Monthly Archives: March 2022

weather by month, temperature, precipitation, when to go

In Málaga, a city located on the coast of Andalusia, in southern Spain, the climate is Mediterranean, with mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers.

To the north of the city, we find a mountain range, the Montes de Málaga, which reach 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in height.

To the west of Malaga lies the mouth of the Guadalhorce River, and across the river lie the cities of Torremolinos and Benalmádena.

The wind blows frequently: in the cold half of the year, it comes along with Atlantic depressions, while in summer, it blows in the form of afternoon breeze.

The daily average temperature ranges from 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in January to 26.5 °C (79.5 °F) in August. Here are the average temperatures.

Malaga – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	7. 6	17.2	12.4	46	63	54.3
February	8.1	17.9	13	47	64	55.5
March	9.7	19.7	14.7	49	67	58.5
April	11.4	21.8	16.6	53	71	61.9
May	14.3	24.8	19.6	58	77	67.2
June	18.1	28.6	23.3	65	83	74
July	20.6	31	25.8	69	88	78.5
August	21.4	31.6	26.5	71	89	79.7
September	18.8	28.5	23. 7	66	83	74.6
October	15	24.4	19.7	59	76	67.4
November	11.1	20.3	15.7	52	69	60.3
December	8.8	17.8	13.3	48	64	55.9
Year	13.8	23.7	18.7	56.8	74.6	65.5

Precipitation is not abundant, since it amounts to 535 millimeters (21 inches) per year, and follows the Mediterranean pattern, in fact, it mostly occurs from October to March, while in summer, it almost never rains. The wettest months are November and December, with 100 mm (4 in). Here is the average precipitation.

Malaga – Average precipitation

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	70	2. 8	6
February	60	2.4	5
March	50	2	4
April	45	1.8	5
May	20	0.8	3
June	5	0.2	1
July	0	0	0
August	5	0.2	1
September	20	0.8	2
October	55	2.2	4
November	100	3.9	6
December	100	3.9	7
Year	535	21. 1	42

Winter, from December to February, is mild, and is characterized by sunny periods alternating with periods of bad weather, with wind and rain.

There is a good number of sunny days, with daytime temperatures reaching 18/20 °C (64/68 °F). With the wind from Africa, it can even exceed 20 °C (68 °F).

Very cold days are rare, however, in the coldest nights of the year, the temperature generally drops to 1/2 °C (34/36 °F). Therefore, frosts are very rare. The absolute minimum temperature is -4 °C (25 °F), recorded in February 1954. In January 1985, the temperature dropped to -2.5 °C (27.5 °F). From 2000 to 2020, the temperature only dropped to 0 °C (32 °F), in January 2005 and February 2012.

Snow in Málaga is extremely rare. The last snowfall that is remembered is that of February 1954, when there was a historic snowfall in the area around the Strait of Gibiliterra.

Spring, from March to May, is mild and sunny, with rainy days still possible, but not so frequent. In May, and sometimes in April, the first hot days occur, with highs around 30 °C (86 °F).

Summer, from June to mid-September, is hot and sunny. Typically, the temperatures hovers about 228 °C (82 °F) in June and September and around 30/31 °C (86/88 °F) in July and August, the air is humid, but sea breezes blow, in short, it’s the typical Mediterranean summer.

However, when the terral wind blows from the interior of Andalusia, the heat can become intense. Fortunately, in this cases, there’s a lively wind and the air becomes dry: it is advisable to drink often in order to avoid dehydration.

In fact, on the hottest days of the year, the temperature normally reaches 40 °C (104 °F). The absolute maximum temperature is 44 °C (111 °F), reached in August 1953, July 1978 and July 1994. In August 2020, it reached 43.5 °C (110 °F).

Autumn, from mid-September to November, is initially warm, and then becomes gradually milder, while periods of bad weather become gradually more frequent. In October, there are still many warm and sunny days, especially in the first half. By November, we are in the middle of autumn, with a mild climate, but often cloudy and rainy.

Sometimes, the rains can be abundant and concentrated in a short period of time, and in the past there have been floods.

The amount of sunshine in Málaga is very good in summer, when clear skies prevail. In the other seasons, there are many sunny periods, but cloudy periods are also possible. However, the sunshine in winter is at the highest levels in Europe.

On average, there are 2,900 hours of sunshine per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

Malaga – Sunshine hours

Month	Average	Total
January	6	180	February	6.5	180	March	7	220	April	8	245	May	9. 5	290	June	11	330	July	11	345	August	10	315	September	8.5	255	October	7	215	November	5.5	170	December	5	160	Year	8	2910

Given the infiltration of water from the Atlantic Ocean, the Alboran Sea is never very warm to swim in: it’s still very cool in June, when the water temperature is about 20 °C (68 °F), then it reaches 22 °C (72 °F) in July and September, and 23 °C (73 °F) in August, when it becomes overall acceptable for swimming. Here are the average sea temperatures.

Malaga – Sea temperature

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	16	61	February	15	59	March	15	59	April	16	61	May	17	63	June	20	68	July	22	72	August	23	73	September	22	72	October	20	68	November	18	64	December	16	61	Year	18. 4	65.1

Best Time

The best time to visit Málaga for walks and hikes, is spring, in April and May; you can also choose the beginning of autumn, from mid-September to mid-October, although there can sometimes be quite intense rains.

The best time for a beach holiday in Malaga and the Costa del Sol is instead the summer, from June to mid-September. It’s better to bring a sweatshirt for cool and windy evenings, especially in the first part of June.

Malaga – Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

(January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December)

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Malaga is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.4 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 7.6 °C (45.6 °F) and a maximum of 17. 2 °C (63 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2 °C (36 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in January 2005.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it reached 26 °C (78.8 °F) in January 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 58% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (61 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Malaga is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.0 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 8.1 °C (46.7 °F) and a maximum of 17.9 °C (64.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37. 5 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in February 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 28.4 °C (83.1 °F) in February 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 58% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Malaga is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 14.7 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 9.7 °C (49.5 °F) and a maximum of 19.7 °C (67.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1 °C (30. 2 °F) in March 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in March 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (59 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Malaga is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 16.6 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.4 °C (52.6 °F) and a maximum of 21.8 °C (71.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45 °F). However, it dropped to 4 °C (39.2 °F) in April 2000.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28.5 °C (83 °F). However, it reached 33 °C (91.4 °F) in April 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (61 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Malaga is usually warm. The average temperature is of 19.6 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 14.3 °C (57.8 °F) and a maximum of 24.8 °C (76.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (49.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7.8 °C (46 °F) in May 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31. 5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 35.8 °C (96.4 °F) in May 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 61%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Malaga is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 23.3 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 18.1 °C (64.5 °F) and a maximum of 28.6 °C (83.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57 °F). However, it dropped to 12 °C (53.6 °F) in June 2000.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35. 5 °C (96 °F). However, it reached 40 °C (104 °F) in June 2001.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 35 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 11 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 75% of the time.
The average humidity is 57%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In July, the weather in Malaga is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 25.8 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 20.6 °C (69.2 °F) and a maximum of 31 °C (87.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 14 °C (57.2 °F) in July 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 39 °C (102 °F). However, it reached 44 °C (111.2 °F) in July 1994.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 11 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 78% of the time.
The average humidity is 59%.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In August, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Malaga is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 21.4 °C (70.6 °F) and a maximum of 31.6 °C (88.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (64 °F). However, it dropped to 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) in August 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 39.5 °C (102. 5 °F). However, it reached 43.7 °C (110.7 °F) in August 2020.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 76% of the time.
The average humidity is 60%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 23 °C (73.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In September, the weather in Malaga is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 23.7 °C (75 °F), with a minimum of 18.8 °C (65.9 °F) and a maximum of 28.5 °C (83.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14.5 °C (58 °F). However, it dropped to 10.8 °C (51.4 °F) in September 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) in September 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Malaga is usually warm. The average temperature is of 19.7 °C (67 °F), with a minimum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a maximum of 24.4 °C (75.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 9.5 °C (49 °F). However, it dropped to 6 °C (42.8 °F) in October 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 36. 4 °C (97.5 °F) in October 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Malaga is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 15.7 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 11.1 °C (52 °F) and a maximum of 20.3 °C (68.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (41.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2 °C (35.6 °F) in November 1999.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (78 °F). However, it reached 30.4 °C (86.7 °F) in November 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 56% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Malaga is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.3 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 8.8 °C (47.8 °F) and a maximum of 17.8 °C (64.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1 °C (33.8 °F) in December 1994.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it reached 24.6 °C (76.3 °F) in December 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16 °C (61 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

weather by month, temperature, precipitation, when to go

Index

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• Introduction
• Atlantic coast – Cadiz
• Inland plain – Jerez de la Frontera, Seville, Córdoba
• Mediterranean coast
• Sea temperature
• Hilly and mountainous areas – Jaén
• Best Time

Introduction

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In Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, there are different types of climate: the Mediterranean climate of the coast, which becomes particularly cool and windy in the southern tip (where the east wind reigns supreme), and particularly arid in the east; the Mediterranean climate, though with very hot summers, in the valley of the Guadalquivir; the semi-continental climate in low-mountain areas; and finally, the alpine climate on high mountains.

The region is crossed by two mountain ranges, the Sierra Morena to the north and the Betic Cordillera (which includes the Sierra Nevada) to the south; between the two, we find the Betic Depression, crossed by the river Guadalquivir and characterized by very hot summers, where there are cities such as Seville and Córdoba.

Some mountain areas are particularly green, and are home to parks, such as the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales (within which we find El Bosque de la Niebla, where the east wind creates a fog that deposits water droplets on the trees, thus creating a particularly humid environment) and the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema, both in the south-west, or the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla in the northeast, or the Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, located in the south. In this area, we find the highest peaks of all continental Spain, starting from mount Mulhacen, 3,478 meters (11,411 feet) high.

Let us now talk about the climate of the major cities.

Atlantic coast

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On the Atlantic coast (called Costa de la Luz), the climate is Mediterranean, with very mild winters and warm, sunny summers.

Cadiz

In Cadiz, the average temperature ranges from 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in January to 25 °C (77 °F) in July and August. Here are the average temperatures.

Cadiz – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	9. 6	16.1	12.8	49	61	55.1
February	10.5	16.9	13.7	51	62	56.7
March	12.5	18.7	15.6	54	66	60.1
April	14.1	20.1	17.1	57	68	62.8
May	16.7	22.7	19.7	62	73	67.5
June	19.6	25.4	22.5	67	78	72.5
July	21.5	27.5	24.5	71	82	76.1
August	22.2	28.2	25.2	72	83	77.4
September	20.4	26	23. 2	69	79	73.8
October	17.5	23.5	20.5	64	74	68.9
November	13.4	19.5	16.4	56	67	61.6
December	10.8	16.9	13.8	51	62	56.9
Year	15.8	21.8	18.75	60.4	71.3	66

In a typical year, 525 millimeters (20.5 inches) of rain fall, with a peak in November and December. In summer, as generally happens in Mediterranean climates, there is little or no rain. Here is the average precipitation.

Cadiz – Average precipitation

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	70	2. 8	7
February	60	2.4	6
March	35	1.4	5
April	45	1.8	6
May	25	1	3
June	5	0.2	1
July	0	0	0
August	0	0	0
September	25	1	3
October	65	2.6	6
November	100	3.9	7
December	90	3.5	8
Year	525	20.7	52

The amount of sunshine in Cadiz is great in summer, when clear skies prevail, it is good in spring, especially from mid-April onwards, and it is still decent in autumn and winter, when there is a moderate amount of cloudy days, during periods of bad weather, but there are also sunny periods.

In a year, there are 3,000 hours of sunshine: we are at the highest levels in Europe. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

Cadiz – Sunshine hours

Month	Average	Total
January	6	185	February	7	195	March	7.5	230	April	8.5	255	May	10	305	June	11	330	July	11.5	355	August	11	335	September	8.5	250	October	7.5	230	November	6	185	December	5. 5	165	Year	8.3	3025

Inland plain

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Moving away from the coast, in the valley of the Guadalquivir (or Betic Depression), the summer is much hotter, while the winter is a bit colder, especially at night.

Jerez de la Frontera

Already in Jerez de la Frontera, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north-east of the coast, the climate is slightly colder in winter, especially at night, when light frosts can occasionally occur, while it is warmer in summer, especially during the day, when there are many hot days, with highs about 35/36 °C (95/97 °F), and with peaks of 40/41 °C (104/106 °F). Rainfall amounts to about 565 mm (22.5 in) per year, with a winter maximum and a summer minimum, as usual.

Here are the average temperatures.

Jerez De La Frontera – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	5. 1	16.6	10.8	41	62	51.5
February	5.8	18.1	12	43	65	53.5
March	8.2	20.8	14.5	47	69	58.1
April	10.1	22.8	16.4	50	73	61.6
May	12.8	26.7	19.8	55	80	67.6
June	15.7	30.6	23.1	60	87	73.6
July	17.7	34	25.9	64	93	78.5
August	18.4	34.2	26.3	65	94	79.4
September	16.5	30.4	23. 4	62	87	74.2
October	13.5	26	19.8	56	79	67.6
November	9.1	20.5	14.8	48	69	58.7
December	6.6	17.4	12	44	63	53.6
Year	11.7	24.9	18.25	53	76.8	65

Northwest of Jerez de la Frontera lies the Doñana National Park, rich in biodiversity, which is home to vast sand dunes near the coast.

Seville

Continuing to the north-east, in Seville, 70 km (45 miles) away from the coast, the summer is even hotter, in fact, highs in July and August are normally about 36 °C (97 °F): in summer, this area is the hottest in Europe, and the temperature can sometimes reach 45 °C (113 °F). Rainfall amounts to 540 mm (21 in) per year, still with a Mediterranean pattern.

Here are the average temperatures.

Seville – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	5.8	16.6	11.2	42	62	52.2
February	6.8	18.6	12.7	44	65	54. 8
March	9.2	21.9	15.5	49	71	59.9
April	11.3	24.2	17.7	52	76	63.9
May	14.5	28.4	21.4	58	83	70.5
June	17.8	33.1	25.4	64	92	77.8
July	19.8	36.4	28.1	68	98	82.6
August	20.3	36.4	28.4	69	97	83
September	17.9	31.8	24.8	64	89	76.7
October	14.6	26.6	20.6	58	80	69
November	9. 9	20.7	15.3	50	69	59.5
December	7.2	17.2	12.2	45	63	54
Year	13	26	19.45	55.3	78.8	67

Córdoba

Continuing to the east, in Córdoba, the temperatures are similar to those of Seville, but owing to the longer distance from the sea, it can sometimes be a little colder in winter, while in summer, it can be slightly hotter.

Mediterranean coast

The Mediterranean coast has a cooler and more humid climate in the western part, while in summer, it becomes progressively more arid and hot as you proceed towards the east.

Precipitation along the Mediterranean coast varies significantly, becoming progressively scarcer towards the east, although the pattern is the same, with a maximum in the cold half of the year, especially between November and January, and a minimum in summer, when it almost never rains.

In fact, rainfall amounts to 835 millimeters (33 inches) per year in Algeciras, where it can sometimes be abundant from November to March, while it drops to 585 mm (23 in) in Marbella, to 525 mm (20.5 in) in Malaga, and to 450 mm (17.5 in) in Nerja. The easternmost part is definitely arid, almost desert, in fact, precipitation in Almería amounts to just 200 mm (8 in) per year.

The coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea can be divided according to the province and to the name that have been given to the different parts for tourism purposes:

– The westernmost part, in the province of Cadiz, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, is also the southernmost, but despite this, it’s the coolest in summer. This happens both because of the influence of the ocean and because of the prevalence of the east wind (“levante”). The coolest area corresponds precisely to the southern tip of Spain, at the point that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea (see Tarifa). In this strait, you can spot dolphins and whales. A little further to the north-east, there’s the Bay of Gibraltar: in the western part, we find the city of Algeciras, in the eastern one, we find La Linea de la Concepcion, and just to the south we find Gibraltar, which belongs to Great Britain, and has a cool and humid microclimate.

Algeciras

Here are the average temperatures of Algeciras.

Algeciras – Average temperatures

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	11	16	13. 5	52	61	56.3
February	11	17	14	52	63	57.2
March	12	18	15	54	64	59
April	13	19	16	55	66	60.8
May	16	22	19	61	72	66.2
June	18	24	21	64	75	69.8
July	20	27	23.5	68	81	74.3
August	21	28	24.5	70	82	76.1
September	20	26	23	68	79	73.4
October	17	22	19. 5	63	72	67.1
November	14	19	16.5	57	66	61.7
December	12	17	14.5	54	63	58.1
Year	15.4	21.3	18.3	59.8	70.3	65

As mentioned, the western part of the coast is also the wettest. Here is the average rainfall in Algeciras.

Algeciras – Average precipitation

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	120	4.7	12
February	105	4.1	10
March	105	4.1	10
April	65	2. 6	9
May	40	1.6	6
June	10	0.4	2
July	0	0	0
August	3	0.1	0
September	25	1	4
October	75	3	8
November	150	5.9	12
December	130	5.1	13
Year	835	32.9	86

– The central part, called Costa del Sol, corresponds to the coast of the province of Málaga. Here, the temperatures are quite similar to that of the Costa de la Luz, Mediterranean-like: summers are hot but not too much, although there can be some very hot days, with highs of 35 °C (95 °F) and more. For example, here are the average temperatures of Málaga.

Malaga – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	7.6	17.2	12.4	46	63	54.3
February	8.1	17.9	13	47	64	55.5
March	9. 7	19.7	14.7	49	67	58.5
April	11.4	21.8	16.6	53	71	61.9
May	14.3	24.8	19.6	58	77	67.2
June	18.1	28.6	23.3	65	83	74
July	20.6	31	25.8	69	88	78.5
August	21.4	31.6	26.5	71	89	79.7
September	18.8	28.5	23.7	66	83	74.6
October	15	24.4	19.7	59	76	67.4
November	11.1	20. 3	15.7	52	69	60.3
December	8.8	17.8	13.3	48	64	55.9
Year	13.8	23.7	18.7	56.8	74.6	65.5

– The eastern part of the coast is divided between the province of Granada, where it’s called Costa Tropical (or Costa de Granada) and the province of Almería, where it’s called Costa de Almería. Here, the temperatures are similar, while proceeding towards the east, the rainfall decreases, and at the same time the temperature of the sea gradually increases (see below).

Here is the average precipitation in Almería: as you can see, it is at semi-desert levels.

Almería – Average precipitation

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	24	0. 9	3
February	25	1	3
March	16	0.6	3
April	17	0.7	3
May	12	0.5	2
June	5	0.2	0
July	1	0	0
August	1	0	0
September	14	0.6	2
October	27	1.1	3
November	28	1.1	4
December	30	1.2	3
Year	200	7.9	25

North of Almería there is a desert, the Tabernas Desert (Desierto de Tabernas), where many western movies were filmed. However, the southeastern coastal area, from Almería to Cabo de Gata, and from San José to Playa de los Muertos, is semi-desert as well: the cape of Gata is probably the driest place in Europe, since it receives only 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain per year. Here, we find the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.

Hilly and mountainous areas

---

As mentioned, in Andalusia, there are several mountain ranges, therefore, there are also cities located at more or less high elevation. The most important one, Granada, is situated at 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, and it’s often cold on winter nights, while in summer, the heat is often intense during the day, while nights remain usually cool.

Jaén

In Jaén, located at an altitude a bit lower, 500 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level, winter is mild enough (despite some cold days), while summer is hot (with several scorching days). Precipitation amounts to 500 mm (20 in) per year, with a maximum in December of 80 mm (3. 1 in), and a minimum in July of 2 mm (0.08 in). Here are the average temperatures in Jaén.

Jaen – Average temperatures (1991-2020)

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	5.3	12.2	8.8	42	54	47.8
February	6.3	13.8	10	43	57	50.1
March	8. 6	17.2	12.9	47	63	55.2
April	10.3	19.5	14.9	51	67	58.8
May	13.8	24.3	19	57	76	66.3
June	18.2	29.9	24	65	86	75.3
July	21.3	33.9	27.6	70	93	81.7
August	21.3	33.4	27.4	70	92	81.2
September	17.6	27.7	22.6	64	82	72.8
October	13.9	22.1	18	57	72	64.4
November	8.9	15. 8	12.4	48	60	54.2
December	6.4	13.1	9.8	44	56	49.6
Year	12.7	22	17.3	54.9	71.5	63

At higher altitudes, the temperature drops further, but the maximum temperatures in summer are high, about 29/31 °C (84/88 °F), still at about 1,000/1,200 meters (3,300/3,900 feet).

Sea temperature

The temperature of the sea along the Atlantic coast (Costa de la Luz) remains cool even in summer, as we can see in the following table.

Costa de la Luz – Sea temperature

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	16. 5	61	February	15.5	60	March	16	61	April	16.5	62	May	18	64	June	20	68	July	21.5	71	August	22.5	72	September	22	71	October	20.5	69	November	18.5	66	December	17	63	Year	18.8	65.8

In the Costa del Sol, the sea is never very warm as well because of the infiltration of Atlantic waters, however, in summer, it is slightly warmer than on the Atlantic coast, as we can see from the sea temperature in Málaga.

Malaga – Sea temperature

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	16	61	February	15	59	March	15	59	April	16	61	May	17	63	June	20	68	July	22	72	August	23	73	September	22	72	October	20	68	November	18	64	December	16	61	Year	18. 4	65.1

Continuing to the east, and moving away from the Atlantic, the sea becomes gradually warmer in summer: in Almería, the sea temperature reaches 24 °C (75 °F) in August and 23 °C (73 °F) in September. In the easternmost part, where the coast is facing southeast, the sea is even warmer, so much so that in Mojacar, it reaches 25 °C (77 °F) in August.

Mojacar – Sea temperature

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	15	59	February	15	59	March	15	59	April	16	61	May	18	64	June	20	68	July	23	73	August	25	77	September	24	75	October	21	70	November	18	64	December	16	61	Year	18. 9	66

Best Time

In order to avoid the summer heat, the best periods to visit Andalusia, if the trip includes the plain of the Guadalquivir and cities such as Seville and Córdoba (and also Granada), are spring and autumn, for example April, May and October, although in these months, it can sometimes rain. Those who can stand the heat can choose the summer, a season when the weather is often scorchingly hot, but it’s more pleasant in high mountain areas.

In winter, you can find several pleasant days in the plains, sunny and spring-like, although it can get cold at night in the interior, and waves of bad weather cannot be excluded. In this season, you can go skiing in the Sierra Nevada, and maybe you can take a trip to the sea, where you will usually find mild weather (though not warm: we are still in the Mediterranean winter), with several sunny days, and possible but not abundant rain (since that is the arid part of the coast).

On the other hand, the best time for a beach holiday is the summer, from June to mid-September. It’s better to bring a sweatshirt for cool and windy evenings, especially in June and September, in particular, in the Costa de la Luz and in the province of Cadiz, but for safety even in July and August, especially if you are sensitive to cold.

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Spain. Climate, Weather Patterns, Heatwaves and Solutions.

Climate of Spain.
As a country whose peninsula land mass stretches from the Pyrenees mountains in the north to within 15 kilometres (9 miles) of the coast of Morocco in the south, Spain enjoys a climate that is both European and Mediterranean.

Spain. Map of Autonomous Communities and Provinces.

Along the north coast from Galicia to the Basque Lands, the topography/terrain is characterised by wooded mountains and hills, and luxuriant green –frequently steep– valleys. Often called Green Spain, this northern strip receives cool winds off the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay which ensure warm –not generally hot– summers and mild winters. Clouds and rainfall form a regular pattern, with snow on the upper heights of the Picos de Europa mountains in the winter.

Below the Pyrenees, the weather tends to be drier and the landscape less verdant/ lush, but melting snow from the mountains allow for green stretches as the terrain approaches the wide valley of the River Ebro. Away from the Atlantic breezes and influenced more by Mediterranean winds, the summers can be hot, and the winters fairly cold with winds blowing down from the Pyrenees.

Inland Spain is made up of the Meseta, a high central plateau ranging from 400 to 1000 metres (approx. 1312 feet to approx. 3300 ft.) in height and making up about 40% of the country’s land mass. Largely treeless and windblown, the Meseta is blistering hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. The little rain it receives falls mainly in the winter, which explains the large spring cereal crops in Castile-Leon –the northern half of the plateau– and the extensive vineyards in Castile-La Mancha– the southern half.

