Weather in Santiago de Compostela

Planning your trip or just interested in the weather in Santiago de Compostela? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information: current weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you be ready for any whims of nature.

The climate in Santiago de Compostela belongs to the temperate oceanic type. This means the city is characterized by mild weather throughout the year, without sharp temperature fluctuations. High humidity and frequent cloudiness are typical for the region, creating a special atmosphere for walking and exploring its rich history.

In Santiago de Compostela, the seasons are clearly defined. Summer, especially July and August, brings the most warm weather: the average air temperature reaches 19-20°C. In these months, the number of days with precipitation is minimal for this region – about 6 per month. Winter (from December to February) remains mild, with average temperatures around 8-10°C. However, it is during the winter months, as well as late autumn (October, November) and spring (March, April), that the peak of rainy days occurs – their number can reach 15-17 per month.

One of the main features of the weather in Santiago de Compostela is the high frequency of precipitation during most of the year. Although summer months are characterized by fewer rainy days, the periods from October to April are distinguished by a significant number of days with precipitation. This means that rain here is a regular phenomenon. Therefore, when planning a trip, especially outside the summer season, it is extremely important to take an umbrella and waterproof clothing for comfortable exploration of the city and its surroundings.

The temperature regime in Santiago de Compostela is characterized by moderation throughout the year, without extremes of heat or cold. The annual temperature progression is smooth: the coldest month is usually January, with an average temperature of about 8.5°C (minimum average 5.3°C, maximum average 11.8°C). The warmest month is August, when the average temperature reaches 19.6°C, with daily highs averaging up to 23.9°C, and nightly lows dropping to 15.3°C. Overall, monthly average temperatures fluctuate in the range of 8.5°C to 19.6°C, ensuring comfortable conditions for visiting the city at any time of the year.

Summer months in Santiago de Compostela, especially July and August, offer pleasant warmth. Average daily temperatures in July and August are 19.1°C and 19.6°C respectively, with maximum values reaching 23-24°C. Nights remain comfortable, with temperatures around 14.8-15.3°C. June is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 16.5°C. The summer heat here is not exhausting; rather, it is comfortable warmth, ideal for walking and sightseeing. Diurnal temperature fluctuations in summer are more noticeable; the difference between daily highs and nightly lows can be about 8-9°C, so a light sweater or jacket may be useful for evening walks.

Winter in Santiago de Compostela is distinguished by being mild and cool. From December to February, average temperatures hover around 8.5-9.7°C. Daily highs in January, the coldest month, usually do not exceed 11.8°C, and nightly lows rarely drop below 5.3°C. Frosts here are a rare phenomenon. February is slightly warmer than January, with average values from 5.9°C at night to 13.3°C during the day. In the winter period, the difference between day and night temperatures is somewhat smaller than in summer, amounting to approximately 6-7°C, but still perceptible, so it is worth having warm clothing with you.

In Santiago de Compostela, precipitation is distributed unevenly throughout the year, highlighting wetter and drier periods. Although the total monthly rainfall, according to statistical data, does not reach extremely high values, its frequency, especially in certain seasons, can be significant. A characteristic feature is that even in months with a large number of "wet" days, the volume of falling precipitation often remains moderate, indicating a prevalence of light or short-lived rains rather than heavy downpours.

The greatest amount of precipitation, both in volume and frequency, falls in the autumn-winter period and early spring. Thus, October, November, and December are the wettest months: about 6 mm of precipitation falls in each of them, and the number of rainy days reaches 16-17. This means that more than half of the days in these months may be accompanied by precipitation. A similar picture is observed in March (5 mm of precipitation, 16 rainy days), and also, to a somewhat lesser extent, in January (5 mm, 13 days) and April (4 mm, 15 days). Given the relatively small amount of precipitation for each rainy day, it is most likely a matter of frequent drizzle or short-term rains.

Summer months, conversely, bring a significant reduction in precipitation. The driest months in Santiago de Compostela are July and August, when only about 1 mm of precipitation and approximately 6 rainy days per month are registered. This makes summer the most favorable time for those who prefer to avoid frequent rains. May (2 mm, 12 days) and September (2 mm, 11 days) can be considered transitional months: the amount of precipitation and rainy days during this period is noticeably lower than at the peak of the wet season, but higher than at the height of summer.

When planning a trip to Santiago de Compostela, it is important to consider its characteristic weather with frequent precipitation throughout most of the year. A key element of your luggage should be comfortable waterproof footwear, as you will be walking a lot around the historic centre. Do not forget a light waterproof jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella – they will be useful even in summer. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best helper: it will allow you to easily adapt to changes in temperature and possible precipitation during the day, regardless of the season of your visit to Spain.

In summer, especially in July and August, the warmest weather settles in Santiago de Compostela with average temperatures around 19-20°C and fewer rainy days. During this period, you will need light clothes, but do not forget to grab a sweater or cardigan for cool evenings, as well as sunscreen and a hat. For the autumn-winter-spring period (from October to April), when the number of rainy days increases significantly and the temperature drops to 8-12°C, pack warmer items: sweaters, fleece jackets, warm socks. Waterproof and windproof outerwear, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves, especially in the winter months (December-February), will make your walks around Santiago de Compostela comfortable.