Weather in the Sierra de Gredos

The Sierra de Gredos is sunnier and drier then other major Spanish ranges such as Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees. The marked difference in elevation and aspect between the northern and southern valleys create a surprisingly wide range of conditions – giving outdoor adventurers good options no matter when they visit.

In general, the best conditions—comfortable temperatures and stable weather—for exploring the lower southern valleys is from March to June. In July and August, temperatures can soar in the southern valleys up to low-mid-30’s ºC  or even higher – this is when it’s best to be on the northern side of the range – at higher elevation.

As for the northern valleys and high mountains, fine conditions can be found from late May onwards. In the mid-summer months of July and August, although temperatures in our valley base at 1500m are typically in the low 20ºC, any walks in the high mountains will be over 1800m where it is much cooler and more comfortable.

Towards the end of August, temperatures start to fall with relatively stable and excellent hiking conditions on both sides of the range in September and early October.

For a detailed description, including average temperature and rainfall charts for our overnight bases, please download our PDF on climate in Gredos.

Forecasts

Here are 3 sites you can use in combination to get a decent idea:

• http://en.eltiempo.es/ (An English version of a good general Spanish site, but not mountain-specific. Search for Hoyos del Espino and San Esteban del Valle in the search field on the left to find conditions for our valley bases).
• The Meteo Exploration has a forecast for the Refugio Laguna Grande de Gredos (formerly Refugio Elola) – the mountain hut used on our summer itinerary: http://www.meteoexploration.com/forecasts/Refugio-Elola-de-Gredos/?lang=en
• The Mountain Forecast site http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Almanzor for Almanzor, the highest peak in Gredos. If you set the elvation lower, at 2000 m, you will have the condtions at Elola Hut

Webcams

This webcam at the mountain hut Refugio Laguna Grande de Gredos located in the Gredos cirque, at 1950 meters elevation, is aimed towards Almanzor, the highest peak in central Spain.
http://www.refugiolagunagrandegredos.es