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Formentera is the smaller, quieter sister of Ibiza, a flat 83 sq km island 20 km south of its neighbour in Spain’s Balearic Islands. It has no airport and no high-rise hotels, just white-sand beaches such as Ses Illetes and Migjorn, a scattering of low whitewashed villages, and a protected natural park at its northern tip. The island’s semi-arid Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers where July and August average 26°C, and mild winters that hover around 12°C.
Welcome to Formentera
You reach Formentera by ferry from the Port of Ibiza, a crossing of 25-35 minutes that docks at La Savina on the north-west coast. From there the island unfolds as a 32 km web of Green Cycle Routes linking the main beaches and the six towns. The sea reaches a swimmable 24-26°C in July and August, while October is the wettest month at 70 mm. Most visitors come for the beaches and the slow pace, moving between Ses Illetes, Playa de Migjorn and the clifftop lighthouse at Cap de Barbaria. Start with our Formentera Weather by Month guide for the month-by-month numbers.
Formentera Climate at a Glance
Formentera has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with annual rainfall of 450 mm over about 56 rainy days. Daily mean temperatures run from 11.8°C in January to 26.4°C in August. Summers are dry, with July dropping just 5 mm of rain, while autumn storms push October up to 70 mm. The sea is warm enough for swimming (24-26°C) only from July through September.
Formentera Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March to May): Warms from 13.6°C to 18.8°C. Green after April’s 40 mm of rain, sea still a cool 16-18°C. Quiet and cheap, ideal for cycling and seeing the island before the crowds.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, 21.5-30.4°C. Sea reaches 26°C in August. Ses Illetes parking fills by 10am; everything is open but busiest.
- Autumn (September to November): September stays warm at 23.7°C with a 24°C sea, then October brings 70 mm of rain and many seasonal closures by November.
- Winter (December to February): Mild at 11.8-12.9°C but damp, with December the wettest month. Most beachfront businesses close until Easter and ferries run less often.
Explore Our Formentera Guides
- Formentera Weather by Month – average temperatures, rainfall and sea temperature for every month, with a full climate table.
- Best Time to Visit Formentera – the exact months for warm seas, low prices and few crowds, and which months to avoid.
- Things to Do in Formentera – Ses Illetes, Cala Saona and Migjorn, plus the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse and a boat trip to Espalmador.
- Formentera Events and Festivals – Sant Jaume on 25 July, the Pilar fiesta in October and the seasonal craft markets.
- Formentera Neighborhoods – Es Pujols, Sant Francesc, La Savina, Sant Ferran and El Pilar de la Mola compared.
- Where to Stay in Formentera – area-by-area hotel recommendations for every budget.
- Formentera Travel Tips and FAQ – ferries from Ibiza, scooter rental, money and safety.
Formentera Quick Facts
- Warmest months: July and August (mean 25.6-26.4°C, afternoon highs to 30.4°C)
- Coldest month: January (mean 11.8°C, nights 7.8°C)
- Wettest month: October (70 mm over 5 days)
- Driest month: July (5 mm over 1 day)
- Best sea temperature: August (26°C)
- Swimmable sea: July to September (24-26°C)
- Annual rainfall: 450 mm over 56 rainy days
- Getting there: Ferry from Ibiza Town to La Savina, 25-35 min, €18-50 one-way
Suggested Hotels in Formentera
Blanco Hotel Formentera
A whitewashed 4-star in Es Pujols with a large outdoor pool, children’s pool and restaurant, two streets back from the town beach. Best for couples and families who want a resort pool next to the sand. Check rates and availability
Hotel Roca Bella
A beachfront value hotel 500 m from Es Pujols with air-conditioned sea-view rooms, an outdoor pool and breakfast restaurant. Best for travellers who want a seaside bed on a mid-range budget. Check rates and availability
Hostal Mayans
A family-run guesthouse near Es Pujols beach with a seasonal pool and à la carte restaurant. Best for budget travellers who want a central, simple base. Check rates and availability
