concentrated in autumn.
The microclimate is a genuine phenomenon rather than marketing, and it is why the region attracts both winter residents and permanent ones.
Costa Cálida: hot summers, a lot of sun #
Costa Cálida translates as warm coast, which tells you most of what you need.
Summers are hot and sunny, winters stay relatively mild. Winter averages are around 14 to 17°C and summer between 30 and 35°C, with spells reaching 40°C. Rainfall is very low and the sunshine hours are high all year.
If you like real heat in summer, this is the one.
The Balearics: a Mediterranean island climate #
Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera have a classic Mediterranean climate, with the sea taking the edge off the extremes. Summers are usually a little less fierce than on the mainland.
Winter averages sit around 14 to 16°C and summer around 27 to 31°C, with somewhat more rain than the southern coast, mostly in autumn.
Attractive if you want warm summers without the peaks.
Costa Brava: four proper seasons #
The Costa Brava in Catalonia lies further north, so the seasons are more pronounced.
Summers are sunny and warm; winters are noticeably cooler than in the south. Winter averages run around 12 to 15°C and summer around 26 to 30°C, with moderate rainfall spread across the year.
Good if you want a green landscape and distinct seasons rather than permanent summer.
The Canaries: spring all year #
The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate, so temperatures stay remarkably stable throughout the year. Even in winter it is genuinely warm.
Winter averages are around 20 to 22°C and summer around 26 to 28°C, with little rainfall.
That consistency is why the islands are so popular with people escaping the British winter entirely.
Which climate suits your plans? #
The ideal climate is personal, and it usually comes down to how you intend to use the property. For wintering, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca or the Canaries. If you want serious summer heat, the Costa Cálida. If you would rather avoid extremes, the Balearics. If you want real seasons, the Costa Brava.
CostaConnectUK tip: visit a region outside high summer as well. Late autumn or early spring gives you a far more honest picture of the climate and of daily life once the tourists have gone.
In short #
The climate largely determines how much you actually use a property. Look past the sunshine hours, see a region in more than one season, and you will know where you feel best. We are happy to lay out the differences with you.
Last reviewed 2026-08-24
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