Alicante
Spain · Europe
The best time to visit Alicante is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 7°C (45°F), dropping to around 1°C (34°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Alicante – What you should know
Alicante is among the driest places in Spain. July averages 2 mm (0.1 in) across zero rain days, February 11 mm (0.4 in) across one — the annual total comes to under 360 mm (14.2 in). Behind this lies its position in the rain shadow of the Baetic mountains, which intercept moist Atlantic air before it reaches the Costa Blanca.
The result is an unusually long season. Summer reaches 31°C (88°F) in July and August, but May already brings 24°C (75°F) and October still 25°C (77°F). The Mediterranean follows with a lag: it warms to 27°C (81°F) by August and is still 22°C (72°F) in October — making October one of the best months here.
Winter is the real reason so many northern Europeans overwinter on the Costa Blanca: 17–18°C (63–64°F) in January and February with six to seven hours of sunshine daily. That is not enough for swimming — the water falls to 14°C (57°F) — but plenty for golf, cycling and walks along the Explanada. The only appreciably wet spell falls in September and October at 42 to 55 mm (1.7 to 2.2 in).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 17° (63°)11– (52–)23 (73) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)12– (54–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)16– (61–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)19– (66–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)36 (97) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)36 (97) | 29° (84°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)31 (88) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)23 (73) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 7° (45°)1– (34–)14 (57) | 8° (46°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)24 (75) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)17 (63) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 10h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 6h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 17° (63°) | 19° (66°) | 23° (73°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 23° (73°) | 19° (66°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 2d29mm (1.2") | 1d11mm (0.4") | 3d42mm (1.6") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 2d27mm (1.1") | 2d11mm (0.4") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 1d17mm (0.7") | 3d55mm (2.2") | 3d42mm (1.7") | 3d53mm (2.1") | 2d26mm (1.0") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From May to August, UV levels in Alicante reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Alicante with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Alicante
December – February
Alicante has no real winter: 17°C (63°F), hardly any rain, the Explanada in full sun. That is why northern Europeans overwinter here in numbers — the city stays alive while the rest of the Costa Blanca sleeps.
March – May
Spring with almost guaranteed weather: 19 to 24°C (66 to 75°F), two to four rain days a month, Santa Bárbara castle reachable without the heat. At 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F) the sea is still fresh, but the beaches are empty.
June – August
High summer: 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), practically rain-free, the Mediterranean at 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F). Postiguet beach in the middle of town is packed; it is quieter on the island of Tabarca or further south towards Santa Pola.
September – November
The underrated season: in October the water still holds 22°C (72°F) and the air 25°C (77°F), and the terraces in the old quarter belong to locals again. Autumn brings the few heavy downpours of the year.
Events & Festivals
June
- Hogueras de San Juan (Fogueres de Sant Joan)· 20-24 June
Alicante's biggest festival, declared of International Tourist Interest. For five days monumental figures stand in the streets, with fireworks and midday mascletàs. On the night of 24 June every figure goes up in flames.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Alicante?
- The best time to visit Alicante is May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Alicante?
- In summer, daytime highs in Alicante average 31°C (88°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 7°C (45°F), dropping to around 1°C (34°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Alicante get?
- Alicante has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 2 rain days per month. The driest months are February, June, and July.
- How warm is the water in Alicante?
- Water temperature in Alicante ranges from 15°C (59°F) (February) to 27°C (81°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, and October), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunOct
