Málaga is one of the sunniest cities in Europe and is a great place to visit all year round. However, the ideal time to visit depends on whether you want to spend most of your holiday on the beach, exploring the city or going on day trips around Andalusia.

For swimming and a beach holiday, the best time is from the second half of June to the end of September. The sea is at its warmest in July and August, but in our opinion, September offers the best combination of warm water and more bearable temperatures.

For city breaks and day trips, the best months are March to May and October to November. Winters are mild and often sunny, but too cold for regular swimming in the sea.

Average daily temperatures range from 17 to 18 °C in winter to 31 to 32 °C in July and August. Rain is extremely rare in summer, whilst the heaviest rainfall occurs between October and March.

Compare flight prices to Málaga

Do you already know your travel dates? Compare prices for hotels and apartments in Málaga too. Beachfront hotels, accommodation during the summer holidays, and rooms in the historic centre during Easter or the Málaga Feria in August sell out the quickest.

Temperatures in Málaga throughout the year

Málaga has the advantage that, thanks to its proximity to the calm Mediterranean Sea, temperature extremes are rare throughout the year.

Although temperatures can occasionally reach as high as 40 °C in summer, such days are few and far between. In contrast, in winter, temperatures do not drop below 7 °C even at night, and usually range between 17 and 20 °C.

Weather in January

January is the coldest month of the year. Expect an average daytime temperature of 17 °C, and on sunny days temperatures can rise above 20 °C.

It is chilly in the mornings and evenings, usually around 8 °C. So be sure to pack a jacket and long trousers, and check that your chosen accommodation has heating. This isn’t always a given in older flats.

January is ideal for visiting the Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro Castle and the historic centre. The climb up to Gibralfaro is much more pleasant in winter than in the summer heat.

It rains on an average of 5 to 6 days a month. However, this does not usually mean a whole week of continuous grey weather.

The sea is around 16 °C and is only suitable for hardy swimmers.

• Things to do in January:sights, city sightseeing

Weather in February

February is very similar to January. Average daily highs reach 18 °C and, on clear days, it’s pleasant to sit outside in the sun.

A jacket or a thicker jumper is advisable in the evening. Night-time temperatures drop to around 8 °C and it can feel colder when there’s a sea breeze.

February is ideal for a city break, visiting Málaga Cathedral, the museums or the La Concepción Botanical Gardens.

February usually offers the most cheap flights from anywhere in Europe

You can sunbathe on the beach, but the sea, at around 16 °C, is too cold for most people.

• Things to do in February:sights, city sightseeing
• 👉 Compare flight prices to Málaga on Skyscanner.com

Weather in March

Spring begins in March. Daytime temperatures hover around 20 °C, the days are getting longer, and the weather is ideal for spending the whole day exploring the city on foot.

Rain only occurs on a few days each month. Showers can be heavy for short periods, but the sun often comes out again in between.

March is a good time to visit the sights, take a stroll through Parque de Málaga to the Muelle Uno promenade, and go on your first trips into the Andalusian countryside.

The sea remains cold, and we do not recommend a traditional beach holiday in March.

If Semana Santa falls in March, expect busier streets and significantly more expensive accommodation.

• Things to do in March:sightseeing, city tours, day trips to the surrounding area
• 👉 Book your hotel for Easter well in advance

Weather in April

April is one of the best months for city sightseeing and day trips. Expect a pleasant 22 °C during the day, whilst evening temperatures hover around 12 °C.

The countryside is green after the winter rains, and the inland areas are not yet parched. Showers may occur, but prolonged rain is limited to just a few days.

Make the most of the pleasant temperatures with a hike up Gibralfaro, a tour of the Alcazaba or a trip to the Caminito del Rey.

At around 17 °C, the sea is still too cold for swimming.

During Easter week, Málaga is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia. In this case, be sure to book a hotel in the city centre well in advance.

• Things to do in April:sights, city sightseeing, day trips to the surrounding area
• 👉 Book your hotel for Easter well in advance

Weather in May

We consider May to be one of the best months to visit Málaga.

Daytime temperatures hover around 25 °C, it only rains on a few days, and the city isn’t yet sweltering in the peak summer heat. The weather is ideal for sightseeing, day trips and relaxing on the beach.

