- Rain mm/yr
- 630
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: climatestotravel.com, weather-and-climate.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Tarifa's climate is shaped by strong Atlantic and Mediterranean winds rather than typical Mediterranean heat—don't expect the intense heat of inland Andalusia.
- June to mid-September is best for beach holidays, but strong wind periods may make sunbathing less comfortable.
- Peak season (July–August) brings extreme crowding and high prices; shoulder months (May, September, October) offer better value and fewer crowds.
- Winter (November–February) is mild compared to northern Spain, but brings the most rainfall and cloudy days.
- The sea remains cool year-round (max 23°C (73°F) in August, min 14°C (57°F) in February), so plan accordingly for water activities.
- March–May and September–October are ideal for whale watching, birdwatching, and outdoor walking due to mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.
- November typically offers the lowest accommodation prices while weather remains relatively pleasant, though rainfall increases.
Best Months
May
- Rainfall Mm
- 40
- Characteristics
- Spring conditions, comfortable beach afternoons, early summer crowds begin
- Reason
- Mild temperatures, low rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities
Temp Range
- Low Celsius
- 14
- High Celsius
- 20
- Low Fahrenheit
- 57
- High Fahrenheit
- 68
September
- Characteristics
- Still-warm sea, excellent for water sports, bird watching season
- Reason
- Warm but not extreme, relatively dry, autumn bird migration peaks
Temp Range
- Low Celsius
- 20
- High Celsius
- 24
- Low Fahrenheit
- 68
- High Fahrenheit
- 75
October
- Rainfall Mm
- 68
- Characteristics
- Gradually cooling, still mostly dry, second-busiest tourism month
- Reason
- Pleasant temperatures, whale watching season, transition to off-season
Temp Range
- High Celsius
- 21
- High Fahrenheit
- 70
Worst Months
July–August
- Rainfall Mm
- 1
- Characteristics
- Crowded beaches and restaurants, peak pricing, occasional wind makes sunbathing difficult
- Reason
- Peak tourist season, highest prices, strong winds can limit beach comfort
Temp Range
- Low Celsius
- 21
- High Celsius
- 27
- Low Fahrenheit
- 70
- High Fahrenheit
- 81
November–December
- Rainfall Mm
- 130
- Characteristics
- November records highest rainfall in year (~130 mm), December similarly wet, fewer sunshine hours
- Reason
- Highest rainfall, most rainy days, shorter daylight
Temp Range
- High Celsius
- 18
- High Fahrenheit
- 64
Wind
- Note
- Tarifa is exceptionally windy due to Strait of Gibraltar geography. Prevailing winds (ponente/levante) can exceed 80 kph and occasionally 100 kph even in summer. This makes it ideal for kitesurfing and water sports but can affect beach comfort during rest periods.
Snowfall
- Note
- Extremely rare; last recorded in February 1954 and March 1993
Peak Season
- Months
- June–August
- Tourism Level
- Very High
- Characteristics
- Summer school holidays in Europe, maximum crowds, peak pricing
- Temp Peak Celsius
- 27
- Temp Peak Fahrenheit
- 81
Off Peak Season
- Months
- January–March, November–December
- Tourism Level
- Very Low
- Characteristics
- Lowest hotel prices, fewest tourists, cooler and wetter
Rainfall Summary
- Pattern
- Mediterranean pattern with wet winter (Oct–Feb) and dry summer (May–Sept)
- Driest Months
- June–July
- Wettest Months
- November–December
- Annual Total Mm
- 630
Temperature Summary
- Warmest Month
- August
- Coldest Months
- January–February
- Coldest Avg Celsius
- 13
- Warmest Avg Celsius
- 23
- Coldest Avg Fahrenheit
- 55
- Warmest Avg Fahrenheit
- 73
- Notes
- Tarifa remains mild year-round due to coastal sheltering and southern location
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 Tarifa
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.