Spain: climate overview - Ricardo Baeza

Spain has a diverse climate due to its varied geography, with coastal regions, mountains, and plateaus all influencing weather patterns. Here's a general overview:

1. **Mediterranean Climate**: Coastal regions, especially along the eastern and southeastern coasts, have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga experience this climate.

2. **Continental Climate**: Inland areas, particularly the central plateau encompassing cities like Madrid and Toledo, have a more continental climate. Summers can be very hot and dry, while winters are colder, with occasional snowfall.

3. **Atlantic Climate**: The northern coast of Spain, including regions like Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, experiences an Atlantic climate. This means milder temperatures, high humidity, and more rainfall throughout the year. Winters are generally mild, and summers are cooler compared to the Mediterranean coast.

4. **Mountain Climates**: Spain's mountainous regions, such as the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevada in the south, have alpine climates. This means cooler temperatures, significant snowfall in winter, and pleasant summers, especially at higher elevations.

5. **Desert Climate**: Parts of southeastern Spain, particularly in the province of Almería and the region of Murcia, have a desert climate, characterized by hot temperatures and very low rainfall.

Overall, Spain's climate varies widely from region to region, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer sunny beaches, snowy mountains, or lush green landscapes.