Spain in July? You’ve basically hit the jackpot for beach weather! With over 8,000 km of coastline and more than 3,000 beaches, Spain transforms into a Mediterranean paradise during peak summer. July brings scorching temps, super warm water, and endless sunshine—basically everything you need for the perfect beach holiday. This guide covers the warmest spots, best beaches, and insider tips to make your Spanish beach trip absolutely epic.
Is July a Good Time to Swim in Spain?
Honestly? July is THE time for swimming in Spain. Air temperatures range from 28°C-35°C (82°F-95°F) depending on the region, with coastal areas slightly cooler thanks to sea breezes. Sea temperatures hit their stride in July, hovering between 23°C-26°C (73°F-79°F) along most coasts—perfectly warm for hours of swimming without feeling chilly.
Sunshine? You’re looking at 10-12 hours daily in most coastal areas. The only catch is crowds—July is peak season, so expect busy beaches, especially on weekends and in popular resorts. But hey, that’s also when the beach vibe is most electric with all the activities, beach bars, and that vacation energy.
Warmest Regions in Spain for Swimming in July
Andalusia (Costa del Sol)
The name literally means “Coast of the Sun,” and boy does it deliver! Málaga, Marbella, and Nerja enjoy air temperatures around 30°C-34°C with sea temperatures hitting 24°C-25°C. The Mediterranean waters here are warm, calm, and crystal clear. Plus, the beach scene is unbeatable—think chiringuitos (beach bars), watersports galore, and that quintessential Spanish coastal vibe.
Murcia (Costa Cálida)
“Warm Coast” isn’t just marketing—it’s a promise. This lesser-known gem boasts some of Spain’s warmest waters thanks to its sheltered location. Cartagena and La Manga offer family-friendly beaches with shallow, calm waters perfect for kids. Sea temps can reach 25°C-26°C, and the area is less touristy than the Costa del Sol, meaning more space to spread out your towel.
Valencia Region (Costa Blanca)
Alicante, Benidorm, and Calpe combine warm waters (24°C-25°C) with seriously lively resort vibes. Cala Granadella near Jávea is a standout—it maintained its Blue Flag status in 2025, meaning excellent water quality. The Costa Blanca balances natural beauty with modern amenities, so you can go from snorkelling in a quiet cove to hitting up beach clubs within minutes.
Balearic Islands
Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera serve up that Instagram-worthy turquoise water everyone dreams about. Sea temps reach 25°C-26°C in July, and the sheltered coves offer some of the calmest swimming conditions in Spain. Each island has its own personality—Ibiza for party vibes, Menorca for untouched nature, Mallorca for variety, and Formentera for pure beach bliss.
Canary Islands
These volcanic beauties off Africa’s coast enjoy year-round warmth, and July hits peak beach season. Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria offer unique black and golden sand beaches, natural pools carved into volcanic rock, and water temps around 22°C-24°C—slightly cooler than the Mediterranean but still super comfortable. The trade winds keep things breezy, which is perfect when temps soar.
Best Beaches in Spain for Swimming in July
Mediterranean Coast
Playa de la Malagueta (Málaga): Right in the city, backed by a promenade full of restaurants
Playa de Bolonia (Tarifa): Wide, natural beach with a massive sand dune
Playa de la Granadella (Jávea): Blue Flag beach with crystal-clear waters
Balearic Islands
Cala Macarella (Menorca): Postcard-perfect turquoise cove surrounded by pine forests
Cala Comte (Ibiza): Sunset central with rock formations and clear snorkelling waters
Cala Mondragó (Mallorca): Protected natural park with two pristine beaches
Ses Illetes (Formentera): Often called the “Caribbean of Europe”—enough said
Canary Islands
Playa de las Teresitas (Tenerife): Golden sand imported from the Sahara, palm-tree lined
Playa de Papagayo (Lanzarote): Series of protected coves with volcanic backdrop
Playa de Amadores (Gran Canaria): Calm, shallow, family-friendly artificial beach
Water Temperature Guide by Region (July)
Northern Spain (Costa Verde—Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia): 19°C-21°C (66°F-70°F)—refreshing but definitely cooler
Eastern Mediterranean coast (Catalonia, Costa Blanca): 24°C-25°C (75°F-77°F)—warm and comfortable
Andalusia/Murcia (Costa del Sol, Costa Cálida): 25°C-26°C (77°F-79°F)—the warmest mainland waters
Balearic Islands: 25°C-26°C (77°F-79°F)—super clear and warm
Canary Islands: 22°C-24°C (72°F-75°F)—warm but cooler than Mediterranean, with pleasant breezes
Beach Conditions in July
Water clarity in July is absolutely stunning—perfect for snorkelling and underwater photography. Wind patterns vary: the Levante (easterly wind) can pick up along southern coasts, while the Alisios (trade winds) keep the Canaries breezy and comfortable. Most beaches have gentle waves ideal for swimming, though Atlantic-facing shores can get surf.
