Leganes Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Spain

Summer in Leganes

During the summer months (June to September), Leganes experiences warm and dry weather. Average temperatures range from a comfortable 18°C (64°F) in June to a hot 28°C (82°F) in July and August. The city sees plenty of sunshine, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The warm and pleasant climate makes this time of year ideal for outdoor activities, such as exploring the city’s parks, dining al fresco, or attending local festivals.

Winter in Leganes

In contrast to the warm summers, winters in Leganes are cool and somewhat wet. Average temperatures from December to February hover around 5°C (41°F). The city experiences occasional rainfall during this season, and there can be periods of fog or mist, especially in the mornings. Snowfall is a relatively rare occurrence, but it is not unheard of. Despite the cooler temperatures, Leganes remains an enjoyable place to visit during the winter months, as the streets are decorated for the holidays and the atmosphere is festive.

Average Monthly Temperatures

Leganés, located in the southern part of Madrid, Spain, experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average monthly temperatures in Leganés vary throughout the year, with the coldest month being January with an average temperature of 4-5°C (39-41°F). The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 25-27°C (77-81°F). In the spring and fall, the average temperatures range from 13-15°C (55-59°F) in April to 18-20°C (64-68°F) in October.

Seasonal Variations

The seasons in Leganés are well-defined, with distinct temperature variations. The summer months (June-August) are typically hot and dry, with little rainfall and high humidity. The winter months (December-February) are mild and wet, with occasional rainfall or snowfall. The spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are transitional seasons, with temperatures gradually increasing or decreasing over the months. The average annual temperature in Leganés is approximately 16°C (61°F), making it a pleasant and comfortable climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Cloud Cover and Precipitation

Leganés, Spain, experiences a varied cloud cover pattern throughout the year. During winter months, clouds cover up to 80% of the sky, contributing to the city’s overcast and gloomy weather. In contrast, the summer season brings clearer skies, with cloud cover typically ranging between 30% and 50%. This reduced cloud cover allows for more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Precipitation in Leganés is relatively low, with an average annual rainfall of 400 millimeters. Most rainfall occurs during autumn and winter, as thunderstorms and occasional frontal systems move through the area.

Cloud Types and Weather Patterns

Leganés observes various cloud types, each associated with distinct weather conditions. Stratus clouds, characterized by their flat and uniform gray appearance, dominate during cloudy periods. These clouds often result in drizzle or light rain. Cumulus clouds, with their fluffy and white appearance, bring fair weather and sunshine. Cumulonimbus clouds, towering and anvil-shaped, are associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Cirrus clouds, thin and wispy, are the highest clouds and indicate fair weather approaching. During winter, Leganés may experience fog, leading to reduced visibility and creating a misty atmosphere.

Annual Precipitation

Leganés experiences an average of 440 millimeters (17.3 inches) of precipitation annually. Most of the rainfall occurs during the spring and fall months, with May and October being the wettest months. The city receives around 70 days of precipitation per year, with most of the rain falling in short, intense showers. Snow is rare in Leganés, occurring only a few times per winter.

Seasonal Variations

Leganés experiences a distinct wet season during the spring and fall months. April through June typically receives the highest amounts of precipitation, with average monthly totals exceeding 50 millimeters (2 inches). October and November also see significant rainfall, with average monthly totals around 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). The summer months (June through August) are generally dry, with average monthly precipitation below 20 millimeters (0.8 inches). Winter (December through February) is the driest season, with average monthly precipitation below 10 millimeters (0.4 inches).

Seasonality and Variability

Leganés, Spain, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rainfall is predominantly seasonal, with a dry season from May to September and a wet season from October to April. The wettest month is November, with an average precipitation of 70 mm (2.76 in), while the driest month is July, with an average precipitation of just 4 mm (0.16 in).

