The largest aquarium in Europe, El Oceanográfico, in Valencia's interactive museum complex, the City of Arts and SciencesValencia (population 800,000) is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 200 miles south of Barcelona and 200 miles east of Madrid.

The Mediterranean climate of Valencia is generally quite mild and pleasant, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Valencia enjoys an average of 300 sunny days per year, and most of the rain falls in spring and autumn.

Although the winters are mild, it will feel quite a bit colder inside than you might be used to, as the buildings in Valencia are built for the hot summers. Be sure to bring warm clothing to accommodate the chilly winter months.

Summer students should keep in mind that air conditioning is not as prevalent in Spain as in the US--while the ISA office is air conditioned, many Spanish homes are not!

Average monthly highs and lows (ºF) and rainfall (inches) in Valencia:

Type	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Highs	59	61	64	66	72	79	85	85	81	73	64	61
Lows	41	43	46	48	55	63	68	69	64	55	48	45
Avg. Rainfall	1.08	0.9	0.82	0.89	1.04	0.56	0.17	0.28	1.46	1.58	1.24	1.66