Southern Spain is largely Andalucía, the most populous autonomous region of Spain and second only to Castilla-León in area/size. Separated from Castilla-La Mancha by the Sierra Morena mountain range, Andalucía boasts the warmest average temperature in the country. Still, there can be wide differences ranging from the cooler mountainous terrain of the Sierra Nevada to the hot Guadalquivir River valley and the desert-like stretches in the province of Almería to the east. Temperatures regularly reach 40+C (104F) at the height of summer along the Guadalquivir while the Tabernas desert in Almería –famous as the location for several movies, including spaghetti westerns as well as Lawrence of Arabia— can reach similar temperatures.

Heatwaves. However, like many other European countries, Spain has experienced extreme heatwaves in the last few years, reflecting the climate change afflicting much of the globe. What is now happening is that the high summer temperatures (40+C) normally associated with Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and parts of Castilla-León in late July and into August now start in June. May of this year (2022), for example, was the hottest on record for Spain (and France).

Not only are the heatwaves beginning earlier but they are also more frequent and also more widespread. This, together with reduced rainfall, has led to drought conditions which virtually all climatologists and environmentalists attribute to global warming. In Spain, the latest warning touches on the Tagus –not only Spain’s longest river but also the major source of water for much of the centre of the country— which is in danger of drying up (Guardian July 4/22).

And with drought comes a marked increase in the number of outbreaks of fires.  A recent outbreak in the Zamora province of Castilla-León –where the temperature reached an unprecedented 40C (104F)– destroyed approximately 30,000 hectares (74,000 thousand acres) of woodland seriously threatening a wide array of wildlife, including the endangered wolf population of the area.

Two further serious possible consequences of the heatwaves are the effects they may have on agriculture and tourism, both major sources of revenue for the country.

The depleted Alto Lindoso dam on the Spanish Portuguese border reveals the drowned Spanish village of Aceredo. The drop in water level can be easily gauged from the clear line where the trees end.

Agriculture: Spain ranks as the world’s biggest producer of olives, and is a major exporter of fruit, vegetables, wines and cheese especially for the northern European market. As demands for these products increase so too does the need of water for irrigation. In the past, Spain invested heavily in dam construction but with the lack of rain many dams are now well below the levels necessary to sustain its water distribution infrastructure and current long-range predictions for rainfall are not encouraging. As a result, desertification, once a relatively minor concern, is growing steadily having increased from roughly 6% of the land between 1960-1990 to 12% between 2000-2020 (Euronews).

August 29, 2022. An article on the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) web site gives a very graphic description of the devastating impact of prolonged drought on olive production in the Province of Jaen (Andalusia), Spain’s most prolific olive-producing region. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62707435

Tourism: Spain has long been a hugely popular destination for tourists, registering a record-breaking 84 million international visitors in 2019. However, the impact of the Covid pandemic was disastrous with numbers collapsing dramatically in 2020 to about 19 million. The coastal areas, where the sea and sea breezes offer some relief from the relentless sunshine, remain popular but ­–given water shortage and wild fires— inland tourism has been much affected.

The growing frequency of fires and increasing droughts makes it difficult to predict the direction Spain (and other European countries and indeed worldwide) will take in the coming years. Much depends on the political will of politicians and –assuming that they are willing to undertake the challenge– the choices they make.

Solutions? Simply put, there are no easy solutions, but there is one common-sense step that residents in hot summer areas such as Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura have long adopted: the famous siesta. Often misinterpreted as a sign of laziness by northern Europeans in the past, the siesta is now recognized as an efficient adaptation to the climate conditions. Spaniards from these regions get up at the crack of dawn then take a prolonged lunch followed by rest, or perhaps a nap or a game of cards or dominos, during the mid-afternoon heat, before returning to work in the evening. This is especially the case in rural Spain, in villages or small towns where the rhythms of the past are still followed.

Common sense work practices are complemented by buildings adapted to the conditions in these heat-affected areas. Houses have traditionally been constructed with thick walls and small windows to keep the indoors cool.

A corner in Capileira, a village in the Alpujarras, south of Granada. Andalucía.

Whitewash on the walls –to reflect the heat away from the house– and adjustable wooden shutters or slats over the windows further help to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature indoors. In many houses, in Andalucía especially, there is a small patio the walls of which are commonly festooned with flowers or support climbing plants. In the middle, there may be a fountain the tinkling sound of which complements the fragrance of the flowers.

The advent of air conditioning has altered the pattern of life to some degree, albeit mainly in larger urban centres –e. g. Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, Granada. Here, the demands of tourism have helped to persuade many large stores and/or shopping centres (malls) to remain open during the afternoon hours, but even so there is still a marked reduction in tourist activities and general movement. This is a good time to step into a restaurant or bar, or relax in a shady patio.

Air conditioning is still largely limited to commercial and public buildings or to the homes of the wealthy in Spain. It has been suggested by a government official in Spain that commercial centres and air-conditioned urban public spaces –e. g. libraries, transport— become “climate refuges” i. e. cooling shelters for “vulnerable people like the elderly, pregnant women or those with respiratory problems” (Euronews.)

A problem, which the numbers and widespread distribution of wildfires have highlighted, is the lack of early detection and control of such fires. Much of this is attributed to rural depopulation as people, especially the young, flock to the cities leaving rural villages deserted or inhabited only by the elderly.

España vacía (“Emptied out Spain”) has become a major political issue since an estimated 43% of Spain’s municipalities are at risk of dying out leaving the surrounding land abandoned to scrub which, under drought conditions, quickly becomes tinder dry and susceptible to rapidly spreading fires.

However, efforts to tempt the young back require much investment in day-to-day amenities found readily in the cities: e. g. schools, medical facilities, reliable electrical service and fast internet connections, investment/loans to help set up small businesses, rapid transport connections (e. g. good roads, trains) to the towns. Until these are guaranteed, there is little likelihood that movement to the cities will be reversed.

Sources.
Map of Autonomous Communities and Provinces: https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/spain-administrative-map.htm
Various articles on weather conditions in Spain from The Guardian Newspaper and other sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/10/spain-heatwave-temperatures-forecast-hit-44c
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/13/spain-and-southern-france-hit-by-second-extreme-heat-event-of-year
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/23/spain-wildfire-wolf-population-sierra-de-la-culebra
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/04/spain-and-portugal-suffering-driest-climate-for-1200-years-research-shows
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/06/22/how-spain-is-trying-to-adapt-to-more-frequent-heatwaves
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61533719
https://www. reuters.com/world/europe/hitting-rock-bottom-drought-heat-drain-spanish-reservoirs-2022-08-10/

Spain | History, Map, Flag, Population, Currency, Climate, & Facts

flag of Spain

Audio File:
National anthem of Spain

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Head Of Government:

Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez

Capital:

Madrid

Population:

(2022 est.) 47,323,000

Currency Exchange Rate:

1 USD equals 1.019 euro

Head Of State:

King: Felipe VI

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Summary

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Spain, country located in extreme southwestern Europe. It occupies about 85 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with its smaller neighbour Portugal.

Spain is a storied country of stone castles, snowcapped mountains, vast monuments, and sophisticated cities, all of which have made it a favoured travel destination. The country is geographically and culturally diverse. Its heartland is the Meseta, a broad central plateau half a mile above sea level. Much of the region is traditionally given over to cattle ranching and grain production; it was in this rural setting that Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote tilted at the tall windmills that still dot the landscape in several places. In the country’s northeast are the broad valley of the Ebro River, the mountainous region of Catalonia, and the hilly coastal plain of Valencia. To the northwest is the Cantabrian Mountains, a rugged range in which heavily forested, rain-swept valleys are interspersed with tall peaks. To the south is the citrus-orchard-rich and irrigated lands of the valley of the Guadalquivir River, celebrated in the renowned lyrics of Spanish poets Federico García Lorca and Antonio Machado; over this valley rises the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. The southern portion of the country is desert, an extension of the Sahara made familiar to Americans through the “spaghetti western” films of the 1960s and early ’70s. Lined with palm trees, rosemary bushes, and other tropical vegetation, the southeastern Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands enjoy a gentle climate, drawing millions of visitors and retirees, especially from northern Europe.

Spain’s countryside is quaint, speckled with castles, aqueducts, and ancient ruins, but its cities are resoundingly modern. The Andalusian capital of Sevilla (Seville) is famed for its musical culture and traditional folkways; the Catalonian capital of Barcelona for its secular architecture and maritime industry; and the national capital of Madrid for its winding streets, its museums and bookstores, and its around-the-clock lifestyle. Madrid is Spain’s largest city and is also its financial and cultural centre, as it has been for hundreds of years.

The many and varied cultures that have gone into the making of Spain—those of the Castilians, Catalonians, Lusitanians, Galicians, Basques, Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Roma (Gypsies), among other peoples—are renowned for their varied cuisines, customs, and prolific contributions to the world’s artistic heritage. The country’s Roman conquerors left their language, roads, and monuments, while many of the Roman Empire’s greatest rulers were Spanish, among them Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. The Moors, who ruled over portions of Spain for nearly 800 years, left a legacy of fine architecture, lyric poetry, and science; the Roma contributed the haunting music called the cante jondo (a form of flamenco), which, wrote García Lorca, “comes from remote races and crosses the graveyard of the years and the fronds of parched winds. It comes from the first sob and the first kiss.” Even the Vandals, Huns, and Visigoths who swept across Spain following the fall of Rome are remembered in words and monuments, which prompted García Lorca to remark, “In Spain, the dead are more alive than the dead of any other country in the world.”

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In 1492, the year the last of the Moorish rulers were expelled from Spain, ships under the command of Christopher Columbus reached America. For 300 years afterward, Spanish explorers and conquerors traveled the world, claiming huge territories for the Spanish crown, a succession of Castilian, Aragonese, Habsburg, and Bourbon rulers. For generations Spain was arguably the richest country in the world, and certainly the most far-flung. With the steady erosion of its continental and overseas empire throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, however, Spain was all but forgotten in world affairs, save for the three years that the ideologically charged Spanish Civil War (1936–39) put the country at the centre of the world’s stage, only to become ever more insular and withdrawn during the four decades of rule by dictator Francisco Franco. Following Franco’s death in 1975, a Bourbon king, Juan Carlos, returned to the throne and established a constitutional monarchy. The country has been ruled since then by a succession of elected governments, some socialist, some conservative, but all devoted to democracy.

Land

Spain is bordered to the west by Portugal; to the northeast it borders France, from which it is separated by the tiny principality of Andorra and by the great wall of the Pyrenees Mountains. Spain’s only other land border is in the far south with Gibraltar, an enclave that belonged to Spain until 1713, when it was ceded to Great Britain in the Treaty of Utrecht at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. Elsewhere the country is bounded by water: by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast, by the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest and southwest, and by the Bay of Biscay (an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean) to the north. The Canary (Canarias) Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern African mainland, and the Balearic (Baleares) Islands, in the Mediterranean, also are parts of Spain, as are Ceuta and Melilla, two small enclaves in North Africa (northern Morocco) that Spain has ruled for centuries.

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Relief

Spain accounts for five-sixths of the Iberian Peninsula, the roughly quadrilateral southwestern tip of Europe that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Most of Spain comprises a large plateau (the Meseta Central) divided by a mountain range, the Central Sierra (Sistema Central), which trends west-southwest to east-northeast. Several mountains border the plateau: the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantábrica) to the north, the Iberian Cordillera (Sistema Ibérico) to the northeast and east, the Sierra Morena to the south, and the lower mountains of the Portuguese frontier and Spanish Galicia to the northwest. The Pyrenees run across the neck of the peninsula and form Spain’s border with France. There are two major depressions, that of the Ebro River in the northeast and that of the Guadalquivir River in the southwest. In the southeast the Baetic Cordillera (Sistema Penibético) runs broadly parallel to the coast to merge with the mountains of the Iberian Cordillera. Along the Mediterranean seaboard there are coastal plains, some with lagoons (e.g., Albufera, south of Valencia). Offshore in the Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands are an unsubmerged portion of the Baetic Cordillera. The Canary Islands in the Atlantic are of volcanic origin and contain the highest peak on Spanish territory, Teide Peak, which rises to 12,198 feet (3,718 metres) on the island of Tenerife.

Spain has some of the oldest as well as some of the youngest rocks of Europe. The entire western half of Iberia, with the exception of the extreme south, is composed of ancient (Hercynian) rocks; geologists refer to this Hercynian block as the Meseta Central. It constitutes a relatively stable platform around which younger sediments accumulated, especially on the Mediterranean side. In due course these sediments were pushed by major earth movements into mountain ranges. The term meseta is also used by geographers and local toponymy to designate the dominating relief unit of central Iberia. As a result, the Meseta Central defined by relief is subdivided by geology into a crystalline west (granites and gneisses) and a sedimentary east (mainly clays and limestones). The northern Meseta Central, which has an average elevation of 2,300 feet (700 metres), corresponds to the tablelands, or plateau, of Castile and León, although it is in fact a basin surrounded by mountains and drained by the Douro (Duero) River. The southern Meseta Central (the Meseta of Castile–La Mancha) is some 330 feet (100 metres) lower. Its relief is more diverse, however, owing to heavy faulting and warping caused by volcanic activity around the Calatrava Plain and to two complex river systems (the Guadiana and the Tagus) separated by mountains. Its southern plains rise gradually to the Sierra Morena. The southeastern side of this range drops almost vertically by more than 3,300 feet (1,000 metres) to the Guadalquivir depression. Dividing the northern and southern Mesetas are the Central Sierras, one of the outstanding features of the Iberian massif. Their highest points—Peñalara Peak at 7,972 feet (2,430 metres) and Almanzor Peak at 8,497 feet (2,590 metres)—rise well above the plains of the central plateau. In contrast, the granitic Galician mountains, at the northwestern end of the Hercynian block, have an average elevation of only 1,640 feet (500 metres), decreasing toward the deeply indented (ria) coast of the Atlantic seaboard.

Part of Alpine Europe, the Pyrenees form a massive mountain range that stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay, a distance of some 270 miles (430 km). The range comprises a series of parallel zones: the central axis, a line of intermediate depressions, and the pre-Pyrenees. The highest peaks, formed from a core of ancient crystalline rocks, are found in the central Pyrenees—notably Aneto Peak at 11,168 feet (3,404 metres)—but those of the west, including Anie Peak at 8,213 feet (2,503 metres), are not much lower. The mountains fall steeply on the northern side but descend in terraces to the Ebro River trough in the south. The outer zones of the Pyrenees are composed of sedimentary rocks. Relief on the nearly horizontal sedimentary strata of the Ebro depression is mostly plain or plateau, except at the eastern end where the Ebro River penetrates the mountains to reach the Mediterranean Sea.

A series of sierras trending northwest-southeast forms the Iberian Cordillera, which separates the Ebro depression from the Meseta and reaches its highest elevation with Moncayo Peak at 7,588 feet (2,313 metres). In the southeast the Iberian Cordillera links with the Baetic Cordillera, also a result of Alpine earth movements. Although more extensive—more than 500 miles (800 km) long and up to 150 miles (240 km) wide—and with peninsular Spain’s highest summit, Mulhacén Peak, at 11,421 feet (3,481 metres), the Baetic ranges are more fragmented and less of a barrier than the Pyrenees. On their northern and northwestern sides they flank the low-lying and fairly flat Guadalquivir basin, the average elevation of which is only 426 feet (130 metres) on mainly clay strata. Unlike the Ebro basin, the Guadalquivir depression is wide open to the sea on the southwest, and its delta has extensive marshland (Las Marismas).

Drainage

Although some maintain that “aridity rivals civil war as the chief curse of [historic] Spain,” the Iberian Peninsula has a dense network of streams, three of which rank among Europe’s longest: the Tagus at 626 miles (1,007 km), the Ebro at 565 miles (909 km), and the Douro at 556 miles (895 km). The Guadiana and the Guadalquivir are 508 miles (818 km) and 408 miles (657 km) long, respectively. The Tagus, like the Douro and the Guadiana, reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal. In fact, all the major rivers of Spain except the Ebro drain into the Atlantic Ocean. The hydrographic network on the Mediterranean side of the watershed is poorly developed in comparison with the Atlantic systems, partly because it falls into the climatically driest parts of Spain. However, nearly all Iberian rivers have low annual volume, irregular regimes, and deep valleys and even canyons. Flooding is always a potential hazard. The short, swift streams of Galicia and Cantabria, draining to the northwestern and northern coasts, respectively, have only a slight or, at most, modest summer minimum. The predominant fluvial regime in Spain is thus characterized by a long or very long summer period of low water. This is the regime of all the major arteries that drain the Meseta as well as those of the Mediterranean seaboard, such as the Júcar and the Segura: for example, from August to September the Guadiana River usually has less than one-tenth of its average annual flow. Only the Ebro River has a relatively constant and substantial flow—19,081 cubic feet (540 cubic metres) per second at Tortosa—coming from snowmelt as well as rainfall in the high Pyrenees. In comparison, the flow of the Douro is only 5,050 cubic feet (143 cubic metres) per second. The flow of many Iberian streams has been reduced artificially by water extraction for purposes such as irrigation. Subterranean flow is well-developed in limestone districts.

Soils

There are five major soil types in Spain. Two are widely distributed but of limited extent: alluvial soils, found in the major valleys and coastal plains, and poorly developed, or truncated, mountain soils. Brown forest soils are restricted to humid Galicia and Cantabria. Acidic southern brown earths (leading to restricted crop choice) are prevalent on the crystalline rocks of the western Meseta, and gray, brown, or chestnut soils have developed on the calcareous and alkaline strata of the eastern Meseta and of eastern Spain in general. Saline soils are found in the Ebro basin and coastal lowlands. Calcretes (subsoil zonal crusts [toscas], usually of hardened calcium carbonate) are particularly well-developed in the arid regions of the east: La Mancha, Almería, Murcia, Alicante (Alacant), and Valencia, as well as the Ebro and Lleida (Lérida) basins.

Soil erosion resulting from the vegetation degradation suffered by Spain for at least the past 3,000 years has created extensive badlands, reduced soil cover, downstream alluviation, and, more recently, silting of dams and irrigation works. Particularly affected are the high areas of the central plateau and southern and eastern parts of Spain. Although the origins of some of the spectacular badlands of southeastern Spain, such as Guadix, may lie in climatic conditions from earlier in Quaternary time (beginning 2.6 million years ago), one of the major problems of modern Spain is the threat of desertification—i.e., the impoverishment of arid, semiarid, and even some humid ecosystems caused by the joint impact of human activities and drought. Nearly half of Spain is moderately or severely affected, especially in the arid east (Almería, Murcia), as well as in much of subarid Spain (the Ebro basin). The government has adopted policies of afforestation, but some authorities believe that natural vegetation regrowth would yield more speedy and more permanent benefits.

Barcelona, Spain – Average Annual Weather

August is the hottest month in Barcelona with an average temperature of 23.5°C (74°F) and the coldest is January at 9. 5°C (49°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in July. The wettest month is October with an average of 87mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 26°C (79°F).

Average Temperature: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
°C	10	10	12	13	16	20	23	24	22	18	13	11
°F	49	49	53	55	60	67	73	74	71	64	55	51

Average High/Low Temperature: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	14	14	16	18	22	26	28	29	26	23	18	14
Low °C	5	6	8	10	14	18	21	21	18	14	9	5
High °F	57	57	61	65	71	79	83	84	79	73	64	57
Low °F	41	42	46	51	57	65	70	70	65	58	48	41

Average Day/Night Temperature: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day °C	10	11	13	15	18	23	26	26	22	19	14	11
Night °C	9	10	12	14	17	22	25	25	22	19	13	10
Day °F	51	51	55	58	64	73	78	79	72	67	57	51
Night °F	49	50	54	58	63	71	77	77	72	66	56	49

Average Rainfall: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
mm	33	41	33	37	54	11	25	64	75	87	34	35
Days	3	5	4	5	5	2	2	5	5	6	4	5

Average Daily Sunshine Hours: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Hours	5	7	7	8	8	9	10	9	8	6	5	4

Average Sea Temperature: Barcelona

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
°C	14	13	14	15	18	21	24	26	24	22	18	16
°F	57	55	57	59	64	70	75	79	75	72	64	61

Holiday Weather Blog

Barcelona
Holiday News

• 48 hours in Barcelona

  Brimming with fascinating culture, colourful food markets, bustling tapas bars and beautiful beach spots, Barcelona is a perfect place for a weekend getaway.  Francesca Washtell rounds up this wonderful city in a nutshell Chimneys on the roof of Casa Mila designed by Antoni Gaudi on the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona, Spain © Rick Ligthelm Despite Spain […]

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• Escape to…Barcelona

  Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia acts like an open-air gallery on the Mediterranean coast and having visited the city twice, it is one of Jacob White’s favourite international destinations. Here, he explains why… Chimneys on the roof of Casa Mila (La Pedrera), on the Passeig the Gracia, designed by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain © Rick Ligthelm […]

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Andalucia, Spain – Average Annual Weather

July is the hottest month in Andalucia with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 10. 5°C (51°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in July. The wettest month is March with an average of 90mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 23.5°C (74°F).

Average Temperature: Andalucia

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
°C	11	12	15	17	20	25	28	28	25	20	15	12
°F	51	53	59	63	68	77	82	82	77	68	59	53

Average High/Low Temperature: Andalucia

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °C	15	17	20	24	27	32	36	36	32	26	20	16
Low °C	6	7	9	11	13	17	20	20	18	14	10	7
High °F	59	63	68	75	81	90	97	97	90	79	68	61
Low °F	43	45	48	52	55	63	68	68	64	57	50	45

Average Rainfall: Andalucia

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
mm	73	59	90	51	36	9	1	5	25	66	68	76
Days	8	6	9	7	5	1	0	0	2	5	6	8

Average Daily Sunshine Hours: Andalucia

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	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Hours	5	6	6	8	10	11	12	11	9	7	6	5

Average Sea Temperature: Andalucia

Loading weather data. Please wait…

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
°C	16	16	16	17	18	21	23	24	22	21	18	17
°F	61	60	60	62	65	70	73	74	71	69	65	62

Holiday Weather Blog

What is the climate in Spain: climate conditions on the map briefly

Blog
/ Living in Spain

When planning a vacation in Spain, not to mention moving there for permanent residence, any person will not least ask the “weather question”: what climate will you have to get used to, in what climatic zones are the most comfortable conditions and what is the average temperature by month and region? I must say that, despite the serious changes caused by global warming, the weather in this country continues to be one of the most favorable for the human body.

The varied topography of the Iberian Peninsula and its geographic position at the confluence of subtropical air masses from Africa with cold streams from the Atlantic determines an amazing variety of weather conditions. At certain times of the year, you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea, skiing and sand surfing in the desert – all in one day! In our material, we will tell you what temperature regime can be expected depending on the season and the place chosen for visiting.

The main climatic zones on the map of Spain

It is appropriate to consider the climate of the Spanish territory by its constituent regions: each has its own weather. So, the central part, including Madrid, is known for contrasts, with rather cold winters and dry summers, the northern provinces boast sparing winter and cool summer months, and the south never freezes, but sometimes suffers from sweltering heat. To better imagine the full range of the Kingdom’s weather conditions, check out a specialized map.

In general, it is customary to distinguish five types of climatic zones.

1. The northwest of the Kingdom, washed by the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay and including the lands of Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country, is influenced by the oceanic climate. It is characterized by the most even temperature regime on the peninsula, with damp, mild winters and rainy, cool summers. The average temperature in January is +12-15 °C, in July – no more than +20-25 °C. It is also considered by many to be the most picturesque Spanish region, often compared to Switzerland. However, it is not in great demand among heat-loving fans of beach holidays: a record amount of rainfall and water in the region of + 22 ° C do not allow them to enjoy the beauties all year round.

2. If the north is called the “wet zone”, then the center of the country, which includes Castile-Leon, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, Rioja, Navarre, Extremadura and part of Andalusia, is considered to be “dry” regions. Due to its location on the largest plateau of Castilian Meseta, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, there is a continental Mediterranean climate. Its distinguishing features are severe windy winters, tropical summers with periods of drought and strong temperature fluctuations, the amplitude of which during the year can reach +18-20 °C. It rains most often in spring and autumn; in the cold season, snowfalls and fogs are possible.

3. The Spanish Mediterranean coast, which includes Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, is also influenced by the air masses of Africa and the Mediterranean. In areas remote from the coast, especially in the mountains, conditions are harsher: dry and hot in the summer months, cool and snowy in the winter. It is possible to distinguish more arid regions (Murcia, western Andalusia, southern Valencia Community) and temperate (Catalonia, northern Valencia, western and southern Andalusia). Both zones are characterized by long and hot summers, mild short winters and average rainfall. The air rarely cools down below +10-15 °C, warming up to +25-30 °C in July-August, which, with a water temperature of 24-26 degrees, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to local resorts.