In May, the striking purple jacaranda trees are in bloom; you’ll see them, for example, around the Plaza de la Merced or in the city’s parks.

May is also an excellent time for a trip to Ronda, Granada or the Caminito del Rey.

• Things to do in May:sightseeing, city tours, day trips to the surrounding area, sunbathing on the beach
• 👉 Check car hire prices in Málaga

Can you go for a swim in Málaga in May?

For most people, the sea will be cold.

The water temperature is usually around 18 °C. It’s fine for a quick dip, but May isn’t ideal for long swims or spending the whole day by the sea.

Check hotels with outdoor pools before booking. Many pools aren’t heated and the water can be just as cold as the sea.

Weather in June

June marks the start of proper summer. Average daily highs reach 29 °C, evenings are warm and rain is extremely rare.

The sea gradually warms up over the course of the month. At the start of June, it may be only around 19 to 20 °C, whilst in the second half it often rises above 21 °C.

In our opinion, June is the best month for combining beach, city and day trips. It isn’t yet as hot as in July and August, and accommodation prices may be lower than during the peak holiday season.

Playa de la Malagueta is the closest to the historic centre. Playa de la Misericordia offers more space and a less touristy atmosphere.

• Things to do in June:beach holidays, day trips to the surrounding area

Book a summer hotel in Málaga

Can you go swimming in Málaga in June?

Yes, June is already peak season.

At the start of the month, the sea may only be around 19 to 20 °C, but it tends to be warmer in the second half of the month. You can therefore expect the best conditions from mid-June onwards.

June is ideal for travellers who want to combine swimming, sightseeing and day trips.

Weather in July

July is exceptionally dry and sunny. Average daily temperatures reach around 31 °C and the chance of rain is minimal.

In normal weather, the heat is partly tempered by the sea breeze. However, when the ‘terral’ (see explanation below) blows, temperatures can rise well above 35 °C within a few hours.

Plan your sightseeing for the morning. Start by visiting the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, where there is very little shade during the day.

Spend the hottest part of the day on the beach, at your hotel or in the air-conditioned Centre Pompidou Málaga. In the evening, take a stroll along the Muelle Uno promenade or through the historic centre.

The sea is on average around 23 °C, but its actual temperature can drop significantly for short periods due to wind and currents.

• Things to do in July:beach holidays, day trips to the surrounding area

Weather in August

August is the hottest month of the year. Average daily highs reach 31 to 32 °C, whilst night-time temperatures hover around 22 °C.

Rain is extremely rare and the sea is usually at its warmest of the year, with an average temperature of around 23 to 24 °C.

August is ideal for travellers who want to spend most of their time by the sea. However, for long walks around the city, along the Caminito del Rey or trips inland, it is the least pleasant time of year.

Families with children may prefer the more sheltered Playa de Las Acacias. Malagueta is less practical, as it tends to get very crowded during the peak season.

Demand for hotels rises significantly during the Málaga Feria in August. Book your accommodation well in advance.

• Things to do in August:beach holidays, trips in the surrounding area
• 👉 Book your hotel for August well in advance

Weather in September

In our opinion, September is the best month for a classic holiday in Málaga.

Average daily temperatures drop to a more pleasant 28 °C, the sea remains warm from the summer, and rain is rare.

The first half of September brings proper summer weather. In the second half, walks around the city and trips inland tend to be more pleasant.

This means you can alternate between swimming at Malagueta, visiting the sights and exploring the surrounding area. For a longer stay, it’s worth hiring a car, although you won’t need one for the city itself.

We also recommend September for families with young children. Temperatures are more bearable than in August, and visitor numbers gradually decrease after the start of the school year.

• Things to do in September:beach holidays, trips around the area

Weather in October

October is ideal for travellers who want to combine city sightseeing, day trips and, weather permitting, a spot of swimming.

Average daily highs are around 24 °C. At the start of the month, temperatures can still rise above 28 °C, whilst by the end of October the evenings are noticeably cooler.

Rain is more frequent than in summer. October is excellent for climbing Gibralfaro, visiting the cathedral, travelling around Andalusia or going on walking tours.

If swimming is the main reason for your trip, it’s best to choose early October. The whole month is suitable for a city break.

• Things to do in October:day trips to the surrounding area, city sightseeing, visiting landmarks, sunbathing on the beach
• 👉 Compare car hire prices in Málaga

Can you go swimming in Málaga in October?

