Tarifa, at the southernmost tip of Spain, boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences. Summers are warm but not scorching, winters are mild and wet, and wind is a defining feature year-round. With moderate temperatures, abundant sunshine in summer, and famous breezes, Tarifa is a hotspot for water sports and relaxed coastal living.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Tarifa enjoys a unique hot-summer Mediterranean climate, strongly moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Strait of Gibraltar. Average temperatures range from 12–13°C in January to about 22–24°C in August, with extremes being rare. Summers are warm but rarely hot, with highs typically around 25–28°C, and the sea breeze often keeps conditions comfortable even during the hottest months. Winters are mild, with daytime highs of 15–17°C and lows rarely dropping below 9°C. Snow is extremely rare, and frost is almost unheard of.
Rainfall is concentrated in autumn and winter, with December being the wettest month (up to 130 mm), while summers are very dry and sunny. Annual precipitation averages 600–700 mm. Humidity remains moderate to high, and the region enjoys about 2,600 hours of sunshine per year, with the sunniest months being June to August. Daylight stretches up to 14–15 hours in midsummer and drops to about 10 hours in winter.
Tarifa is famous for its winds, especially the easterly Levante and westerly Poniente, which can reach speeds of 30–80 km/h or more. These winds create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing but can make some days feel cooler or more challenging for beachgoers. The sea temperature ranges from 17°C in winter to 22–23°C in late summer, making swimming and water sports possible much of the year. The meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean also brings occasional mist and dramatic skies, adding to the area’s unique coastal atmosphere.
| Average climate data for Tarifa, Spain | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 16 | 26 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 12 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 47 | 41 | 51 | 41 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 48 | 79 | 46 | 395 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 11 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 9 | 96 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 77 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 77 | 79 | 75 | 79 | 76 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 18 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 19 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 33 | 34 | 33 | 30 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 21 | 25 | 31 | 33 | 25 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
The best time to visit Tarifa is from late May to early October, when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny, and the sea is at its most inviting. These months offer ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor adventures, with the famous winds making it a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
The least favourable time to visit Tarifa is from December to February, when rainfall is at its highest, days are shorter, and strong winds can make outdoor activities less pleasant for those not interested in water sports. However, winter remains mild compared to much of Europe, and the town is quieter during this period.
Tarifa has a mild Mediterranean climate with oceanic influence. Summers are warm but not hot, winters are mild and wet, and wind is a constant feature. Rain falls mainly from October to February, while summers are mostly dry and sunny.
The best months for beach activities in Tarifa are June to September, when temperatures are warm, rainfall is minimal, and the sea reaches its highest temperatures. These months also offer the most sunshine and lively coastal atmosphere.
Tarifa is one of Europe’s windiest spots due to the Levante and Poniente winds, which are accelerated by the Strait of Gibraltar. Wind speeds often exceed 30 km/h, sometimes reaching 80 km/h, making Tarifa a world-famous destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Most of Tarifa’s rain falls between October and February, with December being the wettest month. Summers are very dry, with little to no rainfall. Annual precipitation averages 600–700 mm, so rain is rarely a concern for summer visitors.
Average temperatures range from 12–13°C in January to 22–24°C in August. Summer highs typically reach 25–28°C, while winter lows rarely drop below 9°C. The ocean moderates extremes, so Tarifa avoids both intense heat and cold.
Yes, Tarifa is renowned for its excellent water sports conditions, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its strong and steady winds. The best seasons for these activities are spring, summer, and early autumn.
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days, a windproof jacket or light jacket for breezy evenings, and layers for cooler nights. Don’t forget sun protection and swimwear, and if you plan to enjoy water sports, bring or rent suitable gear.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (26.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (15 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (21.8 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is February (11.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 16.2 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (23.6 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (16.1 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 19.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (78.9 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (1 mm). Over the whole year there are 394.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is March (13.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (1.8 days). Over the whole year there are 96.3 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is October (79 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is July (73.8 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 76.2 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (22.1 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is July (16.2 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 18.4 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (33.8 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (9.8 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 24.6 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is March (Average sunshine: 7 h). Over the whole year there are 8.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July, August and September (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.9.
