Summer in Spain: Where can you find cooler temperatures?

The Spanish weather authority continues to release weather warnings across Spain as the heatwave continues.

It seems there is no escape from the dastardly heat, and yet, did you know there are places in Spain where you can spend the summer months with a coat on?

Galicia

Galicia is first on our list, an autonomous community northwest of the Peninsula, right in the corner.

Here, the cool breeze comes not from the high altitude, but from the ocean. The national park of the Galician Atlantic Islands is situated within a climate classified as “sub-humid Mediterranean with Atlantic tendencies”, as stated by AEMET, the state meteorological agency.

This means that temperatures average between 13 to 15 degrees Celsius, with minimal rain, and little season variability.

Even if temperatures climb, you can always stick your feet in the coldest waters of Spain, Rodas Beach, with just reaches 15 degrees Celsius in August. 

Cercedilla

Further south, in Madrid, 8 km from the southern slope of Sierra de Guadarrama, you will find Cercedilla, the coolest part of the Madrid region. 

Here, summer temperatures average 21.9 degrees Celsius, due to the high altitude (1,214 metres).

The mountainous environment creates a beautiful scenery to behold, while still staying cold. 

Asturias

A large expanse of the Asturias, The Natural Park of Narcea, Degaña, and Ibiasia (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).

Within the park you can take a stroll through the Muniellos Forest, the largest oak forest of Spain and one of the best conserved in all of Europe.

These lands provide refuge for those seeking reprieve from the heat, where the temperature tends to range from 19.3 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, with averaged lows around 13 degrees Celsius.

Leon

Another part of the north of the Peninsula that makes for a much cooler climate in the summer months is Leon.

Here lies the Puerto de San Isidro, the mountain pass that connects the provinces of León and Asturias.

In the summer months of July and August, when other parts of Spain are sweating, the median summer temperature in Leon doesn’t exceed 12.5 degrees Celsius, making for fantastic escape from the heatwave this year.

Griegos

Last on the list is Griegos, in The Sierra de Albarracin, famous for being one of the coldest towns in Spain.

From June to August you can expect temperatures as low as 12 to 14 degrees Celsius in the summer nights, where even winter clothing could be necessary.