Zaragoza has a cold semi-arid climate (BSk in the Koppen classification) with hot summers, cold winters, and low rainfall year-round. The city sits in the Ebro Valley at 200m elevation, flanked by the Pyrenees to the north and the Iberian System to the south, creating a rain shadow that keeps annual precipitation to just 330mm. You will get about 2,700 hours of sunshine per year. The Cierzo wind, a strong northwesterly that funnels down the Ebro Valley, blows on roughly 180 to 200 days per year and can make winter days feel 5 to 7 degrees Celsius colder than the actual air temperature. Read our best time to visit Zaragoza for seasonal advice.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Monthly Averages
These are 30-year averages from AEMET (Spain meteorological agency) at Zaragoza Airport station, 10km west of the city centre. Temperatures at the airport are typically 1 to 2 degrees Celsius cooler than the city centre due to open exposure. See our things to do in Zaragoza guide for more.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 22 | 4 | 4 |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 4°C / 39°F | 18 | 3 | 5 |
| March | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 43°F | 20 | 4 | 7 |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 38 | 6 | 8 |
| May | 25°C / 77°F | 12°C / 54°F | 36 | 6 | 9 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 16°C / 61°F | 26 | 4 | 11 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 18°C / 64°F | 15 | 2 | 12 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 18°C / 64°F | 18 | 3 | 10 |
| September | 27°C / 81°F | 15°C / 59°F | 28 | 4 | 8 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 40 | 6 | 6 |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 33 | 5 | 4 |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 37°F | 23 | 4 | 3 |
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Zaragoza winters are cold but dry. Daytime highs reach 11 to 14°C (52 to 57°F), while nights drop to 3 to 4°C (37 to 39°F). Frost occurs on about 15 mornings per winter, mostly in January. The Cierzo wind blows on roughly 40% of winter days at 30 to 50 km/h, adding significant wind chill. Snowfall is rare, averaging one light dusting per year that melts by midday. Rainfall is minimal at 18 to 23mm per month across just 3 to 4 rainy days. You will see 3 to 5 hours of sun daily. Pack a windproof jacket rather than a heavy snow coat, a scarf for the Cierzo, and layers you can remove when stepping inside heated buildings. Check our Zaragoza events and festivals calendar.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms up quickly. March starts at 18°C (64°F) highs, May reaches 25°C (77°F). Nights remain cool, climbing from 6°C (43°F) in March to 12°C (54°F) in May, so bring a jacket for evenings. This is Zaragoza rainiest season, with April bringing 38mm over 6 days and May 36mm over 6 days. The Cierzo persists through March and April but eases considerably by May. Sunshine increases from 7 to 9 hours daily. The Ebro River swells with snowmelt from the Pyrenees. Spring is excellent for walking the Old Town and the riverside paths along the Ebro. Our Zaragoza neighborhoods guide compares all districts.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer in Zaragoza is hot and dry, typical of inland Spain. July and August both average highs of 32°C (90°F), with 15 to 20 days per month exceeding 35°C (95°F). Heatwaves can push temperatures above 40°C (104°F) for 2 to 3 consecutive days. Nights cool to 18°C (64°F), offering some relief but staying warm enough for outdoor dining until midnight. July is the driest month with just 15mm of rain over 2 days. You will get 10 to 12 hours of daily sun. The Cierzo largely disappears, replaced by light afternoon thermal breezes. Siesta culture is real here, shops close from 2pm to 5pm, and the city quietens during peak heat. Plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and use the midday for museum visits or a long Spanish lunch indoors. Find the best places in our where to stay in Zaragoza guide.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September remains warm at 27°C (81°F) but cools rapidly. By November, highs drop to 15°C (59°F) and nights to 6°C (43°F). October is Zaragoza wettest month with 40mm over 6 days, though rain typically arrives in short, sharp downpours rather than all-day drizzle. The Cierzo returns in October and strengthens through November. Sunshine decreases from 8 hours in September to 4 in November. Early autumn (September to mid-October) is a sweet spot for visiting, warm days without summer intensity and before the Cierzo returns in force. For practical advice, read our Zaragoza travel tips.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: The Cierzo Wind
The Cierzo is a persistent northwesterly wind that funnels down the Ebro Valley between the Pyrenees and the Iberian System. It blows on roughly 180 to 200 days per year, strongest from November to March. Sustained speeds of 30 to 50 km/h are common, with gusts above 80 km/h not unusual. A January day of 11°C (52°F) can feel like 4°C (39°F) in a strong Cierzo. If you visit between November and March, a windproof jacket, scarf, and secure hat are essential. On the positive side, the Cierzo clears air pollution and keeps skies bright blue, giving Zaragoza some of the clearest winter skies in inland Spain. Check our Zaragoza travel guide for more.
Zaragoza Weather by Month: Quick Facts
- Hottest months: July and August (32°C / 90°F avg high)
- Coldest month: January (11°C / 52°F high, 3°C / 37°F low)
- Driest month: July (15mm, 2 rain days)
- Wettest month: October (40mm, 6 rain days)
- Sunniest month: July (12 hours/day)
- Windiest period: November to March (Cierzo at 30 to 50 km/h)
- Annual rainfall: 330mm
- Annual sunshine: ~2,700 hours