Spain uses a beach flag system —green means safe, yellow means caution, and red means no swimming (they’ll actually raise red flags and pull lifeguards during storms). In July 2025, some beaches temporarily closed due to weather alerts from DANA storms, though these are typically brief. Always check local flags before diving in!
Water quality is monitored closely—Spain maintains high standards, with most popular beaches rated “Excellent” or “Good”. The Blue Flag certification indicates top-tier quality, safety, and environmental management.
Best Beach Activities in July
Snorkelling and diving: Crystal-clear waters make July perfect for exploring underwater life
Paddleboarding: Early mornings when the sea’s glass-like are ideal
Boat trips and coastal cruises: Popular in the Balearics and Costa del Sol
Kayaking in coves: Explore hidden beaches inaccessible by foot
Sunset swimming and beach walks: The water stays warm well intothe evening
Best Places to Stay for a July Beach Holiday
Costa del Sol resorts: Marbella and Málaga offer luxury beachfront hotels and all-inclusives
Murcia’s family-friendly beachfront hotels: La Manga strip has tons of apartment-style accommodations
Ibiza and Mallorca boutique stays: From beach clubs to rural fincas near the coast
Canary Island beachfront resorts: Tenerife and Gran Canaria have options for every budget
Tips for Swimming in Spain in July
Best times to swim: Early morning (8-11 am) or late afternoon (5-8 pm) to avoid the intense midday heat. The water’s warmest in late afternoon after soaking up the sun all day.
Hydration + sun protection: UV levels are extremely high in July. SPF 50+ is non-negotiable, reapply every 2 hours, and wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink way more water than you think you need—dehydration sneaks up on you.
Avoiding crowded beaches: Hit the beach early (before 11 am) or go mid-week. Smaller coves and less-famous beaches offer more space than big resort beaches.
Understanding local safety rules: Spain takes beach safety seriously—80% of drownings occur during summer months. Always swim near lifeguard stations, respect flag warnings, and never swim alone or after drinking alcohol.
What to pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky beaches, snorkel gear, portable shade (umbrella or tent), cooling towel, and plenty of water. A light rashguard helps prevent sunburn during long swimming sessions.
FAQs
Which part of Spain has the warmest beaches in July?
The Costa Cálida (Murcia) and southern Costa del Sol typically have the warmest waters, reaching 25°C-26°C.
Is the Mediterranean warm enough for swimming?
Absolutely! July Mediterranean temps hit 24°C-26°C—perfectly warm for extended swimming.
Are the Canary Islands hot in July?
Yes! Air temps reach 26°C-30°C with water around 22°C-24°C. The trade winds keep it comfortable despite the heat.
Is July too crowded for a beach holiday?
It’s definitely peak season, but if you choose smaller towns or less-famous beaches, you’ll avoid the worst crowds. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter everywhere.
Spain in July offers some of Europe’s best beach conditions—warm water, endless sunshine, and incredible coastal diversity. Whether you’re chasing the warmest waters in Murcia, exploring hidden Balearic coves, or soaking up Canary Island volcanic beaches, you’re guaranteed amazing swimming conditions. Just pack that sunscreen, respect the safety flags, and get ready to live your best Mediterranean life. The hardest part? Choosing which beach to hit first!
