Last updated: April 17, 2025
Abstract: The climatic conditions of Castille-La Mancha, Spain, exhibit a diverse range characterized by several Köppen-Geiger climate classifications: Csa, Cfb, Csb, and BSk. This region experiences a significant annual temperature variation, with minimum temperatures dropping to -14°C (7°F) in January and soaring to maximums of 44°C (112°F) in August. The average annual temperature rests at 14°C (58°F), highlighting a typically continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. Such variability influences the region's agricultural practices, biodiversity, and water resources, underlining the need for adaptive strategies in response to ongoing climate changes.
The temperature profile of Castille-La Mancha, Spain, reveals considerable variation throughout the year, marked by extremes. In January, the minimum temperature reaches -14°C (7°F), with an average of 5°C (40°F) and maximums of 24°C (76°F). As the seasons progress, February sees lows of -11°C (13°F) and highs that maintain a consistent ceiling of 24°C (76°F). March begins to warm, with temperatures ranging from -6°C (22°F) to 28°C (84°F), while April averages around 12°C (53°F), peaking at 30°C (85°F). May witnesses a further increase, with averages at 17°C (63°F) and highs hitting 37°C (100°F). The summer months of June and July are particularly hot, with July reaching maximum temperatures of 43°C (109°F) and average temperatures of 25°C (78°F). August mirrors this pattern, hitting peaks of 44°C (112°F) while sustaining an average of 25°C (78°F). The transition into autumn sees September's average drop to 20°C (69°F), with peaks at 37°C (99°F), followed by October's cooler 15°C (59°F) average and maximums of 33°C (92°F). November and December experience further declines, with minimums dipping to -8°C (18°F) and -9°C (16°F) respectively, ultimately averaging 9°C (48°F) in November and 6°C (44°F) in December.
The temperature dynamics in Castille-La Mancha vary significantly across its regions, notably in Galapagos, Consuegra, and Cuenca. In Galapagos, the minimum temperature drops to -7°C (21°F) in January, while August sees a maximum reaching 40°C (104°F), reflecting the monthly temperature in Galapagos. Consuegra experiences even cooler January nights, with a minimum of -14°C (7°F), and peaks at 43°C (109°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperature in Consuegra. Meanwhile, Cuenca records a minimum of -13°C (9°F) in the coldest month and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) during the height of summer, elaborated further in the monthly temperature in Cuenca. These variations showcase the regional climatic differences within the broader climate of Castille-La Mancha.
Precipitation in Castille-La Mancha exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with the highest levels occurring in the spring and autumn months. January experiences approximately 36 mm (1 in) of rainfall over 5 days, gradually increasing to 34 mm (1 in) in February with the same number of rainy days. March marks a notable spike, with 65 mm (3 in) of precipitation accumulated across 9 days, while April witnesses the region's peak rainfall of 87 mm (3 in) over 12 days. The drier month of July sees only 14 mm (1 in) of precipitation spread across a mere 2 days, followed by a slight increase in August with 22 mm (1 in).
As summer transitions to autumn, precipitation patterns shift once more, with September yielding 35 mm (1 in) of rain over 5 days. October receives 50 mm (2 in), maintaining a similar frequency of rainfall with 5 rainy days. November follows suit with 66 mm (3 in) over 10 days, and December closes the year with 48 mm (2 in) across 7 days. This distribution highlights the seasonal variability in precipitation, essential for understanding the region's agricultural cycles and water resource management.
The humidity levels in Castille-La Mancha paint a vivid picture of the region's climate throughout the year. Starting with a damp 85% in January, humidity experiences a gradual decline as spring approaches, reaching its annual low of 50% in the sweltering summer months of July and August. As autumn sets in, a noticeable increase begins, with humidity rising again to 73% by October. The year concludes with fresh, moist air in December, where levels reach a peak of 86%. This cyclical pattern showcases a transition from a moist winter to a dry summer, before returning to another humid winter, reflecting the dynamic weather of this enchanting part of Spain.
Castille-La Mancha enjoys a substantial number of sunshine hours throughout the year, with noticeable variations from month to month. January records 196 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 257 hours in February. As spring approaches, March brings a marked enhancement, providing 315 hours of sunshine. April continues this trend with 334 hours, paving the way for the sunniest months, May and June, which enjoy 403 hours and 412 hours respectively. July reaches its peak with an impressive 430 hours of sunshine, showcasing the region's hot summer climate.
As summer transitions to autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, with August experiencing 401 hours of sunshine followed by 346 hours in September. October sees a further reduction to 315 hours, while November and December finish the year with 246 hours and 242 hours, respectively. These sunshine patterns underscore the region's appeal for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, contributing significantly to the vibrant agricultural landscape of Castille-La Mancha.
