Alicante enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild winters that make it a popular year-round destination on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Average annual temperatures hover around 19°C (66°F), with summer highs regularly reaching 32°C (90°F) and winter lows rarely dipping below 7°C (45°F). The city receives roughly 300mm of rainfall annually, most of it concentrated in autumn months, particularly September and October when short but intense Mediterranean storms can occur.
Alicante Weather by Month at a Glance
Each month brings distinct conditions worth planning around. Sea temperatures peak at 26°C (79°F) in August and drop to 14°C (57°F) in February, affecting swim comfort. Check out our best time to visit Alicante for more details Our things to do in Alicante has detailed recommendations. . Humidity stays moderate year-round at 60-70%, making even hot summer days feel more bearable than inland Spanish cities.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sea Temp | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C (63°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 22 | 15°C (59°F) | 6 |
| February | 18°C (64°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 | 14°C (57°F) | 7 |
| March | 20°C (68°F) | 9°C (48°F) | 20 | 15°C (59°F) | 7 |
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 30 | 16°C (61°F) | 8 |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 | 18°C (64°F) | 9 |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 | 21°C (70°F) | 11 |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 | 24°C (75°F) | 11 |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 | 26°C (79°F) | 10 |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 40 | 24°C (75°F) | 8 |
| October | 25°C (77°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 | 21°C (70°F) | 7 |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 35 | 18°C (64°F) | 6 |
| December | 17°C (63°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 25 | 16°C (61°F) | 5 |
Alicante Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter in Alicante is mild by European standards, with daytime highs of 17-18°C (63-64°F) and roughly 6 hours of daily sunshine. January is the coolest month with overnight lows around 7°C (45°F). Rain averages 20-25mm per month across 4-5 rainy days, and frost is virtually unknown at sea level. The Mediterranean stays at 14-16°C (57-61°F), too cold for casual swimming but fine for watersports with a wetsuit. This is prime season for snowbirds from northern Europe who fill up seaside cafes on the Explanada de Espana. Check out our Alicante events and festivals for more details Our where to stay in Alicante has detailed recommendations. . Hotel rates are at their lowest, typically 40-60% cheaper than August peaks.
Alicante Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring brings rapid warming: March starts at 20°C (68°F) and by late May you’ll see 25°C (77°F) daily. April averages 30mm of rain over 6 days, the wettest spring month, though showers tend to be brief afternoon affairs. The sea begins warming from 15°C (59°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) by May. Sunshine jumps from 7 to 9 hours daily. This is arguably the best season for hiking around Mount Benacantil, exploring Santa Barbara Castle without summer crowds, and enjoying outdoor terraces. Check out our best neighborhoods in Alicante for more details Our Alicante travel tips and FAQ has detailed recommendations. . The Hogueras de San Juan preparations begin in May, with ninots (satirical figures) appearing in neighbourhoods.
Alicante Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot and dry. July and August both average 32°C (90°F) with 11 hours of daily sun and only 5-8mm of rain across 1-2 days. The Mediterranean hits its warmest at 26°C (79°F) in August, perfect for swimming at Playa del Postiguet right in front of the city. Sea breezes keep the promenade more comfortable than inland temperatures suggest, but midday heat from 1-4 PM is intense. Air conditioning is standard in hotels built after 2000, but older guesthouses may rely on ceiling fans. This is peak tourist season: hotel prices double compared to winter, and the Explanada and Old Town bars are packed until 2 AM.
Alicante Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September stays warm at 29°C (84°F) with a sea temperature of 24°C (75°F), essentially an extension of summer. October marks the real transition: highs drop to 25°C (77°F) and rainfall jumps to 45mm, the wettest month of the year. These autumn rains come as short, heavy Mediterranean downpours known as gota fria (cold drop), most common in late September through October. They can cause localised street flooding in the Old Town, though the city drains quickly. By November, temperatures settle at 20°C (68°F) with 6 hours of sun, and the tourist crowds thin dramatically after mid-October. November is a sweet spot for city breaks: warm enough for outdoor dining at lunch, cool enough for comfortable sightseeing.
