Road Cycling Holidays - Asturias, Spain

weather

when to come

It's no secret that people come because of the fantastic weather. The Valencia and Alicante regions make an excellent year round choice for cycling, hiking and many other outdoor activities. It's sunnier and drier than most placesThat said there are several considerations to make when scheduling your visit, with important differences within the regions.

Famously many pro teams train here during the Northern hemisphere winter, usually from December to March, although it's not uncommon to see professional riders throughout the year and between races. Whilst it is undoubtedly a great time to escape darker and colder climes, there are great reasons to visit in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Before you depart, we will brief you with the appropriate clothing for your trip in our Welcome Pack.

We won't shout too loudly, but put simply #betterthanMallorca #betterthanGirona

April, May & June

Perhaps the best time to visit? The early Summer is a fantastic time to visit the Valencia and Alicante region. The weather gets progressively warmer as you approach high summer and most rides can start and finish in short sleeves. Typically, it's dry and sunny in most locations, although early morning's can still feel crisp earlier in the Spring.

July & August

Temperatures in high summer consistently peak over 30c and often higher in August. Staying a further inland, away from the hot and humid coast, means that with an early start, cooler cycling can be enjoyed up to about lunch time, after which, it's time it's to seek shade and relax. In Ontinyent, Alcoy and the surrounding areas evening temperatures are typically a few degrees lower, mornings cooler whilst afternoons are broadly similar. Day time rainfall is rare everywhere.

N.B. We don't recommend staying at the coastal resorts such as Denia, Calpe, Xabia and La Nucia during the high summer months. Aside from busy traffic and masses of tourists, the weather is not best suited to cycling. There is little respite from the heat and the higher coastal humidity makes for uncomfortable riding even early in the morning

For this reason many coastal based cycling operators relocate to other destinations during the summer.

September & October

Late summer and autumn is one of the best times to visit the region. Days are typically warm, sunny and long without the high heat of summer. The morning's are warmer than the Spring and the humidity lower, especially as you leave the coast. The odd late afternoon or evening shower is rare possibility, as late October approaches, more so in the Marina Alta region around Denia and Calpe.

Perfect for a late summer getaway!

November, December, January, February & March

Massively popular for good reason with many visitors coming to enjoy the coast and mountains. A little preparation does help.

November is the actually wettest month across the region. This is especially so in the Maria Alta comarca (Denia & Xabia) which sees significantly more rain than Ontinyent all the way through to March, but especially so in November and December. Ontinyent benefits from a Semi-arid (Bsk Steppe) climate during this time.

The dry winter comes at the cost of cooler mountain mornings in Ontinyent, where Denia enjoys 5c or more warmer starts. Sunrise is late but the days are sunny, skies are blue and much longer than northern Europe. There may be a 15c difference from morning to afternoon, so late morning starts are the order of the day.

It can be cool in the shade and hot in the sun, so sunglasses and layers are recommended.