Cordoba has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with strong continental influences, making it one of the warmest cities in Europe. Located in the Guadalquivir river valley in inland Andalusia, the city experiences extremely hot summers and mild winters. July and August regularly see temperatures above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F), with the record high reaching 46.9 degrees C (116.4 degrees F) in July 2017. Winters are mild, with January highs of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) and lows of 4 degrees C (39 degrees F). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for visiting. The full monthly breakdown is below.
Cordoba Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January
Average high 15 degrees C (59 degrees F), low 4 degrees C (39 degrees F). Rainfall averages 66 mm over 8 days. The coldest month but still mild by European standards. Morning frost is possible in the Guadalquivir valley. The Mezquita has shorter hours (10:00 to 18:00), and some courtyard patios are closed. This is the quietest month for tourism.
February
Average high 17 degrees C (63 degrees F), low 5 degrees C (41 degrees F). Rainfall 55 mm over 7 days. The first almond blossoms appear in the Sierra de Cordoba. Temperatures can feel warm during sunny midday hours. Hotel rates remain low; four-star rooms from 70 euros per night. An ideal month for visiting the Mezquita without crowds.
March
Average high 20 degrees C (68 degrees F), low 7 degrees C (45 degrees F). Rainfall 50 mm over 7 days. Spring arrives properly by mid-March. Orange trees throughout the Juderia burst into bloom, filling the narrow streets with fragrance. The days lengthen noticeably. If Easter (Semana Santa) falls in March, expect the city to be very busy with processions daily.
April
Average high 22 degrees C (72 degrees F), low 9 degrees C (48 degrees F). Rainfall 55 mm over 8 days. One of the two best months to visit. The weather is near-perfect for exploring the Juderia on foot. If Semana Santa falls in April, book accommodation 3+ months ahead. The Cruces de Mayo festival at month end brings flower-decorated crosses to plazas citywide.
May
Average high 27 degrees C (81 degrees F), low 12 degrees C (54 degrees F). Rainfall 35 mm over 5 days. The Feria de Cordoba (usually last week of May) fills the fairground with casetas, flamenco, and fino sherry. The famous Patios Festival runs for two weeks in early May, when private courtyard gardens open to the public. Daytime temperatures are warm but not oppressive. Book everything well ahead for May.
June
Average high 32 degrees C (90 degrees F), low 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Rainfall 15 mm over 3 days. The heat builds rapidly. By late June, midday temperatures routinely exceed 35 degrees C (95 degrees F). Sightseeing is best done 9:00 to 13:00 and then after 18:00. The siesta culture is not a cliche here: shops close from 14:00 to 17:30. The best time to visit Cordoba guide has more on managing the heat.
July
Average high 37 degrees C (99 degrees F), low 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Rainfall 3 mm over 1 day, essentially none. The hottest month. Days above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) are common, with 10 to 15 such days in an average July. The Mezquita’s thick stone walls keep the interior bearable, but walking the Juderia streets at midday is punishing. Carry water constantly; there are public fountains in most plazas. The Festival de la Guitarra runs in early July, with evening concerts at the Teatro Axerquia and the Alcazar gardens.
August
Average high 36 degrees C (97 degrees F), low 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Rainfall 5 mm over 1 day. Nearly as hot as July but with warmer nights. Many small shops and restaurants close for the entire month as locals flee to the coast. The Mezquita, Alcazar, and main museums stay open but reduce hours slightly. Evening temperatures remain around 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) until after midnight. Only visit in August if heat does not bother you or you have no alternative.
September
Average high 31 degrees C (88 degrees F), low 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Rainfall 25 mm over 3 days. The heat begins to recede, especially in the second half of the month. Early September can still feel like summer. The Cordoba Guitar Festival continues through early September. A good month for combining Cordoba with day trips to Seville (45 minutes by AVE) or Granada.
October
Average high 24 degrees C (75 degrees F), low 12 degrees C (54 degrees F). Rainfall 65 mm over 7 days. The second of the two best months for visiting. Temperatures return to the comfortable range, and the autumn light on the Mezquita’s orange tree courtyard is beautiful. Rainfall increases but comes as intermittent showers rather than sustained rain. Hotel prices drop from summer peaks.
November
Average high 18 degrees C (64 degrees F), low 8 degrees C (46 degrees F). Rainfall 85 mm over 8 days. The wettest month. Cool and grey by Andalusian standards, though still mild compared to northern Europe. The Juderia is quiet, and you can have sections of the Mezquita nearly to yourself. Hotel rates are at annual lows. A jacket or light coat suffices.
December
Average high 15 degrees C (59 degrees F), low 5 degrees C (41 degrees F). Rainfall 80 mm over 8 days. Christmas lights appear in the Juderia from early December. The mild December weather makes Cordoba feel festive without being uncomfortably cold. The city’s nativity scene tradition (belenismo) is strong; elaborate belenes appear in churches and public buildings. New Year’s Eve celebrations centre on Plaza de las Tendillas.
Cordoba Weather by Month: Summary Table
| Month | Avg High (C/F) | Avg Low (C/F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 / 59 | 4 / 39 | 66 | 8 |
| Feb | 17 / 63 | 5 / 41 | 55 | 7 |
| Mar | 20 / 68 | 7 / 45 | 50 | 7 |
| Apr | 22 / 72 | 9 / 48 | 55 | 8 |
| May | 27 / 81 | 12 / 54 | 35 | 5 |
| Jun | 32 / 90 | 16 / 61 | 15 | 3 |
| Jul | 37 / 99 | 19 / 66 | 3 | 1 |
| Aug | 36 / 97 | 19 / 66 | 5 | 1 |
| Sep | 31 / 88 | 16 / 61 | 25 | 3 |
| Oct | 24 / 75 | 12 / 54 | 65 | 7 |
| Nov | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 85 | 8 |
| Dec | 15 / 59 | 5 / 41 | 80 | 8 |
