Palma Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Spain

Summer (June – September)

Palma experiences a hot and dry summer with average temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C). The sun shines for an average of 10-12 hours a day, providing ample opportunities for beach-going and outdoor activities. Precipitation is scarce during this season, with an average of only 2 inches of rain over the entire three-month period. The sea temperature also reaches its warmest point during summer, averaging around 77°F (25°C).

Winter (December – February)

The winter months in Palma are mild and wet, with average temperatures between 46°F (8°C) and 57°F (14°C). Rainfall increases during this season, with an average of 4-5 inches of rain each month. The days are shorter, with an average of 7-9 hours of sunshine per day. While temperatures are generally comfortable, cold spells can occasionally occur, particularly at night. During the winter, the sea temperature drops to around 59°F (15°C).

Summer Temperatures

Palma, the vibrant capital of the Balearic Islands, enjoys a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures reaching their peak during the summer months. From June to September, the average temperatures hover around 26-28°C (79-82°F), providing perfect conditions for sunbathing on the island’s pristine beaches or exploring the city’s historic streets. While the sun shines brightly for an average of 10-12 hours each day, the cool sea breeze helps alleviate the heat, making it a comfortable time to explore the island’s diverse landscapes.

Winter Temperatures

In contrast to the warm summers, winters in Palma are mild and relatively short. From December to February, the average temperatures range between 10-12°C (50-54°F). While rainfall is more common during this time of year, the sun still makes frequent appearances, providing opportunities for sunny strolls along the waterfront or cozying up in local cafes. Despite the cooler temperatures, the island’s attractions remain open and accessible, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and history.

Types of Clouds in Palma, Spain

Palma, Spain, exhibits a diverse range of cloud formations due to its dynamic weather patterns. Cumulus clouds are prevalent during summer, characterized by their puffy, white appearance. Cirrus clouds, delicate high-altitude clouds composed of ice crystals, are common throughout the year. Stratus clouds, which form a uniform gray layer, often bring overcast conditions. Nimbostratus clouds, a darker and thicker version of stratus clouds, typically produce drizzle or light rain.

Impact of Clouds on Palma’s Climate

Clouds play a significant role in shaping Palma’s climate. Cumulus clouds provide shade and prevent excessive solar radiation, while cirrus clouds allow most sunlight to pass through. Stratus clouds reduce visibility and can lead to moisture accumulation, contributing to Palma’s humid climate. Nimbostratus clouds bring rain, which helps sustain the region’s vegetation and water supply. Overall, the interplay of different cloud types shapes Palma’s weather patterns, creating a diverse and dynamic climatic environment.

Seasonal Precipitation Patterns

Palma, Spain experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Precipitation is concentrated during the autumn and winter months, with October being the wettest month. The city receives an average annual precipitation of around 460 mm, with significant variation from year to year. During the summer months, precipitation is typically low, often in the form of scattered thunderstorms. In contrast, the winter months bring frequent rainfall, particularly during the transitional months of September and October.

Temporal Variability and Climate Change

Like many Mediterranean regions, Palma’s precipitation patterns exhibit high temporal variability. Droughts are a recurring phenomenon, with the most recent severe drought occurring in 2016-2017. Extended periods of below-average precipitation can lead to water shortages and impact agriculture. Conversely, the city is also prone to heavy rainfall events that can result in flooding. Climate change models predict that the Mediterranean region will face decreased precipitation and increased temperatures in the future. As a result, Palma may experience more severe and frequent droughts, along with a shift in precipitation patterns towards heavier rainfall events.

Rainfall Patterns in Palma, Spain

Palma, the capital of the island of Mallorca in Spain, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city’s average annual rainfall is around 470 mm, which is distributed unevenly throughout the year. The majority of rainfall occurs during the winter months, from October to April, when frequent storms bring heavy downpours. The summer months, from May to September, are typically dry, with occasional thunderstorms.

