After the rainfall and strong temperature changes in recent weeks, autumn seems to be just around the corner in Spain. However, a period of stable and pleasantly warm weather often starts at the end of September. This is a phenomenon known as the veranillo de San Miguel.
The ‘little summer of San Miguel’ is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in Spain around the end of September, named after the holy archangel Michael, who has his name day on the 29th. The veranillo de San Miguel is a sudden revival of warm weather in the first weeks of autumn. After a colder period, temperatures can suddenly rise, making it seem like summer again for a while.
Warm intermezzo
In Spain, temperatures can easily rise to 30 degrees, depending on the region. This warm intermezzo usually occurs between September 28 and October 3, but can vary up to one to two weeks. There is no real scientific explanation for this weather phenomenon, it is simply seen as a transition period between two seasons.
Harvest time
Historically, this phenomenon is often seen as the time of harvest or the end of summer, a time when people can enjoy the weather for a while before the cold of autumn and winter finally sets in. Farmers saw this as a last chance to bring in crops before the real autumn weather hits.
The phenomenon is not equally pronounced every year and can be less noticeable in some years. Nevertheless, it remains a well-known weather pattern in Spanish culture, and many people look forward to enjoying the warmth for a while, especially after the first cool days of autumn.
Veranillo of 2024
This year, however, it seems that the last days of September will show a summery weather type. According to Mar Gómez of weather service El tiempo, the weather models predict that temperatures will be higher than normal for the time of year throughout the country. After a rainy first half of September, it will remain mostly dry at the end of the month. Only in Galicia and Cantabria is there some rain expected now and then.
In addition to veranillo de San Miguel, the name veranillo del membrillo is also used in Spain. Membrillo means quince and the short summer revival coincides with the harvest period of this fruit.