- Sunshine hrs/yr
- 7
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: weather-and-climate.com, en.climate-data.org
Good to know
Good to Know
- Despite being Europe's southernmost ski resort, Sierra Nevada offers reliable snow conditions from November through May, with extensive snowmaking facilities.
- The extreme elevation range (2,100 m base to 3,482 m summit) means weather can change rapidly—always prepare for all conditions.
- Summer months (July-August) are intensely hot; the region is best visited in spring, autumn, or winter for comfortable exploration.
- January and February are the coldest months and typically offer the best skiing conditions, with February being one of the busiest months.
- Mid-winter morning skiing (until early afternoon) offers ideal snow conditions; afternoon sun creates harder snow surface.
- December is the wettest month with the most precipitation; spring (May-June) offers the most pleasant hiking conditions with melting snow and wildflower blooms.
Overview
Sierra Nevada has a Mediterranean alpine climate with distinct seasonal variation. The region experiences mild to warm summers, cold and snowy winters, and is characterized by significant elevation-driven temperature extremes.
Snowfall
- Season
- November to February
- Volume Estimate
- ~90 liters per square meter during peak months
- Ski Season Reliability
- Artificial snowmaking ensures adequate coverage throughout the season
- Note
- Precipitation typically falls as snow from November through February; abundant winter snowfall at higher elevations
Sunshine
- Annual Hours
- 7
- Darkest Month
- December
- Sunniest Month
- July
- Maximum Daily Hours
- 12.2
- Minimum Daily Hours
- 4.9
Precipitation
- Dry Season
- June to August
- Wet Season
- November to February
- Annual Total Mm
- 625
Driest Month
- Month
- July
- Rainfall Mm
- 8.9
Wettest Month
- Month
- December
- Rainfall Mm
- 72
Seasonal Notes
- Autumn
- Warm sun returns; ideal for outdoor activities before first snow
- Summer
- Furnace-like heat at lower elevations; summer activities limited due to extreme temperatures
- Winter
- Reliable snow conditions; sunny winters with good visibility for skiing and mountain views
- Spring Early Summer
- Perfect for hiking and trekking; snow begins to recede in late spring
Off Peak Months
- Temperature High Celsius
- 31
- Temperature High Fahrenheit
- 88
- Description
- Very hot, dry summers with minimal rainfall. Most tourism shifts due to extreme Andalusian heat at lower elevations.
Warmest
- July
- August
Winter Ski Season
- Typical Duration
- Late November to early May (approximately 5+ months)
Season Months
- November
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
Temperature Range
- Low Celsius
- -8
- High Celsius
- 0
- Low Fahrenheit
- 18
- High Fahrenheit
- 32
- Note
- Coldest months are January and February with average lows around -7 to -8°C (18°F)
Best Skiing Months
- January
- February
- March
Peak Season Months
- Description
- Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and reduced precipitation. May and June are ideal for hiking and mountain activities.
Best Months
- May
- June
- September
- October
Temperature Range
- Low Celsius
- 10
- High Celsius
- 20
- Low Fahrenheit
- 50
- High Fahrenheit
- 68
- Note
- Approximate range based on elevation
Temperature Extremes
- Annual Average Celsius
- 4
- Annual Average Fahrenheit
- 39
Coldest Month
- Month
- February
- Average Low Celsius
- -7.9
- Average High Celsius
- -0.9
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 18
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 30
Warmest Month
- Month
- July
- Average Low Celsius
- 11.9
- Average High Celsius
- 21.6
- Average Low Fahrenheit
- 53
- Average High Fahrenheit
- 71
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Sierra Nevada
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.