An island for all seasons: when to visit Menorca

Ross Clarke

Ross Clarke

As the easternmost point of Spain* and the most northerly of the Balearic Islands*, Menorca has more notable seasons than many other parts of the country.

Cala Pilar on the north coast
Cala Pilar on the north coast - photo courtesy of Menorca Tourism Promotion Foundation

While it never gets really cold, the subtle changes in temperature and hours of sunshine make Menorca one of the most interesting places to visit and revisit at different times throughout the year.

Whether you're looking for bright spring walks, sultry summer days at the beach, romantic autumn nights or cosy winter retreats, Menorca* delivers in (buckets and) spades.

Getting to Menorca: for great value breaks from spring to autumn, don't miss the latest offers on breaks to Menorca with Jet2holidays*.

What's Menorca like in spring?

With temperatures on the rise and bright sunny days, spring in Menorca is set up for outdoor adventures. Lace up your walking boots, pop a picnic in your backpack and explore the famous Camí de Cavalls.

This 185 km-long path follows the coast of the entire island and is split into 20 stages. The path dates back centuries and you can follow in the footsteps of knights, soldiers, monarchs, and locals, who have traversed these routes as part of their lives on the island.

Summer temperatures can make hiking the path difficult, so hitting the trails in spring means you can cover more ground throughout the day and see the impressive countryside at its verdant peak.

Don't miss the ultramarathon Trail Menorca that pits challengers across the Camí in May each year.

Hiking in S'Albufera Des Grau Nature Park
Hiking in S'Albufera Des Grau Nature Park © Tolo - Adobe Stock Image

If you're after more cultural vibes, then the Menorca Jazz Festival is one to have on your radar. The festival features concerts, recitals, dances and street parties from the end of February until the end of May.

Catch world-famous artists and well as local musicians at venues across the island. Sticking with the music theme, why not head to Spain's oldest opera house? The Teatro Principal de Maó was inaugurated in 1829 and plays host to near-weekly concerts and events.

What to do in summer

Summer is the most popular time of year for visitors to Menorca and the island's population can triple over the sun-drenched months. But don't let crowds put you off as the island has plentiful beautiful beaches, bays and coves where you can soak up the sun.

It might seem obvious, but summer is also a great time to make the most of the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds the island. You can do all sorts of watersports including windsurfing, snorkelling and paddleboarding.

If you want to explore the island at the same time, try hiring a kayak from any of the main resorts. You'll be able to explore the coves and caves that make up the magnificent coastline of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Kayaking is a great way to explore the island
Kayaking is a great way to explore the island - photo courtesy of Menorca Tourism Promotion Foundation

One of the most relaxing ways to experience the sea and get stellar views of the islands is on a sailing boat. You can book day trips at many of the main docking points such as in Ciutadella* harbour and Cala en Bosch* marina.

If you're here at the end of August, don't miss the Vela Clásica Menorca sailing regatta where majestic cutters and classic yachts traverse the coast and drop anchor in Mahon* (Maó).

Summer's not just about the sun; it's a great time to explore the island's museums and galleries that can provide cooling relief from the temperatures.

Hop over to Illa del Rei, an islet just off Mahon's harbour and slowly wander the Hauser & Wirth Gallery housed in the beautifully restored former naval museum.

Or try the Museu de Menorca where you can learn all about the history of the island, from ancient times to the modern day.

The museum also arranges a cultural calendar of events throughout the year including cookery classes where you can learn how to make traditional Menorcan cuisine.

Things to do in autumn

Photography aficionados will love the autumn light in Menorca and the stunning silhouettes it creates over the landscape and architecture, and the opportunity to snap the migratory birds that stop off on the island from September onwards.

The weather is still warm enough during the day to get out and about and is perfect for a leisurely day on the golf course. Golf Son Parc Menorca, the island's only golf course, is open every day of the year and offers a challenging Par 71 18 holes.

Riding with Menorca a Cavall
Riding with Menorca a Cavall - photo courtesy of Menorca a Cavall

A popular way to see the islands is in the saddle, either on horseback or on two wheels. Try Menorca a Cavall that can arrange guided horse riding tours across the island. You can choose from several routes through the countryside and along the shoreline.

Menorca has been a popular cycling spot for decades and while many top athletes come here to train, there are trails and terrain to suit all experience levels.

If you'd prefer to spectate rather than participate, then find a spot along the route of the Volta Menorca BTT mountain biking endurance event when it comes to the island in October.

How to make the most of winter

While the weather does take a small turn in the winter, the temperatures are rarely cold although you should pack suitably for wet and windy days. That said, December to February is ideal for seeing the alternative side of the island. Plus, you won't be faced with crowds of tourists.

Use dry days to discover the island's Talayotic (prehistoric) heritage dating back to 2100 BCE. There are sites, remains and ruins across the island to explore, from houses to burial chambers.

Talayotic ruins at Torre d'en Galmés
Talayotic ruins at Torre d'en Galmés © Q - Adobe Stock Image

This time of year is also ideal for trying out the best of Menorcan food and drink. Book a food tour or head to one of the farms and vineyards that offer cheese, wine and olive oil tastings and demonstrations, and get your fill of the famous Mahon (Maó) cheese.

Or, if you just want to hunker down and escape, book into one of the many spas and wellness facilities dotted across the island such as Le Petit Spa with its enclosed rooftop pool at Hotel Artiem Capri.

Weather in Menorca

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The above shows the weather in Mahon. Find out more about conditions across the island throughout the year in our complete guide to the weather in Menorca.

Found your perfect season to visit Menorca? Don't miss the latest deals on breaks to Menorca with Jet2holidays.

Jet2holidays: Best deals on winter holidays in 2025

More about Menorca

Menorca by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ross Clarke

Ross Clarke

Ross Clarke is a Welsh travel, food and wine writer, specialising in his homeland, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. As well as writing regularly for The Times, BBC Travel and National Geographic Traveller, Ross is a lecturer in journalism at Cardiff University and publishes a regular newsletter, "The Welsh Kitchen".

Article updated on Tuesday 1st October 2024 in: Europe Excursions Season Summer Winter sun

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