The climate of Jaén
Situated in the heart of Andalusia,
Spain's southernmost region,
Jaén is a charming city influenced by a Mediterranean, hot summer climate or Csa according to the Köppen climate classification. On a yearly scale, Jaén exhibits a broad spectrum of climate phenomena, dominated by its hot, dry summers and mild, somewhat wetter winters.
Mean high temperatures in Jaén range from a cool 11.3°C (52.3°F) in
January to a sizzling 34.4°C (93.9°F) peak in
August. The chilliest month is January with the average low temperature of 3.1°C (37.6°F), while August brings the warmest nights with 20.5°C (68.9°F). In regard to precipitation, the city experiences rainfall throughout the year, but some months are noticeably drier than others. The wettest month is
April with 48mm (1.89") of average rainfall, while
July being the driest month only accumulates an average of 2mm (0.08") of rain.
Jaén's geographical position and altitude are major contributors to its overall climate and unique weather patterns. A notable pattern is the marked decrease in precipitation and relative humidity from
June to August where the city basks in dry, hot weather. This contrasted by the significantly wetter and cooler months between
November and April.
The best time to visit Jaén
May and
June are arguably the most favourable months to plan a visit to
Jaén. With consistently pleasant daytime temperatures from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) and nights cooling down to a comfortable 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). These months also offer an ideal balance between temperatures and daylight, providing around 14.2 to 14.7 hours of daylight with up to 12 hours of sunshine.
Over these two months, rainfall remains low, with May averaging only 19mm (0.75") across 8.3 days, and June even drier, seeing a mere 6mm (0.24") of rain spread out over 3.5 days. Besides, the relative humidity levels also remain moderate during May and June, ranging from 53% to 41%, making the weather comfortable and less stifling despite the heat.
The worst time to visit Jaén
August, despite being the warmest month, might not be an ideal time to visit
Jaén. High temperatures reaching up to 34.4°C (93.9°F) can become overpowering and may cause discomfort, especially for those unaccustomed to heat. The humidity levels are at their lowest during this month, just 34%, which can exacerbate the effects of heat, making the climate seem hotter than it actually is.
Furthermore, despite the long daylight availability of 13.6 hours, the UV index is at its peak level of 7 in August. Thus, visitors are more exposed to the harmful UV rays, making sun protection crucial.
Spring weather in Jaén
Spring in
Jaén is noted for its mild and temperate climate. As the city transitions from the cooler months, average high temperatures gradually increase from 15.8°C (60.4°F) in
March to a warm 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
May. This season marks the start of wetter weather as rainfall totals approximately 39mm (1.54") in March followed by a peak of 46mm (1.81") in
April but lessens to 19mm (0.75") in May.
Wind speeds also show notable variations, peaking at an average of 8.9km/h (5.5mph) in March before slowly dipping to 7.8km/h (4.8mph) and 8km/h (5mph) in April and May respectively. Likewise, sunshine hours progressively rise from 8.1 hours in March to 10.1 hours in May contributing to the longer daylight availability, which extends from 12 hours in March to approximately 14.2 hours in May.
Summer weather in Jaén
Summers in
Jaén are a time of heat and ample sunshine. High temperatures consistently surpass 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
June, peaking at an intense 34.4°C (93.9°F) in
August. Night-time temperatures hover at a much milder 16.9°C (62.4°F) in June, increasing to 20.5°C (68.9°F) in August.
Precipitation levels are at their lowest during these months, with June and
July averaging 6mm (0.24") and 2mm (0.08") of rainfall respectively. The days are long with daylight hours peaking at 14.7 hours in June and maintaining a considerable 13.6 hours till August. Coupled with a high sunshine duration of 10 to 12 hours per day, summer in Jaén is sultry and luminous.
Autumn weather in Jaén
Autumn ushers in a gradual cooling down of temperatures in
Jaén. Daily highs remain warm, declining from 28.5°C (83.3°F) in
September to 15.4°C (59.7°F) by
November. Correspondingly, low temperatures fall from 16.6°C (61.9°F) in September to a cooler 7.3°C (45.1°F) in November.
