Rain is a meteorological phenomenon that, at least in our country, and especially in the drier regions, is usually very welcome. However, Have you ever wondered which is the rainiest place in Spain? As strange as it may seem, it's not Galicia. It's true that most storms enter through there, but for precipitation to occur, a series of conditions must be met; and it's here that the topography, wind direction and intensity, and altitude determine the amount of water collected in an area.
So let us discover where is the place where you have to protect yourself with an umbrella, As minimum.
As we know, it doesn't rain with the same intensity or the same amount of rain in Madrid as it does in Murcia, for example. We live in a country with different orographies: we have mountain ranges, coasts, and central regions. Furthermore, not all the territory has the same month with abundant rains, as you can see in the image below.
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the rainiest place in Spain is the Sierra de Grazalema, in Cádiz. We tend to think, not without reason, that Andalusia is a region where the weather is always good, but the truth is that this region is not uniform in shape. The humid westerly wind favors the most suitable conditions for rain. This mountain range has an annual average of more than 2100 mm of water per year, with records exceeding 4000 mm in certain years. You can find more information about similar areas at places in Spain where it rains the most.
This is due to the geography of the Sierra de Grazalema, which acts as an orographic barrier that collects moisture from the winds coming from the Atlantic. This meteorological phenomenon not only benefits this area, but also extends to other nearby areas within the Grazalema Natural Park. To learn more about these parks, you can visit the page natural parks of Spain.
However, Galicia is not far behind. The Sierra de O CandánPontevedra also has impressive figures, reaching almost 4000 mm of precipitation in certain years, making it one of the wettest areas in the country. Furthermore, the Sierra de Gredos in the Central System has also recorded very high levels of precipitation, approaching 3000 mm annually.
- Cantabrian Mountains: With an average of 2000 mm per year, it is influenced by Atlantic winds.
- O Candán Mountains: In Pontevedra, it receives more than 2020 liters per square meter annually.
- Santiago de Compostela: With an average of 1859 mm of rainfall, it is one of the rainiest cities.
- Saint Sebastian: Although it is not the place where it rains the most, it is the city with the most rainy days per year, with a total of 187 days.
The rainiest cities in Spain are nothing like the coldest cities on the map. Spain has veritable "poles of cold," registering icy temperatures. We also have Molina de Aragón, considered the coldest town in Spain, but these areas, despite being wintery, don't appear on the rankings of rainiest cities in Spain.
So, which Spanish city gets the most rain? If we ignore the mountainous areas and ask ourselves: which city rains the most, there are two possible answers: Vigo, which collects more rain per year, about 1.800 liters per square meter, and San Sebastián, where it rains the most days a year. For more details on the rainiest cities, you can consult the rainiest cities in Spain.
There are other areas in Spain that deserve mention when we talk about high rainfall zones. For example:
- pontevedra, which records 1.651 mm of rainfall annually.
- Gredos Mountains, whose annual precipitation ranges between 1.000 and 1.500 mm.
- Villages of the High Pyrenees, where the Atlantic and Cantabrian winds ensure a very humid climate, even precipitating in the form of snow during the winters.
Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the amount of rain collected by the Sierra de Grazalema is more than four times what usually accumulates in a city like Madrid in a year (about 400 l/m²), and It has nothing to do with what has been accumulated in a year in Murcia (almost 300 l/m²) or in Almería (200 l/m²).
Considering that almost 3% of the country's territory is already considered an arid zone, a percentage that is increasing due to the impact of climate change and global warming on our country, these rain-filled corners of Spain are true "gems" for our ecosystem and biodiversity.
The high rainfall in these areas favors the development of a rich biodiversity. The Sierra de Grazalema, for example, is home to endemic species such as the fir. Abies Pinsapo, along with other species of great ecological value, such as holm oaks, cork oaks, gall oaks, and carob trees. This variety of flora not only provides a beautiful and diverse natural environment, but also acts as an ecological regulator, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
Furthermore, it's not only important to know where it rains the most in our country, but also to understand the reasons for this rainfall and how it impacts the environment, agriculture, and tourism. With more than 70% of Spain's rainfall concentrated in the north, there is a clear difference in climate between the north and south of the country.
Rainfall plays a crucial role in agriculture in areas with high rainfall. In regions like the Sierra de Grazalema, agriculture benefits from the humidity, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of agricultural products. This, in turn, contributes to the local economy through rural tourism and cuisine based on fresh ingredients.
Agricultural production in areas with high rainfall, such as Galicia, is vital, as crops such as corn, potatoes, and various vegetables depend on rainwater. The water is also used for livestock, and the biodiversity maintained by this rainfall promotes plant pollination and soil preservation.
Therefore, it is essential not only to care for these areas, but also to understand the challenges they face. Climate fluctuations, changing rainfall patterns, and the pressure of urbanization are just some of the threats that test the resilience of these vital ecosystems.
With the arrival of spring and autumn, rainfall is especially noticeable. The winter months, although cold, also bring with them increased rainfall, which in some cases can lead to flooding. It is crucial to be prepared for these types of events.
Knowing the areas with the most rainfall in Spain allows us to appreciate our country's climatic diversity and its impact on different regions and ecosystems. The Sierra de Grazalema and other areas are not only a haven for wildlife, but also for those seeking the beauty of nature and fresh air. These destinations offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, hiking trails, and much more.
Understanding rainfall in Spain helps the population adapt and coexist with this natural phenomenon, maintaining a balance between human development and the ecological environment. Rain, therefore, is much more than a simple meteorological phenomenon.
