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Weather in Picos de Europa
Dramatic limestone massif on Spain's northern coast
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About Picos de Europa
Picos de Europa is a dramatic limestone massif on Spain's northern coast, a 40-kilometer-long mountain range topped by peaks over 2,500 meters elevation. The mountains rise directly from coastal plains, creating sudden drama—green valleys climbing to bare rock. Three deep gorges (Cares, Jou Jou, Jou Urrán) slice through the mountains, offering hiking that blends alpine terrain with green river valleys. This is Spain's Alpine experience.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Picos de Europa
Mountain hiking and alpine trekking
Gorge walking (Cares Gorge particularly)
Cable car rides with panoramic views
Photography of dramatic mountain-to-sea landscape
Climbing and mountaineering
Mountain village exploring and local dining
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
0C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
February
0C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
2C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
April
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
May
9C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
June
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
July
15C
Cool, with some rainy days.
August
16C
Cool, with some rainy days.
September
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
October
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
November
3C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
December
2C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
The Picos de Europa is a compact but ferociously rugged mountain range straddling Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and Leon, with limestone peaks, deep gorges and glacial lakes that make it one of Spain's premier hiking destinations. The Cares Gorge trail and the Lagos de Covadonga are among its most iconic sights, alongside traditional mountain villages and cheese-making valleys.
Best areas to stay in Picos de Europa
Cares Gorge (Garganta del Cares)
A spectacular gorge walk between Poncebos and Cain, one of Spain's most famous hiking routes.
Lagos de Covadonga
Two high-altitude glacial lakes with mountain views, near the village of Covadonga and its basilica.
Fuente De
A cable car ascends from here to a high plateau with panoramic views, popular with both hikers and sightseers.
Potes
A historic market town often used as a base for exploring the Cantabrian side of the range.
Getting to Picos de Europa
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Flights
Santander or Asturias airports are the nearest, around 1.5-2 hours away by road.
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From London
~2.5 hours by flight to Santander or Bilbao, plus a road transfer.
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Getting around
A car is essential for reaching trailheads and villages; some routes, like to the Lagos de Covadonga, may require shuttle buses in peak season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cares Gorge trail?
A famous walking route carved along a dramatic limestone gorge, connecting the villages of Poncebos and Cain, popular for its sheer cliff walls and river views.
What are the Lagos de Covadonga?
Two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, set high in the mountains with stunning views, reachable by road (often restricted to shuttle buses in peak season).
Is the Picos de Europa good for non-hikers?
Yes — cable cars such as the Fuente De teleferico offer dramatic mountain views without strenuous walking, and villages offer cheese-tasting and scenic drives.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring to early autumn for hiking, as higher trails and roads can be affected by snow outside this period.
What is the local cheese the region is known for?
Cabrales, a strong blue cheese matured in mountain caves, is produced in the Picos de Europa and widely available in local restaurants.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Cares Gorge walk was spectacular — sheer cliffs on both sides and a turquoise river below. Tougher than expected but absolutely worth it.
Alvaro D. · July 2024
★★★★★
Took the cable car at Fuente De and the views from the top were some of the best mountain scenery I've seen in Europe.
Sian K. · June 2023
★★★★☆
Based ourselves in Potes and did day trips to the lakes and gorge. Tried the local Cabrales cheese — strong but delicious.
Cristina M. · September 2024
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