Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa Brava region of Catalonia features smooth, sandy beaches and a warm, sunny climate. During the summer months, Catalonia's coast experiences an average temperature of about 82 degrees F, and a cool sea breeze keeps the area from getting too hot or humid. Winters on the coast are mild, with average temperatures in the high 50s, thanks to a warm jet stream.
Catalonia's inland region, which includes the Lérida province, alternates between flat plains and rolling hills and is hotter and drier than the coastal region. Without the sea breeze to cool the area down, the inland areas of Catalonia experience temperatures that average around 10 degrees F warmer than those found on the coastal region, rising close to 90 degrees F in the summer and to the high 60s and low 70s F in the winter.
Catalonia's northern region is ruled by the Pyrenees mountain range, making it subject to more extreme weather than the rest of the area. Yet, because the Mediterranean Sea is so close, the Pyrenees are much milder than most other mountain ranges, and summers in the mountains are rather warm, making them ideal for hiking despite intermittent rain showers. Winters, however, can be cold, with temperatures that drop below 32 degrees and large amounts of snow at the higher altitudes.
The summer months of July and August experience the warmest temperatures and longest, most sun-filled days, making this time of year peak tourist season. However, spring in Catalonia is pleasant as well, especially with fewer crowds. Fall also has comfortable temperatures but tends to be Catalonia's rainiest season, especially during the month of September. And Catalonia's mild winters make even December, January and February a good time for sightseeing.
Modern artists Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró and architect Antoni Gaudíwere all born or lived in Catalonia. Dalí is said to have gotten his inspiration from Catalonia's rough and rugged mountains and wild Mediterranean coast, while Miró's view of nature was influenced by Catalonia's rich folklore, and Picasso, who lived in Barcelona, was influenced by Catalonian art.
