Salamanca sits on the Castilian plateau at 800 metres (2,625 ft) above sea level, giving it a continental Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The city averages 370mm of rain annually, most concentrated in spring and autumn. Expect sharp temperature swings between day and night year-round: a 30C (86F) July afternoon can drop to 14C (57F) after sunset. There is no coastal influence to moderate things here, so pack layers regardless of season.
Salamanca Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High C (F) | Avg Low C (F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 (48) | 0 (32) | 30 | 6 | 4 |
| February | 12 (54) | 1 (34) | 25 | 5 | 5 |
| March | 15 (59) | 3 (37) | 22 | 5 | 7 |
| April | 17 (63) | 5 (41) | 40 | 7 | 7 |
| May | 21 (70) | 9 (48) | 45 | 8 | 9 |
| June | 27 (81) | 12 (54) | 30 | 5 | 11 |
| July | 30 (86) | 14 (57) | 12 | 2 | 12 |
| August | 30 (86) | 14 (57) | 12 | 2 | 11 |
| September | 26 (79) | 11 (52) | 30 | 4 | 8 |
| October | 19 (66) | 7 (45) | 45 | 7 | 6 |
| November | 13 (55) | 3 (37) | 40 | 6 | 4 |
| December | 10 (50) | 1 (34) | 35 | 7 | 3 |
Winter in Salamanca (December to February)
Winter is cold and grey, with January lows averaging 0C (32F) and overnight temperatures frequently dropping to -3C (27F) or lower. Frost coats the city on 30 to 40 mornings per year. Snowfall is rare but possible, typically one or two light dustings annually that melt by midday. December and January are the cloudiest months, averaging just 3 to 4 hours of sunshine per day. Rainfall is moderate at 25 to 35mm monthly, mostly as persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours. The wind chill from the exposed plateau makes it feel several degrees colder than the thermometer suggests, so bring a heavy coat, scarf, and gloves. February offers slight improvement with 5 sun hours and highs reaching 12C (54F).
Spring in Salamanca (March to May)
Spring starts cool but improves rapidly. March still sees frosty mornings at 3C (37F) but by May daytime highs reach 21C (70F) and you get 9 hours of daily sun. April and May are the wettest months of the year at 40 to 45mm of rain spread across 7 or 8 wet days, so pack a rain jacket. The city’s golden sandstone monuments look their best in spring light, and the outdoor terraces at Plaza Mayor fill up from late April onward. This is one of the best seasons for sightseeing, as temperatures are comfortable for walking around the Old Town and the crowds have not peaked yet.
Summer in Salamanca (June to August)
Summer brings dry, intense heat. July and August both average 30C (86F) highs with just 12mm of rain across 2 wet days each. The heat peaks between 15:00 and 18:00, when many shops close for siesta and the stone streets radiate stored warmth. Evenings cool to a comfortable 14C (57F), perfect for Salamanca’s late-night dining culture where restaurants fill from 21:00 onward. Humidity stays low at 35 to 45 percent, making the heat more bearable than in coastal Spanish cities. June is a touch milder at 27C (81F) and gets 11 hours of daily sunshine, the highest of the year. UV levels are very high in summer at elevation, so wear sunscreen and a hat when exploring.
Autumn in Salamanca (September to November)
September retains summer warmth at 26C (79F) with 8 daily sun hours, but the season turns quickly. October sees a sharp drop to 19C (66F) and rainfall increases significantly to 45mm, with October and November tied with April and May as the wettest months. November brings the first frosts of the season with overnight lows of 3C (37F) and grey skies return, offering just 4 hours of daily sun. The autumn colours along the River Tormes and in the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea garden are pleasant but brief, peaking in late October and fading within two weeks.
For detailed guidance on when to plan your trip, read our best time to visit Salamanca guide. The Salamanca city guide covers climate overview and seasonal recommendations.
