Climate

Climate

Thanks to its ideal geographical location Catalonia enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate throughout most of the year.

However, conditions vary significantly as a result of the region's diverse geography.

• The Pyrenees and foothills of the Pyrenees have a typical high-mountain climate, with winter temperatures below 0°C, annual rainfall of over 1000 mm, abundant snow in winter, and relatively cool summers.
• Along the Mediterranean coast – Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Barcelona, Costa de Garraf and Costa Daurada – and in adjoining areas, the climate is mild and temperate. In general, temperatures increase and rainfall decreases as one moves south (Girona, for example, gets 803 mm of rainfall annually, whereas Tarragona gets only 525 mm).
• Rainfall also varies according to altitude, for example, the Montseny massif has around 1000 mm of rainfall.
• The interior is characterised by a continental Mediterranean climate, generally dry, with cold winters and hot summers. Annual rainfall in the city of Lleida, for example, is 388 mm.
• Maximum temperatures are recorded in the month of July, with averages that range between 26°C on the coast and 32°C in the interior. Average minimum temperatures for January range between 0°C in the interior and 6°C on the coast.

Further information from:

METEOCAT Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya www.meteocat.com/

Updated May 2007