The amount of rainfall in Leganés can vary significantly from year to year. For instance, in 2020, the city received a total of 420 mm (16.54 in) of rainfall, which is slightly below the long-term average of 450 mm (17.72 in). However, in 2019, the city experienced a particularly wet year, receiving over 600 mm (23.62 in) of rainfall. These fluctuations in annual rainfall are influenced by factors such as global climate patterns, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Historic Snowfall Event

On January 8, 2021, Leganes, Spain, was blanketed in an unprecedented snowfall of 37.8 centimeters (14.9 inches). The snowfall began the previous day and continued unabated for several hours, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Streets and squares became impassable, and public transportation was suspended as the city came to a standstill. The snowfall was the heaviest recorded in Leganes for over 50 years, breaking the previous record of 28 centimeters set in 1971.

Impacts and Preparations

The heavy snowfall caused significant disruption across the city. Schools were closed, and many businesses remained shuttered as residents struggled to navigate the treacherous conditions. Emergency services were stretched thin as they worked tirelessly to clear the streets and assist those stranded in their homes. To prepare for the snowfall, the city council had deployed snowplows and salt spreaders, but the intensity of the storm overwhelmed these resources. However, despite the challenges, the community spirit prevailed as residents rallied together to help their neighbors in need.

Sunrise and Sunset Time

Leganes, a municipality in Spain, experiences a fluctuation in sunrise and sunset times throughout the year due to the planet’s tilt and Earth’s orbit around the sun. The amount of daylight varies, with longer days during the summer and shorter days during the winter. In mid-June, the sun rises around 6:20 AM and sets around 10:00 PM, providing approximately 15 hours and 40 minutes of daylight. In contrast, during mid-December, the sun rises around 8:30 AM and sets around 5:30 PM, resulting in about 9 hours of daylight.

Sunlight Intensity

The intensity of sunlight in Leganes is influenced by several factors, including the time of day, season, and weather conditions. The sun’s rays are strongest during the midday hours, typically from 11 AM to 3 PM, when the sun is highest in the sky. During this time, the sunlight is direct and intense, providing a high level of UV radiation. However, as the sun approaches sunset or sunrise, the angle of the sun becomes lower, causing the light to travel through more of the Earth’s atmosphere. This process scatters and absorbs some of the sunlight, resulting in a softer, less intense light. Additionally, cloud cover can significantly reduce the intensity of sunlight, especially during overcast or rainy conditions.

Moon in Leganes, Spain

The Moon is the only astronomical body beyond Earth that has been visited by humans. The first humans to walk on the Moon were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, who landed on July 20, 1969, as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Since then, only 10 other humans have walked on the Moon, all of them American astronauts.

The Moon is a fascinating object of study for scientists. It is the fifth largest moon in the Solar System and the largest moon relative to the size of its planet. The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. This side of the Moon is called the near side, while the other side is called the far side. The far side of the Moon is not visible from Earth and was first seen by the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 in 1959.

Seasonal Humidity Variations

Leganés, Spain, experiences significant seasonal variations in humidity levels throughout the year. Summer months are characterized by low humidity, with average relative humidity levels ranging from 40% to 50%. This dryness is primarily attributed to the influence of warm, dry air masses originating from the Sahara Desert. As a result, summer conditions in Leganés can be quite arid, with low humidity contributing to evaporation and water loss from bodies of water and vegetation.

Winter and Spring Humidity

In contrast to summer, winter and spring in Leganés are marked by higher humidity levels. Average relative humidity during these months typically fluctuates between 60% and 70%. This increase in moisture is associated with the arrival of cooler and more humid air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. The higher humidity levels during winter and spring support increased cloud cover and precipitation, creating a more temperate climate during these seasons.

Geographic and Meteorological Factors

Leganés, a city located in the southeastern suburbs of Madrid, Spain, has unique wind patterns shaped by its geographical position and meteorological conditions. The municipality is situated within the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean basin, which influence its climate and wind dynamics. The predominant winds in Leganés are northwesterly due to the prevailing atmospheric circulation patterns over the region. These northwesterly winds are part of the larger-scale atmospheric flow that brings moist air from the Atlantic Ocean inland. As the winds cross the Iberian Peninsula, they are channeled and accelerated by the topography, leading to higher wind speeds in the regions where Leganés is located.

