Seville, located toward the south of Spain, has a mediterranean climate characterized by very hot, dry summers and cool, palatable winters. Precipitation varies month to month from virtually nothing from June to August, to a moderately rainy season from October to December.

During the summer months, air temperatures in Seville top almost every major city in Europe, with a daily average range of 25°C to 38°C. It is quite common for daily highs to exceed 40°C on several occasions throughout the summer. Precipitation during this time is very minimal. The entire summer may see only 3 to 4 rainy days.

Rainfall increases during the shift into autumn, and peaks at a monthly average of 100mm in October and November.

Throughout the winter, air temperatures cool off considerably. Daily averages in January, the coldest month, range from 5°C to 16°C.

Seville, Spain

Seville

Barcelona’s mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers, and brisk, yet palatable winters. Rainfall peaks in the spring and autumn months, and a gentle breeze is constant year round.

During the summer, air temperatures can get quite hot, ranging from 20°C to 27°C. During August, the hottest month, temperatures regularly breach the low thirties. Precipitation during the summer is at its lowest, seeing only 32mm in July. Conversely, the transition into autumn can see as much as a quadrupling of rainfall, with November being the city’s rainiest month.

Throughout the winter, average air temperatures range from 7°C to 13°C. Rainfall is slightly higher than in the summer months, but is still considerably lower than spring and autumn’s peaks.

Barcelona is densely populated, and can therefore lead to as much as a 2°C temperature increase in central neighbourhoods.

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Barcelona

The Spanish island of Ibiza, known for its affiliation with the international nightlife scene, boasts yearlong comfortable temperatures with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

During the island’s peak tourism season (June through August), average air temperatures range between 21°C and 26°C, although it’s quite common to see extended periods where it exceeds the low thirties. Precipitation is scarce during the summer months, with July barely seeing any more than 5-6mm of rain. Water temperatures in the Balearic Sea which surround the island are quite comfortable at an average of 22°C to 25°C.

During the tourism off-season, air temperatures and water temperatures cool down to a range of 9°C to 20°C and 15°C to 19°C respectively. Rainfall increases to an average of 40mm per month, with the rainiest month (November) see more than 60mm.

Generally though, Ibiza’s weather doesn’t vary too far from seasonal expectations, making it a reliable place to vacation.

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Ibiza

The capital and most populous city in Spain is known for a wide range of weather throughout the year. Its high altitude (660m above sea level) plays an important role in the city’s climate, and typically leads to cooler winters and some of the smallest amounts of precipitation across all of western Europe.  

During the summer months, air temperatures can get quite hot. Daily averages range from 20°C to 31°C, but can sometimes move into the low to mid thirties for days at a time. Rainfall is hardly noticeable from June to September. Monthly averages during these months peak at 26mm, with July and August seeing even less.

In contrast, winters can get quite cold, sometimes even below 0°C. Precipitation ranges from 25mm to 55mm per month, with October and November seeing the most rain.

In January 2021, Madrid received over 50cm of snow, marking a new high since 1972.

Skyline of the royal palace and cathedral in a cloudy sunset in Madrid, Spain

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Madrid

Located on the Iberian peninsula, and just 168km away from Ibiza, Valencia’s mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, palatable winters. Precipitation is mostly scarce except for an extended rainy period from late September to early November.

During the summer months, average air temperatures in Valencia range from 20°C to 28°C with daily highs sometimes breaching into the very low thirties. July is typically the driest month, receiving less than 10mm of rain.

The transition into winter is met with increased rainfall and slightly cooler air temperatures that bottom out around 7°C. November is the city’s rainiest month, seeing 65mm on average.

Water temperatures in the Balearic Sea are very comfortable during the summer months, but can be a bit chilly during the rest of the year. July and August see 23°C to 25°C water temperatures, while the winter months, 12°C to 15°C is typical.

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Valencia

The island of Mallorca is among the most visited tourist destinations in all of Spain. Its capital, Palma, boasts a hot mediterranean climate that is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is light throughout most of the year except for an extended rainy period from late September to early November.

During the summer months, average air temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C with daily highs sometimes crossing the 30°C threshold. Rainy days are few and far between throughout the summer. July, the driest month, sees only 3-6mm of rain. This changes toward late September though, where precipitation picks up to 50mm to 70mm until winter.

The coldest air temperatures come in December and January where daily averages range from 9°C to 15°C. 

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Palma

Located 100km off the western shores of Morocco, the 8 main islands in this Spanish archipelago are best known for their hot, sunny summers.

Precipitation throughout the year is very scarce. During the summer months, it’s possible to go many weeks without a single drop of rain. This changes only slightly during the winter months where light showers bring 30-45mm per month.

