Majorca Palma weather: month by month, rain and best months

Palma has a classic Mediterranean pattern. The climate table for the city's own station shows mild, fairly damp winters, a dry and hot high summer, and a wetter autumn. Daytime highs run from 15°C in January to 32°C in July and August. Night-time lows go from 8°C in midwinter to 23°C at the height of summer.

Rain is never heavy for long in total, but it is unevenly spread. July sees around 7mm over two days, while September brings about 68mm across ten days. October and November are not far behind. If you mainly want sun and warmth without the full heat of August, May and June are the months I would point you towards.

For the days just before you travel, the Palma weather forecast at the top of this page is the place to look. The table below is the long-term picture, and it is the better guide when you are deciding which fortnight to book.

January and February are the coolest months, with highs of 15°C to 16°C and lows of 8°C, and around six wet days each. That is comfortable weather for sightseeing at the Royal Palace of La Almudaina or Es Baluard rather than for lying on a beach. March warms to 17°C but has eight rainy days. Palma April weather is a clear step up: highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C, though April has the highest spring rainfall at about 51mm over seven days.

May reaches 24°C and June 29°C, and rain falls away to around five days in June. These are the two best months on the calendar. July and August both peak at 32°C, with nights staying around 23°C. July is almost completely dry; August has about four wet days. It is real heat, so plan the Fundació Miró Mallorca or the cathedral for the morning and keep the afternoon slow.

September is still warm at 28°C but is the wettest month, with about ten rainy days. Palma weather in October stays pleasant at 24°C by day and 17°C at night, with around nine wet days and 64mm of rain, so expect showers between sunny spells. November drops to 19°C with nine wet days, and December settles at 17°C and becomes drier again, with about six rainy days. All the months from September to April count as shoulder season, which in general terms means quieter streets outside the school holidays.

From December to March, bring layers: a light jumper or fleece for evenings around 8°C to 10°C, a waterproof jacket for the six to eight wet days a month, and comfortable shoes for the old town's stone streets. Days of 15°C to 17°C are pleasant in the sun but feel cool in the shade.

In April and May, think spring in Britain at its best: T-shirts for the day, a light jacket for the evening and something showerproof, particularly in April. From June to August, pack for heat. Light, loose clothing, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream and a refillable water bottle are essential when highs reach 29°C to 32°C and nights barely drop below 20°C.

For September to November, keep summer clothes for the warm days but add a compact umbrella and a light layer, as this is the rainiest stretch of the year. If you plan to explore the wider island by car, sensible footwear and a rain jacket in the boot cover most surprises.