I have visited Malaga in every season over the past decade, and the weather consistency is remarkable. My August trips have been properly hot – 35°C days where the only sensible activity is sitting by a pool until evening – while February visits have been mild enough for shirtsleeves during the day. The 300 sunny days per year claim is not exaggerated. I was caught in rain exactly once, a twenty-minute downpour in October that cleared as quickly as it arrived. For UK visitors escaping grey winters, Malaga is about as reliable as European destinations get.
Malaga, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The city averages over 300 sunny days per year.
Monthly Weather
Malaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate with consistent sunshine year-round. The following sections break down weather patterns by season to help you plan your visit.
Best Time to Visit
For beaches: June to September. Water temperatures reach 23-24°C in peak summer.
For sightseeing: April-May or September-October. Warm but not too hot (21-28°C), fewer crowds than summer.
Budget travelers: November-February. Lower prices, mild weather (17-18°C highs), but cooler for swimming.
Seasons
Summer (June-September):
- Hot and dry, highs of 28-31°C
- Very little rain
- Busiest tourist season
- Beach weather
Spring (March-May):
- Warming up, 19-24°C
- Some rain possible
- Good for outdoor activities
Autumn (September-November):
- Still warm, 20-28°C
- Sea remains swimmable into October
- Occasional rain later in season
Winter (December-February):
- Mild, 17-18°C highs
- Coldest nights around 8-9°C
- Occasional rain
- Much quieter than summer
What to Pack
Summer: Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Spring/Autumn: Layers, light jacket for evenings
Winter: Light jacket or sweater, umbrella
Weather Tips
- The terral wind can bring sudden temperature spikes in summer
- UV is strong May-September – use high SPF sunscreen
- Sea breezes keep the coast cooler than inland
- Rain, when it comes, is usually short-lived
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Malaga?
April-May or September-October are the best times to visit Malaga. Temperatures range from 21-28°C, warm but not excessively hot, with fewer crowds than peak summer. These shoulder seasons are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense heat or tourist crowds.
How hot does Malaga get in summer?
Malaga experiences hot, dry summers with daytime highs of 28-31°C from June to September. The terral wind can occasionally bring sudden temperature spikes above 35°C. July and August are the hottest months and the busiest tourist season with peak beach conditions.
Is Malaga warm enough to visit in winter?
Yes, Malaga has mild winters with daytime highs of 17-18°C from December to February. Nights can be cool at 8-9°C, but frost is extremely rare. Winter is the quietest season with lower hotel prices, though the sea is too cold for comfortable swimming. You’ll need only a light jacket or sweater.
How many sunny days does Malaga get per year?
Malaga enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. The Mediterranean climate ensures consistent sunshine year-round, with rain being brief and infrequent even during the wetter autumn months.
What is the sea temperature in Malaga?
Sea temperatures in Malaga peak at 23-24°C during peak summer months (July-September), warm enough for comfortable swimming. Water remains swimmable into October. The beach season runs from June to September when conditions are ideal.
What should I pack for Malaga?
For summer, bring light, breathable clothing, high SPF sunscreen (UV is strong May-September), hat, and sunglasses. Spring and autumn require layers with a light jacket for evenings. Winter visitors should pack a light jacket or sweater and an umbrella for occasional rain. Sea breezes keep the coast cooler than inland areas.
