Will it Rain at the Santa Faz in Alicante?

Every year, the question arises: Will it rain at the Santa Faz? Residents of Alicante always look to the sky the week before the traditional pilgrimage to decide whether to pair their smock with a raincoat or sunglasses and a cap. The pilgrimage has drawn over 300,000 people in recent years to walk the 7 kilometres from the centre of Alicante to the monastery where the relic is kept.

Although it is still early for a completely reliable forecast, experts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) have already issued the first predictions affecting Thursday, 1st May. For now, the day looks calm for those from Alicante planning to make the pilgrimage.

For Thursday, 1st May, Aemet forecasts that the sky will remain partly cloudy, providing relief to walkers, especially those who choose to start their journey later. Temperatures will also be warm, with highs of up to 24 degrees and lows of 16, so there will be no need for sweaters or jumpers, and the smock can serve the dual purpose of protecting against both the chill and the sun.

Regarding the rain, the forecast is still unclear. Aemet maintains a maximum 25% chance, but the distribution varies by hour. In fact, if it rains, it will be during the early morning hours, until 6 am. After that, the likelihood gradually decreases, and during the peak hours of the pilgrimage from 6 to 12, the probability of rain drops to 15%. After midday, the chance decreases to 10%, suggesting a calm afternoon for those staying to have lunch and enjoy the countryside around Santa Faz.

Although the forecast suggests that the chances of rain at Santa Faz are low, there is still a week to go. The prediction will change and become more reliable as the days approach.

As the Santa Faz approaches, the weather in Alicante will be a rollercoaster. This weekend, the forecast predicts rain on both Saturday and Sunday, with a 40% and 30% chance, respectively. On Monday, the sun will shine again with completely clear skies, although by Tuesday and the following days, partly cloudy intervals will return.

Temperatures will remain above 20 degrees throughout the week, typical of spring weather in the province of Alicante. Additionally, the wind will not be strong in the coming days, making it pleasant to stroll through the city or spend the day at one of the beaches.