Seasonal Variation and Extreme Events

During the wet season, rainfall can be highly variable, with some years experiencing heavy floods while others receive only moderate precipitation. The city’s location on the coast makes it susceptible to intense storms, which can cause flash flooding and damage to infrastructure. In recent years, climate change has also contributed to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme rainfall events. While droughts are rare in Palma, they can occur during the summer months, leading to water shortages and environmental stress.

Historical Snowfall Event in Palma

Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has experienced sporadic snowfall events throughout its history. However, one particularly noteworthy occurrence took place on February 1, 1935. Intense snowfall began in the early hours of the morning and lasted for several hours, leaving a thick blanket of snow covering the city’s streets and buildings. The snow reached depths of up to 25 centimeters, causing significant disruption to daily life. This event remains etched in the memories of many Palma residents, as snowfall is highly unusual in the region.

Impact of Snowfall on City Life

The snowfall had a profound impact on Palma’s daily routine. Public transportation was suspended as roads became impassable for vehicles. Shops and schools were closed, leaving residents confined to their homes. The city’s iconic cathedral, La Seu, was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow adorning its ancient walls and turrets. Despite the challenges, the snowfall was also met with excitement and wonder by many residents, who reveled in the rare opportunity to experience such wintry conditions in their Mediterranean city. However, the prolonged snowfall also brought practical challenges, as snow removal and ice management became a priority for city authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruption.

Weather Conditions

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain, enjoys an idyllic Mediterranean climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine annually. During the summer months (June-August), temperatures typically soar into the high 80s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius), providing ample opportunities for sunbathing and beach activities. The humidity levels are generally low, making the heat more bearable. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24 Celsius). These shoulder seasons are ideal for exploring the city’s historical landmarks and natural surroundings without the summer crowds.

Sun Protection and Activities

With the abundance of sunshine, sun protection is crucial in Palma. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during the peak hours of 11 am to 3 pm, and staying hydrated are essential to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Palma’s beaches, such as Playa de Palma and Playa de Illetas, offer designated sunbathing areas with umbrellas and sun loungers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of sun-drenched activities, including swimming, sailing, kayaking, and cycling along the scenic coastal paths. The city also boasts numerous outdoor terraces and rooftop bars where one can soak up the sun while enjoying a refreshing drink.

Full Moon over Palma

The full moon in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is a breathtaking sight. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Gothic cathedral and the medieval Bellver Castle, are bathed in an ethereal glow, creating a magical atmosphere. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, with hues of orange, purple, and pink reflecting off the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The full moon rises slowly over the horizon, casting a silvery beam that illuminates the city’s streets and squares.

Moonlit Nightlife

Palma’s nightlife scene comes alive under the full moon. The city’s vibrant streets and plazas are bustling with activity as locals and tourists alike revel in the evening air. The terraces of Palma’s many bars and restaurants become popular meeting spots, where people gather to enjoy drinks, live music, and conversations. As the night progresses, the city’s numerous nightclubs open their doors to revelers, offering a range of music and entertainment until the early hours of the morning. The full moon’s presence adds a touch of enchantment to the nightlife experience, creating a memorable and unforgettable evening.

Seasonal Humidity Patterns

Palma, Spain, experiences distinct humidity patterns throughout the year. During the summer months (June-September), humidity levels are typically high, often reaching 70-80% due to the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The warm, humid air can create uncomfortable conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. In the spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), humidity levels moderate to around 60-70%, providing more comfortable weather conditions.

Winter Humidity Variations

During the winter months (December-February), humidity in Palma varies significantly. While average humidity levels remain around 60%, there are periods of lower humidity, particularly in the mornings and evenings. These lower humidity conditions can lead to drier air, which can result in respiratory discomfort for some individuals. However, the mild winter temperatures typically mitigate these effects. It’s worth noting that occasional rainfall during the winter can temporarily increase humidity levels.

Wind Conditions in Palma, Spain

Palma, the capital city of the island of Mallorca, experiences a predominantly calm wind climate throughout the year. The average wind speed ranges from 10-15 km/h, with relatively consistent conditions across the seasons. During the summer months, the prevailing wind direction is from the northeast, while in the winter months, the wind tends to shift to the southwest.

