Valencia Weather

Valencia boasts an enviable Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters and limited rainfall. Temperatures and humidity rise significantly in the summer months but a short trip to the coast for a day on the beach or for a stroll along the beach promenade (Paseo Marítimo) will soon provide a welcome remedy. Valencia’s two beaches, Las Arenas and La Malvarossa are on a continuous stretch of silky sand within very easy reach of the city centre, both providing excellent services and facilities. Various water and beach sports facilities are available and the beachside promenade is lined with bars, cafés and a number of traditional ‘paella’ restaurants, immortalised by celebrity visitors such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. This is becoming the trendy place to be during the summer, as late-night bars with DJs, relaxing sofas on the sand and outdoor beds tempt visitors to all-night beachside partying. A long line of alternative beaches can be visited to the north or south of Valencia, all of which will provide a welcome respite from the city heat.

Nature will always be a soothing balm when temperatures start to rise and Valencia possesses Spain’s largest lagoon, L’Albufera, situated approximately 10 km south of the city. The ‘Parc Natural de L’Albufera’ comprises the lagoon as well as the surrounding marshlands, dunes and rice paddies and is a favourite nesting ground for over 250 species of migratory birds. Boat excursions offer trips around the lagoon and biking and hiking trails in the surrounding park are ideal for discovering this beautiful area.

Valencia’s superb weather is also responsible for yet another of the region’s claims to fame and a vivid reminder of Moorish legacy, its unique oranges. Long hours of sunshine combined with mild winter temperatures produce the singular flavour of the Valencia orange, responsible for 70% of Spain’s total orange export. The vast areas of blossoming orange trees are a sight to behold in spring and guided trips around the groves are available from October until the end of April. Neighbouring Burriana’s ‘Museu de la Taronja’ (Orange Museum) is the only museum of its kind in the world and provides fascinating insights into the entire orange-growing industry, from history and growing techniques to distribution and transport.

Winter temperatures are very mild with a lot of sunshine so it is a fabulous time to visit Valencia to revel in all the Christmas and New Year festivities. Christmas shopping opportunities abound and it is a good time to stock up on the traditional Spanish Christmas foods, such as the famous local ‘turrón’ (nougat and almond bar). Children will delight in the seasonal fair held at the ‘Jardín del Turia’ (Turia Garden) and the circus ‘El Circo Gran Fele’. New Year’s celebrations are held in the city hall’s main square with an outstanding example of what Valencians have a special flair for ... those deafening fireworks.