Menorca is one of the most beautiful and peaceful islands in the Mediterranean, with a varied landscape and a rich culture. Are you interested in knowing what the weather is like and what activities you can do in each season?
November and January: cool and wet winter
Winter in Menorca is cool and humid, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 15°C. It is the rainiest time of the year, with about 9 days of precipitation per month. The wind can also blow strongly, especially on the north coast. The sea temperature is quite cold, around 15°C, so swimming is not recommended.
Although the rains are more frequent compared to the summer months, Menorca is still a warm haven. Cloudy days are ideal for strolling through the picturesque villages, discovering the island’s rich history in its monuments and enjoying the delicious local gastronomy in the cosy restaurants.
The days are shorter, but also clearer and sunnier, with a 60% chance of clear or partly cloudy skies. The landscape becomes greener and flowers start to bloom. In addition, there are fewer visitors and it’s quieter, allowing you to enjoy the island’s nature and culture without the crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in winter are:
- Follow the Camí de Cavalls, a path that runs along the entire island and allows you to discover its coves, cliffs, forests and lighthouses.
- Visit the megalithic monuments, such as the Naveta des Tudons, the Talayot de Trepucó or the Torre d'en Galmés, which are testimonies to the ancient civilisation that inhabited the island thousands of years ago.
- Enjoy Menorcan gastronomy, based on local products such as cheese, sobrassada, lamb and red Menorcan veal. Don't miss the ensaimadas, pastissets and coca bamba, typical Christmas sweets.
- Participate in the popular festivals, such as Sant Antoni, on 17th January, the patron saint of the island, where animals are blessed.
February and March: early and variable spring
Spring begins to arrive in Menorca in February and March, with a gradual increase in temperatures and daylight hours. Maximum temperatures can reach 16°C and minimum temperatures 8°C. Rain is still frequent, but less than in winter, with about 6 days of precipitation per month. The wind is also milder, although there may be a few days of tramontana, a cold, dry wind blowing from the north.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Menorca, as the island is full of colour and life. The fields are covered with wild flowers, such as poppies and daisies. The fruit trees also bloom and offer a visual and aromatic spectacle. The fauna is also active, and migratory birds such as storks, flamingos and herons can be seen.
Some of the activities you can do in spring are:
- Explore the Natural Park of s'Albufera des Grau, a protected area with a great diversity of ecosystems, such as lagoons, dunes, marshes and forests. It is an ideal place for bird watching and for hiking, cycling or kayaking.
- Discover the history and heritage of Menorca, visiting its towns, villages and museums. Don't miss the capital, Mahón, with its natural harbour, its old quarter and its Mola fortress. Nor should you miss the old capital, Ciutadella, with its cathedral, Episcopal palace and Sant Nicolau castle. And neither are the charming villages, such as Binibeca, Fornells or Es Mercadal.
- Taste Menorcan pastries, especially cremadilles, cakes filled with cream or angel hair, which are eaten during Carnival, or crespelletes, pastries made with cottage cheese and sugar, which are eaten at Easter.
- Enjoy the music and culture of Menorca, attending some of the events organised on the island, such as the Maó Music Festival, the Menorca Jazz Festival or the Ciutadella Theatre Festival.
April: full and pleasant spring
Welcome to the most spring-like month in Menorca, with a pleasant and stable climate. Temperatures rise to 20°C maximum and 12°C minimum. Rainfall is reduced to about 5 days per month, and the wind also calms down. The sea temperature starts to become warmer, around 16°C, and the sun shines for about 8 hours a day.
April is an ideal month to enjoy Menorca in all its splendour, as the island is at its greenest and most flowery, and tourism is not yet fully underway. It is the time to make the most of the beaches and coves and to practice water activities such as snorkelling, diving or sailing.
Algunas actividades que puedes hacer en abril son:
- Bathe in the beaches and coves of Menorca, which are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. There is something for everyone, from the widest and sandiest, such as Son Bou, Santo Tomás or Cala Galdana, to the smallest and rockiest, such as Macarella, Turqueta or Mitjana. There are also some nudist beaches, such as Binigaus, Cavalleria or Pregonda.
- Conocer la artesanía y la moda de Menorca, comprando algunos de sus productos típicos, como las abarcas, unas sandalias de cuero y goma, los sombreros de paja, las joyas de plata o las cerámicas. También puedes visitar algunos de los talleres y las tiendas donde se elaboran y se venden estos artículos, y aprender sobre sus técnicas y tradiciones.
- Savour Menor Menorcan cuisine, which combines the flavours of the sea and the land, with dishes such as lobster stew, local rice or stuffed aubergines. You can also try some of its liqueurs, such as gin, herbs, which are made from aromatic plants from the island and can be sweet or dry.
- Celebrate Easter in Minorca, which is of great religious and cultural importance. You can attend the processions and liturgical acts that take place in the churches and hermitages, and admire the images and steps that represent the passion and resurrection of Christ. You can also take part in popular traditions, such as the blessing of the branches or the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Toro.
Menorca, with its varied climate, offers unique experiences during winter and spring. Whether you prefer winter tranquillity or spring outdoor activities, the island always has something special to offer – come and discover it for yourself!