Cartagena sits on Spain’s southeastern Mediterranean coast in the Murcia region, where a semi-arid climate delivers mild winters, long hot summers, and just 284mm of rain per year. The city’s position between the Sierra Minera mountains and the Mediterranean creates a microclimate that averages over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of Spain’s sunniest cities alongside Almeria and Alicante. Sea temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in February to 26°C (79°F) in August, and the surrounding mountains shelter the city from the cold north winds that affect inland Murcia. For more, read our Cartagena travel tips guide.
Cartagena Weather in January
January is Cartagena’s coolest month with daytime highs reaching 17°C (63°F) and overnight lows dropping to 7°C (45°F). The city receives around 28mm of rainfall spread across 6 days, and you can expect about 5.5 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature sits at 15°C (59°F), too cold for swimming but fine for coastal walks. Pack a jacket for evenings and a light sweater for daytime. The average humidity hovers at 69%. For more, read our where to stay in Cartagena guide.
Cartagena Weather in February
February brings subtle warming with daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). Rainfall drops slightly to 25mm over 5 rainy days with 6.3 hours of daily sun. The sea remains at 14°C (57°F), its annual minimum. February is a dry, pleasant month for sightseeing, with fewer tourists than spring. Morning fog can linger near the port but burns off by 10 AM on most days. Humidity averages 65%. For more, read our Cartagena neighborhoods guide.
Cartagena Weather in March
Spring begins with daytime highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). March averages 22mm of rain over 5 days with 7.2 daily sunshine hours. Sea temperature creeps up to 15°C (59°F), and the city starts to feel noticeably warmer by mid-month. The Semana Santa processions in late March or April draw big crowds. Humidity averages 63% and the UV index climbs to 5, so sunscreen becomes necessary. For more, read our Cartagena events and festivals guide.
Cartagena Weather in April
April sees highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F), with 27mm of rain over 6 days. You get a solid 8.4 hours of sun daily and the sea warms to 16°C (61°F). This is one of the best months for outdoor sightseeing. The Roman Theatre and Castillo de la Concepcion are comfortable to explore without summer heat. Humidity sits at 62% and rainfall is modest, but carry a light raincoat for occasional showers. For more, read our things to do in Cartagena guide.
Cartagena Weather in May
May brings summer-like conditions with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Rainfall drops to 24mm over 5 days and sunshine jumps to 9.8 hours daily. Sea temperature reaches 18°C (64°F), warm enough for a quick swim by late May. Humidity drops to 60% and the UV index hits 8. The city feels lively but not overcrowded. Local beaches at Cala Cortina and La Manga start to fill on weekends. For more, read our best time to visit Cartagena guide.
Cartagena Weather in June
June delivers true summer heat with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). Rainfall plummets to just 13mm over 3 days, and you can count on 11.2 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature rises to 21°C (70°F), making it comfortable for swimming. Humidity sits at 58% and the UV index reaches 9-10. The Mar Menor lagoon, a 20-minute drive away, stays warmer than the open Mediterranean and reaches bathtub temperatures by late June.
Cartagena Weather in July
July is Cartagena’s driest and sunniest month. Highs reach 31°C (88°F) and lows stay at 21°C (70°F), with just 3mm of rain across a single rainy day. You get 11.8 hours of sunshine daily, the year’s maximum. Sea temperature hits 24°C (75°F) and the Mar Menor reaches 27°C (81°F). Humidity averages 57%. Avoid midday sightseeing between 1 PM and 5 PM when the sun is strongest. The city quiets down during siesta hours, and air conditioning in hotels is essential.
Cartagena Weather in August
August matches July for heat with highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 8mm over 3 days with 10.5 hours of sun. Sea temperature peaks at 26°C (79°F), the warmest of the year, while the Mar Menor reaches 28°C (82°F). Humidity rises to 61% making the heat feel more intense. This is peak Spanish holiday season, so beaches at La Manga are packed and hotel prices are at their annual maximum. Book restaurants in advance for weekend evenings.
Cartagena Weather in September
September is Cartagena’s wettest month with 37mm of rain over 6.5 days, often arriving as brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms known as gota fria. Daytime highs reach 29°C (84°F) with lows at 19°C (66°F). You still get 8.1 hours of sun daily and the sea stays warm at 24°C (75°F). Humidity climbs to 65%. The first half of September can feel like an extension of summer, but conditions shift noticeably by the equinox. The Carthaginians and Romans festival runs the second half of the month.
Cartagena Weather in October
October brings autumn with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall totals 32mm over 7 days with 6.9 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature remains a pleasant 21°C (70°F), and the first half of October often delivers beach-worthy weather. Humidity sits at 67%. This is an excellent month for combining city sightseeing with coastal walks. Pack layers as evenings cool quickly after sunset.
Cartagena Weather in November
November cools to highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall averages 34mm over 8 days with 5.8 hours of daily sun. Sea temperature drops to 18°C (64°F). Humidity averages 68%. The Cartagena Jazz Festival brings indoor cultural activity this month. Rain tends to come in multi-day fronts rather than quick showers, so carry a proper rain jacket. The UV index drops to 3.
Cartagena Weather in December
December has highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F), with 31mm of rain over 7 days. Sunshine drops to 5.2 hours daily. Sea temperature reads 16°C (61°F). Humidity averages 70%. While not beach weather, December is pleasant for exploring the Old Town, and the Christmas lights along Calle Mayor draw evening crowds. The Three Kings parade on January 5 is a major event. Bring a warm coat for evenings when temperatures can feel cooler due to sea breezes.
Cartagena Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Sea (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17 / 63 | 7 / 45 | 28 | 6 | 5.5 | 15 / 59 |
| Feb | 17 / 63 | 8 / 46 | 25 | 5 | 6.3 | 14 / 57 |
| Mar | 19 / 66 | 9 / 48 | 22 | 5 | 7.2 | 15 / 59 |
| Apr | 21 / 70 | 11 / 52 | 27 | 6 | 8.4 | 16 / 61 |
| May | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 24 | 5 | 9.8 | 18 / 64 |
| Jun | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 13 | 3 | 11.2 | 21 / 70 |
| Jul | 31 / 88 | 21 / 70 | 3 | 1 | 11.8 | 24 / 75 |
| Aug | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 8 | 3 | 10.5 | 26 / 79 |
| Sep | 29 / 84 | 19 / 66 | 37 | 6.5 | 8.1 | 24 / 75 |
| Oct | 25 / 77 | 15 / 59 | 32 | 7 | 6.9 | 21 / 70 |
| Nov | 20 / 68 | 11 / 52 | 34 | 8 | 5.8 | 18 / 64 |
| Dec | 17 / 63 | 8 / 46 | 31 | 7 | 5.2 | 16 / 61 |
Annual totals: average high 23°C (74°F), average low 14°C (56°F), total rainfall 284mm, average 8.1 sunshine hours per day. The sea temperature ranges from a February minimum of 14°C (57°F) to an August peak of 26°C (79°F). Cartagena receives roughly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, placing it among Europe’s sunniest cities.
