What’s the weather like in Malaga?

It should come as no surprise that one of the main reasons people flock to Malaga and the south of Spain is the absolutely glorious weather.

The Costa del Sol (literally ‘Coast of the Sun’) has attracted mass tourism ever since the 1950s precisely because, as its name rather obviously suggests, it basks in sunshine practically all year round.

While the larger, more resort-style towns such as Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Benalmádena or Mijas might grab most of the “sun and sand” visitors, let’s not forget that Malaga is actually the capital of the Costa del Sol.

On average, the Costa del Sol experiences more than 320 sunny days per year, meaning Malaga’s weather remains pleasantly mild throughout the entire calendar.

The Andalusian climate here is what meteorologists call a Mediterranean subtropical climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters (though “wet” is rather relative when you’re comparing it to Manchester or Hamburg).

Here’s your month-by-month guide to what you can expect from Malaga’s weather throughout the year.

January weather in Malaga

January in Malaga bears absolutely no resemblance to winter weather in the rest of Europe, not even compared to locations just 100 kilometres further north.

Winter as such simply doesn’t exist in Malaga in any meaningful sense; you could say the city transitions directly from autumn to spring, skipping the miserable bit entirely.

January is typically one of the months with the lowest temperature: morning minimums hover around 4°C while daytime maximums comfortably sit between 12°C and 15°C.

When rainfall does arrive, you’re treated to spectacular views of Malaga’s highest peaks dusted with snow, particularly La Sierra de las Nieves (a National Park) and La Maroma.

The most irritating aspect of the January weather is actually the wind, so it’s wise to pack both warm jumpers and lighter shirts, as the sun can get surprisingly hot, even in midwinter.

Hardy locals and brave foreign residents continue to swim in the sea throughout the year, but in January, the Alboran Sea is certainly refreshing rather than relaxing.

February weather in Malaga

February follows much the same pattern as January, maintaining Malaga’s reputation for having no proper winter to speak of.

February is typically the month with the lowest temperatures and the best chance of meaningful rainfall.

Morning minimums remain around 4°C while daytime maximums hover between 12°C and 15°C, making it perfectly comfortable for outdoor activities with appropriate clothing.

The same spectacular snow-capped mountain views are possible when rain arrives, while almond blossom season continues in full swing across the lower altitudes.

Wind remains the primary weather annoyance, so layered clothing remains essential.

March weather in Malaga

March marks the beginning of Malaga’s famously extended spring season, when the city truly begins to shine.

While March can occasionally remain unsettled with the odd shower, sunshine plays the starring role on most days.

Temperatures easily hover around 20°C and frequently reach 23-25°C on particularly pleasant days.

Many visitors start enjoying serious beach sunbathing by March, with some brave souls taking their first sea dips of the year.

The sea remains rather chilly, but the warming sun makes beach days genuinely enjoyable rather than merely bearable.

April weather in Malaga

April weather can be slightly unpredictable, particularly around Easter when light rain occasionally makes an unwelcome appearance.

Morning temperatures rise to comfortable levels between 14 °C and 17°C, while daytime temperatures regularly exceed 20°C.

Many April days reach 25°C or higher, particularly when the Terral wind makes its dramatic entrance.

Terral is a distinctly local weather phenomenon: it’s a dry, scorching wind that can spike temperatures to around 30°C within hours, sometimes catching visitors completely off guard.

For April visits, pack light mid-season clothing alongside a waterproof jacket for potential showers.

Don’t forget proper sun protection – the Malaga sun is deceptively strong in spring, and winter-pale skin burns faster than you’d expect.

May weather in Malaga

May in Malaga is pure perfection, offering what Nordic visitors would consider proper summer temperatures without reaching uncomfortable extremes.

Although technically still “pre-summer” by local standards, May delivers consistently delightful weather for virtually any outdoor activity.

Climate change has introduced more frequent Terral episodes, occasionally pushing temperatures well above 30°C even in late spring.

However, typical May temperatures oscillate between 22°C and 26°C, creating ideal conditions for both beach activities and cultural exploration.

Sea swimming becomes genuinely pleasant by May, with water temperatures averaging 18.5°C.

