While most people were grumbling about the grim weather, the Costa Blanca countryside was quietly celebrating. The heavy rainfall during 2025, especially the soaking rains in December, has been a real boost for local crops.
Muddy shoes aside, this rain has changed the picture for farmers and the land.
Although final figures by area are still being checked, the rain has been generous and well spread. Many rural districts and outlying areas saw strong rainfall. This has helped ease water shortages, improved soil moisture and given seasonal vegetables exactly what they needed.
According to data from Meteoelx, around Elche, El Bassar recorded the highest rainfall of the year with around 400 litres per square metre. Santa Ana followed with 380, Barranco de Barbasena with 355, Las Bayas with 344 and Gran Alacant with 339. Other areas also saw impressive totals, including Perleta, Bonavista, Torrellano Bajo, San Felipe Neri, Peña de las Águilas, Valverde, Derramador and El Hondo Natural Park. Coastal areas such as La Marina, El Altet and Santa Pola also received plenty of rain.
In the urban parts of Elche, totals were lower but still useful. Depending on the neighbourhood, rainfall ranged between 260 and 280 litres per square metre. Areas closer to the Vinalopó recorded more than the city centre and El Pla, which stayed noticeably drier.
December rain
December alone delivered some of the heaviest rain. Barranco de Barbasena topped the list again with 97 litres per square metre. Matola, Peña de las Águilas, Asprillas, El Hondo and Derramador were not far behind. Even the beaches, the airport and the city centre saw decent rainfall, which is not always the case.
For farmers, the rain has brought both problems and relief. Fields have been too muddy to work in, which has slowed harvesting and planting. But the benefits outweigh the inconvenience.
Pedro Valero, president of ASAJA, explains. “The fields may be difficult to enter right now, but the rain has soaked in evenly across the land. That is excellent news for trees and seasonal vegetables. He says this weather is helping produce crops of very good quality.”
He also points out that the rain has worked like free irrigation. Farmers have barely needed to water their fields in recent weeks. For flood irrigation, the rainfall is equal to a full watering. With drip systems, irrigation can be paused for up to a week. That means less effort, lower costs and happier crops.
Vegetables are responding particularly well. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, broad beans and other seasonal produce are all benefiting from the damp conditions.