4. The climate of the mountainous regions (Pyrenees, Cantabrian mountains, Galician massif, Central Cordillera, etc.) differs significantly from the plains. Its features are sharp temperature changes during the day, dependence on winds, a high probability of snow, low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation. At the same time, in areas surrounded by higher ridges, some of the factors may be “amortized”. In general, it is considered that when climbing the mountains with every hundred meters, the thermometer drops by half a degree: at an altitude of 1000-1500 m there is a subalpine belt (average annual temperature +10 ° C), at an altitude of 1500-2500 m – alpine (+6 ° C) and above 2500 m – snowy (0С). From the end of November to the end of March, mountainous areas turn into high-class skiing centers – there are a total of 38 stations in the country.

5. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the subtropical dry climate prevailing in the Canary Islands. It is not for nothing that this place is called the “land of eternal spring” – thanks to the action of oceanic air masses that soften the influence of neighboring Africa, it is always pleasant here, without unbearable heat, severe cold or prolonged rains. The average temperature in summer is + 20-30 ° C, in winter days – + 15-21 ° C. Most of the year there are sunny days, precipitation is more typical for the western islands of the archipelago, while the eastern ones are characterized by an arid semi-desert type.

Weather and climate in Spain throughout the year by months – table of water and air temperatures

Weather conditions in different regions of the country vary greatly not only depending on the location, but also on the season. In general, it is believed that the Kingdom has the mildest autumn-winter season in Europe and moderately hot summers. Be that as it may, a tourist will always find something to do: from boat trips to sightseeing, you just need to stock up on suitable clothes in advance.

Winter

In contrast to some European countries, extreme cold is rarely recorded on Spanish territory even in winter. In short, the climate in Spain is quite comfortable even in winter: what other country can boast an average temperature of + 12-15 ° C with an abundance of sunny days and no wind? Snow falls in the mountain regions and the thermometer stays at -4-6 °C – enough to spend the ski season, but ridiculous in order to really freeze by Russian standards.

December

“Cold” in Spanish officially comes on December 21, but the bright sun, which does not want to give up its positions, makes you doubt it. Despite the occasional presence of rainy and windy days, at least +10-16 °C is usually recorded in most of the peninsula. The mountains are covered with a thick snow cover and the best time for skiers is coming.

January

Spaniards consider the beginning of the year especially brainy: it gets cold up to +10 °C, the sea brings winds and rains. Many people enjoy spending Christmas and New Year in the ski resorts of the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Range or the Central Cordillera, where, with an abundance of snow, it is not at all “frosty” – the thermometer does not fall below -7 ° C.

February

Thanks to the absolute unpredictability, the last winter month is called “loco”, i.e. “crazy”. The average daily temperature rises to +15-20°C, however, due to the active “walks” of air masses of various origins across the peninsula, a variety of natural phenomena can be expected at this time of the year, from floods and snowfalls to sharp warming. In most mountainous regions, the ski season continues, as the snow usually stays until the March thaw.

Spring

Spaniards, like us, consider the days of March to be the beginning of spring, but the countdown is not from the 1st, but from the 21st. The air warms up to +18 °C, water – up to +15 °C, which inspires the most hardened to the first swims. There is a fair amount of rainfall, especially in the northern provinces – there is a saying “En Abril lluvias mil” (“April is a thousand rains”) for a reason.

March

Southerners feel the approach of summer faster than anyone else – in March, the thermometer quickly rises to +20 ° C and many immediately switch from winter jackets to short-sleeved clothes. At the same time, it is still cool in the north, about +13 ° C (at night no more than + 5-10 ° C), it is often rainy.

April

In April, many people open the beach season – if not for swimming, then for sunbathing. In the south, at least 20 degrees of heat is recorded and the sun shines brightly, periodically drizzling. The northern and central regions are also beginning to feel the arrival of heat, having +15-18 °C “overboard” during the day and at least +12 °C at night.

May

Traditionally, the end of the spring cycle is no less generous with precipitation. At the same time, if summer temperatures of +24 ° C are set in the southern territories and the sea warms up to + 18-20 ° C, then the northerners are in no hurry to start water procedures: daytime air is just beginning to approach +20 ° C, water is heated only to + 15-17°C.

Summer

Summer is the time when high temperatures come to Spain and it gets really hot. During the day, the thermometer rises to + 35-40 ° C, in the south and above. On such days, prudent Spaniards sunbathe “in the shade”, that is, under a canopy or retire for an afternoon siesta. At the same time, the sea breeze makes staying at seaside resorts more comfortable.

June

June days are considered to be the best days for a seaside holiday – it is still not hot, around +25 °C, but you can already sunbathe and swim (the average water level is +21 °C). Warm dry weather is established throughout the country, which allows even the northerners to forget about the umbrella for a while.

July

In the middle of summer, heat comes to the peninsula: the air warms up to +30-35 °C, and even higher in some southern regions. The night brings some freshness, but even then the thermometer shows at least +20 ° C. Precipitation is rare, more often recorded in the northern provinces.

August

Like July, August weather is characterized by day and night heat and complete absence of rain. The warm sea (+24-26 °C) is great for swimming. Despite the heat, most of the inhabitants of the Kingdom traditionally choose this month for their holidays, so the resorts are filled with crowds of tourists.

Autumn

During the velvet season, the heat drops significantly, the air and water are pleasantly warm, so this period is recognized by many as the best for sightseeing trips without crowds, and for a beach holiday. In October-November, bad weather comes to some regions, however, with the exception of the northern provinces, it is intense, but not protracted.

September

The beginning of the autumn period is not much different from summer – the temperature drops by only a couple of degrees, to + 25-28 ° C, although the weather can be hot until October. In the second half of the month, the sun is not so active, but the sea waters are still warm, not lower than + 22-24 ° C, which allows even families with children to swim.

October

The October Sea, warming up to +16-21°C, is still conducive to water procedures, although the air continues to cool: the average value is around +20-22°C. At the same time, the coolness of the night is already reminiscent of the approach of winter – in the dark, the thermometer does not rise above +15 ° C.

November

The end of autumn in the Kingdom is noticeably colder – it is maximum +15 °C outside, rains and winds are not uncommon. Only brave foreigners dare to swim – the water is not warmer than +15 ° C (in the south – up to +19°C).

Beach tourist seasons in the resorts of Spain

Swimming in most of the country is accepted from May to October. Fans of the warm sea choose the period from July to September, when it warms up to a comfortable + 24-26C, while those who are not averse to refreshing can plunge from April to November. However, in some areas, which are characterized by warmth throughout most of the year, you can swim and sunbathe until the onset of winter. These include:

• Canary Islands;

• Costa del Sol;

• Almeria;

• Murcia;

• Valencia;

• Costa Blanca.

Sightseeing tourist seasons

Spring and autumn are, without a doubt, the most suitable for sightseeing trips to the Kingdom of Spain, for example, to the regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. During these periods, you can visit most of the attractions without the tiring heat, tourist crowds and inflated prices, and if you’re lucky with the weather, sunbathe and swim in the still warm sea. An additional plus is that a trip during sales, that is, in January and July, will save on shopping.

Clothes to take with you

The climate in Spain is favorable almost all year round, with a record number of sunny days (300), so recommendations for tourists to pack their bags rarely include thick sweaters or hats with earflaps. Regardless of whether we are talking about a beach holiday or sightseeing, it makes sense to bet on natural fabrics and comfortable shoes – it is better to discover the most interesting corners of the Kingdom on your own two feet. Many Spaniards are adept at layering, which allows them to feel comfortable at any time of the day, easily modifying the outfit during the day. Further advice may vary from region to region.

Thus, going to the north of the country, it is necessary to take into account the difference between daytime and evening temperatures – even the warmest sunny days are replaced by cool nights. Therefore, closed shoes, a warm top and a scarf for the neck should be added to the standard wardrobe, and on an autumn trip – a scarf, jacket, boots and an obligatory umbrella.

Traveling south involves a less relaxed mode of gathering – even in the cold season, boots and a raincoat are unlikely to be needed. In the summer months, it is recommended to take cotton clothes with a sleeve that will not allow you to burn, light sandals and an indispensable hat, in winter you can take an additional light jacket or raincoat, a sweater and comfortable boots or sneakers.

Despite the fact that in Spain there are pleasant sunny days almost all year round, in order for your stay in the country not to be overshadowed by the vagaries of the weather, you need to properly prepare. Barcelona Realty Group is a reliable assistant in choosing the best place for your vacation. Our managers will help you decide on the choice of the region to visit, taking into account the climate, purpose of the trip, preferences (mountains, beach, excursions). Whatever climate zone you choose, you will be warm and comfortable with us! Find out more about where it is best to relax in Spanish territory by calling us by phone or filling out an online form.

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the truth

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about Spain

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Building houses in Spain: how much does it cost to build a villa with your own hands

April 28, 2021

Barcelona Realty Group experts are often asked about the possibility of building houses in Spain with their own hands. What is the reason for this interest? After all, the sunny Kingdom is replete with real estate offers for every taste – there are no limits to variations in housing sizes, architectural style and prices. The fact is that the search for an acceptable option abroad takes a lot of time, and one inevitably has to put up with quite significant shortcomings. So, in ready-made villas, all the finishing materials (sometimes cheap and low-quality) have already been chosen for you, the layout (not always logical) and the facade (sometimes nondescript) have been imposed on you. As a result, there are continuous compromises and there is no trace left of the image of your ideal estate….

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Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Living expenses in Spain: how much does it cost to live in the country – living prices

January 27, 2021

High standard of living, high-quality medical care, centuries-old education, excellent climate – all this has long made Russians reach out to the Spanish expanses. Even if the decision to move to Spain has been made and is not subject to revision, sooner or later the issue of the cost of living in the country and the prices for basic expenses, on which family budget planning depends, comes to the fore. How much do local products cost? Does the communal apartment “eat up” a lot? What will be the cost of children’s education, transport, insurance? Leaving aside individual requests, which are always highly individual, and focusing on basic provision, living in the Kingdom can be attributed to one of the cheapest in Europe. With a monthly salary of 1600 euros, i.e. 20% lower than the EU average, most Spaniards can afford 2-3 meals a week, a gym membership and 1-2 foreign trips a year. We list the main cost items in the Kingdom, if you are determined to turn from a tourist into a resident.

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Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Childbirth in Spain for Russian citizens: pregnancy and childbirth

October 21, 2020

Since the advent of baby tourism, more and more women decide to give birth in clinics abroad. Many citizens of Russia and the states of the post-Soviet space choose the United States, Israel or France for pregnancy and childbirth, but recently Spain is gaining more and more popularity. There are several reasons for this: modern hospital equipment, highly qualified staff, mild climate, ideal for the rehabilitation of the mother and the adaptation of the baby, comfortable conditions, minimal risk of complications, and very affordable prices. Of course, the birth of a child in another country requires decent preparation. How to organize this exciting event on your own and not miss anything? In this article, we will tell you how to collect documents for the pre- and post-natal period of stay, choose the best medical center and give birth in Spanish without any worries.

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What is the climate in Spain: climate conditions on the map briefly

Blog
/ Living in Spain

When planning a vacation in Spain, not to mention moving there for permanent residence, any person will not least ask the “weather question”: what climate will you have to get used to, in what climatic zones are the most comfortable conditions and what is the average temperature by month and region? I must say that, despite the serious changes caused by global warming, the weather in this country continues to be one of the most favorable for the human body.

The varied topography of the Iberian Peninsula and its geographic position at the confluence of subtropical air masses from Africa with cold streams from the Atlantic determines an amazing variety of weather conditions. At certain times of the year, you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea, skiing and sand surfing in the desert – all in one day! In our material, we will tell you what temperature regime can be expected depending on the season and the place chosen for visiting.

The main climatic zones on the map of Spain

It is appropriate to consider the climate of the Spanish territory by its constituent regions: each has its own weather. So, the central part, including Madrid, is known for contrasts, with rather cold winters and dry summers, the northern provinces boast sparing winter and cool summer months, and the south never freezes, but sometimes suffers from sweltering heat. To better imagine the full range of the Kingdom’s weather conditions, check out a specialized map.

In general, it is customary to distinguish five types of climatic zones.

1. The northwest of the Kingdom, washed by the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay and including the lands of Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country, is influenced by the oceanic climate. It is characterized by the most even temperature regime on the peninsula, with damp, mild winters and rainy, cool summers. The average temperature in January is +12-15 °C, in July – no more than +20-25 °C. It is also considered by many to be the most picturesque Spanish region, often compared to Switzerland. However, it is not in great demand among heat-loving fans of beach holidays: a record amount of rainfall and water in the region of + 22 ° C do not allow them to enjoy the beauties all year round.

2. If the north is called the “wet zone”, then the center of the country, which includes Castile-Leon, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, Rioja, Navarre, Extremadura and part of Andalusia, is considered to be “dry” regions. Due to its location on the largest plateau of Castilian Meseta, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, there is a continental Mediterranean climate. Its distinguishing features are severe windy winters, tropical summers with periods of drought and strong temperature fluctuations, the amplitude of which during the year can reach +18-20 °C. It rains most often in spring and autumn; in the cold season, snowfalls and fogs are possible.

3. The Spanish Mediterranean coast, which includes Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, is also influenced by the air masses of Africa and the Mediterranean. In areas remote from the coast, especially in the mountains, conditions are harsher: dry and hot in the summer months, cool and snowy in the winter. It is possible to distinguish more arid regions (Murcia, western Andalusia, southern Valencia Community) and temperate (Catalonia, northern Valencia, western and southern Andalusia). Both zones are characterized by long and hot summers, mild short winters and average rainfall. The air rarely cools down below +10-15 °C, warming up to +25-30 °C in July-August, which, with a water temperature of 24-26 degrees, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to local resorts.

4. The climate of the mountainous regions (Pyrenees, Cantabrian mountains, Galician massif, Central Cordillera, etc.) differs significantly from the plains. Its features are sharp temperature changes during the day, dependence on winds, a high probability of snow, low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation. At the same time, in areas surrounded by higher ridges, some of the factors may be “amortized”. In general, it is considered that when climbing the mountains with every hundred meters, the thermometer drops by half a degree: at an altitude of 1000-1500 m there is a subalpine belt (average annual temperature +10 ° C), at an altitude of 1500-2500 m – alpine (+6 ° C) and above 2500 m – snowy (0С). From the end of November to the end of March, mountainous areas turn into high-class skiing centers – there are a total of 38 stations in the country.

5. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the subtropical dry climate prevailing in the Canary Islands. It is not for nothing that this place is called the “land of eternal spring” – thanks to the action of oceanic air masses that soften the influence of neighboring Africa, it is always pleasant here, without unbearable heat, severe cold or prolonged rains. The average temperature in summer is + 20-30 ° C, in winter days – + 15-21 ° C. Most of the year there are sunny days, precipitation is more typical for the western islands of the archipelago, while the eastern ones are characterized by an arid semi-desert type.

Weather and climate in Spain throughout the year by months – table of water and air temperatures

Weather conditions in different regions of the country vary greatly not only depending on the location, but also on the season. In general, it is believed that the Kingdom has the mildest autumn-winter season in Europe and moderately hot summers. Be that as it may, a tourist will always find something to do: from boat trips to sightseeing, you just need to stock up on suitable clothes in advance.

Winter

In contrast to some European countries, extreme cold is rarely recorded on Spanish territory even in winter. In short, the climate in Spain is quite comfortable even in winter: what other country can boast an average temperature of + 12-15 ° C with an abundance of sunny days and no wind? Snow falls in the mountain regions and the thermometer stays at -4-6 °C – enough to spend the ski season, but ridiculous in order to really freeze by Russian standards.

December

“Cold” in Spanish officially comes on December 21, but the bright sun, which does not want to give up its positions, makes you doubt it. Despite the occasional presence of rainy and windy days, at least +10-16 °C is usually recorded in most of the peninsula. The mountains are covered with a thick snow cover and the best time for skiers is coming.

January

Spaniards consider the beginning of the year especially brainy: it gets cold up to +10 °C, the sea brings winds and rains. Many people enjoy spending Christmas and New Year in the ski resorts of the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Range or the Central Cordillera, where, with an abundance of snow, it is not at all “frosty” – the thermometer does not fall below -7 ° C.

February

Thanks to the absolute unpredictability, the last winter month is called “loco”, i.e. “crazy”. The average daily temperature rises to +15-20°C, however, due to the active “walks” of air masses of various origins across the peninsula, a variety of natural phenomena can be expected at this time of the year, from floods and snowfalls to sharp warming. In most mountainous regions, the ski season continues, as the snow usually stays until the March thaw.

Spring

Spaniards, like us, consider the days of March to be the beginning of spring, but the countdown is not from the 1st, but from the 21st. The air warms up to +18 °C, water – up to +15 °C, which inspires the most hardened to the first swims. There is a fair amount of rainfall, especially in the northern provinces – there is a saying “En Abril lluvias mil” (“April is a thousand rains”) for a reason.

March

Southerners feel the approach of summer faster than anyone else – in March, the thermometer quickly rises to +20 ° C and many immediately switch from winter jackets to short-sleeved clothes. At the same time, it is still cool in the north, about +13 ° C (at night no more than + 5-10 ° C), it is often rainy.

April

In April, many people open the beach season – if not for swimming, then for sunbathing. In the south, at least 20 degrees of heat is recorded and the sun shines brightly, periodically drizzling. The northern and central regions are also beginning to feel the arrival of heat, having +15-18 °C “overboard” during the day and at least +12 °C at night.

May

Traditionally, the end of the spring cycle is no less generous with precipitation. At the same time, if summer temperatures of +24 ° C are set in the southern territories and the sea warms up to + 18-20 ° C, then the northerners are in no hurry to start water procedures: daytime air is just beginning to approach +20 ° C, water is heated only to + 15-17°C.

Summer

Summer is the time when high temperatures come to Spain and it gets really hot. During the day, the thermometer rises to + 35-40 ° C, in the south and above. On such days, prudent Spaniards sunbathe “in the shade”, that is, under a canopy or retire for an afternoon siesta. At the same time, the sea breeze makes staying at seaside resorts more comfortable.

June

June days are considered to be the best days for a seaside holiday – it is still not hot, around +25 °C, but you can already sunbathe and swim (the average water level is +21 °C). Warm dry weather is established throughout the country, which allows even the northerners to forget about the umbrella for a while.

July

In the middle of summer, heat comes to the peninsula: the air warms up to +30-35 °C, and even higher in some southern regions. The night brings some freshness, but even then the thermometer shows at least +20 ° C. Precipitation is rare, more often recorded in the northern provinces.

August

Like July, August weather is characterized by day and night heat and complete absence of rain. The warm sea (+24-26 °C) is great for swimming. Despite the heat, most of the inhabitants of the Kingdom traditionally choose this month for their holidays, so the resorts are filled with crowds of tourists.

Autumn

During the velvet season, the heat drops significantly, the air and water are pleasantly warm, so this period is recognized by many as the best for sightseeing trips without crowds, and for a beach holiday. In October-November, bad weather comes to some regions, however, with the exception of the northern provinces, it is intense, but not protracted.

September

The beginning of the autumn period is not much different from summer – the temperature drops by only a couple of degrees, to + 25-28 ° C, although the weather can be hot until October. In the second half of the month, the sun is not so active, but the sea waters are still warm, not lower than + 22-24 ° C, which allows even families with children to swim.

October

The October Sea, warming up to +16-21°C, is still conducive to water procedures, although the air continues to cool: the average value is around +20-22°C. At the same time, the coolness of the night is already reminiscent of the approach of winter – in the dark, the thermometer does not rise above +15 ° C.

November

The end of autumn in the Kingdom is noticeably colder – it is maximum +15 °C outside, rains and winds are not uncommon. Only brave foreigners dare to swim – the water is not warmer than +15 ° C (in the south – up to +19°C).

Beach tourist seasons in the resorts of Spain

Swimming in most of the country is accepted from May to October. Fans of the warm sea choose the period from July to September, when it warms up to a comfortable + 24-26C, while those who are not averse to refreshing can plunge from April to November. However, in some areas, which are characterized by warmth throughout most of the year, you can swim and sunbathe until the onset of winter. These include:

• Canary Islands;

• Costa del Sol;

• Almeria;

• Murcia;

• Valencia;

• Costa Blanca.

Sightseeing tourist seasons

Spring and autumn are, without a doubt, the most suitable for sightseeing trips to the Kingdom of Spain, for example, to the regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. During these periods, you can visit most of the attractions without the tiring heat, tourist crowds and inflated prices, and if you’re lucky with the weather, sunbathe and swim in the still warm sea. An additional plus is that a trip during sales, that is, in January and July, will save on shopping.

Clothes to take with you

The climate in Spain is favorable almost all year round, with a record number of sunny days (300), so recommendations for tourists to pack their bags rarely include thick sweaters or hats with earflaps. Regardless of whether we are talking about a beach holiday or sightseeing, it makes sense to bet on natural fabrics and comfortable shoes – it is better to discover the most interesting corners of the Kingdom on your own two feet. Many Spaniards are adept at layering, which allows them to feel comfortable at any time of the day, easily modifying the outfit during the day. Further advice may vary from region to region.

Thus, going to the north of the country, it is necessary to take into account the difference between daytime and evening temperatures – even the warmest sunny days are replaced by cool nights. Therefore, closed shoes, a warm top and a scarf for the neck should be added to the standard wardrobe, and on an autumn trip – a scarf, jacket, boots and an obligatory umbrella.

Traveling south involves a less relaxed mode of gathering – even in the cold season, boots and a raincoat are unlikely to be needed. In the summer months, it is recommended to take cotton clothes with a sleeve that will not allow you to burn, light sandals and an indispensable hat, in winter you can take an additional light jacket or raincoat, a sweater and comfortable boots or sneakers.

Despite the fact that in Spain there are pleasant sunny days almost all year round, in order for your stay in the country not to be overshadowed by the vagaries of the weather, you need to properly prepare. Barcelona Realty Group is a reliable assistant in choosing the best place for your vacation. Our managers will help you decide on the choice of the region to visit, taking into account the climate, purpose of the trip, preferences (mountains, beach, excursions). Whatever climate zone you choose, you will be warm and comfortable with us! Find out more about where it is best to relax in Spanish territory by calling us by phone or filling out an online form.

Writing
the truth

Blog
about Spain

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Building houses in Spain: how much does it cost to build a villa with your own hands

April 28, 2021

Barcelona Realty Group experts are often asked about the possibility of building houses in Spain with their own hands. What is the reason for this interest? After all, the sunny Kingdom is replete with real estate offers for every taste – there are no limits to variations in housing sizes, architectural style and prices. The fact is that the search for an acceptable option abroad takes a lot of time, and one inevitably has to put up with quite significant shortcomings. So, in ready-made villas, all the finishing materials (sometimes cheap and low-quality) have already been chosen for you, the layout (not always logical) and the facade (sometimes nondescript) have been imposed on you. As a result, there are continuous compromises and there is no trace left of the image of your ideal estate….

more

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Living expenses in Spain: how much does it cost to live in the country – living prices

January 27, 2021

High standard of living, high-quality medical care, centuries-old education, excellent climate – all this has long made Russians reach out to the Spanish expanses. Even if the decision to move to Spain has been made and is not subject to revision, sooner or later the issue of the cost of living in the country and the prices for basic expenses, on which family budget planning depends, comes to the fore. How much do local products cost? Does the communal apartment “eat up” a lot? What will be the cost of children’s education, transport, insurance? Leaving aside individual requests, which are always highly individual, and focusing on basic provision, living in the Kingdom can be attributed to one of the cheapest in Europe. With a monthly salary of 1600 euros, i.e. 20% lower than the EU average, most Spaniards can afford 2-3 meals a week, a gym membership and 1-2 foreign trips a year. We list the main cost items in the Kingdom, if you are determined to turn from a tourist into a resident.

more

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Childbirth in Spain for Russian citizens: pregnancy and childbirth

October 21, 2020

Since the advent of baby tourism, more and more women decide to give birth in clinics abroad. Many citizens of Russia and the states of the post-Soviet space choose the United States, Israel or France for pregnancy and childbirth, but recently Spain is gaining more and more popularity. There are several reasons for this: modern hospital equipment, highly qualified staff, mild climate, ideal for the rehabilitation of the mother and the adaptation of the baby, comfortable conditions, minimal risk of complications, and very affordable prices. Of course, the birth of a child in another country requires decent preparation. How to organize this exciting event on your own and not miss anything? In this article, we will tell you how to collect documents for the pre- and post-natal period of stay, choose the best medical center and give birth in Spanish without any worries.

more

See all articles

What is the climate in Spain: climate conditions on the map briefly

Blog
/ Living in Spain

When planning a vacation in Spain, not to mention moving there for permanent residence, any person will not least ask the “weather question”: what climate will you have to get used to, in what climatic zones are the most comfortable conditions and what is the average temperature by month and region? I must say that, despite the serious changes caused by global warming, the weather in this country continues to be one of the most favorable for the human body.

