Climate - Minorca (Balearic Islands)

The climate of Minorca (or Menorca), the north-easternmost of the Balearic Islands, is Mediterranean, with mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers, which are a bit sultry but tempered by sea breezes.
Owing to the north wind ("Tramontana") that blows from France, Minorca is pretty windy, especially from October to April. Actually, since it lies directly to the south of the Gulf of Lion, it is the windiest of the Balearic Islands.
At the Mahón Airport, the average temperature ranges from 11 °C (52 °F) in January and February to 25.5 °C (78 °F) in August. Here are the average temperatures.

Rainfall amounts to about 600 millimeters (23.5 in) per year, and follows the Mediterranean pattern, so it's more common in autumn and winter, it gradually decreases during spring, and reaches a minimum in summer, when it seldom rains. Menorca is the rainiest of the Balearics. However, the difference is generally noticeable especially in autumn, when the rains are sometimes abundant, and in winter, when there are periods when it rains often.
Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is mild, with many sunny days, but also with periods of rain and wind.
It rarely gets very cold, however, there can sometimes be cold and windy periods, with highs below 10 °C (50 °F).
Occasionally, snow may even fall. Snowfalls are more abundant in the hill that is located inside the island, Monte Toro, 358 meters (1,175 feet) high, but even the coasts can be covered with snow. Snowfalls that whitened the island occurred for example in February 1956, February 1983, January 1985, February 1996, January 2005, February 2010 and February 2012.
However, frosts are rare, and on the coldest nights of the year, the temperature typically drops to 1/2 °C (34/36 °F). The coldest record is -2.5 °C (27.5 °F), recorded in January 1985. More recently, the temperature dropped to -1 °C (30 °F) in February 2010.
The following map shows how the Tramontana wind reaches the island from the Rhone valley (in France this wind is called Mistral).



Summer, from June to mid-September, is hot and sunny, with very rare rains. Some periods are more pleasant, while others are hotter and more sultry.
Typically, the temperature reaches 35/36 °C (95/97 °F) on the hottest days of the year. In July 1983, it reached 39.5 °C (103 °F), and more recently, in August 2017, it reached 37.5 °C (99.5 °F).



The amount of sunshine in Menorca is not very good in winter, when Atlantic or Mediterranean depressions pass quite often, however, there is a moderate amount of sunny days also in this period. Spring is a sunny season, especially in May; the sunniest period is from June to August, when clear skies are the norm. In September, the first Atlantic disturbances occur, so, the sun in autumn is not always guaranteed.
On average, there are 2,630 hours of sunshine per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.

The sea in Menorca is warm enough for swimming from July to September, when it reaches or exceeds 24 °C (75 °F), while in June and October, it is quite cool. Here are the average sea temperatures.

Best Time

The best time to visit Menorca for a beach holiday is the summer, from June to mid-September. The water temperature is comfortable enough from July to September, although in September, which overall is still a good month (especially in the first half), the first periods of bad weather may occur. May and June are sunny months, but the sea is still a bit cool, especially in May, when it is actually cold, and sometimes, cold and windy days can still occur.

April and May are suitable months to visit the island and its cities, while in summer, it can sometimes be too hot for hiking, especially in July and August. In October and November, the temperatures are mild, but the days are shorter and the weather can be rainy and windy.

Minorca - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the weather in Minorca is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.1 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 7.8 °C (46 °F) and a maximum of 14.4 °C (57.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1 °C (30.2 °F) in January 2005.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 18 °C (64.5 °F). However, it reached 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in January 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In February, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Minorca is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.9 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 7.4 °C (45.3 °F) and a maximum of 14.4 °C (57.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37 °F). However, it dropped to -1.1 °C (30 °F) in February 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 18 °C (65 °F). However, it reached 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in February 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14 °C (57 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Minorca is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.6 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 8.8 °C (47.8 °F) and a maximum of 16.3 °C (61.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39 °F). However, it dropped to 0.1 °C (32.2 °F) in March 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 21 °C (70 °F). However, it reached 27.2 °C (81 °F) in March 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14 °C (57 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Minorca is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 14.8 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 10.9 °C (51.6 °F) and a maximum of 18.6 °C (65.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (42 °F). However, it dropped to 2.8 °C (37 °F) in April 2019.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 27.7 °C (81.9 °F) in April 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 56% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Minorca is usually warm. The average temperature is of 18.1 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 14 °C (57.2 °F) and a maximum of 22.2 °C (72 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (49.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5.4 °C (41.7 °F) in May 2019.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in May 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Minorca is usually warm. The average temperature is of 22.2 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 17.9 °C (64.2 °F) and a maximum of 26.5 °C (79.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13.5 °C (56 °F). However, it dropped to 10.7 °C (51.3 °F) in June 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 34 °C (93.2 °F) in June 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 0 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 10.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21 °C (70 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In July, the weather in Minorca is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 25.1 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 20.9 °C (69.6 °F) and a maximum of 29.3 °C (84.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62.5 °F). However, it dropped to 14.6 °C (58.3 °F) in July 2002.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in July 2003.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 11 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 76% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In August, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Minorca is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 25.6 °C (78 °F), with a minimum of 21.6 °C (70.9 °F) and a maximum of 29.7 °C (85.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) in August 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F). However, it reached 37.7 °C (99.9 °F) in August 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In September, the weather in Minorca is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 22.8 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 19 °C (66.2 °F) and a maximum of 26.5 °C (79.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57.5 °F). However, it dropped to 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) in September 2007.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 34.2 °C (93.6 °F) in September 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Minorca is usually warm. The average temperature is of 19.6 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 16.2 °C (61.2 °F) and a maximum of 22.9 °C (73.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11 °C (51.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7.6 °C (45.7 °F) in October 1997.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (80.5 °F). However, it reached 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) in October 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Minorca is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.0 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 11.8 °C (53.2 °F) and a maximum of 18.3 °C (64.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it dropped to 3 °C (37.4 °F) in November 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (73.5 °F). However, it reached 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) in November 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19 °C (66 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Minorca is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.2 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 9 °C (48.2 °F) and a maximum of 15.5 °C (59.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.4 °C (34.5 °F) in December 2001.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19.5 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 21.4 °C (70.5 °F) in December 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 25 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (61 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.