The Costa del Sol, known for its sunny beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, and over 300 days of sunshine per year, is often associated with endless summer weather. But the truth is that it does rain here and when it does, it pours! The occasional torrential rains on the costa del sol are rare but powerful.

Every now and then, this paradise experiences dramatic shifts in weather. The past 3 weeks were proof of that. The costa del sol just experienced one of the longest stretches of rainy weather on record. It is reported that we almost beat the record of 1946 and the longest duration in over 30 years! 

This year was quite unusual but it was very welcomed following 4 years of extreme drought. 

When Do These Torrential Rains usually Happen?

This is our 8th winter here in Spain. The months of March and early April often bring unpredictable weather. Although the region enjoys a predominantly dry and mild climate, heavy rain can strike suddenly, particularly in the fall and early spring. These intense downpours are often linked to two phenomena known here as:

• Gota Fría (Cold Drop): experienced when a mass of cold air from the upper atmosphere collides with the warm, humid air from the Mediterranean, triggering violent storms and heavy rain.

• Mediterranean Storms: seen when storm systems form over the sea and move inland, bringing short but intense bursts of rainfall.

Despite the occasional nature of these storms, the torrential rains are often short-lived, with the sun returning soon after. It is rare that we don’t see the sun come out at some point everyday. 

These few days of rain serve as a reminder that even in the sunniest places, nature has a way of restoring its balance. The country’s reservoirs are now 66% full and the warm sun is shining again. We can all breathe a sign of relief that the bad weather is over but more importantly, there will be water this summer for everyone.

As I always say to all my guests coming to visit in the winter months,  wear layers, bring an umbrella and look up to the sky to see the wonders of nature 🌈

Double rainbow last week from our east terrace.