Morning Dew and Midday Sun: Mallorca's Cardigan Weekly Plan

Morning Dew and Midday Sun: Mallorca's Cardigan Weekly Plan

This week Mallorca has its own little mood: a hint of frost in the mornings, almost springlike warmth in the afternoons. For locals this is nothing new — more a familiar routine of window open, window closed, a blanket in the car and a thermos for the trip to the market. The interplay of temperatures is especially noticeable in the courtyards around Passeig del Born and in the dry riverbeds near Sant Joan, where the air in the early hours can be so cold you can slightly see your breath.

Brief winter greeting, long views of the sun

The mix remains: at night and early morning values scrape the zero-degree mark, while during the day locally slightly double-digit degrees are possible. In Campos the measuring stations briefly reported values around the freezing point; inland many places were at 2–3 °C. Those who jog early by the sea know the feeling: the first step is cold on the face, the second already brings the mild breeze blowing in from the Paseo Marítimo. Port de Sóller showed so much warmth in the morning that walkers could take off their hats — a few kilometres inland the cardigan was still needed.

Special moments: In the Serra de Tramuntana some paths had a thin dusting of snow, more like powdered sugar than a winter landscape, but enough for the rocks to briefly glisten. In Bunyola fine hail crunched underfoot — a surprising sound that is rare here and yet feels so Mallorcan: briefly puzzling, then a reason for conversation at the baker's.

Wind mixes the cards

The recently strong north wind is easing, but from the start of the week mild air will blow in from the west. That means warmer air masses, but also stronger gusts on exposed coastal sections. On the Passeig Marítim a side gust is enough and you find yourself a few steps back on the pavement. Such small scenes are everyday occurrences in cafés: the vendor hands over a croissant, laughs and says: "Warm yesterday, sweater today."

The temperature jumps within a few kilometres make the island fascinating. A morning can offer several small seasons — ideal for photographers wanting to capture the shiny Tramuntana relief, or for walkers who enjoy varied routes.

Practical tips for the coming days

Simple recipe: layering. Socks and a hat in the morning, a T‑shirt in the backpack at noon. Gardeners: place sensitive plants near a window or in a sheltered corner. Drivers should especially check tyre pressure in the morning — cool air lowers it. Cyclists: reflectors and a warm layer, because fog can form in some valleys and it can get slippery. Pet owners: put an extra blanket in the basket; older animals feel the temperature change more strongly.

Hikers heading into the Tramuntana: good shoes, poles and extra gloves in the backpack. The paths can be slippery after a cold morning, and a light dusting of snow can make some sections deceptive.

Why this is also something beautiful: These weather changes are a reminder of the island's variety. A bit of snow in the mountains, mild air on the coast — it brings life into everyday routines. The Plaça Major fills up with people in the morning, the market lies in the haze and the church bells sound muffled. It is these short, slightly melancholic moments when you treat yourself to a second espresso and stay a little longer.

So: don't panic about morning frost, but give it a little respect. The cardigan remains the best companion for now. Those who keep an eye on local forecasts are well prepared in the morning — and can enjoy the sun at noon when it suddenly returns.