The varied topography of the Iberian Peninsula and its geographic position at the confluence of subtropical air masses from Africa with cold streams from the Atlantic determines an amazing variety of weather conditions. At certain times of the year, you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea, skiing and sand surfing in the desert – all in one day! In our material, we will tell you what temperature regime can be expected depending on the season and the place chosen for visiting.

The main climatic zones on the map of Spain

It is appropriate to consider the climate of the Spanish territory by its constituent regions: each has its own weather. So, the central part, including Madrid, is known for contrasts, with rather cold winters and dry summers, the northern provinces boast sparing winter and cool summer months, and the south never freezes, but sometimes suffers from sweltering heat. To better imagine the full range of the Kingdom’s weather conditions, check out a specialized map.

In general, it is customary to distinguish five types of climatic zones.

1. The northwest of the Kingdom, washed by the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay and including the lands of Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country, is influenced by the oceanic climate. It is characterized by the most even temperature regime on the peninsula, with damp, mild winters and rainy, cool summers. The average temperature in January is +12-15 °C, in July – no more than +20-25 °C. It is also considered by many to be the most picturesque Spanish region, often compared to Switzerland. However, it is not in great demand among heat-loving fans of beach holidays: a record amount of rainfall and water in the region of + 22 ° C do not allow them to enjoy the beauties all year round.

2. If the north is called the “wet zone”, then the center of the country, which includes Castile-Leon, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, Rioja, Navarre, Extremadura and part of Andalusia, is considered to be “dry” regions. Due to its location on the largest plateau of Castilian Meseta, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, there is a continental Mediterranean climate. Its distinguishing features are severe windy winters, tropical summers with periods of drought and strong temperature fluctuations, the amplitude of which during the year can reach +18-20 °C. It rains most often in spring and autumn; in the cold season, snowfalls and fogs are possible.

3. The Spanish Mediterranean coast, which includes Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, is also influenced by the air masses of Africa and the Mediterranean. In areas remote from the coast, especially in the mountains, conditions are harsher: dry and hot in the summer months, cool and snowy in the winter. It is possible to distinguish more arid regions (Murcia, western Andalusia, southern Valencia Community) and temperate (Catalonia, northern Valencia, western and southern Andalusia). Both zones are characterized by long and hot summers, mild short winters and average rainfall. The air rarely cools down below +10-15 °C, warming up to +25-30 °C in July-August, which, with a water temperature of 24-26 degrees, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to local resorts.

4. The climate of the mountainous regions (Pyrenees, Cantabrian mountains, Galician massif, Central Cordillera, etc.) differs significantly from the plains. Its features are sharp temperature changes during the day, dependence on winds, a high probability of snow, low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation. At the same time, in areas surrounded by higher ridges, some of the factors may be “amortized”. In general, it is considered that when climbing the mountains with every hundred meters, the thermometer drops by half a degree: at an altitude of 1000-1500 m there is a subalpine belt (average annual temperature +10 ° C), at an altitude of 1500-2500 m – alpine (+6 ° C) and above 2500 m – snowy (0С). From the end of November to the end of March, mountainous areas turn into high-class skiing centers – there are a total of 38 stations in the country.

5. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the subtropical dry climate prevailing in the Canary Islands. It is not for nothing that this place is called the “land of eternal spring” – thanks to the action of oceanic air masses that soften the influence of neighboring Africa, it is always pleasant here, without unbearable heat, severe cold or prolonged rains. The average temperature in summer is + 20-30 ° C, in winter days – + 15-21 ° C. Most of the year there are sunny days, precipitation is more typical for the western islands of the archipelago, while the eastern ones are characterized by an arid semi-desert type.

Weather and climate in Spain throughout the year by months – table of water and air temperatures

Weather conditions in different regions of the country vary greatly not only depending on the location, but also on the season. In general, it is believed that the Kingdom has the mildest autumn-winter season in Europe and moderately hot summers. Be that as it may, a tourist will always find something to do: from boat trips to sightseeing, you just need to stock up on suitable clothes in advance.

Winter

In contrast to some European countries, extreme cold is rarely recorded on Spanish territory even in winter. In short, the climate in Spain is quite comfortable even in winter: what other country can boast an average temperature of + 12-15 ° C with an abundance of sunny days and no wind? Snow falls in the mountain regions and the thermometer stays at -4-6 °C – enough to spend the ski season, but ridiculous in order to really freeze by Russian standards.

December

“Cold” in Spanish officially comes on December 21, but the bright sun, which does not want to give up its positions, makes you doubt it. Despite the occasional presence of rainy and windy days, at least +10-16 °C is usually recorded in most of the peninsula. The mountains are covered with a thick snow cover and the best time for skiers is coming.

January

Spaniards consider the beginning of the year especially brainy: it gets cold up to +10 °C, the sea brings winds and rains. Many people enjoy spending Christmas and New Year in the ski resorts of the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Range or the Central Cordillera, where, with an abundance of snow, it is not at all “frosty” – the thermometer does not fall below -7 ° C.

February

Thanks to the absolute unpredictability, the last winter month is called “loco”, i.e. “crazy”. The average daily temperature rises to +15-20°C, however, due to the active “walks” of air masses of various origins across the peninsula, a variety of natural phenomena can be expected at this time of the year, from floods and snowfalls to sharp warming. In most mountainous regions, the ski season continues, as the snow usually stays until the March thaw.

Spring

Spaniards, like us, consider the days of March to be the beginning of spring, but the countdown is not from the 1st, but from the 21st. The air warms up to +18 °C, water – up to +15 °C, which inspires the most hardened to the first swims. There is a fair amount of rainfall, especially in the northern provinces – there is a saying “En Abril lluvias mil” (“April is a thousand rains”) for a reason.

March

Southerners feel the approach of summer faster than anyone else – in March, the thermometer quickly rises to +20 ° C and many immediately switch from winter jackets to short-sleeved clothes. At the same time, it is still cool in the north, about +13 ° C (at night no more than + 5-10 ° C), it is often rainy.

April

In April, many people open the beach season – if not for swimming, then for sunbathing. In the south, at least 20 degrees of heat is recorded and the sun shines brightly, periodically drizzling. The northern and central regions are also beginning to feel the arrival of heat, having +15-18 °C “overboard” during the day and at least +12 °C at night.

May

Traditionally, the end of the spring cycle is no less generous with precipitation. At the same time, if summer temperatures of +24 ° C are set in the southern territories and the sea warms up to + 18-20 ° C, then the northerners are in no hurry to start water procedures: daytime air is just beginning to approach +20 ° C, water is heated only to + 15-17°C.

Summer

Summer is the time when high temperatures come to Spain and it gets really hot. During the day, the thermometer rises to + 35-40 ° C, in the south and above. On such days, prudent Spaniards sunbathe “in the shade”, that is, under a canopy or retire for an afternoon siesta. At the same time, the sea breeze makes staying at seaside resorts more comfortable.

June

June days are considered to be the best days for a seaside holiday – it is still not hot, around +25 °C, but you can already sunbathe and swim (the average water level is +21 °C). Warm dry weather is established throughout the country, which allows even the northerners to forget about the umbrella for a while.

July

In the middle of summer, heat comes to the peninsula: the air warms up to +30-35 °C, and even higher in some southern regions. The night brings some freshness, but even then the thermometer shows at least +20 ° C. Precipitation is rare, more often recorded in the northern provinces.

August

Like July, August weather is characterized by day and night heat and complete absence of rain. The warm sea (+24-26 °C) is great for swimming. Despite the heat, most of the inhabitants of the Kingdom traditionally choose this month for their holidays, so the resorts are filled with crowds of tourists.

Autumn

During the velvet season, the heat drops significantly, the air and water are pleasantly warm, so this period is recognized by many as the best for sightseeing trips without crowds, and for a beach holiday. In October-November, bad weather comes to some regions, however, with the exception of the northern provinces, it is intense, but not protracted.

September

The beginning of the autumn period is not much different from summer – the temperature drops by only a couple of degrees, to + 25-28 ° C, although the weather can be hot until October. In the second half of the month, the sun is not so active, but the sea waters are still warm, not lower than + 22-24 ° C, which allows even families with children to swim.

October

The October Sea, warming up to +16-21°C, is still conducive to water procedures, although the air continues to cool: the average value is around +20-22°C. At the same time, the coolness of the night is already reminiscent of the approach of winter – in the dark, the thermometer does not rise above +15 ° C.

November

The end of autumn in the Kingdom is noticeably colder – it is maximum +15 °C outside, rains and winds are not uncommon. Only brave foreigners dare to swim – the water is not warmer than +15 ° C (in the south – up to +19°C).

Beach tourist seasons in the resorts of Spain

Swimming in most of the country is accepted from May to October. Fans of the warm sea choose the period from July to September, when it warms up to a comfortable + 24-26C, while those who are not averse to refreshing can plunge from April to November. However, in some areas, which are characterized by warmth throughout most of the year, you can swim and sunbathe until the onset of winter. These include:

• Canary Islands;

• Costa del Sol;

• Almeria;

• Murcia;

• Valencia;

• Costa Blanca.

Sightseeing tourist seasons

Spring and autumn are, without a doubt, the most suitable for sightseeing trips to the Kingdom of Spain, for example, to the regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. During these periods, you can visit most of the attractions without the tiring heat, tourist crowds and inflated prices, and if you’re lucky with the weather, sunbathe and swim in the still warm sea. An additional plus is that a trip during sales, that is, in January and July, will save on shopping.

Clothes to take with you

The climate in Spain is favorable almost all year round, with a record number of sunny days (300), so recommendations for tourists to pack their bags rarely include thick sweaters or hats with earflaps. Regardless of whether we are talking about a beach holiday or sightseeing, it makes sense to bet on natural fabrics and comfortable shoes – it is better to discover the most interesting corners of the Kingdom on your own two feet. Many Spaniards are adept at layering, which allows them to feel comfortable at any time of the day, easily modifying the outfit during the day. Further advice may vary from region to region.

Thus, going to the north of the country, it is necessary to take into account the difference between daytime and evening temperatures – even the warmest sunny days are replaced by cool nights. Therefore, closed shoes, a warm top and a scarf for the neck should be added to the standard wardrobe, and on an autumn trip – a scarf, jacket, boots and an obligatory umbrella.

Traveling south involves a less relaxed mode of gathering – even in the cold season, boots and a raincoat are unlikely to be needed. In the summer months, it is recommended to take cotton clothes with a sleeve that will not allow you to burn, light sandals and an indispensable hat, in winter you can take an additional light jacket or raincoat, a sweater and comfortable boots or sneakers.

Despite the fact that in Spain there are pleasant sunny days almost all year round, in order for your stay in the country not to be overshadowed by the vagaries of the weather, you need to properly prepare. Barcelona Realty Group is a reliable assistant in choosing the best place for your vacation. Our managers will help you decide on the choice of the region to visit, taking into account the climate, purpose of the trip, preferences (mountains, beach, excursions). Whatever climate zone you choose, you will be warm and comfortable with us! Find out more about where it is best to relax in Spanish territory by calling us by phone or filling out an online form.

Writing
the truth

Blog
about Spain

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Building houses in Spain: how much does it cost to build a villa with your own hands

April 28, 2021

Barcelona Realty Group experts are often asked about the possibility of building houses in Spain with their own hands. What is the reason for this interest? After all, the sunny Kingdom is replete with real estate offers for every taste – there are no limits to variations in housing sizes, architectural style and prices. The fact is that the search for an acceptable option abroad takes a lot of time, and one inevitably has to put up with quite significant shortcomings. So, in ready-made villas, all the finishing materials (sometimes cheap and low-quality) have already been chosen for you, the layout (not always logical) and the facade (sometimes nondescript) have been imposed on you. As a result, there are continuous compromises and there is no trace left of the image of your ideal estate….

more

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Living expenses in Spain: how much does it cost to live in the country – living prices

January 27, 2021

High standard of living, high-quality medical care, centuries-old education, excellent climate – all this has long made Russians reach out to the Spanish expanses. Even if the decision to move to Spain has been made and is not subject to revision, sooner or later the issue of the cost of living in the country and the prices for basic expenses, on which family budget planning depends, comes to the fore. How much do local products cost? Does the communal apartment “eat up” a lot? What will be the cost of children’s education, transport, insurance? Leaving aside individual requests, which are always highly individual, and focusing on basic provision, living in the Kingdom can be attributed to one of the cheapest in Europe. With a monthly salary of 1600 euros, i.e. 20% lower than the EU average, most Spaniards can afford 2-3 meals a week, a gym membership and 1-2 foreign trips a year. We list the main cost items in the Kingdom, if you are determined to turn from a tourist into a resident.

more

Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Childbirth in Spain for Russian citizens: pregnancy and childbirth

October 21, 2020

Since the advent of baby tourism, more and more women decide to give birth in clinics abroad. Many citizens of Russia and the states of the post-Soviet space choose the United States, Israel or France for pregnancy and childbirth, but recently Spain is gaining more and more popularity. There are several reasons for this: modern hospital equipment, highly qualified staff, mild climate, ideal for the rehabilitation of the mother and the adaptation of the baby, comfortable conditions, minimal risk of complications, and very affordable prices. Of course, the birth of a child in another country requires decent preparation. How to organize this exciting event on your own and not miss anything? In this article, we will tell you how to collect documents for the pre- and post-natal period of stay, choose the best medical center and give birth in Spanish without any worries.

more

See all articles

What is the climate in Spain: climate conditions on the map briefly

Blog
/ Living in Spain

When planning a vacation in Spain, not to mention moving there for permanent residence, any person will not least ask the “weather question”: what climate will you have to get used to, in what climatic zones are the most comfortable conditions and what is the average temperature by month and region? I must say that, despite the serious changes caused by global warming, the weather in this country continues to be one of the most favorable for the human body.

The varied topography of the Iberian Peninsula and its geographic position at the confluence of subtropical air masses from Africa with cold streams from the Atlantic determines an amazing variety of weather conditions. At certain times of the year, you can enjoy swimming in the warm sea, skiing and sand surfing in the desert – all in one day! In our material, we will tell you what temperature regime can be expected depending on the season and the place chosen for visiting.

The main climatic zones on the map of Spain

It is appropriate to consider the climate of the Spanish territory by its constituent regions: each has its own weather. So, the central part, including Madrid, is known for contrasts, with rather cold winters and dry summers, the northern provinces boast sparing winter and cool summer months, and the south never freezes, but sometimes suffers from sweltering heat. To better imagine the full range of the Kingdom’s weather conditions, check out a specialized map.

In general, it is customary to distinguish five types of climatic zones.

1. The northwest of the Kingdom, washed by the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay and including the lands of Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country, is influenced by the oceanic climate. It is characterized by the most even temperature regime on the peninsula, with damp, mild winters and rainy, cool summers. The average temperature in January is +12-15 °C, in July – no more than +20-25 °C. It is also considered by many to be the most picturesque Spanish region, often compared to Switzerland. However, it is not in great demand among heat-loving fans of beach holidays: a record amount of rainfall and water in the region of + 22 ° C do not allow them to enjoy the beauties all year round.

2. If the north is called the “wet zone”, then the center of the country, which includes Castile-Leon, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, Rioja, Navarre, Extremadura and part of Andalusia, is considered to be “dry” regions. Due to its location on the largest plateau of Castilian Meseta, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, there is a continental Mediterranean climate. Its distinguishing features are severe windy winters, tropical summers with periods of drought and strong temperature fluctuations, the amplitude of which during the year can reach +18-20 °C. It rains most often in spring and autumn; in the cold season, snowfalls and fogs are possible.

3. The Spanish Mediterranean coast, which includes Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, is also influenced by the air masses of Africa and the Mediterranean. In areas remote from the coast, especially in the mountains, conditions are harsher: dry and hot in the summer months, cool and snowy in the winter. It is possible to distinguish more arid regions (Murcia, western Andalusia, southern Valencia Community) and temperate (Catalonia, northern Valencia, western and southern Andalusia). Both zones are characterized by long and hot summers, mild short winters and average rainfall. The air rarely cools down below +10-15 °C, warming up to +25-30 °C in July-August, which, with a water temperature of 24-26 degrees, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world to local resorts.

4. The climate of the mountainous regions (Pyrenees, Cantabrian mountains, Galician massif, Central Cordillera, etc.) differs significantly from the plains. Its features are sharp temperature changes during the day, dependence on winds, a high probability of snow, low atmospheric pressure and high solar radiation. At the same time, in areas surrounded by higher ridges, some of the factors may be “amortized”. In general, it is considered that when climbing the mountains with every hundred meters, the thermometer drops by half a degree: at an altitude of 1000-1500 m there is a subalpine belt (average annual temperature +10 ° C), at an altitude of 1500-2500 m – alpine (+6 ° C) and above 2500 m – snowy (0С). From the end of November to the end of March, mountainous areas turn into high-class skiing centers – there are a total of 38 stations in the country.

5. Separately, it is necessary to highlight the subtropical dry climate prevailing in the Canary Islands. It is not for nothing that this place is called the “land of eternal spring” – thanks to the action of oceanic air masses that soften the influence of neighboring Africa, it is always pleasant here, without unbearable heat, severe cold or prolonged rains. The average temperature in summer is + 20-30 ° C, in winter days – + 15-21 ° C. Most of the year there are sunny days, precipitation is more typical for the western islands of the archipelago, while the eastern ones are characterized by an arid semi-desert type.

Weather and climate in Spain throughout the year by months – table of water and air temperatures

Weather conditions in different regions of the country vary greatly not only depending on the location, but also on the season. In general, it is believed that the Kingdom has the mildest autumn-winter season in Europe and moderately hot summers. Be that as it may, a tourist will always find something to do: from boat trips to sightseeing, you just need to stock up on suitable clothes in advance.

Winter

In contrast to some European countries, extreme cold is rarely recorded on Spanish territory even in winter. In short, the climate in Spain is quite comfortable even in winter: what other country can boast an average temperature of + 12-15 ° C with an abundance of sunny days and no wind? Snow falls in the mountain regions and the thermometer stays at -4-6 °C – enough to spend the ski season, but ridiculous in order to really freeze by Russian standards.

December

“Cold” in Spanish officially comes on December 21, but the bright sun, which does not want to give up its positions, makes you doubt it. Despite the occasional presence of rainy and windy days, at least +10-16 °C is usually recorded in most of the peninsula. The mountains are covered with a thick snow cover and the best time for skiers is coming.

January

Spaniards consider the beginning of the year especially brainy: it gets cold up to +10 °C, the sea brings winds and rains. Many people enjoy spending Christmas and New Year in the ski resorts of the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Range or the Central Cordillera, where, with an abundance of snow, it is not at all “frosty” – the thermometer does not fall below -7 ° C.

February

Thanks to the absolute unpredictability, the last winter month is called “loco”, i.e. “crazy”. The average daily temperature rises to +15-20°C, however, due to the active “walks” of air masses of various origins across the peninsula, a variety of natural phenomena can be expected at this time of the year, from floods and snowfalls to sharp warming. In most mountainous regions, the ski season continues, as the snow usually stays until the March thaw.

Spring

Spaniards, like us, consider the days of March to be the beginning of spring, but the countdown is not from the 1st, but from the 21st. The air warms up to +18 °C, water – up to +15 °C, which inspires the most hardened to the first swims. There is a fair amount of rainfall, especially in the northern provinces – there is a saying “En Abril lluvias mil” (“April is a thousand rains”) for a reason.

March

Southerners feel the approach of summer faster than anyone else – in March, the thermometer quickly rises to +20 ° C and many immediately switch from winter jackets to short-sleeved clothes. At the same time, it is still cool in the north, about +13 ° C (at night no more than + 5-10 ° C), it is often rainy.

April

In April, many people open the beach season – if not for swimming, then for sunbathing. In the south, at least 20 degrees of heat is recorded and the sun shines brightly, periodically drizzling. The northern and central regions are also beginning to feel the arrival of heat, having +15-18 °C “overboard” during the day and at least +12 °C at night.

May

Traditionally, the end of the spring cycle is no less generous with precipitation. At the same time, if summer temperatures of +24 ° C are set in the southern territories and the sea warms up to + 18-20 ° C, then the northerners are in no hurry to start water procedures: daytime air is just beginning to approach +20 ° C, water is heated only to + 15-17°C.

Summer

Summer is the time when high temperatures come to Spain and it gets really hot. During the day, the thermometer rises to + 35-40 ° C, in the south and above. On such days, prudent Spaniards sunbathe “in the shade”, that is, under a canopy or retire for an afternoon siesta. At the same time, the sea breeze makes staying at seaside resorts more comfortable.

June

June days are considered to be the best days for a seaside holiday – it is still not hot, around +25 °C, but you can already sunbathe and swim (the average water level is +21 °C). Warm dry weather is established throughout the country, which allows even the northerners to forget about the umbrella for a while.

July

In the middle of summer, heat comes to the peninsula: the air warms up to +30-35 °C, and even higher in some southern regions. The night brings some freshness, but even then the thermometer shows at least +20 ° C. Precipitation is rare, more often recorded in the northern provinces.

August

Like July, August weather is characterized by day and night heat and complete absence of rain. The warm sea (+24-26 °C) is great for swimming. Despite the heat, most of the inhabitants of the Kingdom traditionally choose this month for their holidays, so the resorts are filled with crowds of tourists.

Autumn

During the velvet season, the heat drops significantly, the air and water are pleasantly warm, so this period is recognized by many as the best for sightseeing trips without crowds, and for a beach holiday. In October-November, bad weather comes to some regions, however, with the exception of the northern provinces, it is intense, but not protracted.

September

The beginning of the autumn period is not much different from summer – the temperature drops by only a couple of degrees, to + 25-28 ° C, although the weather can be hot until October. In the second half of the month, the sun is not so active, but the sea waters are still warm, not lower than + 22-24 ° C, which allows even families with children to swim.

October

The October Sea, warming up to +16-21°C, is still conducive to water procedures, although the air continues to cool: the average value is around +20-22°C. At the same time, the coolness of the night is already reminiscent of the approach of winter – in the dark, the thermometer does not rise above +15 ° C.

November

The end of autumn in the Kingdom is noticeably colder – it is maximum +15 °C outside, rains and winds are not uncommon. Only brave foreigners dare to swim – the water is not warmer than +15 ° C (in the south – up to +19°C).

Beach tourist seasons in the resorts of Spain

Swimming in most of the country is accepted from May to October. Fans of the warm sea choose the period from July to September, when it warms up to a comfortable + 24-26C, while those who are not averse to refreshing can plunge from April to November. However, in some areas, which are characterized by warmth throughout most of the year, you can swim and sunbathe until the onset of winter. These include:

• Canary Islands;

• Costa del Sol;

• Almeria;

• Murcia;

• Valencia;

• Costa Blanca.

Sightseeing tourist seasons

Spring and autumn are, without a doubt, the most suitable for sightseeing trips to the Kingdom of Spain, for example, to the regions of Castile, Andalusia, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. During these periods, you can visit most of the attractions without the tiring heat, tourist crowds and inflated prices, and if you’re lucky with the weather, sunbathe and swim in the still warm sea. An additional plus is that a trip during sales, that is, in January and July, will save on shopping.

Clothes to take with you

The climate in Spain is favorable almost all year round, with a record number of sunny days (300), so recommendations for tourists to pack their bags rarely include thick sweaters or hats with earflaps. Regardless of whether we are talking about a beach holiday or sightseeing, it makes sense to bet on natural fabrics and comfortable shoes – it is better to discover the most interesting corners of the Kingdom on your own two feet. Many Spaniards are adept at layering, which allows them to feel comfortable at any time of the day, easily modifying the outfit during the day. Further advice may vary from region to region.

Thus, going to the north of the country, it is necessary to take into account the difference between daytime and evening temperatures – even the warmest sunny days are replaced by cool nights. Therefore, closed shoes, a warm top and a scarf for the neck should be added to the standard wardrobe, and on an autumn trip – a scarf, jacket, boots and an obligatory umbrella.

