Granada has a Mediterranean-continental climate (Köppen Csa/Cfa transition) shaped by its elevation of 738 meters (2,421 feet) at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This altitude produces colder winters and milder summers than coastal Andalusia.
Annual rainfall averages just 365mm (14.4 inches), one of Spain’s driest cities. Rain concentrates in late autumn and early spring. Summers are hot and dry with intense sun. The Sierra Nevada ski resort, just 32km away, operates from late November through early May, making Granada one of the few places you can ski in the morning and visit Moorish palaces in the afternoon.
Granada Monthly Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity (%) | Sun Hours/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 / 54 | 1 / 34 | 41 | 6 | 72 | 5 |
| February | 14 / 57 | 2 / 36 | 33 | 6 | 66 | 6 |
| March | 17 / 63 | 4 / 39 | 34 | 5 | 60 | 7 |
| April | 19 / 67 | 6 / 43 | 38 | 7 | 57 | 8 |
| May | 24 / 75 | 10 / 50 | 28 | 5 | 52 | 10 |
| June | 31 / 87 | 14 / 58 | 11 | 2 | 46 | 11 |
| July | 34 / 93 | 17 / 63 | 3 | 1 | 41 | 12 |
| August | 34 / 93 | 17 / 63 | 5 | 1 | 43 | 11 |
| September | 29 / 84 | 14 / 57 | 16 | 3 | 53 | 8 |
| October | 22 / 72 | 10 / 50 | 40 | 6 | 63 | 6 |
| November | 16 / 61 | 5 / 41 | 55 | 7 | 71 | 5 |
| December | 12 / 54 | 2 / 36 | 50 | 7 | 74 | 5 |
Summer Weather in Granada (June to August)
Summers are hot and dry. July and August average 34°C (93°F) highs with peaks reaching 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves. Rainfall almost disappears: July averages just 3mm with 1 rain day, August 5mm with 1 rain day. Humidity drops to 41-43%, making the heat feel less oppressive than coastal Andalusia. With 11-12 hours of daily sun, UV levels are extreme (10-11).
Sightseeing is best done early morning (before 11:00 AM) or late afternoon. The Alhambra’s Nasrid Palaces are the hottest part of a visit because they face the afternoon sun. The AlbaicÃn neighborhood offers shade from narrow streets. Carry water constantly and wear a hat. Our things to do in Granada guide suggests timing strategies for the Alhambra.
Winter Weather in Granada (December to February)
Winters are cold by Spanish standards due to the 738m elevation. Daytime highs average 12-14°C (54-57°F) but overnight lows drop to 1-2°C (34-36°F). Frost is common on winter mornings. Snow occasionally falls in the city (2-3 days per year) but rarely accumulates. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada ski resort 32km away receives heavy snowfall from November through April (Pradollano base at 2,100m).
December and January are the wettest months at 50mm and 41mm respectively over 7 days each. The Alhambra is quieter in winter and Nasrid Palaces tickets are easier to obtain (though still book 2-4 weeks ahead). The low sun angle in winter creates excellent AlbaicÃn photography conditions with long golden-hour light. For seasonal planning, see our best time to visit Granada guide.
Spring and Autumn Weather in Granada
Spring (March-May) is the best season. March starts at 17°C (63°F), May reaches 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is moderate (28-38mm, 5-7 rain days). The Alhambra’s gardens bloom spectacularly in April and May. October sees pleasant 22°C (72°F) days but increasing rain (40mm over 6 days). November is the wettest month at 55mm and temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F). The Sierra Nevada snow season typically starts in late November, enabling the ski-and-Alhambra combination that defines Granada’s unique appeal.
