With regard to the climate, Formentera is characterized by dry weather and high temperatures during the summer season. Due to its reduced area and flatness, the climate of Formentera is very similar in all parts of the island.

maritime weather
     The wind is a constant factor all year round in Formentera due to its flat surface. Strong winds usually blow in December - January and in April - May. In the first period the winds are usually quite strong, blowing from the northwest (Mestral), the north (Tramontana), and the northeast (Gregal). The north winds can occasionally be especially strong.

 

 

 

 

 

 


The following is the average frequency of the direction and force of the wind in Formentera.

 

The average frequency of the direction of the wind in percentages.

N

9,0

S

8,0

NE

12,0

SW

12,0

E

21,0

W

14,0

SE

8,5

NW

12,0

The total frequency of wind direction is 94.5%. The lack of wind is represented by 5.5%.

 

The average frequency of the wind force in % (Beaufort Scale).

 

Force 3

20,0

Force 6

70,0

Force 8

9,9

Force >8

0,1

 

     The average year round temperature varies between 17ºC. and 18ºC. Most of the island has an average temperature of 18ºC. while the high areas of La Mola and the Cap de Barbaria only reach an average of 17ºC.

     Rainfall is fairly scarce. The differences in the amount of rainfall in different areas of the island are more important than the differences in temperature. The area of most rainfall is in La Mola where 440 mm. are registered annually contrasting with 300 mm. in the Punta de Trudadors on the north side of the island.

     The yearly average of 371 mm. (in l985) is the lowest in the Balearic Islands. The usual pattern of precipitation is a scarcity of rain during the summer (very often with no rain at all) followed by periods of rain during the winter. One of the climatic indicators that best reflects the lack of rain is the quotient of Precipitation / ETP that indicates the balance between the entrance of water in rainfall and the loss of water in evaporation. These values vary in Formentera between 0.3 on the north side of the island and 0.5 in the centre of La Mola. The average of 0.36 clearly reflects the water deficit that affects the island.

 

 

Registered rainfall (in litres) in Sa Mirada (San Francisco) in the years 1970 - 1985. Approximate figures.

 

The nature of the climate is very favorable for the development of tourism in that it assures sunny weather and an agreeable temperature during most of the year.