Traveling south involves a less relaxed mode of gathering – even in the cold season, boots and a raincoat are unlikely to be needed. In the summer months, it is recommended to take cotton clothes with a sleeve that will not allow you to burn, light sandals and an indispensable hat, in winter you can take an additional light jacket or raincoat, a sweater and comfortable boots or sneakers.

Despite the fact that in Spain there are pleasant sunny days almost all year round, in order for your stay in the country not to be overshadowed by the vagaries of the weather, you need to properly prepare. Barcelona Realty Group is a reliable assistant in choosing the best place for your vacation. Our managers will help you decide on the choice of the region to visit, taking into account the climate, purpose of the trip, preferences (mountains, beach, excursions). Whatever climate zone you choose, you will be warm and comfortable with us! Find out more about where it is best to relax in Spanish territory by calling us by phone or filling out an online form.

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Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Building houses in Spain: how much does it cost to build a villa with your own hands

April 28, 2021

Barcelona Realty Group experts are often asked about the possibility of building houses in Spain with their own hands. What is the reason for this interest? After all, the sunny Kingdom is replete with real estate offers for every taste – there are no limits to variations in housing sizes, architectural style and prices. The fact is that the search for an acceptable option abroad takes a lot of time, and one inevitably has to put up with quite significant shortcomings. So, in ready-made villas, all the finishing materials (sometimes cheap and low-quality) have already been chosen for you, the layout (not always logical) and the facade (sometimes nondescript) have been imposed on you. As a result, there are continuous compromises and there is no trace left of the image of your ideal estate….

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Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Living expenses in Spain: how much does it cost to live in the country – living prices

January 27, 2021

High standard of living, high-quality medical care, centuries-old education, excellent climate – all this has long made Russians reach out to the Spanish expanses. Even if the decision to move to Spain has been made and is not subject to revision, sooner or later the issue of the cost of living in the country and the prices for basic expenses, on which family budget planning depends, comes to the fore. How much do local products cost? Does the communal apartment “eat up” a lot? What will be the cost of children’s education, transport, insurance? Leaving aside individual requests, which are always highly individual, and focusing on basic provision, living in the Kingdom can be attributed to one of the cheapest in Europe. With a monthly salary of 1600 euros, i.e. 20% lower than the EU average, most Spaniards can afford 2-3 meals a week, a gym membership and 1-2 foreign trips a year. We list the main cost items in the Kingdom, if you are determined to turn from a tourist into a resident.

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Life in Spain

Life in Spain

Childbirth in Spain for Russian citizens: pregnancy and childbirth

October 21, 2020

Since the advent of baby tourism, more and more women decide to give birth in clinics abroad. Many citizens of Russia and the states of the post-Soviet space choose the United States, Israel or France for pregnancy and childbirth, but recently Spain is gaining more and more popularity. There are several reasons for this: modern hospital equipment, highly qualified staff, mild climate, ideal for the rehabilitation of the mother and the adaptation of the baby, comfortable conditions, minimal risk of complications, and very affordable prices. Of course, the birth of a child in another country requires decent preparation. How to organize this exciting event on your own and not miss anything? In this article, we will tell you how to collect documents for the pre- and post-natal period of stay, choose the best medical center and give birth in Spanish without any worries.

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The climate of Spain. Briefly about climatic conditions and features

Spain is exactly the place where once you have been, you definitely want to return there. And if your love for Spain turned out to be so strong, and you decided to stay here forever, then, of course, you need to know briefly about the climate of Spain. In order for you to understand where it is better for you to live, and which Spanish region is right for you, we suggest that you carefully familiarize yourself with the climate of Spain by month and by region.

So, let’s see what type of climate is in different regions of Spain:

1. North coast. The northern coast of Spain is dominated by a temperate maritime climate. Here you will not encounter temperature fluctuations and some special changes. In this place, the air temperature stays at the same level for a long time. If precipitation suddenly began, then they will also persist for several days, and then the weather will gradually turn into sunny. The temperature here can range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. And you definitely won’t find any strong heat here.

2. Central Spain. It has a continental Mediterranean climate. The disadvantage of this part of the country is the fact that it is always very cold here in winter, and quite hot in summer. Precipitation in summer is rare. And during periods of drought, it is quite difficult to be outside for a long time. In addition, the weather in this part of the state can change dramatically, which causes a lot of problems for local residents. As for the air temperature, here it can fluctuate between 20-24 degrees Celsius in the warm period, and within 5-10 degrees in the cold.

3. Mediterranean coast. Climatic conditions in this part of the country are quite hot air. In summer there are droughts and very hot, and in winter it often rains, and the temperature is quite cold. If we talk about the air temperature in general, then in winter it can reach 18 degrees Celsius, and in summer – 24 degrees. In general, the climate here is quite good. But not everyone will like warm air, so if you want to move here, then you will have to weigh the pros and cons.

4. Mountain regions. Yes, in Spain you can relax not only on the Mediterranean coast, but also in the mountains. And most Spaniards come here quite often. The local climate is different from the rest of the country. The air temperature here can be either at zero or below zero. In addition, during the day in these areas, sharp temperature changes can be observed. It is noteworthy that precipitation can be observed here quite often, which cannot be said about other regions of Spain.

5. Balearic Islands. Mediterranean climate conditions are observed here. The amount of precipitation is low, rains can be observed mainly in the winter months, and they do not last long. More often in this place is sunny and warm weather. In the autumn months, precipitation can also be observed here, but in the spring their level gradually decreases. As for the summer period, a real drought can be observed here from June to August.

6. Canary Islands. Precipitation is quite frequent in this region. But most days of the year the weather is warm and sunny. The air temperature on the islands fluctuates between 20-30 degrees. There is quite dry air here. But this phenomenon has a logical explanation – the Canary Islands are quite close to Africa, therefore, this is reflected in local climatic conditions.

Thus, having studied all the subtleties and features of the climate in different parts of Spain, you can draw specific conclusions for yourself. After all, if you want to move to this country forever, you will have to get used to the local temperature and features. If it is quite difficult for you to rebuild, then we recommend that you choose for life exactly such a region that is as similar as possible to yours in terms of climatic conditions. Fortunately, there are such cities in Spain. But it is noteworthy that in this state there are few regions where too hot or too cold weather prevails. Therefore, you can certainly safely move to this developed country with a high standard of living.

So, the climatic conditions in different parts of Spain are different, and if you are quite satisfied with the local climate, and you have finally and irrevocably decided to move to this country to live, then Yes! Mallorca Property will certainly help you find good housing in this state. We are engaged in both sale and rental of apartments, villas, cottages and so on. The choice of housing will directly depend on your financial capabilities and wishes. But if you need help, we encourage you to contact us. We will definitely help you choose the most suitable option and answer all your questions. Call us today and you will be satisfied.

Climatic conditions of Spain

General characteristics of the climate of Spain

Spain belongs to the Mediterranean countries with a climate typical for this region. The winter period here is quite warm, and the summer is moderately hot.

Since the climate is connected with the relief, and the relief of Spain is quite diverse, the climatic conditions in all its regions also have their own differences.

The proximity of the Atlantic with its humid air masses, as well as the influence of anticyclones from the Azores, divide Spain into wet and dry.

Figure 1. The climate of Spain. Author24 – online exchange of student papers

The wet part includes the west and north of the country from Galicia to Catalonia. The climate here is maritime. Precipitation falls up to 700 mm per year. The thermometer in the summer in this area does not rise above +25 degrees, and in winter, on average, the air warms up to +8 degrees.

The dry part of the country occupies ¾ of the entire territory. Here, too, two parts can be distinguished – the climate of the central regions of the country will be typical continental, because this region is separated from the ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea by mountain ranges.

True, the temperature amplitude here is higher, because summers are dry and hot, and winters can even be frosty.

The frosts here are not at all the same as, for example, in Russian Siberia, but, nevertheless, negative temperatures are recorded not lower than -8 degrees.

The average winter temperature is +2, +5 degrees.

In summer, the daytime temperature in the central parts of Spain is +32 degrees, and at night +15 degrees.

Southeast coast – Andalusia and Extremadura are dry areas.

The southern Mediterranean coast, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, has moderately hot summers and mild winters with abundant rainfall.

Winter air here warms up to +15, and sometimes even up to +18 degrees, summer air warms up to +28.

When the highly heated air masses of tropical Africa reach the southeastern coast of the country, the temperature rises even to +37 degrees.

Precipitation falls here during 2 seasons – from October to March it falls up to 100 mm, from April to September – less than 30 mm.

It rarely rains in July and August.

The influence of the sea with the advancement inland decreases and in the central parts of Spain precipitation falls 40-50 mm, and in July and August there is almost none at all.

Climate of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago that includes 13 islands of volcanic origin.

Figure 2. Canary Islands. Author24 – online exchange of student papers

The archipelago is an official province of Spain and has two capitals, which change every four years – the honorary capital title passes from the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Despite the fact that this archipelago is called the kingdom of eternal spring, their climate depends on the geographical position of each island.

The islands are close to the Sahara, but its hot influence is softened by the northeast trade winds and the sea current of El Golfo.

The average annual air temperature in the Canaries is +22 degrees, moreover, in winter the thermometer rises to +18 degrees, and in summer +24 degrees.

There are no sharp temperature fluctuations on the islands, but if we talk about individual island areas, the air temperature between them will differ by 3-5 degrees.

Winter in the archipelago is conditional, during the day it rises to +23 degrees, and at night it drops to +19 degrees.

Compared to summer, winter here is more windy, especially January, and the coldest month is February.

When spring arrives, the islands warm up quickly, but it gets rainy.

Warm air does not get cooler from rain. Summer starts in June and ends in October. The beginning of summer is very similar to spring.

The highest summer temperatures are typical for August +30, +32 degrees. This summer heat is saved by moderate winds.

Autumn weather is very similar to summer weather.

The islands, which occupy the eastern part of the archipelago, are located closer to the African Sahara than others, therefore they are more arid, although their climate is also very comfortable.

Factors affecting the climate of the Canary Islands:

• proximity to the African continent and, in particular, to the Sahara;
• constant northeast trade winds, carrying with them life-giving moisture;
• cold north current coming from the Azores and preventing rainfall;
• the geographical location of each island;
• relief of the islands and their height.

Note 1

Thus, the northern and southern islands of the archipelago have a difference in climatic conditions. The climate of the north of the Canary Islands is more humid, while the south has dry and sunny weather all year round.

Influence of climate on the nature of Spain

In general, several types of climate have formed on the Iberian Peninsula:

• continental climate of the country’s interior with cool winters and warm dry summers;
• Mediterranean coastal climate – Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia, Balearic Islands;
• temperate maritime climate of the northwestern and western part of the country – Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country;
• moderately cold climate of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Cordillera;
• semi-desert climate characteristic of the provinces of Almeria, coastal southern zone, some islands of the Canary archipelago;
• hot steppe climate in the southeast of the country and in Andalusia;
• in the Extremadura region and in the central zone of the Ebro basin, a temperate steppe climate has formed.

The variety of flora and fauna is associated with the diversity of the country’s climatic conditions.

There are typical European and Mediterranean animals, there are African settlers, mountain fauna of alpine meadows and snow-capped mountain peaks.

A large population of wolves, mountain cats, lynxes, mountain goats, wild boars has been preserved here. The Iberian red deer lives, and in the southeast there are still genets, weasels, foxes. The Gibraltar monkey was most likely brought from Morocco, through the Strait of Berbera.

Representatives of rare and endangered fauna have been preserved in a number of mountainous regions of the Pyrenees and Cantabrian mountains – these are the Iberian wolf, the Spanish goat, the chamois, the Cantabrian brown bear.

In addition, Spain is a stopover for bird migrations from Africa to Europe – thousands of geese, cranes, bustards, teals spend the summer months on the country’s lakes and swampy plains.

How Does Healthcare in Europe Work?

The American healthcare system functions pretty differently than healthcare in Europe — and most healthcare systems in other first world countries, for that matter. With the ongoing healthcare debate in America (from repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act to Senator Sanders’ Medicare-For-All proposal), many people have begun to ask why we can’t have a system like Canada, the U.K., France, or most other European nations. In order to decide whether or not those types of systems would be suitable for America (a debate we will not delve into here), we first have to understand how healthcare in Europe works.

How Healthcare in Europe Works

Generally speaking, most European nations (in addition to others around the world) have some type of universal healthcare. According to the definition provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), this means that everyone has equal access to quality healthcare that improves the health of patients and that seeking such care would not cause financial harm to those receiving it.

While it’s easy for Americans to generalize European healthcare into one giant conglomerate of universal coverage, there are actually many different systems across the continent. Each country has figured out their own way of organizing their insurance companies, doctors, and hospital systems. But regardless of country, healthcare in Europe is designed with the same goal in mind: to make sure every person has access to basic health services.

Given that European nations have all been around far longer than America, they’ve tried almost every possible scenario and, for the most part, they’ve landed largely on three systems: single-payer, socialized, and privatized, but regulated. Of course, there’s quite a bit of variety between countries and no two systems are alike.

One of the major similarities across healthcare systems in Europe  is that all citizens are included. Even in partially privatized systems, an individual mandate is in place (and strictly enforced) to ensure that healthy people are in the system to help offset the costs of sick people. Another commonality is that healthcare in Europe (regardless of system) is largely funded by tax dollars collected from employers and the public.

In many cases, this is through a simple payroll tax, similar to what Senator Sanders has proposed in his Medicare-For-All plan and how we already fund Medicare today. However, there are always other sources, including (but not limited to) earmarked Federal funds coming from income taxes, the insurance companies themselves, and additional taxes on tobacco and alcohol (similar to what some U.S. cities have called “sin taxes”).

The Infamous “Single-Payer” System

In a single-payer system, the government funds a type of universal health coverage (meaning that the government is a health insurance provider), but most healthcare is actually provided by private entities. Hospitals are typically privately owned (although there could be some government run hospitals) and doctors operate their own practices.

Canada (while not actually a European nation, is still under Queen Elizabeth’s rule) falls into this category. Citizens often purchase private insurance plans (as their incomes allow) to supplement the government provided healthcare.

In fact, about two-thirds of the population purchases some kind of supplemental policy or enrolls in employer-sponsored healthcare that “cover services such as vision and dental care, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, home care, and private rooms in hospitals.” Policies that would essentially duplicate physician and hospital services (like dual coverage in America) are not available.

Government Owned and Run Universal Healthcare

Although not entirely accurate, when most Americans think of healthcare in Europe, they’re thinking of a socialized system. In this type healthcare system, the government typically has control of both healthinsurance and the providers within the industry. The government is essentially the only health insurance provider. It also runs (and owns) hospitals and employs healthcare providers, like doctors.

Britain, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden use variations of this system. Every citizen is enrolled in the national healthcare system and a good portion of medical services are provided free of charge by doctors who are employed by the government.

In some (if not all) of these countries, there is some room for private insurance companies to operate and for doctors to run private practices. Of course, only those who can afford it would be able to purchase supplemental policies or pay to see doctors not employed by the government. In most cases, these policies are used for elective procedures and the doctors are specialists not included in the government system (although there are specialists within the system).

France, for example, has a substantial private system mixed in with their statutory health insurance system (SHI). Many French citizens gain eligibility for SHI through employment, but  students, retirees, and unemployed adults who were formerly employed (and their families) are granted SHI eligibility as a benefit. It’s rare for individuals to be granted an exemption from SHI.

Private health insurance can also be purchased as a supplement to the national healthcare system. These policies generally help cover the cost of “copayments for usual care, balance billing, and vision and dental care ([which is] minimally covered by SHI).” Oftentimes, these policies are purchased through employers and have varying degrees of quality that depend, in part, on the industry in which the employer operates. Some may be more expensive and provide better benefits, while those who couldn’t afford such policies may end up paying more out-of-pocket.

But France didn’t want some people being able to access better care than others — since part of the point of universal coverage is that everyone has equal access to quality care. So legislators passed a law in 2013 to help “reduce inequities in coverage stemming from variations in access and quality” among private policies.

The law mandated that by 2016, all employees would split the cost (50-50) of employer-sponsored insurance, which would help cover up to 125 percent of dental costs and €100 of vision costs (again,not typically paid for by SHI).   

This type of system is essentially how Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Affairs healthcare concepts are framed. Basic health insurance is provided through the government and supplemental policies can be purchased through private insurers, where available — although because Medicaid is for very low-income citizens, one would assume enrollees would be unable to afford supplements.

In many healthcare systems across Europe that allow for private policies, the structure is similar to what Americans are accustomed to, in that policyholders are responsible for coinsurance, copays, and balance billing.

Privatized, But Regulated

Another variant of healthcare in Europe is Germany’s system, which probably offers the most options in terms of privatization and public options. Employed citizens earning less than €57,600 annually (about $66,900) are required to be enrolled in the German public health insurance option (as in France, called statutory health insurance, or SHI). Their dependents and spouses (if not employed) are covered as well at no additional cost.

Those making more than that amount are allowed to bypass the public system to purchase private health insurance, although the vast majority of Germans choose to keep the public option. The main exceptions to this rule are the self-employed and civil servants, who are the largest purchasers of private insurance.

How Some Healthcare in Europe is Similar to the U.S. Healthcare System Under the Affordable Care Act

The Netherlands and Switzerland have systems very similar to the American Affordable Care Act (ACA), in that health insurance is mandated (and strictly enforced) to all citizens, but insurance is not provided by the government. Citizens are free to purchase insurance through whatever company they choose. Just like the ACA, insurance premiums are partially funded through subsidies provided by the government (through taxes) so that policies are truly affordable for everyone.

Because every citizen has to legally obtain health insurance, no insurer is allowed to refuse anyone for any reason. There is less regulation on supplemental policies, as they are not required by law, so it’s possible that people could be denied coverage on those policies based on health information and history.

This model means that there are some out-of-pocket costs, such as a deductible, coinsurance and copays, but the costs are nowhere near what Americans pay and the system is far simpler.

In Switzerland, deductibles can range from 300 Swiss Francs (CHF, currently similar in U.S. dollars) to CHF2,500 (with higher deductible plans yielding lower premiums). After hitting the deductible, there’s a flat 10 percent coinsurance charge for all services and prescriptions with the exception being a 20 percent coinsurance charge for brand name prescriptions (for which there is a generic alternative available) and inpatient hospital stays, which is CHF15 per day (based on 2015 data). However, coinsurance is capped at CHF700 for adults and CHF350 for children ages 18 and under.

What This Means for Employer Provided Benefits

Employee benefits still hold a place in Europe, but certainly not to the extent they do in America. In most cases, healthcare in Europe (regardless of the type of system) only covers medical care — and in some cases, very basic medical care, at that. In nations where insurance and healthcare are at least partially privatized (and where it’s legal to do so), some companies offer employer-sponsored health insurance to supplement the government mandated policies.

These types of plans frequently include dental or vision insurance, policies that expand their network of doctors or covered services (like mental health), or premium-type plans that bump enrollees to the front of the line for elective or non-emergent procedures.

Is Healthcare in Europe Better Than in the U.S.?

Whether healthcare in Europe is really “better” simply depends on how you look at it and the metric being used. One of the main complaints of universal-type coverage is the wait time to see doctors for non-emergent conditions (this is especially true in Canada). Opponents of these systems typically list this as a major reason for wanting to keep the existing U.S. system.

However, most people who live in countries offering such systems much prefer it to what American citizens deal with. They may have to wait a few days to see a doctor, but they also don’t have many out-of-pocket costs associated with their healthcare — and when they do, it’s substantially less than what Americans pay.

For example, in France, the copay for a night in the hospital is €18. In America, you can hardly get a prescription for $18, let alone anything involving a hospital stay. A night in an American hospital could easily cost policyholders thousands of dollars.  

The other major drawback opponents of universal care bring up is higher taxes. The tax burden associated with healthcare in Europe varies by country, but in some places, citizens forfeit half their salaries. This seems extensive to Americans — and it’s definitely a lot — but in many cases, the amount those citizens pay in taxes is similar or equal to the amount Americans pay for taxes plus health insurance premiums. So in the end, their salaries could end up being similar, but Europeans would have fewer out-of-pocket expenses, as Americans would have higher copays, coinsurance, and deductibles hanging over their heads.

And of course there’s the argument that capitalism has provided room for medical innovation and competition among American researchers and hospital systems. Some of the best hospitals in the world are located in the U.S.: the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, and Massachusetts General, to name a few.

It’s fair to say that no system is perfect. Healthcare in Europe has strengths the U.S. system doesn’t, and vice versa. Each country has to work out a system that works the best for them, which takes time — and given that the U.S. is still quite young by comparison to most European countries, it’s likely that we have a long way to go in determining what works best for us.

What advantages does healthcare in Europe provide for employers? Leave us a comment below or contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Medical Care in Europe by Rick Steves

By Rick Steves

If you’re worried about getting sick while traveling, rest assured: Most of Europe offers high-quality medical care that’s as competent as what you’ll find at home. The majority of Europe’s doctors and pharmacists speak at least some English, so communication generally isn’t an issue.

Nearly all European countries have a universal health care system. Though some people refer to it as Europe’s “free health care” system, in reality, it’s not really free. While each country has its own variation, the common denominator is that everyone pays for health care as a society — intending to minimize the overall expense and spread around the cost and risk so that an unlucky few are not bankrupted by medical costs. This also ensures that those living in poverty can get the care they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Luckily, I’ve never been seriously injured while traveling in Europe. But I hear countless tales about travelers needing medical treatment. One person told me about how she sprained her ankle during a visit to Denmark. She was X-rayed, bandaged up, and given a pair of crutches to use. The hospital did not ask her to pay a dime — only to return the crutches when she left Denmark. And a staff member of mine, whose infant son received excellent care after a lung infection in France, came home to declare, “Anyone who says socialized medical care is subpar hasn’t seen it in action.”

While no system is perfect, Europe’s universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.

Emergencies

If an accident or life-threatening medical problem occurs on the road, get to a hospital. For serious conditions (stroke, heart attack, bad car accident), summon an ambulance. In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union’s universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask your hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever’s around to call an ambulance (or a taxi for less dire situations).

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need. Make sure you get a copy of your bill so that when you return home, you can file a claim to be reimbursed. If you purchased travel insurance to serve as your primary medical coverage, call the company as soon as possible to report the injury. They can usually work directly with the hospital to get your bills paid.

Minor Ailments

If you get sick on your trip, don’t wait it out. Find help to get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Here are your options if you have a non-emergency situation:

Pharmacies

Throughout Europe, people with a health problem go first to the pharmacy, not to their doctor. European pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe remedies for many simple problems, such as sore throats, fevers, stomach issues, sinus problems, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint, and back pain. Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies.

When it comes to medication, expect some differences between the way things are done in Europe and at home. Certain drugs that you need a prescription for in the US are available over the counter in Europe. Some drugs go by different names. And some European medications can be stronger than their counterparts in the US, so follow directions and dosages carefully. Also, topical remedies are common in Europe; if you’re suffering from body aches and pains, or any swelling, don’t be surprised if a pharmacist prescribes a cream to apply to the problem area. If you need to fill a prescription — even one from home — a pharmacy can generally take care of it promptly. If a pharmacist can’t help you, he or she will send you to a doctor or a health clinic.

Clinics

A trip to a foreign clinic is actually an interesting travel experience. Every few years I end up in a European clinic for one reason or another, and every time I’m impressed by its efficiency and effectiveness.

A clinic is useful if you need to be checked for a non-emergency medical issue, get some tests done, or if your problem is beyond a pharmacist’s scope. Clinics in Europe operate just like those in the US: You’ll sign in with the receptionist, answer a few questions, then take a seat and wait for a nurse or doctor.

A trip to a clinic may be free or a small fee. Expect to pay this fee up front, whether you’re covered through your health insurance company or a special travel policy. Make sure you get a copy of the bill so you can file a claim when you return home.

House Calls

If you’re holed up sick in your hotel room and would rather not go out, the hotel receptionist can generally call a doctor who will come to your room and check you out. This option is generally more expensive than dragging yourself to a pharmacy or clinic.

Finding Medical Help

To locate a doctor, clinic, or hospital, ask around at places that are accustomed to dealing with Americans on the road — such as tourist offices and large hotels. Most embassies and consulates maintain lists of physicians and hospitals in major cities (on the US embassy’s site, select your location, and look under the US Citizens Services section of that embassy’s website for medical services information).

If you’re concerned about getting an English-speaking and Western-trained doctor, consider joining IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. You’ll get a list of English-speaking doctors in more than 90 member countries who charge affordable, standardized fees for medical visits (membership is free but donation is requested, fee pricing on website, pay provider directly at time of visit, US tel. 716 754 4883).

