Climate and weather in Mallorca

Climate and temperatures

Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands, which, in turn, are part of Spain. They are situated in the Mediterranean, and thus benefit from a typical Mediterranean climate. Other islands in the Balearics include Minorca and Ibiza.
Mallorca has a temperate Mediterranean climate with not too hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The temperatures in winter usually are about 12°C and in summer hardly fall below 30°C.

Travel Time Summer

Summer is the peak season. Certainly due to holidays, but also precisely because of the nearly cloud-free months of July and August.

Travel Time Autumn

Autumn is actually the better travel time. The weather is still good and the water is warmest. Also already falling prices.

Travel time Winter

Some like to spend their winter in Mallorca. Temperatures rarely drop below 12 ° C, but there are frequent rainfall.

Travel time spring

Spring is the perfect time to be active (cycling, walking). Don`t miss the heyday of almond, apricot and orange trees.

Influences on Mallorca’s climate

Mallorca is situated between the European mainland, 300 km to the north, and the Sahara Desert, 400 km to the south. The European mainland becomes very cold in the winter, and, of course, the Sahara Desert is very hot, so this means that these opposing weather conditions have a great influence on Mallorca’s climate. Mallorca, of course, is an island so the sea also has an influence. Like coastal regions in most countries, temperature is regulated by the sea. The warmth of the sea means that temperatures do not drop drastically like they do on larger land masses. The sea is very warm in August and never drops down to near freezing temperatures at any time of the year, meaning that for quite a number of months in the year sea bathing is possible and very enjoyable too.

Average temperatures

A Mediterranean climate demonstrates a hot and dry summer period with seasonal rains. The temperatures are fairly uniform across the island except for high areas like the Sierra de Tramuntana. Yearly temperatures average 16 to 18 degrees C, with highs reaching 29 to 30 degrees C, and low temperatures falling to 5 to 9 degrees C. Most years, temperatures can reach a high of 35 degrees C and a low of 5 to 9 degrees C.

Rainfall

Although it does rain in Mallorca it is irregular, and can be completely different from one year to another. Little or no rainfall means that the island can suffer from drought. The heaviest rains fall in autumn but can be very light for the rest of the year. Rainfall tends to be concentrated, with a lot of precipitation in a relatively short time.

The Embat

The Embat is a wind peculiar to Mallorca. This wind is due to the land becoming heated; this contrasts with the regular sea temperatures. The air that has become heated over the land rises, causing the cooler sea air to travel towards the coast. Unless offshore winds that blow against the Embat are in evidence, then the Embat will keep the daily summer temperatures at a usually pleasant level.

When making vacation in Mallorca?

For a beach holiday the months of June, July, August and the early part of September are best, with a smaller chance of rain and plenty of sunshine. It can get very hot in August, which may not be suitable for small children or the very elderly. Sightseeing holidays are good for all of the year, although it is advisable to relax in the shade during the hotter months. February, March, April, May and October are milder, so lots of sightseeing, perhaps to Palma Cathedral or into the countryside, or even cycling are good. Hardier souls will visit in December or January, when it is perhaps best to ‘play it by ear’ as far as activities are concerned.