The climate of Alicante
Nestled on
Spain's southeastern Costa Blanca,
Alicante is classified under the Köppen climate classification as BSk, indicating a mid-latitude steppe climate. This highlights the city's generally semiarid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mildly moist, mild winters.
Yearly temperature fluctuations are reasonably modest, with average highs from 14°C (57.2°F) in winter to a peak of 28.4°C (83.1°F) in
August, demonstrating a range well suited to outdoor activities. Episodic drops in temperature occur, falling from 8.1°C (46.6°F) in
February to 22.8°C (73°F) in August. Alicante does not experience extreme cold, with the lowest average temperature recorded at a comfortable 8.1°C (46.6°F) in February.
A consistent feature of Alicante's climate is the relatively moderate humidity levels, an average ranging roughly between 60% in
June to a peak of 68% in
December. Rainfall patterns display an exception to the dry conditions, presenting a more varied pattern. The precipitation ranges from a low of 4mm (0.16") in
July to a high of 29mm (1.14") in
March over four to ten days, remarkably, the city has negligible snowfall throughout the year.
The best time to visit Alicante
Suggested as a prime traveling period is
Alicante's mildly warm spring season, spanning from
March to
May. While rainfall fluctuates moderately, temperature ranges from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F) provide comfortable conditions for sight-seeing and outdoor recreations. A gradual increment in daylight hours, from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May, leaves ample time for exploration.
Surface sea temperatures in Alicante escalate during the warmer months, ranging between 19.1°C (66.4°F) in May and peaking at 26.3°C (79.3°F) in
August, providing ideal conditions for water sport enthusiasts and swimmers. Meanwhile, an increment in sunshine hours from 8.5 hours in March to 12 hours in
June supports spending longer hours outdoors.
The worst time to visit Alicante
Although
Alicante is a year-round destination, the period of
November to
February might be somewhat less captivating due to cooler temperatures ranging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F), and relative humidity reaching 68%. On the contrary, considerably less rainfall occurs, reducing from 20mm (0.79") in November to 7mm (0.28") in February. Another factor to consider is the decrease in daylight hours, resting at 9.5 hours in
December.
Spring weather in Alicante
Springtime in
Alicante witnesses the onset of warmth, as the temperature meanders from 15.9°C (60.6°F) in
March to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in
May. Rainfall during this season is varied, with a sudden rise from 29mm (1.14") in March to 22mm (0.87") in
April and dropping to 10mm (0.39") in May. Humidity levels fluctuate slightly and are characterized by relative dampness.
Summer weather in Alicante
Summer takes center stage from
June to
August with temperatures hiking from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). Interestingly, there is a significant drop in rainfall from 6mm (0.24") in June to an annual low of 4mm (0.16") in
July. Saturation in humidity is observed during this season, although it offers relief from the scorching summer sun.
Autumn weather in Alicante
The autumn season gives a break from the intense summer heat, with temperatures subsiding from 25.5°C (77.9°F) in
September to 17.3°C (63.1°F) in
November. Precipitation levels surge, with an increase from 20mm (0.79") in September to a high of 20mm (0.79") in November. Humidity remains relatively high, as the post-summer wind starts stirring up.
Winter weather in Alicante
Alicante's winters are mild and inviting, with temperatures fluctuating from a comforting 14.8°C (58.6°F) in
December to 14°C (57.2°F) in
January. Rainfall distribution remains consistent, with the highest precipitation at 18mm (0.71") in December. The humidity level remains moderately high during this season, lending a mild damp sensation to the cool winter climate.
Weather in January
The year's journey in
Alicante,
Spain starts with temperate weather.
January is cooler compared to subsequent months but characteristically mild. The month is accompanied by more rainfall than
February, contributing to its relative humidity of 67%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The shift from
January to
February in
Alicante entails a subtle transition in weather. February retains a similar average temperature and exhibits slightly lesser humidity, while offering fewer hours of daylight. The city experiences a significant decrease in monthly rainfall, going down to 7mm (0.28"), a contrast to its preceding and succeeding months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Rolling into
March,
Alicante undergoes a hint of climate metamorphosis. The city gets warmer in comparison to
February with temperatures starting to rise noticeably. An increase in rain can be observed with the monthly rainfall rising to 29mm (1.14").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition from the cool comfort of the first quarter to a steadily climbing warmth.
Alicante during this month witnesses a further leap in temperature, and a decrease in the average pressure from 1016.9mb in
March to 1014.9mb in April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Embracing summer,
May brings further warmth to
Alicante. The month stands out for being substantially hotter than
April, with temperatures soaring higher. May signifies a drastic decrease in rainfall, coming down to 10mm (0.39"), signifying the start of the dry season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June reinforces the summer vibe in
Alicante with a more pronounced spike in temperature compared to
May. The city receives the highest average daylight of 14.8 hours, ensuring beautifully elongated days. June's standout weather characteristic is its minimal rainfall, dropping further to 6mm (0.24").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Alicante experiences its highest annual temperatures. The sun bathes the city under its brilliant radiance, and the Mediterranean Sea warms up to its maximum yearly temperature of 25.2°C (77.4°F). July sees a decrease in humidity relative to
June, offering the residents some respite.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August persists in keeping the temperature gauge high, albeit with a slight dip from
July.
Alicante experiences increased levels of humidity, returning to that observed in
June. Sea temperatures remain close to their peak, coaxing swimmers and marine leisure enthusiasts to indulge in aquatic activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As the calendar turns to
September,
Alicante observes a reduction in temperature. This shift distinctly separates it from the peak summer months of
July and
August. However, the sea remains warm, holding onto its August temperature.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Alicante brings more noticeable climatic changes, reflecting the onset of autumn. The city experiences a further drop in temperatures, an evident contrast from the balmy
September weather. October redirects the weather pattern with a noticeable increase in rainfall to 17mm (0.67").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November redefines
Alicante’s weather with a more discernible shift towards winter. It noticeably cools down when compared to the warmth of
October. The wind speed peaks again reaching a significant 14.5km/h (9mph), the highest since
January.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December encapsulates the year in
Alicante by welcoming winter with cooler temperatures. Alicante, in alignment with seasonal weather, records the lowest sea temperature of 16.7°C (62.1°F) in this month. It does not witness any snowfall, maintaining a zero throughout the year, characteristic of its Mediterranean climate.
Weather in December »