Air temperatures are relatively consistent year round. In the summer months, the daily averages range between 21°C and 26°C, while in the winter the range drops by a few degrees to 17°C to 21°C.

Water temperatures in the surrounding Atlantic Ocean are comfortable all year, ranging between 19°C and 23°C.

Aerial view of coastline with rocky shores, many boats and lots of colorful buildings on a cloudy day in the Canary Islands, Spain

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Canary Islands

The contiguous states in America cover a wide range of geographies that are generally temperate for the majority of the year. Exceptions include the far north which can see extended periods of below 0°C temperatures alongside heavy snowfall; Southern Florida, which boasts a tropical climate akin to the Caribbean; and a hot desert climate in the southwest.

The island state of Hawaii has a tropical climate with constant trade winds that help to relieve the humidity.

To the north, Alaska’s proximity to the Pole gives it a subarctic climate with very cold winters, and short summers. The State alternates between periods of extended sunshine (peaking at a full 24 hours on the summer solstice), and months of complete darkness.

America’s wide variety of climates offers something for everyone making it a year round vacation destination.

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United States

The Dominican Republic is mostly a tropical climate complete with warm ocean water, lots of sunshine, and intense humidity. It’s a mountainous country, which means even the shortest of drives between cities can lead to dramatic weather changes.

Just like in the rest of the Caribbean, The Dominican Republic has a wet season and a dry season, however, these seasons begin and end at different times of the calendar year depending on whether you vacation in the north or south of the country.

In the north, beachside destinations like Puerto Plata see intense rainfall from November to May, making April to October the best time to visit. During these prime vacation months, the ocean sits around a balmy 29°C, and air temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low thirties.

In the south and south-east (where Punta Cana is), precipitation is considerably more intense during the opposite months, making December to April the best time of year to visit. Air temperatures during these prime vacation months sit between the mid to high twenties.

In short, the Dominican Republic is an all-year destination. Its varying topography can lead to a different weather experience depending on where you are at any given time. The plus side is that if you’re experiencing inclement weather where you are, warm and sunny skies are usually just a short drive away.

Panorama of the Dominican Republic with palm trees on a tropical beach and a bright sunset

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Dominican Republic

Geographically situated at the very top of the Caribbean islands, The Bahamas boasts a tropical climate that is slightly cooler than its neighbouring vacation spots. During the dry season (November to April), The Bahamas offers a welcoming temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Consistent trade winds keep the island breezy, and comfortable ocean water temperatures bring an opportunity to cool off even further. For those who dread hot and balmy places but still want to escape harsh Canadian winters, this is the vacation spot for you.

In the summer months, rain dominates the forecast. The Bahamas sees an average of 18 rainy days per month from June to October. Precipitation often comes in short but strong spurts, clearing up quickly and returning to sun in as little as just a few minutes. This is also the time of year when the country is prone to very strong winds.

Despite the uptick in tropical storm appearances in the past five years, The Bahamas has historically avoided the most serious of hurricanes. One notable exception is in September 2019, when Hurricane Dorian became the first Category 5 hurricane since 1992 to make landfall, causing massive damage.

Caribbean tropical beach on a bright sunny day with white sand coastline and the deep blue sea in the Bahamas

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The Bahamas

As one of the largest countries in the world (14th overall), Mexico’s wide landscape offers a diverse range of climates for all sorts of vacationers. While air temperatures across the country are consistently warm year round, factors such as altitude and proximity to the equator play a large role in rainfall amounts, relative humidity, and a number of other categories.

Along the eastern shores, tourist hotspots like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen boast tropical climates akin to something you’d expect from the Caribbean. Air temperatures are hot and humid all year, and precipitation tends to fall in short, but strong bursts.

On the opposite coast, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan offer a similar climate, albeit with a concentrated precipitation schedule.

Venturing inland towards Mexico City and other densely populated areas brings higher altitudes and therefore cooler air temperatures. 

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Culture in Mexico

Mexico

Canada’s climate tends to vary from region to region, but in most cases can be categorized as long, cold winters and comfortable, temperate summers.

Snow is a defining characteristic across the country. In some areas, it can be present for six to eight months, however, popular tourist spots like coastal British Columbia and southern Ontario experience a considerably less severe winter season.

In Alberta, the contrasting landscapes between the Rocky Mountains and the flat plains can bring temperature swings of up to 30 degrees during a single night. As the Prairies continue east, the flat terrain and high humidity can spawn tornadoes more than anywhere else in Canada.

The northern territories make up 40% of Canada’s land, and are typically classified as dry and very cold. That said, much of the north still experiences a short summer where air temperatures range between 6°C to 18°C.

The climate across the Maritime provinces are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation is a constant across the East. In winter months, that rain can turn into heavy snowfall. In Newfoundland particularly, there are usually one to two events where upwards of 70cm can fall in a single 24 hour period.