Wind Speed and Variability

Wind speed in Leganés varies throughout the year, reaching peak values during the winter months. During this season, the strong northwesterly winds are associated with the passage of frontal systems and low-pressure areas. These winds can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour) and create strong gusts that can affect outdoor activities and transportation. In contrast, during the summer months, wind speeds are generally lower, with prevailing southerly winds bringing warm and dry air from the Mediterranean Sea. The variability in wind speed is influenced by local factors such as terrain features, urban development, and the presence of vegetation. The presence of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the northwest of Leganés acts as a barrier to the prevailing winds, modifying their direction and speed as they enter the city.

Optimal Time for a Visit

The ideal time to visit Leganes is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Spring offers beautiful floral displays and the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in parks and gardens. Autumn, on the other hand, is characterized by vibrant foliage and warm, sunny days.

Visiting Tips

While Leganes can be visited year-round, the summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot and uncomfortable, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). During this time, it is advisable to plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings. Winter (November-March) is cold and wet, with average temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Although less appealing for outdoor exploration, this period provides an opportunity to experience Leganes’ charming indoor attractions, such as museums and cultural centers.

Solar Energy Potential in Leganes

Leganes, Spain boasts remarkable solar energy potential thanks to its favorable climate and geographical location. The city receives ample sunlight throughout the year, with an average of over 2,800 sunshine hours annually. This abundance of solar insolation provides a solid foundation for harnessing solar energy and making a significant contribution to its energy mix.

Harnessing Solar Energy in Leganes

Efforts are underway in Leganes to capitalize on its solar energy potential. The city has installed solar panels on municipal buildings, such as schools and libraries, to generate renewable electricity and reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, several projects are being developed to establish large-scale solar farms in the surrounding areas. These initiatives aim to further boost the city’s solar energy production and promote the transition to a more sustainable energy system. By embracing solar energy, Leganes is demonstrating its commitment to mitigating climate change and creating a brighter, greener future for its residents.

Altitude and Elevation

Leganés is a city located in the southern part of the Madrid metropolitan area in Spain. Its altitude ranges from 620 to 660 meters above sea level, with most of the city situated at an average elevation of around 630 meters. The highest point in Leganés is the Cerro de los Ángeles, which stands at 660 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The lowest point is located along the banks of the Manzanares River, at an elevation of approximately 620 meters.

Relief and Landforms

The topography of Leganés is characterized by a relatively flat landscape, with gentle slopes and few significant changes in elevation. The city is located on the southern edge of the Jarama Plains, a vast plain formed by the Jarama River and its tributaries. The area around Leganés is primarily composed of Quaternary sediments, including alluvial deposits and gravels, which have resulted in the formation of a gently rolling landscape. The monotony of the terrain is occasionally broken by small hills and valleys, such as the Cerro de los Ángeles and the Barranco del Hondo. Overall, Leganés has a topography that is favorable for urban development and transportation.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the nearest major airport to Leganés, Spain. It is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center and can be easily reached by car, taxi, or public transportation. The airport has four terminals and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. It is a major hub for airlines such as Iberia, Air Europa, and Ryanair.

MAD Airport is well-connected to Leganés by public transportation. The Airport Express bus service (line 203) runs between the airport and the city center, with a stop at the Leganés Central Bus Station. The metro line 12 also connects the airport to Leganés, with a stop at the Casa del Reloj station. The journey from the airport to Leganés takes approximately 45 minutes by bus and 30 minutes by metro.

Culture and History

Leganés boasts a rich cultural heritage steeped in history. The city is home to several historical landmarks, including the 16th-century Church of San Salvador, which showcases intricate Gothic architecture. The Plaza Mayor, a central square, serves as a vibrant gathering place and is surrounded by charming buildings. Leganés has a long-standing tradition of ceramics, and visitors can explore the Museo de Cerámica (Ceramics Museum) to learn about its significance to the region. The city also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant art and music scene.

Parks and Green Spaces

Leganés is a green city with numerous parks and recreation areas, providing ample opportunities for outdoor leisure activities. The Parque de El Carrascal, one of the largest parks in the city, offers a serene escape with its lush vegetation, walking paths, and play areas. The Parque de La Chopera, located along the banks of the River Manzanares, offers scenic views, bike paths, and playgrounds. Other notable parks include the Parque de Los Pinos, the Parque de Los Frailes, and the Parque de Los Juncares, each offering unique green spaces for relaxation and recreational activities.