Climate

Spain's sunshine is one major magnet for tourists, most especially when the rest of Europe is keeling over from the freeze. Could it be why the World Health Organization has dubbed it as among the healthiest climates in the world?

There are three climatic zones in continental Spain: Atlantic (northwest; mild, humid, wetter than most, snow in high grounds, average of 25degC in summer), Continental (central; freezing winters, frying summers, moderate rainfall) and Mediterranean (coastal; quite vast variances, again sub-divided to three regions, pleasant to mild winters, warm to mild summers, lots of breeze and 300 days of sunshine a year). Other areas such as the Balearic and Canary Islands, coastal and mountainous areas, have their distinct micro-climates with varying degrees of rainfall and wind strengths in the winter.

It would be most pleasant, weather-wise, to come between the months of May and September, or April and October if you’re headed south. (Just remember that the best times bring massive droves of visitors as well.)

For more detailed information on climate and weather for all of Spain, the following are helpful:

• http://www.justlanded.com/english/Spain/Tools/Articles/Culture/The-sunni...
• http://www.red2000.com/spain/primer/clima.html