The mountains as a windbreak
Behind the coast, the Sierra Nevada and the Almijara mountains stand like a protective wall. They keep out the cold winds from the north, so chilly air from the Spanish interior rarely reaches the sea. At the same time, the coast lies close to Africa, facing a Mediterranean sea that retains its warmth.
Mild all year round
The result is a Mediterranean climate with mild, gently humid winters and warm, sunny summers. The Andalusian tourist board estimates around 320 sunny days a year and an average temperature around 20 degrees. In summer, refreshing sea breezes temper the heat, so it rarely gets as sweltering as inland.
Why the weather forecast can be deceptive
Experience at Playa Tropical shows that the weather forecast for Almuñécar almost always sits around 10 degrees below what you actually feel. The reason is that forecasts and climate data measure temperatures in the shade. Out in the sun, sheltered by the mountains and sitting on a sea-facing balcony, it feels far warmer – meaning a January day of "14 degrees" can easily be short-sleeve weather on the terrace.
Why mangoes and avocados thrive
Frost is virtually unheard of down in the valleys. This is what makes it possible to grow custard apples (cherimoya), mangoes and avocados here – and why so many Danes have chosen this very coast for the winter months.
Figures for sunny days and temperatures are from the tourist board and may vary between sources.
