Spain's climate

Spain's climate

1. Spain's climate factors

   • Latitude
     • The north have warm temperatures and abundant precipitation. Climates of the South are much warmer and drier.
   • Anticyclones and storms
     • In summer, the presence of the Anticyclone of the Azores causes stable and sunny weather.  In autumn and spring are frequent the Atlantic storms.
   • Altitude
     • In mountain areas, temperatures descend, while rainfall increases. 
   • Marine influence
     • The sea tends to soften the temperatures. The solid form of the peninsula and the distribution of its mountain systems prevent the penetration of the masses of humid air towards the interior.

2. Kinds of Spain's climate

   • Oceanic climate
     • Characteristic climate of the North peninsular. Abundant and regular rainfall throughout the year.  Mild temperatures and the thermal low amplitude.
   • Mountain climate
     • It is located in the highest areas of the Pirineos, the Cordillera Cantábrica, the Sistema Central, and in isolated points of the Sistemas Béticos and Ibéricos. In these places, the altitude makes temperatures decrease and increase precipitations.
   • Subtropical climate
     • The latitude and the insular character of the Canary Islands generate a climate of mild temperatures throughout the year and precipitations are scarce. These characteristics are modified by the altitude of their volcanic mountains, which vary the temperature and humidity from the coast to the areas near the tops.
   • Mediterranean climate
     • It is present in a large part of the peninsula. It is characterized by the scarcity and irregularity of their precipitations. In summer, a marked summer drought takes place . Temperatures vary depending on the proximity to the sea, which defines several climatic subtypes.
     • Subtypes of mediterranean climate
       • Arid mediterranean
         • It is a transition between the Mediterranean climate and the desert. Rainfall is scarcer than in other Mediterranean variants and the temperature is warmer.
       • Continental mediterranean
         • Its distance from the coast causes that the thermal amplitude is higher. Winters are colder and summers warmer than in the Mediterranean coast.
       • Mediterranen coastline
         • The rains are concentrated in spring and autumn. The influence of the sea makes the temperatures mild (soft).