Santiago de Compostela has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen Csb) with mild temperatures year-round and abundant rainfall spread across all months. Unlike Mediterranean Spain, summers here are warm but rarely hot, winters are cool and wet, and you will see rain at any time of year. The city receives about 1,800mm of rain annually across roughly 140 rainy days, making it one of Spain’s wettest cities. Always pack a rain jacket, regardless of when you visit. For more details, see our best time to visit Santiago de Compostela.
| Month | Avg High (C/F) | Avg Low (C/F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 / 54 | 5 / 41 | 157 | 16 | 3 |
| February | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 118 | 14 | 4 |
| March | 16 / 61 | 7 / 45 | 108 | 14 | 5 |
| April | 17 / 63 | 8 / 46 | 125 | 15 | 6 |
| May | 20 / 68 | 10 / 50 | 108 | 14 | 7 |
| June | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 57 | 9 | 8 |
| July | 25 / 77 | 14 / 57 | 35 | 6 | 9 |
| August | 25 / 77 | 15 / 59 | 50 | 7 | 8 |
| September | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 93 | 10 | 6 |
| October | 19 / 66 | 11 / 52 | 165 | 15 | 5 |
| November | 15 / 59 | 8 / 46 | 159 | 16 | 3 |
| December | 13 / 55 | 6 / 43 | 174 | 17 | 3 |
Santiago de Compostela Weather in Winter (December to February)
Winter in Santiago de Compostela is cool and wet but rarely cold. Daytime highs hover between 12 and 14C (54-57F), while nighttime lows drop to 5-6C (41-43F). Frost is uncommon in the city center but can occur on clear nights. December is the wettest month with 174mm of rain over 17 days. Snow in the city itself is rare, happening maybe once every few years, though the surrounding hills occasionally get a dusting. You will get only about 3 hours of daily sunshine in December and January. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy waterproof shoes. The low winter light creates dramatic clouds over the cathedral, and the smaller crowds make this an atmospheric time for photography. For more details, see our things to do in Santiago de Compostela guide.
Santiago de Compostela Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring brings gradually warming temperatures and longer days, but rainfall remains substantial. March starts cool at 16C (61F) highs, climbing to 20C (68F) by May. Lows rise from 7C to 10C (45-50F). You will still see rain on 14-15 days per month, with May getting 108mm. Sunshine increases to 5-7 hours daily by May. April and May are when the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage season begins in earnest. The countryside turns lush green, and wildflowers appear along the trails. Pack layers: a light sweater for mornings, a rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. May can deliver surprisingly pleasant afternoons of 22-23C (72-73F) between rain showers. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela events and festivals.
Santiago de Compostela Weather in Summer (June to August)
Summer is the driest and warmest season, but even July and August are mild by Spanish standards. Highs reach 23-25C (73-77F), with August being the warmest month. Lows are a comfortable 13-15C (55-59F). This is when you will find the most pilgrims arriving at the cathedral. July gets only 35mm of rain over 6 days, making it the driest month. Sunshine peaks at 8-9 hours daily. August is only slightly wetter at 50mm. Unlike Mediterranean destinations, Santiago rarely exceeds 30C (86F), and evenings remain pleasantly cool. Pack short sleeves for daytime, but bring a light jacket for evenings and the ever-present possibility of a sudden Atlantic shower. UV levels are moderate, reaching 7-8 on the index in July. For more details, see our best neighborhoods in Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September holds on to summer warmth with highs of 23C (73F), but rain increases sharply to 93mm over 10 days. October is a turning point: highs drop to 19C (66F) and rainfall nearly doubles to 165mm over 15 days. By November, highs fall to 15C (59F), lows to 8C (46F), and rainfall stays heavy at 159mm across 16 days. October and November are two of the four wettest months. Sunshine shrinks from 6 hours in September to just 3 hours in November. The autumn colors in the city’s parks and the surrounding Galician countryside are spectacular in October. Pack full rain gear, warm sweaters, and waterproof footwear. Umbrellas are less useful here than a good hooded jacket due to Atlantic winds that accompany the rain. For more details, see our where to stay in Santiago de Compostela.
What to Pack for Santiago de Compostela Weather
The single most important item for Santiago de Compostela is a reliable waterproof jacket with a hood. Rainfall is possible in any month, and Atlantic winds make umbrellas impractical. Waterproof walking shoes or boots are essential since the granite streets of the old town become slippery when wet. In winter (December-February), add a warm mid-layer like a fleece or wool sweater. In summer (June-August), pack short sleeves and lighter trousers, but always keep a lightweight rain shell in your daypack. For spring and autumn, use a layering system: base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela travel tips.
For more detailed seasonal planning, see our Santiago de Compostela best time to visit guide and check the Santiago de Compostela events calendar to align your trip with festivals. For more details, see our Santiago de Compostela hub guide.
