Weather in Palma

Climate in Palma — the island's reference station

Palma is the climatic starting point from which all of Mallorca's weather is measured. The AEMET station B228 in Palma's harbor serves as the island's reference station — all climate comparisons and baseline values for Mallorca are drawn from this data series. Understanding Palma's climate means holding the key to understanding the island's weather as a whole.

Rainfall follows the classic Mediterranean pattern: AEMET records an annual average of 449 mm — concentrated in autumn and winter, with a dry summer in between. November is the wettest month (around 79 mm according to aggregator climate data), while July is the driest at roughly 9 mm. Between these extremes lies the characteristic Mallorcan year: a long dry stretch from May through August, followed by increasing rainfall from September onward that can persist into January.

Summer in Palma is defined by Mediterranean temperatures: July daytime highs hover around 31°C, with a daily average of roughly 26°C. The sea breeze off the bay cools things down in the afternoon, especially along the waterfront promenade and harbor area. The city's interior — narrow old-town alleys, concrete, asphalt — can feel several degrees warmer than the official station readings when the wind dies down.

Autumn and winter are mild by European standards. In October, sea temperatures still sit around 23°C — swimming remains comfortable for most visitors. January daily average: around 11°C. Frost is extremely rare in the city; anyone who wants to spend winter gazing at the illuminated cathedral can expect a few degrees above zero at night and often sunny midday hours.

A word on location: Palma sits on the windward side of the Bahia de Palma, sheltered by the foothills of the Tramuntana to the north. Compared to towns on the north coast, this means less orographic rainfall but also less of a cooling effect from the Tramuntana wind. The bay's southerly and westerly exposure occasionally draws Sirocco heat from the African continent in summer, pushing temperatures briefly above 35°C.

Anyone interested in the climate of individual city districts should note that differences exist within Palma itself: the harbor and Son Vida (on the hill) can diverge by 2–3°C. The figures given here refer to the AEMET station in the harbor.

Further information: Mallorca Climate Chart with all monthly values, Mallorca Summer Weather and Mallorca Winter Weather. Those who want to get to know Palma as a city more thoroughly will find background in the Palma de Mallorca Travel Guide.

Note on data sources: Annual rainfall of 449 mm based on the AEMET climate normal 1981–2010, station B228. Monthly temperature and precipitation values based on T3-Aggregator climate data (klimatabelle.info); more recent data may differ slightly.

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Palma

Weather in the Palma area

• Playa de Palma Weather — beach climate east of the city
• El Arenal Weather — beachfront promenade to the southeast
• Mallorca Water Temperature — current conditions and seasonal overview
• Mallorca Climate Chart — summary of all monthly values
• Mallorca Climate Zone — Köppen-Geiger classification
• Best Time to Visit Mallorca — island-wide overview
• Mallorca Winter Weather — December through February in detail