Last updated: January 18, 2025
Cantabria, located in northern Spain, exhibits a temperate oceanic climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Cfb (Marine West Coast) and Csb (Mediterranean-Marine). The region experiences a minimum temperature of -10°C (15°F) in January, with a yearly average of 13°C (56°F). Summers can see maximum temperatures reaching 36°C (97°F) in July, highlighting the significant seasonal variability in temperature. This climate fosters lush vegetation and a rich biodiversity, influenced by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the unique topographical features of the region.
Temperature in Cantabria reveals notable variation throughout the year, with January presenting the coldest extremes at a minimum of -10°C (15°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F), while July and August reach maximums of 36°C (97°F) and 36°C (96°F), respectively. The average temperatures range from 9°C (49°F) in December to 19°C (66°F) in July, indicating a generally mild climate. Seasonal transitions see April warming up to an average of 12°C (53°F), while October continues the trend into autumn with a comfortable average of 15°C (59°F), suggesting a diverse climate that supports a rich natural ecosystem.
The temperature in Cantabria varies significantly among its key locations, including Santillana, Potes, and Santander. In Santillana, the monthly temperature in Santillana ranges from a chilly 0°C (33°F) in March to a warm 31°C (88°F) in August. Meanwhile, Potes experiences a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in March and reaches a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperature in Potes. In Santander, the temperature fluctuates from 0°C (33°F) in March to 30°C (87°F) in September, reflecting the mild coastal climate, with information available in the monthly temperature in Santander. This variety in temperatures contributes to the region's diverse ecosystems and seasonal beauty.
Cantabria experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with January recording 107 mm (4 in) across approximately 12 days of rain. February follows closely with 97 mm (4 in) over 12 days, while March sees a slight increase to 100 mm (4 in) of rainfall for 15 days. The wettest months typically occur from November to December, with November receiving 159 mm (6 in) over 16 days and December close behind with 152 mm (6 in) over the same number of days, reflecting the region's characteristic damp winters.
During the summer months, precipitation decreases, with July bringing 73 mm (3 in) over 13 days and August recording the lowest levels at 67 mm (3 in) over 11 days. The overall trend shows that while Cantabria maintains a consistently moist climate, the summer months allow for drier periods, with May and June experiencing 90 mm (4 in) and 101 mm (4 in), respectively. This seasonal variation plays a crucial role in shaping the lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the region.
In Cantabria, sunshine duration varies significantly throughout the year, contributing to the region's lush environment and overall climate aesthetic. January only sees 179 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 244 hours in February. As spring approaches, March and April experience notable increases, with 317 hours and 339 hours of sunshine, respectively. By May, the duration reaches 381 hours, heralding the arrival of summer, while June maintains a similar level with 380 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration.
The peak sunshine duration occurs in July, where the region basks in 402 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month of the year. August follows closely with 379 hours, before gradually tapering off in the fall, with September still providing a respectable 333 hours. October brings 296 hours, while November and December close the year with 235 hours and 228 hours, respectively. This seasonal cycle of sunshine not only impacts the local climate but also enhances agricultural productivity and regional tourism in Cantabria.
The UV Index in Cantabria demonstrates seasonal variability, with values reflecting the region's changing sun exposure throughout the year. In January, the UV Index is relatively low at 2, increasing to 4 in February. As spring approaches, there is a marked rise, with values reaching 6 in March and peaking at 8 in April. May sees a further increase to 9, indicating a greater risk for sun exposure, while June brings the highest UV Index of 11, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during this month.
As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to decline, with July recording a slightly lower value of 10 and August at 9. In September, it decreases to 8, and October sees a further drop to 6. The colder months of November and December return to lower values of 3 and 2, respectively. This seasonal trend highlights the need for awareness regarding UV exposure, particularly during the peak summer months when the risk is significantly heightened in Cantabria.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Cantabria exhibits a significant seasonal pattern, influencing outdoor activities and local ecosystems. In January, the average daylight lasts approximately 9 hours, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring unfolds, March sees a further increase to 11 hours, while April boasts 13 hours of daylight. The trend continues through May, reaching 14 hours, and peaks in June with 15 hours of sunshine, providing ample opportunity for enjoying the region's natural beauty.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to wane, with July still enjoying 14 hours of light, followed by August at 13 hours. September sees the daylight reduce to 12 hours, signaling the onset of shorter days. By October, the average drops to 10 hours, before returning to 9 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only shapes the daily rhythms of life in Cantabria but also affects agricultural practices and tourism throughout the year.
Castro-Urdiales, Spain experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C, while July sees highs of up to 30°C. Precipitation is abundant, peaking in November and December, with an annual average of around 135 mm per month. Sunshine hours fluctuate throughout the year, with July enjoying the most at 407 hours. For more detailed information, visit Castro-Urdiales climate.
Comillas, Spain, enjoys a mild maritime climate characterized by cool winters and warm summers. Average monthly temperatures range from 10°C (51°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July, with maximum temperatures peaking at 29°C (84°F) in the summer months. Precipitation is relatively high, particularly in November (209 mm) and December (198 mm), contributing to lush landscapes. The region also benefits from substantial sunshine, with July offering the most sunlight at 405 hours. For more detailed information, visit Comillas climate.
Potes, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by cool winters and mild summers. Temperatures range from a frigid -3°C (27°F) in January to a warm 29°C (84°F) in July, with average monthly temperatures around 13°C (55°F). The region receives considerable rainfall, peaking at 171 mm (7 in) in November, while sunshine varies significantly, boasting up to 397 hours in July. Overall, Potes offers a blend of wet and sunny weather throughout the year, making it an interesting destination for visitors. For more details, visit Potes climate.
San Vicente de la Barquera, Spain, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in February to a maximum of 28°C (82°F) in July and October. Precipitation is significant, especially in late autumn and winter, with November seeing up to 239 mm (9 in). The region boasts ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months, reaching up to 405 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit San Vicente de la Barquera climate.
Santander, Spain, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 9°C (49°F) in January to 21°C (69°F) in August, with maximum highs reaching up to 30°C (86°F) during the peak summer months. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly in November and December, totaling around 187 mm (7 in) and 185 mm (7 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are plentiful in summer, with July boasting an impressive 406 hours, while winter months see significantly less sunshine. For more detailed insights, visit Santander climate.
Santillana, Spain experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in January to 21°C (69°F) in August, with maximums peaking at 31°C (88°F) in summer months. Precipitation is highest in November (187 mm) and December (182 mm), while the sunniest months are July and August, each receiving around 405 hours of sunshine. For more details on the local climate, visit Santillana climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Cantabria is characterized by a rich tapestry of temperature variations, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that collectively shape its unique environmental and ecological landscape. With temperate oceanic conditions that provide ample rainfall and moderate temperatures, the region supports diverse flora and fauna. Seasonal changes in sunshine and daylight hours further enhance the allure of outdoor recreational activities and contribute to local agriculture. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for residents and visitors alike, ensuring they can fully appreciate and adapt to the natural beauty and rhythms of Cantabria throughout the year.