Autumn experiences a slight uptick in rainfall, especially in November - the second wettest month of the year with precipitation totalling approximately 48mm (1.89"). This increase is accompanied by longer rainfall days, rising to 11 days in November. Despite these changes, this season continues to benefit from abundant sunlight, boasting about 9.6 to 7.6 hours of sunshine each day.
Winter weather in Jaén
Winters in
Jaén are typified by cooler temperatures and greater rainfall. Daytime highs average 13.3°C (55.9°F) in
December dropping to 11.3°C (52.3°F) by
January, while the nightly averages remain chillier, at around 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F), with January being the coldest month.
Rainfall during December and January is considerable, with monthly averages of 31mm (1.22") and 29mm (1.14") respectively. Relative humidity levels also rise up during the winter months, averaging between 73% to 76% from December to
February. Despite the relatively gloomy weather, Jaén still gets fair amounts of sunshine during winter, with daily averages of approximately 7.1 to 7.6 hours across the season.
Weather in January
The start of the year brings noticeable freshness in
Jaén, as this Andalusian province experiences one of the coldest months of the year. Rainfall is quite common, with the city receiving an average of 29mm (1.14") of precipitation.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February in
Jaén brings slight relief from the cold with a small increase in temperatures. However, it is important to note that this month experiences an increase in wind speed, with averages reaching up to 8.8km/h (5.5mph).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of spring in
March brings a considerable improvement in the weather conditions in
Jaén. Little by little, the temperatures start to rise, promising a balanced climate. This month shows a significant jump from the winter chill, painting a pleasant picture for visitors and locals alike.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Jaén marks a significant shift in the weather dynamics. With average daylight hours increasing to 13.2, opportunities to explore the grandeur of the Cathedral and the city's charming cobbled streets escalate. April witnesses diverse weather conditions, with warmer days and occasional rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As summer approaches,
May in
Jaén observes a significant rise in temperature, signaling the seasons' shift. With average temperatures soaring up to 24.4°C (75.9°F), Jaén, is bathed in warmth and sunshine. This period of transition from spring to summer can be quite attractive as vibrant colors start to re-emerge in the region’s beautiful landscape.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the start of the summer season in
Jaén and the weather turns warmer and drier. It's a perfect time to embrace the outdoor life, perhaps visiting the lovely olive groves that are characteristic of this region. During this month, the city is much more vibrant and lively, inviting all to participate in its activities and festivities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Mid-summer in
July brings to
Jaén the year’s highest temperatures, with average highs reaching upto 34.3°C (93.7°F). The accompanying dryness along with extended daylight hours offer an outstanding time for strolling through this Andalusian city, especially in the evenings.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the trend from
July with soaring temperatures and minimum rainfall.
Jaén during this period is distinctively warm and dry, offering ample scope for both day and night activities. The drying conditions extend the holiday season, inviting local and international tourists to discver the culture and heritage of the region.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Jaén marks the beginning of autumn and a gradual drop in temperatures from the peak summer highs. After
August, September is significantly cooler, enabling an easier exploration of Jaén's beauty. The city starts to reclaim the tranquility lost to the summer holidays, providing an excellent opportunity to experience Jaén in relative peace.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Jaén brings more noticeable changes in weather, with the average high temperatures dropping down to 23.5°C (74.3°F). The decrease in temperature results in the city's ambiance gaining a comforting coolness. With subtle indications of approaching winter, Jaén’s landscape begins to change.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the final month of autumn,
November witnesses chilly temperatures and an increase in rainfall, averaging around 48mm (1.89"), a signal of the approaching winter. Owing to a significant decrease in daylight hours and a rise in humidity, the weather is relatively harsher compared to the previous months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Jaén comes with average low temperatures dropping to 4.5°C (40.1°F), making it one of the chilliest months. The signs of winter are clearly visible, as the city wears a cloak of cold while maintaining its festive spirit.
Weather in December »