Microclimate in Mallorca
When you think of Mallorca, you probably imagine sandy beaches, blue waters or culture in the capital Palma and perhaps even lively bars and nightlife in some of the larger resorts such as Magaluf. But Mallorca is a very diverse island and its changing landscapes and topography create many microclimates that are perfect for all types of travelers – Sarah Black explains more.
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. Also known as Mallorca, the island offers plenty of history and modern adventure for the savvy traveler. With a little attention for everyone, there’s a lot to like about the island.
Beautiful Sea and Sand of Mallorca
Mallorca has been a popular travel destination for several years and offers many amenities for both students and those looking for five-star resorts. The island is popular not only with those just looking for peace and relaxation, but also with those looking for specific adventures such as cycling or diving.
Thanks to a pleasant climate all year round and relatively low chances of rain, Mallorca is a destination that can be enjoyed all year round. The locals take advantage of this opportunity and organize festivals all year round, which are also a welcome pleasure for every tourist. Carnival is always a popular time to visit the region and can take place in February or March depending on the date of Easter. This time, locals celebrate before Lent with costumes, bonfires and floats. One of the most popular events takes place in August. Located in the Bay of Palma, an annual regatta attracts some of the best sailors from around the world.
The island’s location in the Mediterranean can create a “Mediterranean front” according to its own weather. The northern part of the island is hit by strong winds, which not only invite you to sail but also windsurf. Conditions here will be even worse than in the southern part during the winter months as stronger fronts prevail and winds can make conditions dangerous.
Landscape of the Tramuntana Mountain Range in Mallorca
Not only the geographical location plays a role in the weather in Mallorca, but also the topography. For a small island, there are numerous microclimates that can create their own conditions regardless of the overall weather. One reason for the microclimate is the Tramuntana mountain range. These mountains serve as a barrier to clouds and rain. As a result, the windward side is generally pelted with rain and even snow, but the windward side is warm and dry. Therefore the valleys are generally warmer and drier, but can also be under the influence of the nearby sea. It is important for visitors traveling to the region to consult an extended forecast before departure.
Thanks to the island’s mountainous regions, it has become a popular training location for cyclists from all over the world. The challenging topography attracts not only recreational cyclists, but also those who belong to the best professional teams. There are numerous companies such as Trek Travel that offer a wide range of tours for those wanting to explore the island on two wheels. On trips of up to 7 days, participants can experience everything from heat to driving rain.
The best time to experience dry conditions is in June, July and August, where the average rainy days are only one or two per month and rainfall amounts range between 6 and 22 mm. The summer months also allow 12 to 13 hours of sunshine per day for training, compared to 6 to 7 hours in the winter months.
The island adventure continues both below and above land. The rich history of this country has been imprinted for thousands of years and continues to this day. Nature played one of its greatest roles in the creation of the Dragon Caves. Stretching almost 1200 meters, these caves are one of the most popular spots on the island and a great place to experience one of the most unique concerts of all time.
Back outside, there are also numerous water sports that can be enjoyed while visiting the island. Companies like Water Sports Mallorca are here to teach holidaymakers the intricacies of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and much more. With water temperatures between 21° and 26°C (70°F-79°F) from June to August, this is the time to get in the water. Water temperatures are much cooler in the winter months and less perfect for enjoying these types of activities. Additionally, afternoon air temperatures will warm from 15° to 17°C (59°-63°F) in winter to 27°C to 30°C (66°-73°F) in summer.
The island of Mallorca has numerous different climate zones depending on where you are and what time of year. However, this is what makes the island unique.