The climate of Santander
Santander,
Spain, sits along the Cantabrian Sea, a position that allows it to enjoy a comfortable marine west coast climate. According to the Köppen climate classification, this city indeed falls within the Cfb zone, denoting a warm summer precipitated by its coastal location. This climate offers gentle seasonal fluctuations, appealing weather conditions, and reliable rain distribution spread across months.
Throughout the year, temperature swings in Santander remain rather moderate. The city experiences average high temperatures rising from 11.8°C (53.2°F) in
January and
February to a peak of 21.9°C (71.4°F) in
August, with the lowest average temperatures increasing from 8.9°C (48°F) in January to 18.1°C (64.6°F) in August. Relative humidity ranges from 72% in
October to a maximum of 80% in
June and
July. Rainfall is quite well-distributed throughout the year with a notable maximum in
November, at 53mm (2.09"), and a minimum in July and August, both at 14mm (0.55").
One distinctive pattern in Santander's climate is its fairly steady sea temperatures. The Cantabrian Sea presents fairly consistent temperatures, commencing at 12.7°C (54.9°F) in February and topping at 21.2°C (70.2°F) in August. Snowfall in Santander is minimal and, when present, it only appears in January and
December with 4mm (0.16") and 1mm (0.04"), respectively. Another year-round consistency is the remarkably clear visibility of 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
The best time to visit Santander
The optimal time to head to
Santander is undoubtedly during the summer.
June,
July, and
August offer the warmest temperatures, peaking on average at 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F), promises of long daylight hours from 15.4 hours to 15 hours, and sun-filled days with an impressive 9.4 hours of sunshine per day. The sea temperatures also peak, becoming delightfully warm averaging from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F), making these months ideal for swimming and other water activities. The lower rainfall levels, 14mm (0.55") and 15mm (0.59") in July and August respectively, add to the allure of summer.
The worst time to visit Santander
Those aiming to avoid colder temperatures and frequent rain might want to avoid visiting
Santander in winter months.
January and
February experience lower temperatures, with average highs of 11.8°C (53.2°F) and lows of 8.9°C (48°F) and 8.4°C (47.1°F) respectively. These months also grapple with possible snowfall at 4mm (0.16"), the highest all year. Rainfall tends to be higher at 41mm (1.61") in January and 36mm (1.42") in February, and less sunshine is experienced with sunshine hours dropping to 5.8 hours and 6.5 hours in January and February correspondingly.
Spring weather in Santander
In spring,
Santander experiences a gradual warming pattern.
March starts with an average high of 13°C (55.4°F), which ascends to 14.5°C (58.1°F) in
April and 16.3°C (61.3°F) in
May, while the lows rise from 9.5°C (49.1°F) to 10.9°C (51.6°F) and 12.7°C (54.9°F) in the same period. Rainfall begins to decline in this season, with March seeing 28mm (1.1"), April 23mm (0.91"), and May 26mm (1.02"). Sea temperatures also increase, beginning at 12.8°C (55°F) in March and cresting at 15.8°C (60.4°F) in May.
Summer weather in Santander
Summers in
Santander are warm and relatively dry. The highest temperatures are observed from
June to
August, reaching highs of 18.9°C (66°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F) and lows from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F). Relative humidity stays stable at 80%, rainfall is at its lowest with 27mm (1.06") in June and a mere 14mm (0.55") in
July and August, and sea temperatures reach their peak ranging from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F).
Autumn weather in Santander
In autumn, the temperatures begin to descend.
September sees highs of 20.9°C (69.6°F) which drop to 19.4°C (66.9°F) in
October and again to 15.2°C (59.4°F) in
November, with corresponding lows of 17°C (62.6°F), 15°C (59°F), and 12.3°C (54.1°F). The rainfall starts to increase with the onset of autumn, reaching 32mm (1.26") in October and a high of 53mm (2.09") in November.
Winter weather in Santander
Winters in
Santander are relatively mild due to their coastal position.
December has a high of 13.4°C (56.1°F) and
January and
February each have an average high temperature of 11.8°C (53.2°F). The low temperatures rarely fall to harshly cold levels, bottoming at 10.2°C (50.4°F) in December, 8.9°C (48°F) in January, and 8.4°C (47.1°F) in February.
Weather in January
In
January,
Santander residents can expect a cool start to the year, with the chilly temperature prevailing from winter months. With the lowest sea temperature of 12.9°C (55.2°F), the waters of Santander are not inviting for swimming.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Santander transitions from the stark cold of
January and observes a slight increase in the lowest temperature. Santander still experiences its usual dose of precipitation with a slight decrease in humidity, while the visibility remains optimal throughout.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Santander,
March suggests the onset of spring with an increase in lowest temperatures to 9.5°C (49.1°F) and the highest temperature starting to reach around 13°C (55.4°F). The daylight hours improve, and with that comes an increase in average daily sunshine, which makes the outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather in
Santander indicates a definitive arrival of spring, displaying an increase in highest temperatures to reach around 14.5°C (58.1°F). The city experiences a drop in rainfall, paving the way for a more clear and sunny climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Santander serves a taste of the impending summer, showcasing an increase in highest temperatures to approximately 16.3°C (61.3°F). The rainfall still subsides, pointing towards brighter, clearer days. The average wind speed drops further to 14.6km/h (9.1mph), the gentle winds offering a respite from the hotter days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the establishment of summer in
Santander, with temperatures reaching a comfortable high of around 18.9°C (66°F). While the city basks under increased daylight hours, the average wind speed drops to 13.6km/h (8.5mph), making the air lighter and more enjoyable.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds the banner for being
Santander's warmest month, with temperatures peaking to a high of 21°C (69.8°F). The sea begins to warm up, resulting in the highest temperature climbing up to 20.2°C (68.4°F), providing an ideal condition for swimming.
Weather in July » Weather in August
During
August, the weather in
Santander remains consistent withholding the balmy conditions of
July. Notably, August outshines other months as it has the lowest rainfall recorded at 15mm (0.59"), making it the dryest phase of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Santander starts transitioning into fall with temperatures on the decline, making the air a little chilly. A notable feature is the drop in rainfall to 15mm (0.59"), similar to that in
August. Rainfall is not frequent, contributing to the pleasantness of the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Santander fully embraces the fall season with temperatures going down from 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). Rainfall begins to pick up again with an output of 32mm (1.26"), indicating the impending winter. Wind speed revs up moderately to 13.9km/h (8.6mph).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Santander is marked by falling temperatures, providing a prelude to the winter season. Rainfall hits an annual high of 53mm (2.09"), making this the wettest month. Despite the highest rainfall, the average wind speed accelerates to 19.5km/h (12.1mph), bringing in the winter chill.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees the arrival of winter in
Santander as temperatures drop further and the city witnesses another round of snowfall. With the lowest temperature touching 10.2°C (50.4°F), the coolness persists throughout the city.
Weather in December »