The UV Index in Castille-La Mancha varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation experienced in the region. During the winter months, January and December record a lower UV Index of 3, with February slightly higher at 5. As spring arrives, the UV Index begins to climb, reaching 7 in March and peaking at 9 in April, indicating an increase in sun exposure and the need for protective measures against UV radiation.
The summer months witness the highest UV Index levels, with May rising to 10 and June peaking at 12—the highest value of the year. July maintains a robust UV Index of 11, while August sees a slight decline to 10. As autumn approaches, the UV Index decreases gradually, reaching 9 in September and 7 in October, before dropping to 4 in November. This seasonal variation emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices in Castille-La Mancha, especially during the intense summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Castille-La Mancha, the average daylight duration fluctuates throughout the year, offering a variety of daylight experiences for its residents and visitors. January and December have the shortest days, averaging 9 hours of daylight, while February sees a modest increase to 10 hours. As spring approaches, March benefits from 11 hours of daylight, which further extends to 13 hours in April, signifying longer, sunnier days. May maintains this trend, with 14 hours of daylight, which continues seamlessly into June and July, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight duration begins to decline gradually. August experiences a slight decrease to 13 hours, followed by September with 12 hours of daylight. In October, the average daylight drops to 11 hours, and the reduction continues into November, returning to 9 hours. This seasonal variation in daylight duration is crucial for understanding the region's agricultural cycles, recreational planning, and overall lifestyle in Castille-La Mancha.
The climate in Alcala del Jucar, Spain, exhibits a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with winter lows reaching as low as -12°C (10°F) in January and summer highs soaring up to 42°C (107°F) in August. The average temperatures are mild, ranging from 6°C (42°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July. Rainfall is relatively moderate, with precipitation peaking in April at 64 mm (2.5 in) and minimal in July, averaging just 8 mm (0.3 in). Alcala del Jucar enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in summer months, with July boasting the highest at 425 hours. For more detailed information, visit Alcala del Jucar climate.
Campo de Criptana, Spain, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -11°C (12°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 43°C (109°F) in August, with an annual average hovering around 19°C (66°F). Precipitation is moderately distributed throughout the year, peaking in April at 68 mm (2.7 in), while July is the driest month with only 11 mm (0.4 in). Residents enjoy abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July receiving the most hours at 430. For more details, visit Campo de Criptana climate.
Consuegra, Spain experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -14°C to a mild 17°C, while July peaks at an impressive 42°C. Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, with April receiving the highest at 74 mm, and a notable amount of sunshine, particularly in July with 431 hours. Overall, the region enjoys warm summers and cool winters, making it an interesting climate to explore. For more details, visit Consuegra climate.
Cuenca, Spain, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold, with January averages around 4°C (39°F) and occasional lows of -13°C (9°F), while summers can be hot, with July temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) and highs reaching 37°C (100°F). Precipitation is highest in spring and autumn, particularly in April and November, while June to August enjoys the most sunshine, peaking at 430 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Cuenca climate.
The climate in Galapagos, Spain, is characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year, with averages ranging from 4°C (40°F) in January to 22°C (72°F) in June and July. Summer months from May to August are the warmest, often reaching maximum temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F). Precipitation is highest in April, with 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while July typically sees the least rainfall at just 10 mm (0.4 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with over 400 hours of sunshine per month during July and August. For more details, visit Galapagos climate.
Ruidera, Spain, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months like January and February see minimum temperatures dip as low as -6°C (22°F), while summers can reach highs of up to 42°C (107°F) in August. Precipitation is relatively moderate, peaking in April with 90 mm (3.5 in) and remaining lower during the summer months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in July, which boasts 430 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Ruidera climate.
Toledo, Spain experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January sees average temperatures around 5°C (42°F), while July and August can reach up to 27°C (80°F) and 42°C (108°F) respectively. Precipitation is highest in April with 85 mm (3.3 in), contributing to a moderate annual rainfall pattern. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 431 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Toledo climate.
In conclusion, Castille-La Mancha, Spain, presents a diverse climatic profile characterized by significant variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region's extreme temperatures, ranging from frigid winters to scorching summers, impact both agricultural practices and local ecosystems. Coupled with precipitation patterns that peak in the spring and autumn, these climatic features outline the importance of adaptive strategies for effective resource management. Moreover, the abundance of sunshine and variations in daylight duration enhance the attractiveness of this region for outdoor activities, while seasonal UV Index fluctuations highlight the need for sun safety practices. Overall, understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for residents, policymakers, and visitors aiming to fully appreciate and adapt to the unique environment of Castille-La Mancha.