Granada
Spain · Europe
The best time to visit Granada is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 41°C (106°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -5°C (23°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Granada – What you should know
Granada shows a range unusual for Andalusia: 36°C (97°F) in July, but a risk of night frost in January at 1°C (34°F). The city sits at 700 metres (2,297 ft) at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, and that elevation is what separates it from the coast at Málaga, where January brings 17°C (63°F) rather than 13°C (55°F).
That proximity is precisely what makes Granada distinctive: the Sierra Nevada holds Europe's southernmost ski area, with pistes above 3,000 metres (9,843 ft) and a season running into April. From the ski slopes to a Mediterranean beach is around two hours by car — a combination found nowhere else in Europe in this form.
For the Alhambra, the actual reason for most visits, April, May and October are the best months at 21–26°C (70–79°F). The circuit through the palace, the Generalife gardens and the Alcazaba takes hours, largely outdoors — at 36°C (97°F) in July that becomes a trial. Summer is bone dry in return: 1 mm (< 0.1 in) falls in July and 2 mm (0.1 in) in August. Rain concentrates in winter at 37 to 54 mm (1.5 to 2.1 in).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 14° (57°)6– (43–)20 (68) | 15° (59°)7– (45–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)10– (50–)26 (79) | 22° (72°)12– (54–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)15– (59–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)21– (70–)38 (100) | 36° (97°)30– (86–)41 (106) | 36° (97°)29– (84–)40 (104) | 30° (86°)21– (70–)35 (95) | 25° (77°)16– (61–)32 (90) | 18° (64°)10– (50–)25 (77) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)9 (48) | 5° (41°)-2– (28–)10 (50) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)13 (55) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 18° (64°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 15° (59°)8– (46–)19 (66) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)9 (48) |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 5 | 7h UV 6 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 6 | 7h UV 5 | 6h UV 4 |
🌧Rain Days | 5d37mm (1.5") | 5d43mm (1.7") | 5d51mm (2.0") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 3d26mm (1.0") | 1d10mm (0.4") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 2d25mm (1.0") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 4d54mm (2.1") | 4d39mm (1.5") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In July and August, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
From April to August, UV levels in Granada reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Granada with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Granada?
- The best time to visit Granada 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 Granada?
- In summer, daytime highs in Granada average 36°C (97°F), with peaks around 41°C (106°F); in winter, nights average 1°C (34°F), dropping to around -5°C (23°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Granada get?
- Granada has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 3 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MaySepOct
