How does the temperature of the sea near Mallorca change from surface to a few meters deep?

The temperature of the sea near Mallorca typically exhibits a gradual decrease as you move from the surface down to a few meters deep. At the surface, the water tends to be warmer because it is directly heated by the sun, especially during the spring and summer months when sunlight is most intense. Surface temperatures can range from the mid-teens Celsius in winter up to the mid to high twenties Celsius in summer, providing a comfortable environment for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Just a few meters below the surface, the temperature begins to drop slightly, though the change is usually not abrupt. This cooler layer exists because sunlight penetrates the water but is absorbed and scattered before reaching greater depths, meaning less heat energy is present. In the first three to five meters, the temperature may be one or two degrees Celsius lower than at the surface, depending on factors such as weather conditions, season, and local currents.

The decline in temperature with depth is more noticeable during the warmer months, as the surface warms up more significantly than the deeper layers. Conversely, during colder months, the difference between surface and subsurface temperatures is less pronounced, with the water remaining relatively cool throughout these upper layers. Additionally, Mallorca’s surrounding sea is subject to seasonal thermal stratification, where distinct layers of warmer and cooler water form but often mix with natural movements such as wind and waves, maintaining a dynamic yet mild temperature gradient.

In all, the temperature transition from the surface to a few meters deep near Mallorca is subtle yet distinct, providing varied but generally pleasant conditions for various aquatic activities. This natural layering also contributes to the rich marine ecosystem around the island, supporting a diverse range of marine life adapted to the temperature differences in their habitat.