Climate & Weather of the Picos de Europa
The location, altitude and sheer magnitude of the Picos de Europa mean that there can be extreme changes in weather. You may find there is tranquillity and calm in the valleys, but upon the peaks of each mountain, frost, rain and even snow can be found. On the northern face of the mountains, there are only 20 kilometres from the Celtic Sea, which can be harsh during the winter months. However, in summer the weather can be much warmer, yet due to high slopes, by lunchtime, the shade of the mountain covers much sooner than expected. Therefore, those who are trekking on the north side, may discover high levels of humidity and less sun during most of the day.
Average weather
Yearly low temperatures average between zero and 14 ºC, whereas high temperatures average between 8 and 26 ºC. In the interior of the massif, minimum temperatures remain below zero from December to May. The region of Liébana is protected between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Picos, and therefore have more favourable weather being milder and sunnier than other areas.
The wind blows in from the Atlantic Sea from the north-west, which can also bring heavy rain and blustery snow showers. Clearing the atmosphere, the autumn wind blows from the south-west giving the local inhabitants a refreshing break from the humidity. Some of the most amazing views can be seen in the Picos during this time.
Rain and Snow
Precipitation levels range from 30 to 60 millimetres from June to September to as much as 80 mm during the rest of the year, but in Western Massif, more heavy snowfalls can be found. On average, it rains for 193 days per year, which is why the landscape is kept so lush and green. Snow used to completely cover the massifs from December to May with snow and ice pockets remaining in sheltered places, even in summer. In certain areas with steep slopes, avalanches were possible when there was an intense amount of snowfall. However, due to climate change, less and less snow has fallen in northern Spain.
Mist
The mist or as shepherds call it, "la encainada”, frequently arrives covering as far as the eye can see. For those who are camping in the valleys, waking up in a cloud of mist may unfortunately be an everyday occurrence; but be careful not to overdress (be bold, start cold), because once you begin your accent, you will no doubt need to remove those extra layers when presented with warm rays of sunshine.
Online Weather Services
Below is a list of websites which can be used to check the weather forecast in the Picos. Bear in mind, depending on where you are positioned on the mountain or valley, forecasts may differ greatly. Ensure you are prepared for all weather types to make sure you are not caught off guard.
Webcams in Picos de Europa
Alternatively, there are 14 webcams placed within the National Park and its surrounding areas in order to see in real time how the weather is behaving. You can view these cameras with the following websites.
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After a few years in reservations, I now manage the website and marketing for S-Cape Travel, where I handle design tasks, blog writing, and attend specialized travel fairs.
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