How do we cope with, and enjoy, a Spanish summer?

Summer is long, light and sociable, and the school holiday runs from late June to September. It also brings serious heat, wildfire risk and crowded coasts, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Heat and AEMET warnings

AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) issues warnings by area for heat, storms, rain, wind and other weather. The temperature that triggers each level differs from area to area.

The Ministry of Health’s national plan to prevent the health effects of heat runs every year from May to September and publishes daily risk levels by area. Older people, children and people who are isolated or unwell are most at risk. On hot days, drink water before you’re thirsty, keep blinds down in the afternoon, check on older neighbours, and never leave children or pets in a parked car.

Heat at work

Since 2023, employers must protect people who work outdoors from extreme weather, based on their risk assessment. When AEMET or a regional weather service issues an orange or red warning, and other measures aren’t enough, the employer must adapt working conditions, including cutting or moving working hours, and can stop certain tasks during the worst hours. Indoors, offices must be kept between 17°C and 27°C, and places with light physical work between 14°C and 25°C. See Your rights at work.

At the beach

• Many beaches use a flag system. A red flag means you must not go in the water. Where there are no lifeguards, flags or signs, take extra care and ask locally
• Some beaches, especially around the islands, have strong undercurrents. Don’t dive into water you don’t know, and don’t swim where a river runs into the sea
• Always supervise children in the sea and in pools, and keep small children within arm’s reach
• Follow local advice when jellyfish are around

Most jellyfish on Spanish coasts cause a painful, itchy rash. Lift off any tentacles with tweezers or a card, never your bare hand, then rinse with seawater or saline, never fresh water, and don’t rub. The Portuguese man o’ war sometimes reaches Spanish coasts and its sting is very painful: get first aid from the lifeguard post, and call 112 for an allergic reaction or if the person feels unwell.

Wildfires and barbecues

Wildfires are common in summer, including on the islands. Causing one is a criminal offence even if it’s unintentional. Put cigarettes out properly, don’t leave bottles behind, and report any fire to 112 straight away. Barbecue rules are set by each region:

Fines for barbecues in forest areas can be heavy. Rules and dates vary by region and year

ES-Alert on your phone

Civil Protection sends emergency warnings straight from phone masts to every phone in the affected area, using cell broadcast. You don’t need an app, and the alerts sound even if your phone is on silent or do not disturb. The most serious level can’t be switched off. Older phones may not receive them, so keep your software up to date. In the October 2024 Valencia floods, the alert was requested only at 20:11, when towns were already flooding, so don’t wait for a phone alert if AEMET has issued a red warning.

The summer holidays

State schools in our five regions finish between 18 June and 23 June 2027 and go back in early to mid September, so children have about 11 weeks off. If you need holiday clubs or want to travel, book early. See public holidays and school holidays and weekends away.