Will the weather ruin Easter in Spain this year?
Travellers heading to Spain this Easter could be in for a mixed bag of sunshine and showers – but the full story is more complex than it first appears
If you’ve booked your Easter getaway to Spain and are already dreaming of soaking up the sun in Seville or strolling through Madrid’s elegant boulevards, you’re not alone.
As the Easter holidays draw near, thousands of UK tourists are packing their bags, checking passports, and – perhaps most importantly – refreshing the long-term weather forecast for Spain on their weather apps every hour.
March was uncharacteristically rainy across much of Spain, a pattern that has left many wondering: will history repeat itself this Easter?
The forecast is full of clues, but it’s not as straightforward as you might hope. While some parts of Spain could bask in spring sunshine, others may once again be dashing for cover. The uncertainty is causing tension among locals and visitors alike, particularly in cities where Easter celebrations are as much about pageantry in the streets as they are about tradition.
So, what will the weather be like this Easter holiday week in Spain?
First signs of trouble from the Canary Islands
A powerful squall is forming, and the Canary Islands will be the first to feel its effects. Rainfall is expected to be intense through Wednesday, with the mainland soon following. Before the storm hits, parts of Spain are expected to experience highs of up to 27ºC – particularly in southern and central regions – but that warm spell will be short-lived.
Starting from this Thursday, rain clouds are expected to roll in across the south and west of the country. And according to Rubén del Campo, spokesman for Spain’s Aemet (State Meteorological Agency), this could be the beginning of a rather soggy spell.
“Palm Sunday and the days leading up to it will be rainy,” he explained. “Holy Week itself will begin with rain.”
But there’s still hope. While the early part of Easter week looks unsettled, there are reasons to be optimistic. As Holy Week progresses, forecasters expect an anticyclone to arrive – a high-pressure system that could push away the rain and bring back the sun. This could mean drier, brighter days by the latter half of the week, particularly from April 13 onwards.
Seville, the crown jewel of Spanish Easter celebrations and a top pick for UK tourists, remains a wildcard. From Monday to Thursday, it’s expected to enjoy warm and mostly dry conditions. However, Aemet warns that the critical dates for processions – Friday of Sorrows and Saturday of Passion (April 11 and 12, respectively) – are currently showing a 100% chance of rain.
That said, del Campo urges caution, emphasising that “weather conditions may change” with each passing day.
What tourists should expect this Semana Santa
If you’re travelling to Spain over the Easter break, here’s what you need to know:
- Seville: Warm and dry until Thursday, then likely rain on Friday and Saturday, with possible improvement from Sunday onwards. Keep a raincoat handy but don’t cancel your plans just yet.
- Madrid: Similar story for those doing a city break in Madrid this Easter – spring temperatures early in the week, but unsettled from Thursday, with a chance of clearing up later.
- Málaga and the Costa del Sol: There are slightly better odds for sunshine in Málaga, though the south coast may still see scattered showers from midweek.
- Canary Islands: Wet and windy to start the week but should stabilise after Wednesday.
- Valencia and the Mediterranean coast: Historically rain-prone during this season, and this year is no exception, though the second half of the week looks more promising.
If you’ve planned your Easter holiday in Spain expecting flawless sunshine, you might want to pack for all eventualities. Umbrellas, sun cream and a flexible attitude will be your best friends this year.
While the skies may not be perfectly clear, there’s still every chance of catching some springtime warmth and enjoying the beauty and cultural richness of Spain’s Semana Santa.
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