Climate en Espagne - Costa Daurada
Mild in winter, hot in summer, the climate of the Catalan coast is typically Mediterranean. The average temperature is 18°C and generally varies between 10°C in winter and 25°C in summer, with 300 days of sunshine a year. However, the province has significant climatic variations due to its contrasting morphology. The inland part of the province of Tarragona, for example, reveals a multitude of microclimates that correspond to the varied relief of the interior. The differences are notable between the coast and the mountainous areas of the hinterland. The temperature in the mountains is on average 4 times cooler than on the coast. As elsewhere, the mercury rises in July and August (and even more inland!), the hottest months of the year. However, they are still more pleasant on the Costa Daurada than on the beaches of the south of the country.
The beautiful summer
In the region, summers are hot (even very hot!) and dry, with temperatures between 25 and 30°C for the coast and above 30°C for some inland areas. This is the period of the high tourist season, which lasts until September (less crowded, however, than July and August). The crowds are in full swing on the golden beaches of the coast, despite the heat... But fortunately, if the sun is too strong, the sea is never far away to cool you down. The seaside towns like the lively Salou, located at 2 meters above sea level, are bathed by the Mediterranean breezes and rainfall is very low at this time of year. You will therefore have very little chance of bad weather disrupting your vacation schedule.
The Catalan winter
Winters here are moderately cold, with abundant rainfall, mainly in March and April. This is very pleasant if you visit the region during this period. The mercury often fluctuates between 8 and 12 °C in the coastal areas and can occasionally drop below 0 °C in the interior plains and mountain ranges. January is the coldest month of the year. The low tourist season extends from November to March, and although people do not usually go swimming during this period, the coasts are calm and suitable for long family walks, far from the crowds of the summer season. In the coastal mountainous areas, precipitation due to the cooling of the sea air rising towards the mountains is more important than on the coast. On the other hand, the temperature contrasts are more marked inland
The off-seasons
In the spring and fall, torrential rains can fall on the coastline, usually accompanied by impressive thunderstorms. This is the rainy season! Don't worry, they won't spoil your vacation because they never last very long... More generally, the rainfall rate in the region varies between 375 and 700 mm over the whole year. Spring is a particularly pleasant season to enjoy the natural riches of the region, between beaches, wild creeks, vineyards, rice fields and pine forests, especially if you dread the heat of summer. Spring and autumn are also recommended seasons for birdwatching in the Ebro Delta Natural Park, as this is the time of migration, although hundreds of species nest here all year round. These are also pleasant seasons for walking and outdoor activities without the heat, and the calendar of festivities is in full swing. But don't forget to bring a little wool to cover up in the evenings so you won't be caught off guard by a sudden drop in temperature.
