The timing of pollen appearance in the atmosphere provides a general idea of the flowering onset of plants over a wide area. Woody plants in temperate regions have evolved mechanisms to preserve cells from the risk of frost during adverse weather conditions in the period prior to flowering regulated mainly by temperature. A number of indices have been developed to quantify the rest and heat requirements of temperature, which will enable the plant to adapt to environmental conditions. However, flowering is a dynamic and complex phenomenon and it is difficult to separate individual effects of different meteorological parameters. The use of modified bioclimatic indices could be a major step forward. In this study the Alnus glutinosa flowering in four different areas in north-western Spain in the period 1995-2003 is examined, and trends identified by means of information gathered by Hirst pollen traps. Temperature plays an important role in the maturation of reproductive organs and pollen production. Comparison with bioclimatic indices showed that temperature during the 2555 days preceding pollen release was the main controlling factor, and that relationship between flowering time and bioclimatic indicator values differs according to local conditions. In colder areas, rest and heat temperature requirements are greater because the trees need protection over a longer period; in the Mediterranean region of north-westem Spain, the rest temperature requirement and the threshold temperature are both higher than in Eurosiberian areas. Ombrothermic, Continentality and Thermicity indices are thus useful tools for characterizing the various bioclimatic areas of north-western Spain.