Balearic Islands Weather by Month and Best Time to Visit

The climate table on this page comes from the weather station at Palma, so it describes Mallorca's capital most closely. It still gives a fair picture of the year across the islands. The coolest month is January, with highs of 15°C and nights around 8°C. The warmest are July and August, both averaging 32°C by day and 23°C at night.

Rain is light in summer and heavier in autumn. July records only 7mm over two wet days, the driest month of the year. September is the wettest, with 68mm falling over about ten days, and October and November each see around nine wet days. May and June are the best months to go, warm and fairly settled without the full intensity of high summer. The shoulder months run from February to April and from September to December.

January and February are mild and fairly calm, with highs of 15°C to 16°C and about six wet days each month. March warms to 17°C, though it brings eight days of rain. April reaches 20°C and records 51mm, the wettest spell of the first half of the year. By May highs climb to 24°C with nights at 15°C, which makes it a good month for walking around l'Alcúdia's old town or the Roman site at Pollentia.

June is the turning point, at 29°C with only five wet days. July and August are the heart of summer: 32°C highs, warm 23°C nights and very little rain, which is why resorts such as Magaluf, Santa Ponsa, Alcúdia and Sant Antoni de Portmany are busiest then. Expect package holidays to cost more during the UK school holidays.

September stays hot at 28°C, but it is the wettest month, with 68mm over ten days. October is still pleasant at 24°C, while November cools to 19°C with nine wet days. December is surprisingly dry, at 27mm, with highs of 17°C, and suits a city break in Palma or Maó. Cooler months also suit the caves at Porto Cristo, Coves del Drach and Coves dels Hams, where the weather outside matters less.

For July and August, pack for real heat: light, breathable clothing, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream and something to cover your shoulders for the drive out to Far de Formentor or other exposed headlands. Nights stay around 23°C, so a light layer is about all you need after dark.

In May, June and early October, summer clothes work by day. Bring a light jumper for evenings, when temperatures drop to the mid-teens in May and around 17°C in October. From September to November, add a compact waterproof, since this is when most of the year's rain falls.

From December to March, think of a mild British spring: layers, a warm jacket for evenings at 8°C to 10°C, and comfortable shoes for exploring towns. You can compare package holidays, hotel prices, car hire and tours on this page to match your dates to the season you prefer.