Summers across the country are more uniform than winter. Most major Canadian cities experience a comfortable, temperate summer season with high levels of humidity, and a fair amount of rainfall.

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Canada

Spain is generally regarded as a hot, sunny vacation destination, although by looking in the right places, it is possible to seek out chillier winters fit for skiing.

Most tourists tend to visit cities along the Balearic Sea like Barcelona or Valencia. Summers in these coastal cities are pleasantly warm with very little rainfall. Similarly, island destinations like Ibiza or Palma offer the same mediterranean climate, but with slightly hotter air temperatures.

Inland, cities like Seville see a more dramatic range of weather compared to their coastal counterparts. Here, temperatures can get blisteringly hot during dry summer months, and increased rainfall during early winter can cause some vacation disturbances.

Madrid’s high altitude exposes it to below-zero temperatures during the winter, including a period in January 2021 where 50cm of snow fell on the city, setting a new record.

The Canary Islands, which sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, are another popular island getaway with pleasant summer temperatures and very little rainfall.

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Spain

Jamaica is a popular tourist destination complete with year round pleasant weather and a robust culture. It boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. High air temperatures, and warm ocean waters are the norm. 

Vacation hotspots are scattered across the island country. To the northwest, Montego Bay and Negril see slightly more intense rainfall than their counterparts to the east. That said, precipitation in Jamaica tends to come in strong but short bursts, making most days at least a little bit sunny.

Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. The most impactful ones tend to appear in late August through October, but hurricane season can sometimes begin as early as June or July. 

Aerial view of a main road, colorful buildings and ocean in Montego Bay, Mexico with sunny weather

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Jamaica

Italy’s lengthy geography with contrasting ecosystems gives the country a diverse climate range. Winters in the Alps get very cold, suitable for skiing, meanwhile winters along the coast or on the island of Sicily are quite pleasant. Similarly, summer hot spells can become uncomfortable as temperatures breach 30°C in some parts of Italy, while those same summers can become cool and breezy just by moving a few hundred kilometres inland.

Generally speaking, air temperatures increase toward the Southeast of the country.

Most popular destinations like Rome or Florence experience hot, dry summers, and brisk, but palatable winters. Precipitation is regular and relatively consistent throughout the country, with the rainiest months being October and November, and the driest months being during the summer.

Water temperatures, for the most part, are suitable for swimming during the summer months, but too cold any other time of year. 

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Italy

France covers a lot of diverse territory, and for that reason, it encompasses a number of different climates. Most of the country boasts a temperate, four-season climate where winters are cold, summers are warm, and Spring and Fall act as a transition period.

More extreme climates can be experienced in the Southeast. The French Alps are characterized by mountainous landscapes that bring in more rainfall, colder winters, and relatively cool summers.

Conversely, along the Rhône Valley, summers can get quite hot making it a desirable tourist destination.

Aerial view of the Seine river at sunset in Paris, France

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France

Australia is generally well-known for having a hot, sunny climate, but due to the country’s massive size, weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year tend to vary dramatically depending on where you visit.

In the south, where most of the population lives, the temperate climate sees a modified version of the four seasons that many Canadians are used to. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, summertime temperatures can get quite hot and sticky, while winter conditions are typically mild and wet. 

Moving along the eastern shores to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns will bring hotter temperatures and more of a tropical climate akin the Caribbean. Rainy days are even more prominent in this part of Australia, although the precipitation there often comes in strong, quick bursts rather than prolonged over the course of an entire day.

The famous Australian Outback makes up most of the country’s interior. Its climate can get dangerously hot and dry, with summertime temperatures regularly floating around 40°C.

Extreme weather conditions in Australia can sometimes lead to massive wildfires or flash floods. The entire country is prone to these disasters, so it’s important to be conscious about protocols particularly when venturing out of the major cities.

When planning a vacation here, it’s also important to bear in mind that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Their seasons are reversed from Canada’s, and getting closer to the Equator means travelling north rather than voyaging south.

Sydney, Australia from the ocean at sunset with the Sydney Opera house in the skyline

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5 Australian Cities You Should Have On Your Bucket List

Australia

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is located only 200km away from the Floridian tip of the United States and boasts a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

During the rainy season (May to October), the country sees on average, 10 stormy days per month, and an air temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. The rainiest months are June and October. In the dry season (November to April), Cuba’s air temperature dips slightly to a range of 19°C to 26°C, and precipitation amounts are considerably lower. March and April are the driest months during this time.

Cuba is also prone to powerful hurricanes, with most occurring during August to October. 

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Cuba

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Climate in Madrid

Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Madrid

Historical Average

Weather Averages in Madrid

Other Vacation Destinations in Spain