Formentera
Spain · Europe
The best time to visit Formentera is June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 33°C (91°F); in winter, nights average 8°C (46°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 12 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Formentera – What you should know
Formentera is Ibiza's small sister and almost its opposite: no airport, just the ferry from Ibiza port, no clubs, flat land with La Mola as the only hill. The appeal lies in the beaches of Ses Illetes and Migjorn, the turquoise water over seagrass meadows and the bicycle as the way to get around. In July daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), nights 22°C (72°F).
From May to July the sun shines 10.6–11.1 hours a day and the UV index is 8.7–8.8. July brings almost no rain at 2 mm (0.1 in); August has 24 mm (0.9 in) on two days, usually a short thunderstorm. The sea rises from 19°C (66°F) in May to 22°C (72°F) in June, 25°C (77°F) in July and 27°C (81°F) in August, and stays warm at 25°C (77°F) in September — the month to pick for anyone wanting warmth without the high-summer bustle.
Autumn brings the rain: September and October have 53 and 54 mm (2.1 and 2.1 in), November 59 mm (2.3 in) over five days. Many beach bars and hotels close by then. In winter daytime highs are 15–16°C (59–61°F) and the sea 14–15°C (57–59°F) — an island walk, yes, a beach holiday, no. In late May and early June the water, at 19–22°C (66–72°F), is still fresh, but the light and quiet beaches compensate.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 16° (61°)12– (54–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)30 (86) | 24° (75°)19– (66–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 8° (46°)2– (36–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 16° (61°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)25 (77) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)22 (72) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 4 | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h 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°) | 20° (68°) | 17° (63°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d35mm (1.4") | 3d23mm (0.9") | 3d42mm (1.6") | 3d34mm (1.4") | 2d16mm (0.6") | 1d15mm (0.6") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 2d24mm (1.0") | 3d53mm (2.1") | 4d54mm (2.1") | 5d59mm (2.3") | 4d41mm (1.6") |
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 Formentera reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
May offers great weather in Formentera with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Formentera
December – March
Formentera in winter is an almost deserted island. Many beach bars and hotels are closed and the ferries run less often. The coastal paths and the salt pans stay lovely, but swimming is not an option. Anyone who wants peace and loves the light will find it here.
April – June
The start of the season: bars open, bikes are rented out again and the beaches fill slowly. The light is clear and bright, the days are long and the water is still cool. Visit now and you share Ses Illetes with only a handful of others.
July – August
High season under the parasol: the sea glows turquoise over seagrass meadows, the beaches are full and prices high, and sunset at the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse becomes a meeting point. Early risers and cyclists discover quiet coves in the south.
September – November
For many, September is the loveliest month: the sea is still warm, the beaches emptier and the light softer. In October the first showers fall, then many businesses close. By November the season is over and the island belongs to the locals again.
Events & Festivals
July
- Virgen del Carmen· 16 July
Feast of the fishermen's patron saint: after mass, the statue of the Virgin is placed on a fishing boat in La Savina harbour and carried across the water in a boat procession, followed by traditional dances.
- Sant Jaume· 25 July
Feast of the island's patron saint and Formentera's official holiday in Sant Francesc Xavier, with folk dancing, concerts and fireworks closing a festival week of a good seven days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Formentera?
- The best time to visit Formentera is 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 Formentera?
- In summer, daytime highs in Formentera average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 33°C (91°F); in winter, nights average 8°C (46°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Formentera get?
- Formentera has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 3 rain days per month. The driest months are May, June, and July.
- How warm is the water in Formentera?
- Water temperature in Formentera ranges from 15°C (59°F) (February) to 27°C (81°F) (August). During the best travel months (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
