Travel time: Year-round
Granada, situated at approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, possesses a climate that sits between a Mediterranean and a slightly continental system. This positioning, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains yet only 70 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, creates a dramatic weather profile characterized by extreme daily thermal variations and clear seasonal transitions.
The most striking feature of Granada’s daily weather is its thermal amplitude. It is not uncommon for temperatures to fluctuate by more than 20°C (36°F) within a single 24-hour period. In the early morning, cold air descends from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks, cooling the city significantly. As the sun rises, the lack of humidity allows the air to heat up rapidly, reaching warm temperatures by mid-afternoon. Local life flows with this rhythm; residents typically utilize the cool morning and late evening for errands, while the high heat of the afternoon—especially in summer—prompts a retreat indoors.
Spring is a period of rapid awakening and high contrast. Early spring can still feel wintry, especially in March which is statistically the city's rainiest month. By May, temperatures become mild and pleasant, averaging around 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F). However, the mountains remain snow-covered, providing a stunning visual contrast to the blooming gardens of the Generalife.
Granada experiences intense, dry heat in the summer. Daytime highs frequently exceed 35°C (95°F), and heatwaves can push mercury past 40°C (104°F). Unlike the coastal regions, the heat here is very dry. Nights provide some relief as mountain breezes settle into the basin, but evening temperatures can remain warm until well after midnight.
September often retains summer heat, but by October, the air becomes crisp and the skies exceptionally clear. This season sees a gradual increase in rainfall, particularly in November, which is one of the wettest months. The surrounding hillsides turn golden, and the first snow usually appears on the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Winters are cold but characterized by brilliant sunshine. While daylight temperatures often reach a comfortable 12°C-15°C (54°F-59°F), nights frequently drop to freezing (0°C/32°F) or slightly below. Snow in the city center is rare (occurring about 1–2 days per year), but the nearby mountains ensure the atmosphere feels definitively alpine.
Within the province of Granada, two distinct microclimates exist:
A rare but notable phenomenon in the region is the heat burst. Occurring mostly in late afternoon or evening when air suddenly descends from high altitudes, it can cause temperatures to spike by several degrees in minutes, accompanied by sudden, violent wind gusts and a dramatic drop in humidity.
Locals often joke that Granada has only two seasons: "winter and the train station" (meaning the transition is so fast it barely exists). Because of the dry air and altitude, the sun "bites" more intensely here than on the coast; even on a cold winter day, the direct sunlight feels remarkably warm. Conversely, as soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops precipitously, a phenomenon locals call the refresca (the cooling).