Spain is broadly divided into three main climatic zones, making its weather highly regionally dependent.
* **Mediterranean Climate:** Covering the eastern and southern coasts and most of the interior, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. * **Oceanic Climate:** Found in the north and northwest (Green Spain), this zone experiences mild, relatively wet weather year-round, with much cooler summers and more frequent rainfall. * **Semi-arid Climate:** Present in the southeastern quarter (like Almería) and parts of the Ebro valley, characterized by very low rainfall and desert-like conditions.
The Canary Islands enjoy a subtropical climate, offering pleasant, spring-like temperatures year-round. Across the mainland, average summer temperatures frequently exceed 30°C (86°F) and can soar above 40°C (104°F) in southern cities like Seville and Córdoba. Winters in the central plateau can be surprisingly cold, with frequent frosts and occasional snow. The best times to visit are generally spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Natural disasters are relatively rare, though summer heatwaves, wildfires, and occasional torrential autumn rains (*gota fría*) in the Mediterranean region do occur. Köppen classifications include Csa, Cfb, and BSk.