Health cover for temporary stays in another EU country

Last checked: 06/05/2022

As an EU citizen, if you unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in another
EU country – whether on holiday, a business trip or studying abroad – you are entitled to any
medical treatment that can’t wait until you get home. You have the same rights to health care as people insured in the country you are in.

You should always take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips abroad. This card is the proof that you are insured in an EU country.

If you don’t have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or you can’t use it (for
instance, for private health care), you can’t be refused treatment, but you might
have to pay for your treatment upfront and claim reimbursement once you get home.

Applying for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

In some countries the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued together with the national health card. In other countries, you need to
apply for it.

You should not have to pay anything for your EHIC. You should get it for free from your health insurer before leaving home.

Warning

Some rogue websites ask you to pay to order your European Health Insurance Card with
them. Never use these sites: instead contact your public health care provider directly.

Make sure you check with your health insurer how far your health insurance covers your family members.

Find out more about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in:

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• Austriaatde
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• Germanydede
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Please note that the European Commission is not responsible for the content of external
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Restrictions on the use of the European Health Insurance Card

• Nationals from non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
  and Switzerland, unless they are refugees residing in an EU member state or are covered
  as family members of an EU citizen.
• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are counted as EU countries for the purposes of EU social security coordination rules
• The EHIC will not help you with rescue and repatriation – if you need free transport back home after falling seriously ill or after having
  an accident while visiting another EU country, you will need separate insurance cover
• The EHIC does not cover you for private healthcare or the cost of planned treatment in another EU country

Sample story

Take out extra insurance for travel risks

Sven, a Swedish national, went to France on a skiing trip. On the second day of his
holiday he hurt his knee skiing downhill and had to be rescued off the mountain by
French rescue services. When he got home, he received a large bill for the cost of
his rescue. Sven had to pay the bill in full, as search and rescue costs are not covered
by the European Health Insurance Card.

List of Countries With Free Healthcare for Foreigners

In this article

There are a large number of world countries with free healthcare for everyone, regardless of economic or employment status, rage, gender, or medical history.

However, the “free” is a little misleading, since the citizens and residents of that country pay taxes to the government to finance the national healthcare fund. In turn, the government pays for medical treatment costs.

So, while you receive free health care if you do get sick, you pay for it through your taxes.

What Countries Have Universal Healthcare?

Here’s a full list of countries with universal healthcare:

Albania	Czech Republic	Kuwait	Serbia
Algeria	Denmark	Luxembourg	Seychelles
Argentina	Egypt	Macau	Singapore
Australia	Finland	Malaysia	South Korea
Austria	France	Maldives	Spain
Belgium	Georgia	Mauritius	Sri Lanka
Bhutan	Germany	Mexico	Sweden
Botswana	Ghana	Morocco	Switzerland
Brazil	Greece	Netherlands	Taiwan
Bulgaria	Hong Kong	New Zealand	Thailand
Burkina Faso	Iceland	Norway	The Bahamas
Canada	India	Pakistan	Trinidad and Tobago
Chile	Indonesia	Peru	Tunisia
China	Ireland	Philippines	Turkey
Colombia	Israel	Portugal	United Kingdom
Costa Rica	Italy	Romania
Croatia	Japan	Russia
Cuba	Kosovo	Rwanda

Types of Healthcare Systems

There are two main types of health insurance schemes: free (single-payer) healthcare and universal healthcare. They are not exactly the same thing.

Free Healthcare (Single-Payer)

In countries where there is a single-payer health system, it is the government who covers the cost of medical treatment for all residents. The system is usually funded through taxes. Under this system, everyone, regardless of income, will receive the same type of healthcare.

The British NHS is an example of single-payer healthcare schemes.

Universal Healthcare

Under a universal healthcare scheme, everyone has access to healthcare, but there is usually a range of insurers you can choose from. Typically, you would be paying monthly contributions to an insurance company, either yourself or through an employer, and the company covers your medical expenses. Those who cannot afford to purchase a policy will receive government assistance or reduced premiums.

Germany and Switzerland are examples of universal healthcare.

Countries With the Best Healthcare for Expats

Here are some of the countries with the best healthcare system for foreigners:

• Mexico
• Germany
• Thailand
• Canada
• The United Kingdom
• Spain
• Japan

Mexico

Everyone in Mexico, expats included, has universal healthcare. There are two sectors of Mexican public health insurance: the Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (INSABI) and the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).

The IMSS scheme covers everyone who works in Mexico legally, regardless of their nationality. The INSABI scheme was introduced in January 2020 and offers healthcare coverage for unemployed Mexicans and anyone who cannot afford to enroll voluntarily. INSABI replaced the Seguro Popular scheme, which was effective until December 2019.

If you are enrolled under public healthcare in Mexico, you will have coverage for:

• Accidents and medical emergencies.
• Surgeries and other health conditions.
• Prescription medication.

You will also receive part of your salary for 52 weeks, if you cannot work due to a medical condition.

Learn more about health insurance options for expats in Mexico.

Germany

The German health system is ranked as one of the best in the world. It is mandatory that everyone who lives in Germany – citizen, foreign worker, or international student – has to get some sort of health insurance coverage.

The health insurance system in Germany is divided into public (statutory) and private. Under German law, everyone who makes under €5,063 per month has to enroll under the public insurance scheme. The way public insurance works is that you pay 7.3% of your income every month to the health insurance scheme, while your employer matches the other 7.3% for a total of 14.6%.

Those who make more than €5,063 per month, can choose between public and private insurance. However, most people are enrolled under the public health insurance scheme while only a small percentage who are eligible opt for private insurance.

Thailand

The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) allows working expats in Thailand to benefit from the Thai public health insurance scheme. To access the USC, you have to contribute 5% of your salary into the Thai social security scheme.

Expats will receive a Social Security Number and will be assigned to a hospital after enrolling under the national insurance network, where they can receive free healthcare. Seeking medical treatment in another hospital (or privately), means there is no coverage.

The benefits of public health insurance in Thailand include:

• Free health care if you deek treatment in your assigned hospital.
• Thai hospitals are well equipped and the doctors are good.
• There are no extra charges as everything is covered by the social security contributions.

Canada

In Canada, you can benefit from the national healthcare scheme if you are a citizen or a permanent resident. As in most free healthcare countries, a part of your taxes goes to the national health fund and then the government pays for your medical costs.

The Canadian healthcare system covers most medical procedures and treatments, but many expats choose to get supplemental private insurance to cover things that public insurance does not cover, such as:

• Prescription medications
• Dental care
• Physiotherapy
• Ambulance services
• Prescription glasses

The United Kingdom

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) works on a residency basis, offering free healthcare to anyone who is a legal resident, regardless of nationality. The NHS is funded by taxpayers. Expats have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is about £624 per year per person when they apply for a visa.

In turn, the NHS covers all medical treatment and offers discounted pricing on all prescription medicine. You can expect to pay a maximum of $12 for any drug prescribed by the NHS. Additionally, the NHS also covers treatment related to mental health, including counselling, therapy, support groups, and health screenings.

Spain

Spanish citizens and residents pay taxes and social security contributions which helps finance the national healthcare fund. Once you are registered under national health insurance, you will receive a TSI health card, which will allow you to receive free healthcare from Spanish hospitals and reduced fees for prescription medication.

To get the national health card, you have to register your address at the local town hall, and you will get a certificate of registration (Empadronamiento). With the Empadronamiento, you can get a healthcare card.

Further reading Spanish health insurance guide for American expats

Japan

Japan has two healthcare schemes, based on your employment status:

• The Japanese Health Insurance, which is available to full-time workers and offered by .the employer
• The Japanese National Health Insurance, which is available to students, unemployed people and employees who work less than 30 hours a week.

Either of these plans will cover at least 70% of all healthcare costs.

Countries With Free Healthcare for Visitors

Even though there are cases where hospitals do not charge tourists for minor treatment, there’s really no country that offers free healthcare for short-term visitors. As a tourist in a foreign country, you should have travel health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or you may have to pay out of pocket.

That’s because there is no “free” healthcare anywhere; every health system is funded either by taxes or other contributions by the residents of that country. If you do not contribute to a country’s national health fund, then you are not eligible to reap the benefits – so, you need travel insurance.

Pros and Cons of Free Healthcare Countries

Free healthcare for everyone may seem like it’s a perfect system, but many do not agree. Here are some of the pros and cons of having universal single-payer healthcare:

Pros	Cons
Everyone has the same amount of health insurance coverage, regardless of their economic situation.	There are longer waiting times.
People are less likely to become ill and die due to not having access to adequate health care.	There are higher taxes.
The cost of treatment is lower.	Doctors are paid less.
	Doctors and hospitals can be overwhelmed by the number of patients.

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Which Countries Have Universal Healthcare or Free Healthcare?

Is Free Healthcare a Possibility for International Citizens or Travelers?

They say that the best things in life are free – but does that really apply to healthcare? For people in some countries, the idea of free healthcare seems too good to be true. But there are many countries where citizens or residents never see a bill for the health care they receive. While it may be free for them (and it isn’t exactly free – more on that below), it’s not necessarily free for the traveler. In fact, it can be very expensive.

And if you are moving to a country with “universal healthcare,” that means it’s free, right? Again, not necessarily! While residents don’t see a healthcare bill in some countries with universal healthcare, in other countries with universal healthcare, they may incur significant costs. It depends on how the system works. Here’s what all travelers and expats should know about countries with free or universal healthcare.

Is “Free” Healthcare Really Free for Foreigners Abroad?

“Free” healthcare isn’t actually free. Healthcare that is provided by government agencies is usually funded by citizens in one way or another. The country’s healthcare budget may come directly out of their taxes, or it may be funded through payroll taxes which affect a citizen’s take-home pay. Savvy travelers know not to make offhand remarks about how lucky local residents are to have “free” healthcare in their country. You never know when you might get a sarcastic remark about how their tax bill didn’t seem so free!

Furthermore, in many countries with universal healthcare, patients often pay a small fee or deductible each time they visit the hospital or doctor. Sometimes patients have to pay in advance and then submit reimbursement forms to the government. Patients may even have to pay for government-mandated insurance. Therefore, free healthcare often does require money.

Finally, while citizens or residents may only have to pay a small fee, visitors who are not part of the country’s medical system pay far more. While the United Kingdom’s NHS is known for providing free care for its citizens, the cost of a hospital bed for non-residents is $1,125 a day, which is close to the cost in the USA. It’s one reason that many expats have global medical insurance.

Understanding the Difference Between Free and Universal Healthcare

Free healthcare is different from universal healthcare. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous.

• Free Healthcare means that all citizens receive health care without having to pay for services.
• Universal Healthcare means there is a health care system that provides coverage to a high percentage of citizens. How high? Some analysts require 99% of citizens and residents to be covered for a system to be called universal, while others set the threshold at 90%. Under the latter analysis, the United States qualifies as a country with universal health care.

Both of the above systems have subsidized elements that are paid for with citizens’ taxes.

Which Types of Health Care Systems Give Free or Universal Healthcare?

There are four basic frameworks countries use to deliver health care. While the details may be different, most systems fall into one of the below categories – although the United States has elements of all of them.

Out of Pocket

Patients pay money to service providers in order to get care. Insurance is limited or nonexistent. This system is neither free nor universal. Cambodia, Chad, Nigeria and Armenia are just a few countries that use this system.

National Health Insurance

If you are thinking of a country with free healthcare, you may be thinking of a country with a National Health Insurance system, also known as “single-payer.” In this system, health care is generally provided through private facilities, but health care bills are paid by the government. In some countries using this system, the patient also has a small copay. Canada, Taiwan and South Korea are a few of the countries that use this system.

The Bismarck Model

Like in the National Health Insurance model, most health care facilities are private. But citizens are required to buy health insurance, which is heavily regulated by the government and must provide certain benefits. Usually, health insurance is non-profit and paid for through payroll deductions or payroll taxes. Low-income people may receive subsidies for health insurance from the government. This is the system Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan and other countries use to deliver universal health care.

The Beveridge Model

This is the other system that provides what people think of as free healthcare. Like in the National Health Insurance model, the government uses taxation to pay for health care. Unlike the National Health Insurance or Bismarck models, most medical facilities are owned and run by the government. The most famous Beveridge health care system is the NHS in the UK, which was designed by William Beveridge himself. New Zealand, Cuba, Hong Kong and Spain are also among the many countries that use this system.

Public health care does not mean perfect health care. In some countries with government-funded health care, the majority of citizens purchase supplemental medical insurance to get faster, higher-quality care from private providers.

Source: https://globalresidenceindex. com/hnwi-index/health-index/

Where Can You Find Free Healthcare?

Only one country offers healthcare that is free for everyone: Brazil. The constitution defines healthcare as a universal right. Anyone in the country, even short-term visitors, can get health care for free.

According to Hudson’s Global Residence Index, all but 43 countries in the world offer free or universal healthcare to at least 90% of citizens. However, the standards among these countries can vary widely. The list includes Norway, one of the healthiest countries in the world and the first country in the world to introduce free healthcare in 1912. But it also includes the Central African Republic, which has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world and very few health care providers.

List of Countries With Universal Health Care Systems

The countries listed below have universal healthcare, defined as providing nearly 100% of citizens or residents with health coverage in some form. In many of these countries, employers and individuals share in the cost of healthcare through contributions, cost-share arrangements, copays, and other related fees. However, the goal of these programs is to provide universal care, which makes healthcare as affordable and accessible as possible for the largest number of people.

Some of these countries also have systems in which the government rather than the patient pays the bills for certain care; in those cases, we have noted which elements of health care are free for patients.

• Albania: All citizens have a constitutional right to health insurance. However, due to a shortage of medical workers, there is an informal system of out-of-pocket payments for services.
• Algeria: The healthcare system uses a National Health Insurance model. Hospital care is free for residents. The CNAS insurance program for salaried workers and their families covers most of the population. Non-salaried workers are covered under CASNOS, while people who don’t work are covered under the National Unemployment Insurance Fund.
• Argentina: All citizens and residents of this country can get free healthcare at public facilities.
• Australia: The Medicare system runs on a National Health Insurance model. Medicare provides free hospital care for all Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents that are enrolled in the program.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in Australia
• Austria: Austria uses a Bismarck-style health care system to deliver universal health care. Health insurance is mandatory for anyone who will be in the country for more than six months.
• Bahrain: Previously this country used the Beveridge model, but they are currently shifting to a National Health Insurance model. Citizens will receive free insurance while expat residents will be required to pay for a portion of their insurance.
• Belgium: Another European country using the Bismarck model, Belgium has relatively high out-of-pocket costs for a European country.
• Bhutan: The country’s constitution requires free healthcare for all citizens. Tourists can also get free healthcare at some facilities. However, health care facilities are limited.
• Botswana: Hospital care, lab tests and medications are all free for citizens so long as they are done in a public facility.
• Brazil: Any citizen, resident or visitor is eligible to receive free healthcare through Brazil’s publicly funded healthcare system, Sistema Único de Saúde.
• Brunei: Healthcare here is free for citizens and permanent residents.
• Canada: When Americans think of free health care they often think of Canada. Canada uses a National Health Insurance model, and health care is run by the individual provinces and territories. All health care systems have to cover certain hospital care, lab tests and doctor visits. But beyond that, each province or territory differs significantly.
  Learn more: Canadian Health Care System
• China: There are three insurance programs that combined cover over 97% of citizens. Most services require copays.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in China
• Costa Rica: All citizens and residents must pay a premium to be part of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) insurance program. Healthcare is free at the point of service.
  Learn more: Understanding the Costa Rica Healthcare System
• Croatia: All residents must join the mandatory health insurance program and have small co-pays when they receive healthcare.
• Cuba: All citizens of this country receive free healthcare at government-run facilities.
• Cyprus: GeSY is the national health insurance program in Cyprus. Citizens and permanent residents can enroll. They receive a limited number of free primary care visits per year.
• Czechia: All eligible residents must purchase a health insurance plan. Patients pay a small fee at the point of service.
• Denmark: The government automatically enrolls all residents in the national health insurance program. Members of the program receive free healthcare.
• Finland: This country runs on a unique Beveridge model, in which most health care is provided by the municipality. All permanent residents, whether or not they are citizens, may enroll in the Finnish health care system.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in Finland
• France: Citizens and people residing in France for more than three months must sign up for the French healthcare system. Most services require limited patient copays.
  Learn more: French Healthcare System
• Germany: The originator of the Bismarck healthcare model, Germany requires all residents to purchase a non-profit “sickness fund,” which is a type of health insurance.
  Learn more: German Healthcare System – GKV
• Greece: Recently Greece moved from a Bismarck model to a National Health Insurance model of healthcare system. However, Greek residents still report significant out-of-pocket costs.
• Hong Kong: This special administrative region of China has a public system in the Beveridge model, as well as a robust private system. Most health care in the public system requires copays.
• Iceland: Iceland’s healthcare system uses the Beveridge model. Patients who use the system must pay limited fees at the time of service.
• Israel: The 1995 National Health Insurance Law established universal healthcare in Israel. Patients have seen increasing copays for services.
• Italy: The SSN gives patients free primary care visits and hospital care. But specialist visits, tests and prescription medications in Italy require copays from all patients.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in Italy
• Japan: Anyone residing in Japan for more than three months must be enrolled in a health insurance program. The government assigns an insurance plan to a resident rather than residents choosing a program. All services require copays.
  Learn more: Japanese Healthcare System
• Kuwait: While Kuwait offers free health care for its citizens, the wait times are so long that many residents have to go to a private provider.
• Luxembourg: Luxembourg runs on a National Health Insurance model. The government pays some costs directly to the provider, but in many cases, patients must submit their bills for reimbursement. Patients also have some out-of-pocket costs.
• Macau: All citizens and residents of the country receive free healthcare if they have a valid ID.
• Malaysia: All citizens and legal residents must pay a small fee for healthcare services through the public system.
• Maldives: The national health insurance program provides free healthcare for all Maldivians.
• Mauritius: This small island offers free primary care for all residents.
• Morocco: While the country has universal public healthcare, many patients pay copays for services.
• The Netherlands: The Netherlands uses a Bismarck model of mandatory health insurance for all. Patients often have copays and deductibles that they must satisfy.
  Learn more: Healthcare in the Netherlands
• New Zealand: In this Beveridge-model system, Kiwis are required to pay copays for primary care physicians and medications. However, hospital care is free. In addition, if you are injured in an accident, your medical care is free whether you are a citizen, a resident or a tourist.
  Learn more: New Zealand’s Healthcare System
• Norway: All Norwegian taxpayers are part of the healthcare system, regardless of citizenship. Members of the healthcare system pay up to a maximum limit per year (roughly USD$200), at which point the government covers any other costs incurred.
• The Philippines: All Filipinos are automatically enrolled in the PhilHealth system, which reimburses them for health care costs. Expats can also pay to join the system.
  Learn more: Healthcare in the Philippines
• Portugal: The nationally run healthcare system, the SNS, requires copays at the point of service.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in Portugal
• Saudi Arabia: While Saudi citizens receive free healthcare, all expats must have private health insurance.
• Serbia: Because it requires participation in the national insurance system, this is a country with free healthcare at the point of service for citizens, permanent residents and even some temporarily residents
• Seychelles: Primary health care is free for all citizens.
• Singapore: Citizens and permanent residents have a mandatory medical savings plan and mandatory health insurance for catastrophic coverage. The government runs many health care facilities and also controls medication costs, which keeps out-of-pocket prices relatively low.
  Learn more: Understanding Singapore’s Healthcare System
• Slovenia: The national health insurance system here covers most costs, but residents and citizens have certain copays for care.
• South Korea: All residents must pay into the National Health Insurance System (with a few exceptions). The country automatically enrolls residents after six months in South Korea. Residents also have copays whenever they receive medical care, but the cost to the patient is relatively low.
• Spain: Spain’s Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) is a Beveridge system like the UK’s NHS that provides the country with free healthcare. Legal residents can register for the system. Members get free doctors’ visits. Most tests, services and procedures are done at no charge.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in Spain
• Sri Lanka: This is a country with free healthcare for all citizens through a government-run health system. However, due to current economic issues, the public health system lacks supplies and resources.
• Sweden: Like Spain, New Zealand and the U.K., Sweden has a Beveridge system with state-run healthcare. But it is not free at the point of service. Most patients must pay a fee at doctors’ visits, at the hospital, and for other care. If patients reach the maximum out-of-pocket cost for the year, they are exempt from copayments for the rest of the year.
  Learn more: Sweden’s Healthcare System
• Switzerland: Like Germany, Austria and other Bismarck-system countries, all Swiss residents are required to purchase health insurance. They have a choice of deductible and also have small copays for most services.
  Learn more: Understanding Switzerland’s Healthcare System
• Thailand: Three public health insurance programs combine to cover all Thai citizens. For citizens of Thailand, healthcare is free at point of service. Expats must carry private insurance.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Residents of Trinidad and Tobago receive free primary healthcare at government-run healthcare facilities. Specialist treatment and prescription medications may require a fee.
• Turkey: Through a national insurance model, Turkey provides healthcare for all citizens. Expats who have resided in Turkey for at least a year can join the national insurance program by paying a monthly premium.
• United Arab Emirates: Coverage for citizens differs depending on the emirate. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah provide insurance for all citizens. Dubai provides insurance coverage to citizens that are not part of a government health program. Abu Dhabi requires employers to provide health insurance for expat employees and their families; Dubai requires employers to provide insurance for expat employees, but the employees must purchase insurance for their dependents.
  Learn more: Understanding Dubai’s Healthcare System
• United Kingdom: The United Kingdom’s National Health Service is famous throughout the world for providing free healthcare to residents and citizens.
  Learn more: Healthcare System in the UK

Is Healthcare Ever Free for Foreigners or Visitors?

What does this mean for travelers and expats? Travelers must do ample research on their intended destinations and not make any assumptions. Just because a country offers free health care for its citizens doesn’t mean that travelers have any coverage at all. For instance, the healthcare system in Canada can be tremendously expensive for uninsured travelers and also for Canadian citizens who have returned from an extended time abroad and have yet to reapply for their free provincial health insurance card. On the other hand, a visit to a public hospital in Europe might cost a traveler nothing more than the promise to return the crutches loaned out as part of treatment for a sprained ankle.

Often, public hospitals have a mandate to never refuse emergency care or deny treatment on the basis of ability to pay. However, those same hospitals may have a broad interpretation of what “ability to pay” may mean. They can draw a fine line between what is a true emergency versus simply a very pressing and uncomfortable situation. Travelers should prepare themselves with knowledge and comprehensive insurance, in which case they will get a very pleasant surprise if they do not receive a treatment bill. Otherwise, travelers may have to cross their fingers and hope their credit card is accepted and their credit limit is high enough to pay for their care.

Best Global Medical Plans Based on the Country Where You Will Be Living

Our advice on the best global health insurance for international citizens or expatriates living in specific countries based on the top destination countries of people living abroad.

Related: Visitors Insurance Coverage

Private Global Health Insurance Plans

If you are considering living abroad, here are the most popular international health insurance providers. Start planning today by requesting a quote for a health insurance plan to cover you worldwide, no matter where you live or where you want to get your care.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
• Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Plan Details | View Brochure

 

 

IMG Global Medical Plan

• Four plan options and additional optional coverages
• Choice of the coverage area to reflect your geographical area of need
• Freedom to choose your health care provider wherever you are in the world

Plan Details | View Brochure

 

Quality and Affordability

Of note, on this list of the countries with the best healthcare systems and standards in the world, all countries offer free healthcare. The list includes countries such as Israel, Qatar, Singapore, France, and Australia. However, none of the countries on the list offer unlimited healthcare to travelers. Nor are any of those countries on this list the most affordable with regards to out-of-pocket health care costs. For travelers who are willing to accept the pros and cons of paying for health care as they go, they’re better off focusing on countries with very affordable healthcare, not countries with theoretical “free” healthcare.

Read: How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the USA and USA Health Care System

Free Healthcare in Unexpected Places

Last but not least, travelers can find excellent, affordable health care services in unexpected places all over the world. Public health campaigns may offer free influenza or tetanus vaccines to anyone and everyone who shows up for a community immunization day. International border crossings may have a health care bureau that offers free malaria testing and treatment. University-based student health clinics may also provide free sexual health services to anyone who requests them. You never know when you might stumble across an opportunity to enhance your health at no extra cost!

Also Read:

• Best International Medical Insurance Companies
• Comprehensive Global Medical Plans
• Expatriates Guide to International Health Plans
• Health Insurance When Working Abroad

Sources: The Commonwealth Fund, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and each nation’s healthcare system.