Summer clothing becomes appropriate, too. Be sure to pack short-sleeved shirts, light trousers, shorts, dresses and sandals, plus essential sun protection accessories.

June weather in Malaga

June represents the absolute sweet spot for Malaga visits: all the beauty of proper summer without the tourist avalanches of July and August.

Water temperatures rise daily while air temperatures settle into a consistently pleasant 25-28°C range.

By now, the weather is already summery, without yet reaching the stifling temperatures of peak summer months.

Summer clothing becomes essential: pack your favourite holiday outfits, flip-flops, sandals and serious sunscreen.

Light jackets prove useful for seaside dining due to increased humidity, but you’ll barely need them.

July weather in Malaga

July in Malaga equals summer in full swing: endless blue skies, scorching sun and packed beaches.

Daily temperatures consistently hover around 30°C, while nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 22°C.

High humidity during July means constant perspiration, making lightweight, breathable clothing absolutely essential for comfort.

Remember that Malaga’s humidity levels mean you’ll basically be perspiring continuously, so pack accordingly.

August weather in Malaga

August represents peak summer intensity on the Costa del Sol. Daily temperatures regularly reach 35°C, while nighttime temperatures refuse to drop below 22°C, creating famously uncomfortable “tropical nights”.

Very high humidity makes August particularly challenging, with perspiration becoming a constant companion day and night.

Drinking plenty of water is key, as well as avoiding intense sun exposure during midday hours, making shade-seeking a survival skill.

Generous application of high-factor sunscreen becomes non-negotiable – the August sun shows no mercy to unprepared skin.

September weather in Malaga

September remains the Costa del Sol’s best-kept secret for travellers seeking summer weather without summer madness.

Summer continues in full swing with average daytime temperatures reaching 27-28°C.

The enormous advantage over peak summer months is the absence of tropical nights and genuinely comfortable sleeping weather.

Emptier beaches, traffic-free roads and the return of genuine Malagueño friendliness make September ideal for experiencing authentic local culture.

Local service quality returns to normal after the high-demand summer months, when heat and tourist numbers take their toll on everyone’s patience.

Daytime summer clothing remains essential, though light jackets become useful for cooler evenings, particularly near the coast.

October weather in Malaga

October qualifies as Malaga’s golden month, offering a perfect balance between warmth and comfort.

Excellent daytime temperatures around 25°C combine with pleasantly cool evenings, perfect for outdoor dining and exploration.

Nights finally start cooling down properly, making October ideal for comfortable sleep without air conditioning.

These mild temperatures make October perfect not just for beach activities but also for hiking, exploring pueblos blancos (traditional white villages) and weekend countryside adventures.

Pack both light daytime clothes and warmer options, such as light jackets, for morning and evening activities.

November weather in Malaga

November in Malaga bears no resemblance to the grey, depressing weather typical of northern Europe during this period.

Although November and February are statistically the rainiest months, this remains distinctly relative by the standards of Northern Europe.

Climate change has brought increasingly dry autumns, meaning many November days remain gloriously sunny and warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 15°C or exceeding 25°C.

This creates ideal conditions for outdoor exploration, free from summer’s oppressive heat or winter’s chill.

Pack sandals, swimwear for sea temperature testing, light daytime clothes, comfortable walking shoes and light jackets for cooler mornings and evenings.

December weather in Malaga

December represents Malaga’s winter at its most charming – the winter month par excellence on the Costa del Sol.

Generally expect very little rainfall combined with stable, sunny weather, perfect for Christmas market strolling and terrace coffee drinking.

Morning lows around 10°C and daytime highs reaching well into the 20°C range create perfect conditions for sunset walks and outdoor sports.

Mornings and evenings remain cool but mild, making them ideal for strolling along the sea promenade, savouring coffee in a plaza and watching spectacular sunsets.

December’s mild climate makes it perfect for discovering Andalusian Christmas traditions, from roasted chestnuts to churros con chocolate (fried dough sticks with hot chocolate) enjoyed in sunny squares.

Layer clothing like an onion for all-day comfort: thick jackets for evenings, lighter options for daytime, and don’t forget those sunglasses – even December sunshine in Malaga can be dazzling.