Else Beekman
Spain is slowly recovering from an unusually wet Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter that often kicks off the spring holiday season. According to AEMET, forecasts now suggest some improvement, although conditions remain unsettled. Still, early May is looking more hopeful—especially in parts of the country.
Anyone who spent the past week in Spain will have noticed: the weather was far from ideal. A deep Atlantic low brought rain, snow, and strong gusts of wind, particularly to the north. In Galicia, rainfall totals exceeded 100 millimetres in some areas, and snow fell at higher elevations. In Cantabria, yellow weather warnings were issued due to wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour.
Other regions, including Asturias, Castilla y León, and even parts of Andalucia, also saw persistent rainfall. Notably, the weather along the east coast and on the Balearic Islands remained relatively calm. As is often the case in spring, the Canary Islands experienced milder conditions, with just the occasional mountain shower.
21–27 April: Rain to linger a little longer
Umbrellas will still be needed in many areas over the coming days, particularly in northern and eastern Spain, where showers are expected to continue. The good news is that rainfall intensity is likely to ease as the week progresses. According to AEMET, temperatures will remain within the normal range for April, though overcast skies may make it feel cooler. Anyone planning an outing would be wise to check the local forecast.
28 April – 4 May: Brighter outlook as May approaches
By the end of April, there are signs of a gradual shift towards better weather. Drier and sunnier conditions are likely, especially in western and north-western Spain. Temperatures could rise slightly, particularly on clear days. Still, spring remains unpredictable, and the interior and eastern regions aren’t completely out of the woods when it comes to showers. All in all, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, with a growing chance of spring-like weather—especially in the west.
5–11 May: Uncertainty along the Mediterranean
As we move into early May, the forecast becomes more uncertain. AEMET indicates an increased likelihood of rain in Mediterranean areas, particularly along the eastern coast and around the Balearic Islands. The south and central interior may also see weather changes, depending on the movement of pressure systems. The Canary Islands are expected to remain largely unchanged—mild and mostly dry.
What does the European model say about May 2025?
According to the long-range forecast from the European ECMWF model, May 2025 is expected to bring average temperatures and rainfall to Spain. That means no severe droughts, but also no record-breaking rainfall. The average temperature for May in Spain is around 16.6°C, with highs in the southwest potentially surpassing 25°C. Slightly higher-than-usual temperatures are also forecast for the Balearic and Canary Islands.
As for rainfall, typical spring patterns are expected. May is naturally a wet month in areas like the Pyrenees, Aragón, and the southeast of Castilla y León. This year, models suggest no significant deviations from that norm—both mainland Spain and the islands should experience standard precipitation levels.
Summer preview: What to expect in the coming quarter
Looking ahead to the full quarter of May–June–July, the European model predicts a warm start to summer in northern and eastern Spain, as well as in the Canary Islands. Elsewhere, temperatures are likely to be close to the seasonal average. No major anomalies are expected in terms of rainfall either. In short, the start of summer looks to be in line with Spain’s usual climate for the time of year.
In short: Cautious optimism for early May
- Early May visitors to Spain should still pack an umbrella.
- Western regions are likely to see more sunshine.
- Weather models suggest a typical May: changeable but not extreme.
- Flexibility and checking local forecasts will help make the most of spring travel.