The climate of Cartagena
Cartagena, nestled in the southeastern
Spain, is categorized under the Köppen climate classification as BSk. It portrays a mid-latitude steppe climate type. This classification showcases gentle seasonal variations, with semi-arid conditions making up the city's prevailing weather patterns.
In Cartagena, temperature ranges from a low point of 11.2°C (52.2°F) in
February to an intense high of 28.2°C (82.8°F) in
August. As the year progresses, the city experiences shifts in temperature that can span more than ten degrees. This instability is further mirrored in the changeable rainfall, which fluctuates from a low of 3mm (0.12") in
July to a peak of 37mm (1.46") in
September. The rate at which relative humidity changes over time is, however, less dramatic. Humidity values vacillate between 65% in
November and 72% in August, maintaining a modest range.
One intriguing aspect of weather in Cartagena is the distinct cloud cover variations throughout the year. The cloud cover waxes and wanes from a minimal 9% in July, gradually escalating to reach its zenith of 26% in
March and
December. Similarly, the wind speed also varies, recording speeds of 13km/h (8.1mph) in
June, July, and August, and reaching a maximum gust of 27.2km/h (16.9mph) in February.
The best time to visit Cartagena
Considering the overall mild climate and minimum rainfall, the best time to visit
Cartagena is in
July. The average high temperature is a warm but comfortable 27.3°C (81.1°F), and there is only a scanty 3mm (0.12") of rainfall in the whole month. At the same time, the average humidity is at a moderate 71%, and wind speeds skim at a comfortable low of 13km/h (8.1mph). Moreover, the considerable daylight of 14.5 hours and pervading sunshine for 11.4 hours promise ample time for daytime activities and exploration.
The Mediterranean waters adjoining Cartagena warm to a tempting 24.8°C (76.6°F) in July, with excellent visibility of 10km (6.2mi), inviting visitors for a coastal soak. The sea temperature combined with generous sunshine hours and relatively low rainfall makes July a prime month for beach activity.
The worst time to visit Cartagena
September challenges travelers with the highest average rainfall of 37mm (1.46") across 6.5 days of the month, thus deemed as the worst time to visit
Cartagena. Despite the temperature lingering at a manageable 26°C (78.8°F), the persistent downpours disrupt outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, the month registers a high average relative humidity of 70%, intensifying the dampness. The wind speed also picks up moderately during this time, recording an average of 13.6km/h (8.5mph).
Simultaneously, daylight hours dwindle down to 12.4, and sunshine hours drop to 9.4, drawing the day's end relatively early. The somewhat tumultuous weather conditions in September and increased rainfall do not create an ideal time for exploration or beach activities.
Spring weather in Cartagena
March,
April, and
May radiate the aura of Spring in
Cartagena. The temperatures trend on the milder side, varying from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F). On the other hand, average rainfall dips slightly during April and May to 24mm (0.94") and 6mm (0.24"), respectively. The pleasant weather invites favorable conditions for outdoor adventures and promenading around the splendid architectural structures of the city.
Viewers can feast their eyes on the soft pastel-colored blooms that adorn the landscape, under an expansive daylight duration extending from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May. However, the wind speed remains integrally unfazed, maintaining a moderate range from 16.6km/h (10.3mph) to 14.3km/h (8.9mph).
Summer weather in Cartagena
The summer months radiate a warm glow over
Cartagena. The temperatures recline comfortably between 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F) throughout the summer months. Moreover, the city witnesses its lowest rainfall from
June to
August, with an average as low as 3mm (0.12") in
July. The sea surface temperature elevates to a tempting 22.1°C (71.8°F) in June and reaches its peak to 25.9°C (78.6°F) in August which encourages beach activities and water sports.
The days are at their longest, with 14.7 hours of daylight in June that recoils to 13.6 hours in August. Concomitantly, the number of sunshine hours touches its zenith of 12 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Cartagena
Autumn descends gently on
Cartagena in months of
September,
October, and
November. During this period, the average temperature decelerates from 26°C (78.8°F) to a cooler 19°C (66.2°F). The rainfall, however, witnesses a substantial rise, peaking at 37mm (1.46") in September before declining to 22mm (0.87") and 28mm (1.1") in October and November, respectively.
The period of daylight and sunshine hours diminishes steadily, dropping from 12.4 hours and 9.4 hours respectively in September to 10.2 hours of daylight and 7.2 hours of sunshine in November. The wind speed comes in at a slightly higher range, recording an average speed from 13.6km/h (8.5mph) to 15.7km/h (9.8mph) across these months.
Winter weather in Cartagena
Winter in
Cartagena wraps the city in a relatively mild climate. The temperature hovers between 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F) from
December to
February. December sees an average rainfall of 20mm (0.79"), whereas
January presences a drop in precipitation to 6mm (0.24"), eventually rising to 24mm (0.94") in February.
The daylight duration shortens, enfolding the city under a blanket of darkness for a substantial part of the day. The light of day extends from 9.6 hours in December to 10.8 hours in February, simultaneously sunshine hours also fluctuate, scoring a low of 6.6 hours in December and recovering to 9 hours in February. Notably, the wind speed picks up, recording the maximum gust speed of 27.2km/h (16.9mph) in February, adding a whip of chilly breeze to the winter weather.
Weather in January
Despite being the coldest month,
January in
Cartagena,
Spain, offers a milder winter compared to other parts of Europe. Temperatures hover between 11.4°C (52.5°F) and 15.2°C (59.4°F), ensuring that the chill is never severe.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar turns to
February, there's a gentle upward shift in temperatures that signals the beginning of
Cartagena's transition into spring. Despite this, February's weather is notably comparable to
January's, with marginal increases seen across the temperature range from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the commencement of spring in
Cartagena, and with it comes milder, wetter weather. From a temperature perspective, there's a noticeable increase with the monthly range shifting from 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a real sense of spring, with comfortable temperatures and reasonable rainfall. Detailed weather data confirms an increase in monthly temperatures from 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F) paired with no drastic change in precipitation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, summer makes its initial bid for dominance in
Cartagena. A significant rise in temperatures from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F) heralds the onset of warmer days. Rainfall becomes an infrequent event, with a modest 6mm (0.24") falling over just about 3.3 days.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June announces the arrival of high summer in
Cartagena,
Spain, with weather conditions turning ideal for outdoor activities. The temperature range increases notably from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F), offering perfect beach days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
By
July, the scorching summer firmly roots itself in
Cartagena. The weather data reveals the highest average temperatures of the year, ranging from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F). Meanwhile, rainfall reaches an annual low, with a measly 3mm (0.12") precipitation over an average of 2.3 days giving very few relief.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Heatwaves continue to rule
Cartagena in
August, with the loftiest temperatures reaching up to 28.2°C (82.8°F). This month hosts the highest thermometer readings with the lowest value still being at a comfortable 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Cartagena sees the first signs of autumn as a gentle reprieve starts to temper the peak summer heat. The monthly temperature range declines from the summer heights, oscillating between 22.7°C (72.9°F) and 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the essence of Autumn, with a discernible shift in
Cartagena's climatic conditions. A considerable temperature drop is seen, with a range from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F), which points towards chillier days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The theme of
November's weather in
Cartagena is a continued transition towards winter. Temperatures continue to downturn, with the average range falling from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Rainfall rises once more to 28mm (1.1") coming down over an approximate 7.5 days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Winter bares its teeth in
December, and
Cartagena hunkers down in the cooler climate. The prevalent temperature extents from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F) imply a significant drop from
November. A precipitation of 20mm (0.79"), spread across nearly 5.9 days, ushers in the rainy winter days.
Weather in December »