Feb 25, 2026
The Costa Blanca is usually presented as a climatic paradise. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, mild winters, warm seas and no snow or endless grey skies. But if you look at this coast not through the eyes of a tourist, but through the eyes of someone who lives here all year round, the reality turns out to be more complex — and much more interesting.
The climate of the Costa Blanca can be beneficial to your health. However, it can also place considerable strain on the body, especially in summer and winter. It all depends on the season and how well we understand the environment in which we live.
The sun: an abundant resource... perhaps too abundant
Torrevieja and the south of the province of Alicante enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year, one of the highest figures in Spain. In summer, the length of the day reaches 14 hours, with between 10 and 13 hours of intense solar radiation.
From a physiological point of view, this is a powerful factor: sunlight regulates circadian rhythms, influences serotonin production, improves mood and stimulates vitamin D synthesis. It is no coincidence that many residents from northern Europe experience a noticeable increase in energy during their first few months here.
But there is another side to this reality.
In July and August, the average maximum daytime temperature in Torrevieja is around 29–30 °C. At night, it rarely drops below 23 °C. With relative humidity of 66–70%, the heat index easily exceeds 35 °C and, during heat waves, can approach 40 °C..
This is no longer simply 'pleasant warmth': it is thermal load.
Between 11:00 and 16:00, the ultraviolet index in summer usually reaches values of 7–9, considered high or very high. During these hours, direct exposure to the sun increases the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. For children, the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and patients with cardiovascular disease, this heat load is objectively dangerous.
Summer on the Costa Blanca requires discipline: walks before 10:30–11:00 in the morning or after 6:00 p.m., constant hydration, and adequate protection for the skin and head. Otherwise, the "therapeutic sun" can become a risk factor.
Humidity: neither tropical nor dry climate
The average relative humidity on the coast remains between 65 and 70 per cent practically all year round. In spring, it is around 65–66%, in summer it can reach 70%, and in autumn and winter it remains at similar values.
On paper, these figures seem moderate. However, the combination of high humidity and temperatures above 30 °C intensifies heat stress. The body cools down more slowly, sweat evaporates more slowly, and the cardiovascular system works harder.
In winter, the opposite occurs: high humidity with temperatures of 12–17 °C during the day and 6–9 °C at night creates a feeling of damp cold, especially in homes without central heating. And this type of housing is not uncommon in the area. Inside many houses, the winter temperature is between 15 and 18 °C, which can be uncomfortable for elderly people or those with joint and cardiovascular conditions.
Thus, humidity on the Costa Blanca is not a neutral factor: it amplifies both the summer heat and the winter chill.
Spring and autumn: climatic equilibrium
Most permanent residents agree that spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year on the Costa Blanca — and the data backs this up.
In spring, from March to May, average daytime temperatures range between 18 and 23 °C. In autumn, especially in September and October, they range between 20 and 24 °C, gradually decreasing as the season progresses. Humidity remains moderate, without the muggy feeling of summer.
During these months, the body functions within a comfortable range: there is no heat overload or cold stress, and solar radiation is still abundant but less aggressive than in the height of summer. People walk more, sleep better and increase their physical activity. For people with high blood pressure or joint problems, this period is usually particularly favourable.
Spring and autumn represent that "ideal Mediterranean climate" that tourist brochures talk about. It just doesn't last twelve months of the year.
Summer: pressure on the heart and vascular system
Over the last five years, south-eastern Spain has experienced several episodes of extreme heat. Although average summer temperatures are around 30 °C, on certain days temperatures far exceed this value, especially when there is little wind and high humidity.
Nights with temperatures of 23–25 °C prevent the body from cooling down properly. This increases fatigue, disrupts sleep quality and puts additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Heat stress is not an abstract concept: during heat waves in Spain, there is a real increase in medical consultations and complications, especially among people over 65 years of age.
Therefore, summer on the Costa Blanca is not simply "beach season", but a period that requires self-control and adaptation.
Allergies and Saharan dust: invisible factors
Spring brings with it the active pollination season. Grass and tree pollen causes exacerbations of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Added to this are episodes of haze, when dust from the Sahara reaches the Levantine coast.
During these episodes, the concentration of fine particles in the air increases. People with chronic respiratory diseases may experience worsening symptoms. Even healthy individuals may notice dry mucous membranes, eye irritation, and increased fatigue.
These are temporary phenomena, but relevant for sensitive groups.
Winter: mild outside, cool at home
Winter in Torrevieja is often considered "mild" compared to northern Europe. And indeed, daytime temperatures of 12–17 °C are pleasant..
However, the night-time lows of 6–9 °C and the lack of central heating in part of the residential stock change this perception. Inside homes, it can feel cold and damp. This affects the joints, increases feelings of fatigue and can lead to minor respiratory infections.
Winter here is not harsh, but it does require attention to thermal comfort within the home.
So, is the climate on the Costa Blanca healthy?
Yes, if we are talking about spring and autumn, moderate sun exposure and the possibility of maintaining an active lifestyle for much of the year.
And no, if you ignore the high summer temperatures, humidity, high ultraviolet index, Saharan dust and the peculiarities of the winter microclimate in homes.
The Costa Blanca is not a universal remedy or a constant test. It is a climate with well-defined seasons. It offers a powerful resource for the body, but it requires knowledge and adaptation.
Ultimately, health on the coast does not depend solely on the number of sunny days, but on the ability to live in tune with that sun.