Three Signs Winter is Well and Truly Over in the Costa del Sol

The temperature is rising and everyone is out and about

Are there really people out there who still don’t understand the great climate that Spain has? It’s not much of a secret that the Spanish weather is delightful, but many people only know what Spain is like during the summer; when the skies are blue, the beaches are packed, and the sun tan lotion is constantly being applied.

What isn’t as well-known is the opinion of Spaniards and expats that the best times to visit Spain are actually the spring and the autumn. There are some obvious reasons for this if you were to think about it. These are the seasons when Spain can truly offer everything on a silver platter, but there’s none of the crowds, heat, or expenses that come with taking a trip in the summer.

It’s because of this that many Spaniards get excited when the winter settles down and spring kicks in. The Costa del Sol had a surprisingly sodden winter, but the time to celebrate the arrival of spring is now. Here are the three signs winter is well and truly over in the Costa del Sol.

The Beaches are Starting to Fill Up

As the temperature during the starts to reach between 16 and 24 Celsius during this part of the year, there’s a strong temptation to hit the beach. While the southwest winds are still bracing and tough to deal with, it’s hard to deny how inviting and warm a sheltered bit of sunshine can be. Not to mention it’s never too early to start working on your tan.

Don’t think about taking that dip in the Mediterranean Sea just yet though. Things are still very cold during the night, with temperatures dropping to below 10 Celsius, making the water colder than you think. You could find the air chased out of your lungs by the time you’re waist-deep. You can also expect those lengthened shadows cast by the setting sun to creep up on you, leaving you with a sudden chill that is a sharp contrast to the warm and inviting sunshine. Make sure you go prepared, but do go to the beach, as it will be pretty much all yours right now!

Everyone is Smiling

Spaniards are generally very happy people. Even expats from Northern Europe eventually become happy and cheery people by living in Spain. Even so, winter makes those on the Costa del Sol lose some of their cheer. At least until the weather warms up a little.

By the time February rolls around everyone is back and smiling as much as possible. The Spanish are smiling again whether they are on the bus, doing their shopping, waiting in traffic, getting served in a restaurant, or just making the rounds. Spaniards aren’t big fans of the cold. While some of them will still be fighting the elements until April, smiles are still fostered through the warmer temperatures, the extra sunlight, and the longer days. Embrace and enjoy that winter is over and that, from now on, you’re in for months of sunshine.