Written by Joe Cronin. Joe Cronin is the Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. He is an authority in the areas of global health and international insurance, with specific expertise in advising individuals and groups on international health insurance plans. Follow him @Joe_Cronin_Jr 

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Healthcare in the EU and elsewhere

The required medical treatment while staying temporarily in another EU country

When planning a trip to another European Union Member States it makes sense to think in advance about what you need to know, and what to take with you to reduce costs, which may be associated with an unexpected health disorder.

The most important help that must be in the wallet is the European Health Insurance Card. On this basis, the people insured by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund can receive the medical treatment during a temporary stay in another Member State and receive treatment on equal terms with the insured people living in that country. For this, the need for health care has to be incurred during the stay in the other country, and the need for health care must be medically justified. Whether the medical care is needed, will be decided by the doctor.

The European Health Insurance Card gives the right to the necessary medical care during a stay within the European Union and the European Economic Area and Switzerland. The required medical care is not free – the patient’s deductible expenses (visit, hospital charges, etc.) must be paid for according to the tariffs in the country of location.

Deductible expenses shall not be compensated for the patient. Also, the card does not cover the transport costs between countries. Therefore, we recommend on traveling to a foreign country also always take the travel insurance with the protection of the health risks. In the light of the above, the hospital should issue an invoice only for the deductible, which in turn can be submitted to the private insurance provider.

Also be sure to observe that for obtaining health care service, you turn to a state health care institution, and not to private doctors, since the EHIC is accepted only in the health care institutions belonging to the state system.

• More information about the european health insurance card can be found here.

The European Commission has created a manual for patient’s right to accessing healthcare in any EU/EEA country.

European Commission has created lists of frequently asked questions for good pateient information on cross-border healthcare for incoming patients and outgoing patients.

More information about healthcare in European Union can be found on the European Commission’s website.

Planned medical treatment abroad

Unlike the need for medical aid caused by an emergency need for treatment in a foreign country, planned treatment represents a situation where a person goes to another country in order seek treatment there. The application form is available on the website of the Health Insurance Fund, or in customer service offices. The first option is to apply for the permission of the Health Insurance Fund for covering the cost of treatment in a foreign medical institution (for the criteria of the permission see www.haigekassa.ee). The reimbursement is made in accordance with the rates of the state that provided the treatment. The Health Insurance Fund makes an inquiry to the state where you were treated, and according to information received, shall transfer the reimbursable amount to your bank account.

In the case of a positive decision, the Health Insurance Fund will issue a document confirming the assumption of the payment of the fee and pay the medical costs incurred from abroad.

Another possibility to receive planned medical treatment abroad is Under the European Union Directive on the free movement of patients. This means that the patient who is holding a referral to a medical specialist can choose from a health care institution or a doctor from any state system within the European Union, and after treatment to seek compensation from the Health Insurance Fund. An important difference between recourse to a medical specialist on the basis of a referral in Estonia and abroad lies in the fact that while abroad the entire medical treatment must be paid for by the patient first, and then upon returning home to apply for reimbursement of the cost from the Health Insurance Fund. It must be kept in mind that the Health Insurance Fund pays only for the health services that the patient would be entitled to receive at the expense of Health Insurance Fund also in Estonia. The reimbursement is not possible in case of health care services that are not provided in or recoverable in Estonia (e. g., dental care for adults) or the services medically not indicated for the person. If the price of the service received from abroad is higher than the price in our list of health care of the Health Insurance Fund, the patient must pay the difference in price themselves. Also, the patient has to pay for the visit, co-payment fees, and travel expenses.

For receiving the compensation, an application must be submitted, the form of which is available on the website of the Health Insurance Fund or in the customer service offices, as well as to provide original invoices of the treatment, payment records, referral of the medical specialist and the summary of the treatment protocol.

More informartion about  the treatment abroad can be found here.

Medicine in Europe – how to be treated at the expense of the state

Insurance medicine in Europe

One of the main conditions for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in most European countries is the purchase by the applicant of a medical insurance policy. This should not surprise you, since insurance medicine is common in European countries. It operates in all states of the European Union.

There are 4 categories of health insurance in Europe:

• additional
• replacement
• duplicate
• mandatory

The first three categories are voluntary, but all four can be private or public (social).

Each person pays for insurance independently from their personal budget. A number of states establish a contribution in the form of a certain amount, while in other countries citizens pay a percentage of their income.

The main advantage of insurance is that the policy opens the door to the best clinics (state and private) in Europe, while allowing you to significantly save on treatment costs. Health care delivery systems (and the percentage of free services provided) also differ significantly from country to country. However, in any case, having insurance, you receive the highest quality medical services, and pay much less for them (in some cases, you don’t pay at all).

Where is the best place to get treatment in Europe?

Germany

German clinics are considered to be the leaders and main innovators of European medicine. People from all over the world come here to improve their health (including in the most difficult cases). Medical insurance in Germany can pay for a heart transplant, joint replacement and other complicated surgeries.

The German healthcare system has a high percentage of private medical practices – about 45%. Any doctor who has the appropriate qualifications can open his office. The competition is also very high, so each clinic tries to keep the highest possible brand.

The best clinics in Germany with multidisciplinary treatment:

• Clinic St. Marty and Maria (Munich)
• University Clinic (Bochum)
• Academic Center (Dortmund)

9000 to the state, and about 10% of the state budget funds are allocated for healthcare. Such infusions have a positive impact on the quality of medical services. Doctors’ services are available to everyone who has a residence permit or British citizenship. The cost of services remains stable, as the state controls prices. Budget constraints reduce the likelihood that physicians will impose unnecessary drugs.

The best clinics of Great Britain with multidisciplinary treatment:

• Clinic College of London
• Clinic “Wellington” (London)
• HCA International Clinic (London)

Swedeneria

9000 Men live here on average up to 80 years, and women – up to 85 years. The secret is in advanced medical methods and environmental cleanliness. The cost of medical services is partly covered by the state, and partly paid by the residents of the country themselves – through insurance, which every holder of a residence permit or a Swiss passport must have.

The best clinics in Switzerland with multidisciplinary treatment:

• University Hospital (Zurich)
• Clinic Generale Beaulieu (Geneva)
• Clinic Genolier (Glinon).

Spain

In Spain, foreign citizens with a residence permit are entitled to free medical care, since medicine here is 85% state-owned. At the same time, the country is regularly included in the Top 5 European countries in terms of the level of medicine and the qualifications of doctors. Residence permit holders receive an individual medical card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual – TSI), which allows them to apply to state institutions. Patients pay 40-50% of the cost of medicines prescribed for admission after discharge from the hospital. Pensioners over 65 pay only 10% of the cost of medicines.

The best clinics of Spain with multidisciplinary treatment:

• General Profile Capalon Hospital “Kapio” (Barcelona)
• Hospital “Kostadel Salt” (Marbella)
• Clinic “Kuiron” (Madrid)

Austria

V. There are several options for health insurance in Austria:

• compulsory social
• voluntary social
• voluntary private

All citizens working in Austria, as well as pensioners, pay insurance premiums in the form of a percentage of wages. Children are insured together with their parents. You can voluntarily conclude an insurance contract with a private insurance company. This document will allow you to choose a clinic and a doctor. Non-working citizens can take out voluntary social or private insurance. Whichever option you choose, in any case, in Austria, you are guaranteed high-quality treatment using advanced technologies.

The best clinics in Austria with multidisciplinary treatment:

• Vienna private clinic
• Private clinic Leah (Graz)
• Evangelical Clinic (Vienna)

Portugal

The combination of the state healthcare system is valid here, in combination with insurance and private medicine. In most cases, residents of the country are entitled to 100% reimbursement of treatment costs, however, in some areas of medicine (diagnostics, dentistry, inpatient treatment, etc.), the state pays only 55-60% of the cost of services.

The best clinics of Portugal with multidisciplinary treatment:

• Hospital “Da Luz” (Lisbon)
• Lusíadas (Lisbon)
• hospital “Todos Santos” (Lisbon)

Greece

in this country in this country health care combines public and private principles. The majority of public clinics (about 80%) are concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki. Moreover, in terms of the quality of services, they are not inferior to German ones, and in terms of cost, they are much lower. There are state insurance companies in Greece, they fully cover the stay in the hospital, outpatient treatment.

The best clinics of Greece with multidisciplinary treatment:

• Medical Center “Interbalkan” (saloniki)
• University clinic “Achapa” (saloniki)
• Clinic of St. Luke (saloniki)

Life expectancy in Europe

– Portugal, Portugal

9?

Maintaining health and curing disease is a top priority for every person. European countries offer ample opportunities to use high-class medical services. However, people who experience health problems most often find it inconvenient to open a visa every time to travel to Europe for treatment. And if you need to go to the doctor urgently?..

Treatment in clinics in Germany, Switzerland or Austria may well become affordable for you. An effective and quick solution to the problem is obtaining a residence permit in one of the European countries under migration programs for investors. Apply for a residence permit in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Hungary for investments in the economy and get unlimited access to high-quality medicine. You will be able to move around the EU without visas and use the services of public and private clinics.

Our experts will help you find the most suitable way to obtain a residence permit. Call us or come to the office – we will offer you the easiest and shortest way to fulfill your dream of good health and longevity.

Prices for treatment in Germany, cost of treatment abroad (prices abroad, in Europe)

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The cost of medical treatment in Germany is the first question that a person who seeks help asks us. Some time ago, our company was one of the first to publish the cost of treatment abroad.

In connection with the transition of German clinics to a new system of financing and calculating the cost of treatment (and by 2009, almost all clinics in this country had switched to a new cost assessment system), we decided to publish approximate prices for only some medical services. This is due to the difficulty of accurately determining the price for a particular patient.

There is an opinion that the prices for treatment abroad, in Europe are very high, but the cost of diagnostics, rehabilitation and treatment in clinics in Germany according to the reviews of our patients who first tried to get adequate medical care in Russia, and according to experts, equaled the cost of treatment in clinics in Moscow and leading Russian clinics (back in 2009). Thus, the attractiveness of medical services abroad has increased, because along with the high quality of treatment, German medical standards have become more attractive in terms of price.

• Examples of checks with costs for diagnostics and treatment in Germany

Below in the tables we present the cost of services as of November 2014. If you did not find the necessary services in the list, call us or write to us .

Prices for the most requested organizational treatment services in Germany

The cost of some of the services presented for our regular patients may differ ( down ).

Country	Average life expectancy for men, years	Average life expectancy for women, years
Germany
Neurosurgery	– Helios Tsilshlyakht Clinic – University clinic of neurosurgery	– Switzerland, Switzerland, Vienna, Austria

Type of treatment organization service in Germany	Cost
Processing an initial request for treatment or diagnosis in Germany	free
Organization of travel to Germany	by agreement
Presentation of an invitation for treatment (diagnosis) in Germany	free
Consultative assistance in obtaining a visa, for visa (correct filling and selection of documents)	20 euro
Issuance of a visa for treatment in Germany without an appearance at the consulate, for a visa (you just hand over (or send) your passports to our office in Moscow and after a few days you pick up ready-made passports with visas (or receive them by mail)).	EUR 50 (additional EUR 35 visa fee and EUR 20 medical insurance)
Registration of a visa for treatment in Germany personal submission of the applicant, for a visa (You submit documents to the visa center yourself)	35 EUR visa fee and 20 EUR insurance
Services of written translation of medical text (extracts, research results, etc.) into Russian.	25 Euro A4 page (approximately 1800 characters)
Translation services, per hour	30 – 40 Euro
Transport services, per km	1.3 Euro
Transfer from Düsseldorf airport to hotel (or clinic in Dortmund)	60 euro
Transfer from Düsseldorf airport to hotel (or clinic in Düsseldorf)	30 euro
VIP meeting: meeting the patient and accompanying persons at the airport at the gangway (BMW 7 executive car), individual passport control, light food and drinks.	250 euro
VIP seeing off: seeing off the patient at the airport to the gangway (BMW 7 executive class car), individual check-in, passport control, use of the bar, light food and drinks in the boarding waiting area (separate VIP terminal)	290 euro
Legal services (Russian-speaking lawyer) or German-speaking with an interpreter	By agreement

Note : You might be surprised or put off by the low prices on some items. Especially those who were already interested in the cost of treatment abroad. Having a large number of patients, we managed to reduce the cost of organizational services and financial costs by optimizing logistics. For example, in some clinics we have full-time translators, and at Dusseldorf airport our minibus is constantly on duty, meeting several patients from flights from abroad. Our couriers take the material to Germany several times a month.

Low prices do not affect the quality of services and apply only to a few positions.

Prices of medical services – the cost of diagnosis or treatment in Germany

* The table is in the filling mode, if you did not find the cost of the necessary services, call or write to us.

Type of medical service in Germany	Cost
Correspondence consultation on the presented images (MRI, Angiography, X-ray, CT) in the field of neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedics.	Free (image evaluation by senior doctor)
Correspondence consultation on the presented images (MRI, Angiography, X-ray, CT) in the field of neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedics.	250 euros (image evaluation by professor)
Examination of biological material (if oncology is suspected), taken in the country of residence (glasses, blocks), urological referral (prostate cancer, bladder cancer)	950 euros including delivery to Germany
Examination of biological material (if oncology is suspected) taken in the country of residence (glasses, blocks), other oncological areas	1350 euro including delivery to Germany
Blood test (rare or special tests) taken in the country of residence	By agreement
Computed tomography (chest and neck)	625 euro
Computed tomography (abdomen)	610 euro
Surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities	6500 on both legs 5500 on one leg
Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET CT) with radioactive glucose	1900 euro
Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET CT) with choline, for prostate cancer (Not applicable from 1. 10.2015. The examination was replaced by a more informative one – PSMA PET CT)	2350 Euro
PSMA PET CT – positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET CT) with PSMA, for prostate cancer	2950 euro
Extended body diagnostics with whole body MRI and whole body vascular MRI (1-2 days)	3980 Euro
Whole body MRI (outside the diagnostic program)	1350 euro
Whole body vascular MRI (outside the diagnostic program)	1280 Euro
Head MRI	785 euro
Abdominal MRI	830 Euro
Extended body diagnostics without MRI (1 day)	1650 Euro
Prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer	3500 euro
Cancer diagnostics, including symptomatic treatment, implantation of a port for chemotherapy, blood transfusion, preparation for chemotherapy.	EUR 10,000
Chemotherapy, 1 course	1900 -3400 euros depending on medication
Radiation therapy, 35 sessions, including accommodation at the hotel at the clinic in Germany	EUR 16,800
Cardiac rehabilitation (after cardiac surgery (CABG, heart defects, etc.)	240 euros per day, for a rehabilitation course of at least 14 days
Neurological rehabilitation (after a stroke, brain injury, neurosurgery)	450 euros per day, for rehabilitation for at least 21 days
Orthopedic rehabilitation (post-joint replacement surgery, trauma, etc.)	250 euros per day, for a rehabilitation course of at least 14 days
General rehabilitation (chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, psychosomatic illnesses)	210 euros per day, for a rehabilitation course of at least 7 days
Coronary artery bypass surgery	EUR 24,000
TURP for prostate adenoma	EUR 12,500
Prostate Cancer Surgery with Da Vinci Robot	EUR 19,500 Special offer price: EUR 18,950
Transurethral bladder resection more about the cost of cancer treatment MP	7200 – 9100 Euro
Pituitary adenoma removal surgery	EUR 22,000
Gynecological outpatient examination (within the framework of the check-up program), including histological examination	1450 euro
Mammography	95 euro
X-ray	85 euro
Childbirth in Germany, normal, physiological	5500 euro
Coronary angiography and cardiac stenting, up to 3 stents	EUR 10,500
Cataract surgery	EUR 4,800
Extended eye examination	650 euro
Cardiac ultrasound (ECG echo)	160 euro
Extended neurological examination	750 euro

Note : As in many European countries, the cost of treatment (medical services) is regulated by German federal law and is fixed in a special catalog DRG (for inpatients) and GOÄ (for outpatient situations). The cost of laboratory and other studies of biological substances also has a fixed price, regardless of the clinic or the composition of the examinations.

German clinic pricing is influenced by objective and subjective factors.
Here are some of them:

• Federal state of Germany in which the clinic is located and local laws that allow clinics to set various kinds of extra charges or discounts;
• The status and fame of the clinic – university, city or private. At the same time, a difference in the price of treatment up to 10 thousand euros is possible;
• Diagnosis of a specific patient, actual time spent in a clinic in Germany (with inpatient treatment), comfort of the ward;
• Age, concomitant diseases and complications of the underlying disease that occurred during treatment;
• The presence of international departments in the clinic, which apply an extra charge for treatment from 20 to 50% of the cost;
• Type of medical care (professional or ordinary). With professorial service, an additional fee is charged from the professorial staff of the clinic, which increases the cost of treatment by another 20-30%. You can refuse professorial service, which in no way affects the quality of treatment;
• There are still a dozen factors that affect the cost of treatment in Germany. All these subtleties are familiar to the experts of the companies organizing medical care in Germany. Hundreds of cases are known when the price of treatment for patients traveling on their own was much higher than when booking a trip through medical organizing services.

Our company will find you a clinic in Germany that is not only of good quality, but also suitable for you at a price. More than 2200 clinics at your disposal . What you need to get into one of them is to call (495) 662 13 26 in Moscow.

More about our clinics, the cost of treatment abroad in Germany read here www. hospital24.ru

Dortmund

Medical Center Dortmund
Medizinisches Zentrum MedHaus GmbH Kampstrasse 45 44137 Dortmund Germany
E-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected] 05 9 Munich0005

Representative office in Munich
Felix-Kolping Str. 26 81732 Muenchen Germany
E-mail:
[email protected]

Moscow

Head office in Moscow
105318, Moscow, Tkatskaya st., 5/2, office 402 9023
[email protected]

Kazan

Representative Office in Kazan
Medical Center
E-mail:
[email protected]

Kyiv

Representation in Kyiv
st. Grushevsky 10. office 114, Kyiv, Republic of Ukraine
E-mail:
[email protected]

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how to become healthy and not pay too much

The transition of Russian medicine to paid rails, shocking prices in private capital clinics make Russians increasingly seek medical help from foreign specialists. About how to get treatment in Germany – our interview with the co-founder of the company “Alen Med Consult” Elena FEDOROV.

Elena Fedorova (left) and Alla Begelman organize treatment for citizens from the CIS countries in Germany

– Frau Elena, Germany is known for its best cars in the world. What can be said about medicine?

– According to the World Health Organization, Germans are among the top three longest-lived people in the world – 83.1 years. They are second only to the Japanese (83.7) and the Swiss, who live an average of three months longer. At the same time, the life expectancy of German women is 86 years! And this is the merit of medicine and public health. Which – judging by the results – are already ahead of the German auto industry.

Of course, the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition has not bypassed Germany, but it must be borne in mind that the Germans (especially those who are over 70 years old today) did not deny themselves both beer with schnapps and pork sausages, but many continue to smoke, as in the middle of the last century. But they live happily ever after! Because many diseases can be identified in time and treated in the most effective way.

– What are the components of this efficiency in brief?

– The analogy with cars is appropriate here. German medicine has the best “engineering” in the world – medical and diagnostic equipment, equipment, consumables, tools – from high-tech beds and scalpels to MRI complexes. And all this is created in Germany, which is the global trendsetter in medical technology.

– Let me note that now high-tech medical centers with the latest equipment are opening in Russia…

– Very good! But not even the smartest tomograph or X-ray machine can prescribe treatment for a particular patient. This is done by the doctor. And the qualifications of the German Aesculapius are beyond competition. Often these are representatives of medical dynasties in the third and more generations. They not only treat, but also engage in scientific research, constantly improve their skills, and are aware of the latest world trends. As a rule, a doctor in Germany knows English very well and reads professional press from the USA and England, participates in international conferences.

However, it is important to note that German medicine is generally conservative. No risky experiments, innovations that have not been fully tested will be offered to you. In general, I would say that medicine in Germany is the most HONEST.

It is known from experience that treatment will only be offered to a patient if the doctors confirm that the situation can be improved.

In some cases, German clinics and doctors refuse to provide medical services if this is due to the individual situation and the treatment will not bring any changes.

In other words, you will be honestly asked not to waste money and time on something that cannot be fixed. There will be no charlatanism under the guise of “care for the sick”, or banal pumping of money out of the patient. I think those who have come across commercial clinics in different countries (including Russia) will appreciate this advantage.

Finally, it is important to understand that German medicine is open to foreigners. There are enough doctors and nurses, places in hospitals and sanatoriums for both our own and visitors. Appropriate infrastructure and services have been created for the treatment of foreigners, including Russians.

– Is your company part of this infrastructure?

– Yes, of course. At the same time, we are not on the periphery, but in the “medical capital of Europe” – Munich. In this main Bavarian city, in addition to numerous general clinics, there are two university clinics, a cardio center, where Yeltsin’s heart was operated on. They perform valve replacements and heart transplants. The University Hospital has a European Cancer Research Center where the latest cancer treatment technologies are introduced.

The Munich University Hospital is truly an example of medical progress in Germany and traditionally occupies a leading position in terms of the number of treated patients from Russia and the CIS countries.

All the hospitals we work with cooperate with universities and participate in programs for new methods of treatment for a wide range of diseases. Well, since Bavaria is the Alpine Republic, it is here that the highest level of orthopedics, the treatment of various injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In the Shen clinic, for example, Andron Konchalovsky was treated. In addition to the spine, limbs, joint replacement, they, roughly speaking, sew on arms and legs!

Another important industry is mental illness and deviance. Child psychology and psychiatry are developed in Munich. Patients come here from all over the world. And they get results.

Well, if we do not find the necessary specialists in Bavaria, then we send our clients to almost any region of Germany, as well as to Switzerland and Austria, where the level of development of medicine, sanatorium and spa treatment is no worse.

– Why do we need intermediaries between patients and doctors today? Still, it’s simple: I found the clinic’s website on the Internet, and then negotiate it yourself! Moreover, many German clinics have translators. ..

– Of course, you can negotiate with the clinics yourself. But keep in mind that medical consulting is fundamentally different from the services of travel agencies. It is one thing to book a hotel on Booking and quite another to choose the right clinic and the right doctors for your disease.

You are left face to face with a specific environment that you will have to study, compare, look for some kind of objective assessments, delve into non-obvious details, etc. At the same time, the final bill for treatment will be exactly the same as if you used our services as an intermediary. Because it is almost impossible to get a discount when you first contact the clinic (there is no oriental bazaar there!).

In addition, you will not know exactly which clinics best treat your particular disease, where recognized “luminaries” work in a particular field of medicine. And we know. And we are ready to guide you along the shortest and most effective path.

– For example?

– For example, I can advise and refer dental treatment to a unique dentist who orders crowns in only one Swedish town, from one master. Reliability guarantee – 100 percent! Checked! And you won’t find it on the internet. Such masters do not need advertising and are loaded for years to come…

And there are also a lot of legal subtleties that should be taken into account when drawing up a contract with the clinic.

There is also a whole range of questions after discharge. We organize the delivery of medicines needed for the patient, as well as consultations of doctors on the Internet. And of course, we solve transport issues, up to the most complex ones, visa problems and so on.

If we formulate all our services in one sentence, then I would say that the main thing is an individual approach to each client.

– All this is good… But in the opinion of Russians, treatment in Germany is available only to the richest people. Need hundreds of thousands of euros?

– Here, many people judge by analogy with super-expensive American medicine. Or through publications about raising funds in favor of people suffering from rare and extremely expensive diseases to treat. There the bill goes to hundreds of thousands of euros. But, fortunately, such patients are less than one tenth of a percent!

Most ailments in German clinics are treated within four or five figures. For example, crushing kidney stones costs between 3,000 and 5,000 euros and takes two days. Replacement of a heart valve – around 30 thousand euros (the price includes treatment in a hospital for 28 days), treatment of prostate cancer with the help of nanoknife technology – 18-25 thousand euros … Of course, in each case everything is strict individually. But, as you can see, there are usually no “millions”. Even very complex operations fit into the price of medium-sized cars, which Russians buy two to three million units a year. And if a person with an average income is faced with a choice – to replace a heart valve or change an old car for a new one, then what decision should he make? .. And why shouldn’t he be treated in Germany – with excellent diagnostics, the best doctors, the most advanced medicines? And you will lie not in a general ward, not in a corridor (like my friend in the USA), but in an excellent single ward with all amenities.

A single apartment in a hospital is not much different from a room in a high class hotel.

