Granada weather year-round: what to expect each season

The quick climate picture

Granada has a continental-Mediterranean climate. Expect roughly 300 to 320 sunny days a year, low humidity outside winter, and most rain in late autumn and spring. Annual rainfall is modest at around 350 mm, so long dry spells are normal.

Daylight runs from short winter days, with sunset around 17:45 in December, to long evenings in June when it is light past 21:30. The city bowl can trap heat in summer and cold air in winter nights. The lower vega plain can be foggy and a touch colder at night, while the Albaicín hill is breezier. Shaded streets in the Realejo feel kinder in July and August.

Spring in Granada (March to May)

Spring arrives in bursts. March often swings between 6 to 18 C and can be showery. April is one of the wetter months, with quick downpours between long sunny spells. By May, afternoons of 22 to 28 C are common, though nights can still dip below 12 C.

This is prime terrace season and peak for pollen from olive and grasses, which can bother allergy sufferers. Pack layers, a light waterproof and sunglasses. Semana Santa and spring festivals go ahead rain or shine, so a compact umbrella is handy. Calima, a Saharan dust haze, occasionally reduces visibility for a day or two in spring, leaving fine dust on balconies.

Summer in Granada (June to early September)

Summer is hot and dry. Highs in July and August are typically 34 to 38 C, with heatwaves pushing 40 C plus for a few days. Nights usually cool to 18 to 22 C, but top-floor flats can hold heat unless well insulated. Humidity stays low, so shade makes a big difference.

Locals shift schedules in heat. Mornings and late evenings are for errands, and the afternoon lull is real. Many shops close for a few hours after lunch in August. Air conditioning is increasingly common but not universal, especially in older rentals. If you work from home, ask specifically about AC or heat-pump units and window orientation. Escaping to the Sierra Nevada foothills or to pools in the outskirts is a weekend habit. Rain is rare, and when it comes it is usually a short thunderstorm.

Autumn in Granada (mid September to November)

Autumn starts warm and mellow. September afternoons hover around 28 to 32 C, easing to 20 to 24 C by late October. Nights become comfortable for sleeping with 10 to 14 C typical in October, sometimes single digits in November.

This is the second rainy window. Expect a few Atlantic fronts that bring steady rain or a dramatic afternoon storm, mainly in October and November. A light jacket and shoes that cope with wet pavements will see you through. Terraces stay busy until clocks change, then evenings cool quickly.

Winter in Granada (December to February)

Winter days are often bright, with crisp blue skies and calm air. Typical highs are 10 to 14 C, but nights drop to 0 to 3 C, and frosts are common. Snow in the city is rare and brief, but you will see white peaks on the Sierra Nevada from your window. The ski resort is about 45 minutes by car and usually runs December to April depending on snowfall.

Indoors can feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Many apartments have tiled floors and limited central heating. You will likely rely on electric radiators or heat-pump AC units, and some older homes use bottled propane. Budget for higher winter electricity or gas use, buy decent slippers, and look for south-facing windows for winter sun. Condensation can be an issue in poorly ventilated flats, so crack windows at midday and use a dehumidifier if needed.

Practical tips for homes, clothing and daily life

A few adjustments make Granada’s swings more comfortable year round.

• Ask about insulation, double glazing and heat-pump AC when renting. Top-floor áticos get very hot in summer unless well insulated.
• South-facing living rooms are a winter gift. In summer, exterior blinds and cross-breeze are key.
• In summer, plan errands before 11:00 or after 19:30. Carry water and respect the afternoon quiet.
• In spring and autumn, dress in layers. A compact umbrella earns its keep in April and November.
• Allergy sufferers should check olive pollen forecasts in April to June and keep windows closed on high days.
• For quick cool-offs, look at suburbs with community pools or day passes at sports centres. City-centre pools are rare.