However, it’s important to note that Palma can occasionally experience strong winds, particularly during the autumn and winter months. These winds are associated with the passage of cold fronts and can reach speeds of up to 60-70 km/h. During these periods, it’s recommended to take precautions and avoid outdoor activities in exposed areas. Additionally, the rugged地形 of the surrounding mountains can create localized wind pockets and wind shear, which can affect sailing and other wind-related activities.

Spring (March-May):
Spring is an ideal time to visit Palma, offering a pleasant climate with warm days and cool nights. The city awakens from its winter slumber, and the streets become vibrant with locals and tourists alike. The iconic almond blossom transforms the surrounding countryside into a picturesque spectacle, providing stunning photo opportunities. This season is perfect for exploring the city’s historic architecture, visiting the Cathedral of Palma, or strolling through the charming streets of La Lonja and El Borne.

Autumn (September-November):
Autumn offers another excellent time to visit Palma. The summer crowds have subsided, and the temperatures remain warm and inviting. The city takes on a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. Explore the city’s museums, such as the Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, or discover the hidden gems of the Old Town. Take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy a bike ride along the scenic Paseo Marítimo or a leisurely boat trip around the bay.

Palma’s Solar Power Potential

Palma, the capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands, boasts immense solar energy potential. With an average of over 300 sunny days per year and high solar irradiation levels, the city is well-suited for utilizing solar energy technologies. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to renewable energy, coupled with favorable incentives, has created an attractive environment for solar development.

Solar Projects in Palma

Palma has witnessed a significant increase in solar projects in recent years. One notable initiative is the installation of over 26,000 solar panels on rooftops throughout the city. This project, known as “Palma Solar,” aims to generate clean energy and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the city has installed solar panels on public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and sports centers. These projects not only provide renewable energy but also serve as educational resources, promoting awareness and adoption of solar technologies.

Geographic Features

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain, lies in a picturesque bay on the south coast of the island. The city is situated on a gently sloping plain that extends from the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range to the Mediterranean Sea. The plain is bounded by two prominent hills: Bellver Hill to the west and Na Burguesa Hill to the east. Bellver Hill, with its iconic castle perched on top, offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. To the east of the city, the coastline is characterized by sandy beaches and calas (small coves).

Urban Topography

The urban topography of Palma reflects its rich history and diverse influences. The old town, known as La Lonja, is located in the southwest corner of the city and is characterized by narrow, winding streets and medieval architecture. La Lonja was once the center of Palma’s maritime trade and is home to several historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca and the Lonja de Palma (La Lonja). The newer part of the city, El Terreno, is located to the west of La Lonja and is characterized by wide avenues, Art Nouveau buildings, and upscale residences. El Terreno is home to the Bellver Castle and several parks, including the Bellver Forest Park.

Palma de Mallorca Airport

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is the main international airport serving the island of Mallorca, Spain. It is located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of the city of Palma, the capital of Mallorca. PMI is the third busiest airport in Spain, handling over 29 million passengers in 2019. The airport has four terminals and is served by a wide range of airlines, including major carriers such as Iberia, Ryanair, and easyJet. PMI offers direct flights to destinations across Europe, as well as some intercontinental flights to destinations such as New York City and Miami.

Ground transportation

There are several options for getting to and from Palma de Mallorca Airport. The airport is connected to the city of Palma by a regular bus service, which operates 24 hours a day. There is also a train station at the airport, which offers direct trains to Palma and other destinations on the island. Taxis are also readily available at the airport, and there are several car rental companies operating at PMI.

What to See and Do in Palma, Spain

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. The city is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the iconic Palma Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Other must-see attractions include the Bellver Castle, a 14th-century fortification offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding bay, and the Almudaina Palace, a former royal residence that now houses the City Museum of Palma.

Beyond its historical treasures, Palma boasts a wealth of cultural and entertainment options. The city is home to several museums, including the Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, showcasing contemporary art, and the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, dedicated to the works of the renowned Catalan artist. Palma also offers a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes. Additionally, the city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.