A typical double ward in a German clinic. Single-seat options are also available

In the end, the miser pays twice, and often life itself becomes the price. Don’t you see the results of “free” treatment in Russia? This is when people suffer for years, consume expensive medicines every day, go to doctors and clinics, and there is no use!! It means that they are being treated incorrectly…

– And yet, how to really save on treatment?

– In any case, we provide clients with various payment options – from the most expensive in luxury clinics to very democratic ones (of course, without compromising the quality of treatment).

But the most effective way to save on health is TIMELY DIAGNOSIS.

In German clinics, a complete examination of the body costs from a thousand euros and more. And if you seriously care about your health, then you need to do a diagnosis every two years after 40 years.

Many Russians who travel to Western Europe and Germany for leisure and business have already become regular customers of German clinics. Having spent only one day (two in difficult cases), they receive a complete “map” of their body with recommendations from the best specialists. Over the years, you develop a history by which it is easy to trace the transformation of your health and condition. Proper and timely prevention of diseases and gives the greatest SAVINGS on health.

– Excuse me, but do you follow such advice yourself?

– Absolutely! Thanks to regular diagnostics, I know about my health – everything. And I’m not afraid of cancer, or death from a heart attack or stroke. Because I know how to resist these misfortunes. Which is what I wish for everyone.

– What other advantages are there in treatment (or examination) in Germany?

– Treatment in Germany and especially in its most picturesque part of Bavaria for many foreigners is often combined with relaxation, excursions, entertainment, which are many in this country and for every taste. You should not think that only hopelessly ill patients, who have been abandoned by Russian medicine, should go to doctors. Nothing like this! Here they are ready to accept even the most healthy people – so that they do not become sick in the future.

– Where to start?

– To get started, go to the website of our company . There are all contacts and ways of communication. Everyone can get a free consultation by phone, skype, whatsapp. My partner Alla Begelman and I are always happy to help people! Believe that there is no greater satisfaction when you see how a sick person gets rid of ailments. And we are proud that we were able to REALLY help hundreds of patients – from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan…

Treatment in Germany without intermediaries

Treatment in Germany is one of the most sought-after areas for treatment abroad. The geography of those who come to Germany is wide – patients from the CIS countries, Arab countries, neighboring European countries (for example, Holland) and now even patients from China come here to take advantage of the achievements of German medicine. Of course, these data are confirmation that the achievements and quality of German medicine are recognized throughout the world. Both adults and children come to Germany for treatment.

Some data on the number and geography of people coming for treatment:

Location	Number of patients/year
Russia and CIS	15.000
Qatar	1.000
Saudi Arabia	10.000
Others (Europe, UAE, USA, etc. including spa treatment)	220.000

Treatment in Germany has the following main advantages:

1. First of all, we can mention the high qualification of specialists. Of course, this factor ultimately plays a decisive role in the success of treatment. German specialists receive an excellent medical education, constantly improve their medical skills and have access to the most modern equipment. It is the gigantic cumulative knowledge, the latest equipment and treatment protocols that allow doctors in Germany to achieve such impressive results.
2. The second factor that we have already mentioned is the latest generation of medical equipment and the latest treatment protocols. German medicine is one of the world leaders in research, the German pharmacological industry is constantly improving medicines and creating new ones. Germany also produces an almost complete range of diagnostic and treatment equipment. Hospitals have strict standards regarding the required level of equipment and the application of treatments. So it is not at all surprising that the inhabitants of Germany with this level of medicine have an average life expectancy of 81 years. For comparison, the same official figure in Russia is 70.5 years, in Ukraine 71.3 years, in Kazakhstan 70.2 years.
3. The quality of care and rehabilitation is of course also a very important factor in the choice of many patients for treatment in Germany. In German clinics, great attention is paid to ensuring that patients feel comfortable and can focus entirely on their recovery. As for rehabilitation, it takes a long time after almost any surgical intervention, specialists practice an individual approach that allows you to achieve impressive results.
4. And finally, we can note the price / quality ratio, which, when treated in German clinics, is the best among all countries where Russians and residents of the CIS traditionally go for treatment. The price is affordable, easy to predict and includes almost everything a patient may need before, during and after treatment. More on the DRG system below.

Cancer treatment in Germany

We devoted a separate section to this topic on the site, but it is worth touching on it within the framework of this article. Why? Because about 70% of patients traveling abroad for treatment from the CIS countries go precisely to treat oncological diseases. It is in the treatment of cancer, more than in the treatment of any other disease, that the benefits of medicine are felt

Germany – new effective medicines, the use of such equipment as PET-CT, linear accelerators, CyberKnife and GammaKnife, iMRT, the Da Vinci robot, brachytherapy, as well as the use of the latest methods of treating cancer.

The most frequently visited patients with the following cancers:

• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Prostate (prostate) cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Cancer of the breast (mammary gland)
• Uterine cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Various tumors of the brain and spinal cord
• Blood cancer (leukemia)
• Bladder cancer
• Skin cancer

Of course, the list is far from complete. But it quite accurately reflects the main diagnoses that patients from abroad apply for. It is regrettable to note that many of the cancer patients are children. For the treatment of childhood oncological diseases, there are special departments staffed by highly specialized doctors who deal only with pediatric oncology.

It is important to note that German doctors only accept foreign patients for treatment if they believe they can really help. Therefore, in some cases, German oncology centers are forced to refuse patients whose disease was too advanced. But many still receive a coveted invitation, having received a real chance for salvation.

Testimonials – our patients about us

Read more testimonials on our website and TrustPilot.com!

Treatment in Germany without intermediaries

Some people, out of misguided motives, try to avoid the involvement of intermediaries in the organization of treatment. Yes, of course – you can avoid the participation of an intermediary upon arrival, but very soon it will become clear that this is a mistake and will result in difficulties during your stay and the wrong choice of doctors and clinics. Also, often patients believe that the participation of intermediaries increases the cost of treatment – but this is not at all the case. Most often, the total amount of expenses upon arrival for treatment in Germany with the help of an intermediary company is significantly reduced. We discussed this issue in more detail in a separate article, but here we will only limit ourselves to the fact that an experienced, conscientious and reputable intermediary firm is the key to effective and successful treatment. You can read about the scheme of interaction with us here.

Treatment in Germany – prices

Pricing in Germany is based on the DRG system, in which the cost of treatment is based on risk group, disease stage and comorbidities. Please note that the cost of treatment in Germany cannot be directly compared with countries that do not use DRG – because in other countries, such as Israel, for example, prices include a completely different, usually more reduced set of medical services. Therefore, the discharge price may differ significantly from the one declared at the beginning, which happens in Germany only in exceptional cases. The prices of medical services in Germany, as a rule, are lower than in Israel, and include more days of hospitalization, rehabilitation, the cost of the operation already includes the cost of examinations and much more. We will also consider all these nuances in a separate article.

Here are some prices for treatment:

For a more complete list of prices, please follow this link: prices for treatment in Germany.

German Clinics

We are proud of the relationships we have built with our partner clinics and medical centers over the past 20 years. We are known as true professionals in our field and we are proud of the reputation we have among German hospitals.

Leading medical centers in Berlin and other parts of Germany are among our partners:

Where to start?

Many people start by reading various forums about treatment and examination in Germany. Because the search for a clinic and the answer to the question of how to come to German clinics for treatment is an extremely responsible process, and patients try to find as much information as possible. But you should not trust what is written on various third-rate sites. As elsewhere, you need to trust only professionals, for example, a company like ours. Providing our patients with the highest level of medical care is our mission, and the established trusting professional relationships with hospitals and specialists help us to do this again and again. In order to get comprehensive information on how to come for treatment, start by contacting us in any way convenient for you. You can call the free phone number, German or Moscow. You can send us an email or chat. Next, we will continue to communicate by phone and in instant messengers (Whatsapp, Viber – as you wish). The first step is for us to obtain extracts from the patient’s medical history. Once we receive them, we will translate them into German and consult with leading specialists in the field to obtain information on the possibilities of examination and treatment, as well as on the cost. Then we pass this information on to you along with our recommendations and start coordinating an early arrival for treatment.

For more information, please contact us without delay.

Cancer treatment abroad | oncology abroad and in the Russian Federation

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Cancer treatment in Russia: close, almost free, but long and impersonal , which carry out the treatment of oncology. Among them are medical centers, dispensaries, research institutes. According to patients, the EMC Institute of Oncology in Moscow is considered the best. Specialists from Europe, Israel and the USA work on the basis of the Institute. In addition to budget, private clinics are open throughout the country. Despite such figures, there are not enough medical facilities. Like lacks and personnel , for 2018 – about 70% of geneticists, radiologists and physicists. Qualified doctors who have practiced abroad prefer countries with great prospects to Russia. A small number of oncologists does not allow meticulous study of the case of each patient. Lack of funding affects the technical equipment of hospitals. The Ministry of Health cannot introduce the latest developments everywhere, as it happens abroad. Financially limited, Russian medicine is struggling with various types of cancer. In addition to conservative oncology treatments, medical centers and hospitals in Russia perform complex, including unique, surgical operations using modern equipment. The treatment of oncological diseases in the Russian Federation is based on three pillars: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery . The methodology for choosing drugs for the treatment of cancer in Russia is universal, according to the general scheme. In the treatment of cancer abroad, a more diverse approach.

The cost of cancer treatment in Russia

The Russian Federation, at the constitutional level, provides citizens with the right to receive free healthcare services. Theoretically, 90,033 patients, including those with oncology, are serviced at the expense of the state. There is no free service for cancer treatment abroad. Patients in Russia are given a quota – a certain amount for high-tech medical care – which pays for the place and treatment of cancer in Russia, in a specific medical institution. It would seem that everything is simple. In practice, allocated funds are sorely lacking to cover the cost of procedures and medications . Due to poor funding, preference is given to cheaper, not always effective, medicines. Toward the end of the year, the quotas run out and the cost falls on the shoulders of the patient. The state budgets for health care as much as it is ready to provide, and not as much as is needed.

Working with oncological diseases includes many manipulations, including taking tests, performing ultrasound and other studies. At this stage, difficulties with “free” begin. Analyzes in Russia are done for a long time, for ultrasound, MRI, CT and PET-CT there are many months of queues. Acceleration of the examination – carrying out the same manipulations on a paid basis. The whole treatment process in Russia does not provide for an individual approach, which cannot be said about cancer treatment abroad.

Cancer treatment abroad

Most often, patients choose Switzerland, Israel, Germany, USA for oncology treatment abroad. These countries have achieved the best results in the fight against cancer. Treatment abroad is financially expensive, but has a number of advantages.

US: high tech, far, very expensive

The US government invests heavily in research, technology, and the healthcare system as a whole. Financing the Institute of Medicine is one of the priorities. Most of the breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer happen in the states. This explains the equipment of local clinics with the latest technology. The oldest is the Memorial Cancer Center. Sloan-Kettering (MSKCC). The infrastructure of the clinic includes polyclinics, many laboratories, departments, and a research institute. In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, MSKCC pays great attention to the psychological and physical rehabilitation of clients.

The cost of cancer treatment in the USA

Modern equipment, highly qualified doctors make medical care in America one of the most expensive in the world. US scientists have made many discoveries in the field of cancer treatment. What is the universal drug approved in 2018 for the treatment of all types of cancer . The medicine is suitable for everyone, only the cost of the annual course will be about 400 thousand dollars. Not only patients abroad, many Americans cannot afford it.

Medical visa will be required for cancer treatment in US clinics. In the case of correct submission of documents, there is no 100% guarantee that a foreigner will receive permission to enter the United States. In addition, an expensive long-term flight can adversely affect the health of a person with cancer.

Europe: civilized, professional, expensive

The way to Switzerland or Germany is less tiring. The clinics of these countries, such as Asklepios Barmbek, Nordwest, Generale Beaulieu, Genolier, are on the list of the best medical centers in the world, and in terms of technical equipment and professionalism of doctors, in the treatment of cancer they are not inferior to their counterparts in the United States. In the list of services of these European clinics, you can find proton and targeted therapy, the latest developments in radiotherapy: cyber and gamma knife . Germany offers any methods and methods of treatment, in case of signing a special agreement, in which the patient takes responsibility for the results.

A Schengen visa is required for cancer treatment abroad in Swiss or German clinics. The process of obtaining a Schengen is much easier. To undergo therapy in Germany, you can apply for a visitor visa within a few days. This will be justified if the treatment takes less than three months. In case of complications, the patient will be issued a national German visa.

The cost of cancer treatment in Switzerland and Germany

European clinics benefit from lower rates for medical services. Therapy in Germany will be 2-3 times cheaper than the American one. Clinics in Switzerland, like everything in this country, will be significantly more expensive. To be able to visit a clinic in Switzerland, you will have to additionally provide documents confirming partial or full payment for future medical services .

South Korea: cultural, inexpensive, stereotyped

Residents of the Far East of Russia have heard a lot about Korean medicine. About 20 years ago, the Korean authorities carried out a reorganization in healthcare and the system of training doctors. Today, the level of training at medical universities in the southern part of the peninsula can be compared with the quality of education in the USA and Europe . Physicians train, studying methods of treatment abroad. The offices and laboratories of local clinics are equipped with everything necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The most famous Samsung center in Seoul.

Part of the equipment is made in Korea, the rest of the country buys abroad. In the early 2000s, the government granted permission to leading medical centers to serve foreign citizens. Russians and Ukrainians began to visit Korea because of the availability of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography, and the professionalism of Korean specialists in deciphering PET CT results. Work with cancer patients in Korea is limited to three pillars: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery . The same methods are presented in Russia. The difference is in a more comfortable stay, rehabilitation and high-quality diagnostics. The government completely controls medicine, but there is no medical liability insurance.

The Russian language in Korea has been identified with communist ideology for half a century. Today, Russian is still exotic. Knowledge of English in the treatment of cancer abroad is also unlikely to help. Spoken English does not include narrow terminology. Communication carried out through staff translator . Food should also be discussed in advance, Korean cuisine is very spicy.

The cost of cancer treatment in South Korea

A short presence in the international medical services market makes Korea very popular among foreign citizens from a financial point of view. The cost of diagnosing and treating cancer here is lower than in European clinics .

Israel: innovative, reliable, technological, not free

Oncology treatment in Israel is carried out on the basis of state and non-state medical centers. In this country there is no colossal difference between the first and second, as in Russia. Private complexes make up for the shortcomings of public medicine. The hospital does not give the patient the right to choose a doctor for cancer treatment. This service will be provided in a private clinic, as well as the opportunity to stay in an individual room. Among the leading clinics in Israel are the Sourasky Hospital and the largest private medical complex – Assuta. The attractiveness of such a center is special approach to work . Decisions on the choice of therapy option, the appointment of manipulations are not made by the doctor alone. Each case is considered by a panel of narrow specialists. Minimally invasive surgeries that require minimal intervention in the functioning of the body have been perfected.

The advantage of cancer treatment in Israel is the availability of all possible methods of cancer treatment used in the world :

• about 100 chemotherapy drugs
• radiation therapy on the latest linear accelerator Novalis TrueBeam STX
• minimally invasive operations, including the use of the Da Vinci robotic surgeon
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy

Israeli medicine has long been recognized as one of the best. Due to the constant and continuous training of doctors in Israel and the application of a multidisciplinary approach to each patient, an individual treatment is selected – here they treat a person, not a disease . The result is one of the highest 5-year cancer survival rates in the world – up to 94% if detected early. There is a systematic and strict adherence to protocols in the treatment of cancer. Doctors adequately respond to comments and listen to the advice of not only colleagues, but the entire medical staff. This approach eliminates the human factor. Comprehensive control reduces the possibility of medical errors in the treatment of oncology. Israeli doctors participate in exchange programs with Western colleagues, get acquainted with the latest methods of cancer treatment abroad. Advanced training, internships in the best foreign clinics and cutting-edge equipment for the treatment of oncological diseases allow Israeli medicine to maintain its leading position. Another advantage of cancer treatment in Israel is agreement on visa-free entry for a number of countries . Of great importance is the large percentage of the Russian-speaking population in Tel Aviv and other cities of the country. Time is of the essence in cancer treatment. Knowledge of the language simplifies the contact between the patient and the doctor, reproaching the choice of the most appropriate strategy.

Israeli telemedicine services

Unfortunately, not all patients requiring complex treatment can travel abroad. In some cases, they are physically unable to endure a long journey, in others, quarantine restrictions due to the pandemic interfere. Therefore, Israeli clinics are increasingly offering patients to use telemedicine services. It represents the receipt of advice or recommendations via video communication (Skype, zoom, other types of communication). The advantage of telemedicine, in addition to the fact that consultation can be obtained from anywhere in the world, is its price. Consulting services will cost less than a personal meeting within the walls of the clinic. And if you consider that the patient does not spend money on flights and accommodation, then the savings are very significant.

What does a patient get during a video consultation?

Israeli doctor’s expert opinion on the results of his tests and diagnosis (second opinion).

Recommendations for the choice of methods of treatment and drugs. This is especially important in cases where the patient is not sure that his doctor at home is competent enough.

Tailor-made treatment plan.

To get a video consultation, just leave a request on the website, and an employee of the department for working with foreign patients will call you back, give detailed information

The cost of cancer treatment in Israel

It is not without reason that patients prefer cancer treatment in Israel. Many years of practice, coupled with the lowest average cost of services among foreign clinics , gives him the right to remain a country with demanded medicine. Citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine have been granted visa-free visits to Israeli clinics. Fighting cancer is a huge expense. When every dollar counts, every opportunity to save is important. A visa will be required only in case of exceeding 90 day stay.

What to choose – cancer treatment abroad or in your own country – the patient and his relatives should decide for themselves after carefully weighing all the pros and cons. Whether it is oncology treatment in Israel, Russia or the USA, it is important to remember that on one side of the scale is human life .

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Top 3 most affordable countries for cancer treatment

0346 General practitioner, Medical expert, Head of the department of medical assistance.

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According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, more than 18 million cases of cancer and 9 million deaths from it are registered annually in the world. The top five most common cancers include lung, breast, colon, prostate, and stomach cancers. About 70% of all deaths occur in countries with low and medium levels of economic development.

Treatment of malignant tumors is a costly process. For most patients, the fight against the tumor takes a lot of time and money. Cancer therapy in Israel or Germany is considered the most effective. However, not everyone has the opportunity to travel here… Do patients have an alternative to “expensive” countries? Where is oncology treatment available and of high quality abroad? The answers to these questions were prepared by experts from the MediGlobus medical platform. To your attention, the three cheapest countries for cancer treatment abroad.

First place – India

The leader of our ranking is India. Every year about 500,000 foreigners come here for treatment. This country offers the most optimal ratio of price and quality of care for cancer patients. The cost of medical services in Indian hospitals is 70% lower than in similar clinics in Europe.

Everything you need to successfully fight cancer is here. Leading medical institutions in India have advanced equipment for the diagnosis of tumors – PET-CT and MRI 3 Tesla. Da Vinci Robotic Surgery and Trubeam Radiation Therapy are available to patients at these hospitals.

Oncology treatment in Indian hospitals is carried out according to international protocols. An interdisciplinary team of doctors is working on making a diagnosis and drawing up a plan for oncotherapy. For the treatment of malignant pathologies, they use:

Such institutions as Manipal Clinic, BLK Hospital and Apollo Medical Center are considered popular among foreign patients.

Many clinics in India cooperate with prestigious cancer centers in America. For example, Manipal Hospital has a partnership with the University of Minnesota. This allows you to keep abreast of innovations in the field of bone marrow transplantation and the treatment of blood cancer. Manipal Hospital uses IBM Watson artificial intelligence system. It has become a worldwide breakthrough in the fight against various oncopathologies. With the help of this technology, more than 15 million pages of medical data are processed and the optimal solution is found for each patient.

Oncology is considered a priority area of ​​the BLK clinic. The BLK Hospital has a Cancer Council and the leading Cancer Treatment Center in the country. Dr. Surendez Dabas practices here is an expert in the field of robotic surgery for head and neck tumors. He holds the position of head of the Cancer Center. Dr. Dabas has more than 20 years of experience.

Apollo clinics are in high demand among foreign patients. Proton Cancer Treatment Center operates on the basis of the medical facility. Innovative technologies are available in Apollo – CyberKnife, Novalis, TrueBeam and Da Vinci Robot. The use of these settings reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and speeds up the process of recovery of the body.

Apollo employs the country’s leading oncosurgeon – Dr. Ajit Pai . He performs minimally invasive interventions for the treatment of oncogynecological diseases and malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The doctor’s area of ​​interest includes robotic operations. 9% Oncological check-up dated $ 900 from $ 2.000 cheaper than 55%

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second position-Turkey. Oncotherapy is one of the key areas of medicine in this country. The technical equipment of Turkish clinics is in no way inferior to the popular medical centers in Europe and America. 46 hospitals in Turkey are accredited by the Joint Commission International. For comparison, there are no more than 10 such institutions in Germany.

For the fight against cancer, foreign patients prefer institutions such as:

Memorial Clinics;

Koch University Hospital;

Hisar clinic;

Medistate Hospital;

Fortis Medical Center.

Top oncologists, radiologists, oncosurgeons, chemotherapists, hematologists and other cancer specialists work in Turkey. Among the well-known doctors who save the lives of not only residents of the country, but also foreign citizens.

Professor Serkan Keskin	Clinical oncologist at Sisli Memorial Hospital. He holds the position of head of the oncology department. The doctor’s area of ​​interest includes immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Serkan Kiskin has over 18 years of experience.
Professor Betul Tawil	Hematologist at the Medistate Clinic. She specializes in the treatment of malignant blood diseases in children. Betul Tawil has over 22 years of experience.
Dr. Veysel Shal	Expert in gynecological oncology. He has been practicing for over 25 years. The doctor treats malignant tumors of the ovaries, cancer of the cervix and body of the uterus.
Professor Leven Oguzkurt	Leading radiologist at Koch University Hospital. More than 20 years of experience in the field of interventional radiology.
Professor Erhun Eyuboglu	Oncosurgeon of the Memorial Bahçelievler clinic. He specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer of the stomach, pancreas and colon. Practicing for over 38 years.

Patients of Turkish medical centers have access to anti-cancer drugs that are used in European and American hospitals. They have passed the effectiveness control and are included in the international cancer treatment protocols. Da Vinci robotic systems are installed in the hospitals of this country. Thanks to robot assistants, doctors remove tumors through incisions up to 2 cm. For radiotherapy, devices are used that affect the tumor with millimeter accuracy and do not harm healthy tissues.

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Survival rates for cancer patients in Korean hospitals are high. According to a report from the National Cancer Information Center, more than 70% of cancer patients overcome the 5-year survival threshold. This is the result of the efforts of the Korean health system in the fight against cancer and the development of medical technology.

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Foreigners come to South Korea to fight such oncopathologies as:

lung cancer;

malignant tumors of the colon;

gastric oncology;

prostate cancer;

malignant neoplasms of the skin;

brain cancer.

Innovative diagnostic methods are available for patients at Korean medical centers, which can detect the development of a cancerous tumor at an early stage. These include PET-CT, genetic analysis and serological testing. The test results are usually ready for issuance the very next day after the diagnosis.

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The country’s leading oncology centers operate on the basis of the SAM, Anam and Sung Chong Hyang clinics. It has everything you need for the treatment of oncology. For example, Anam Hospital Cancer Center has launched the Halcyon 2.0 cancer radiotherapy system for the first time in Asia. Thanks to this setup, it is possible to accurately visualize and irradiate the tumor without damaging healthy tissue.

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Cancer centers and departments of major medical centers in Korea are actively promoting and managing programs for psychological support and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. The cost of treatment in the country’s hospitals is at least 30% lower than in clinics in Western Europe.

The cheapest cancer treatments are in India, Turkey and South Korea. Low prices for medical services in these countries are associated with the level of economic development, and not the quality of patient care.

For the treatment of oncology, foreigners choose the leading clinics in India – Manipal, Apollo and BLK. The cost of care for cancer patients in Indian hospitals is 70% lower than in European ones.

Oncology in Turkey is one of the most promising areas of medicine. Memorial Clinics, Koç University Hospital, Hisar Clinic and Medistate Hospital are the best choice for foreign cancer patients.

In South Korea, leading oncology centers and departments operate on the basis of SAM, Anam and Sung Chong Hyang medical centers. The cost of treatment in hospitals in this country is 25% lower than in clinics in Western Europe.

To travel to India, Turkey or South Korea for cancer treatment, please contact MediGlobus coordinating doctors. Our specialists will select the best option for you and orient you at the cost of treatment. Leave a request on the site!

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OncologyRating from MediGlobus

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Dr.