Yes, especially during the first half of October.

The sea is usually warmer after the summer than it is in May, reaching around 20 to 21 °C. However, the air temperature gradually drops and there are more days of changeable weather.

If you want to be more certain of beach weather, choose the end of September and beginning of October or the first week of October.

Weather in November

In November, average daily maximum temperatures drop to 20 °C, whilst morning and evening temperatures hover around 11 °C.

Rainfall is more frequent than in spring and summer, but rainy days do not usually make up the majority of the month. There may be a few heavy showers, followed by sunny weather again.

November is ideal for a city break, visiting museums and restaurants, and exploring the historic centre. When it rains, visit the Centre Pompidou, the Atarazanas Market or the cathedral.

For trips to Ronda, Granada or Córdoba, November is much more pleasant than the summer holidays.

• Things to do in November:day trips to the surrounding area, city sightseeing, historical sites

Can you go swimming in Málaga in November?

Only on rare occasions.

The sea is around 18 °C and the weather is no longer stable. On a sunny day, you can sunbathe on the beach, but we wouldn’t plan a classic beach holiday in November.

Weather in December

December is one of the months with the highest rainfall, but even at this time of year, Málaga offers plenty of sunny days.

Daytime temperatures hover around 18 °C; expect around 9 °C in the mornings and evenings. It can be very pleasant in the sun, but you’ll need a jacket after sunset.

December is ideal for an Advent break, strolling through the historic centre and visiting the festively decorated Calle Marqués de Larios.

The sea is too cold for swimming. When choosing a hotel, opt for one in the city centre, from where you can walk to most of the sights, restaurants and evening entertainment.

Prices over Christmas and New Year’s Eve aren’t the cheapest. You should therefore book your accommodation earlier than you would for a normal winter break.

• Things to do in December:city sightseeing, attractions
• 👉 Book your hotel for Christmas well in advance

Sea temperature in Málaga

The water in Málaga is suitable for swimming from around mid-June to early October, when the temperature remains consistently above 20 °C.

The sea is at its warmest in July and August, with an average temperature of just under 25 °C, whilst it is at its coolest in February and March, with temperatures of only around 17 °C.

The 10 best beachfront hotels in Málaga

Why the sea can be cold even in summer

Sea temperatures in Málaga can fluctuate significantly over the course of a few days.

When a westerly wind or ‘terral’ blows, the warm surface water can be pushed further out to sea, and colder water from greater depths rises to take its place.

The water temperature near the beaches can then drop by several degrees for a short time.

This does not mean that the sea will be cold all summer. The temperature usually rises again gradually once the wind changes.

It is precisely because of this phenomenon that you may come across completely different experiences in reviews from people who visited Málaga in the same month.

The terral and extreme summer heat

Average monthly temperatures do not reflect every single summer day. In Málaga, a dry and exceptionally hot wind known as the terral occasionally blows, sweeping from the inland towards the coast.

During a terral, temperatures can rise above 35 °C within a few hours and, during the strongest episodes, approach 40 °C. Evenings and nights can also remain hot.

The terral most commonly occurs from June to September and lasts for a limited time. Nevertheless, when booking a summer stay, always make sure your room has working air conditioning.

You can easily filter for hotels with air conditioning in the room on Booking.com.

When does it rain the most in Málaga?

Most rainfall occurs between October and March. However, this doesn’t mean it will rain every day or throughout your entire stay.

Málaga has long dry spells, and rainfall is often concentrated over just a few days. Instead of regular light rain, you may experience a short but very intense downpour.

From June to August, rain is extremely rare. In May and September, it only occurs on a few days.

Does it rain all day in Málaga?

It can, but it’s not the most common scenario.

Showers or a few hours of rain, followed by a return to fine weather, are more common. In autumn and winter, however, a whole day of rain cannot be ruled out.

The short-term forecast is much more important than the weather icon shown a week in advance.

Is there a risk of flooding in Málaga?

Not for most of the year. However, during exceptionally intense Mediterranean storms, torrential rain, localised flooding and transport restrictions may occur.

If the meteorologists issue an orange or red warning, avoid travelling by car to the mountains, through underpasses and to low-lying areas.

Heavy rain or wind may also affect operations on the Caminito del Rey. The organisers reserve the right to close the route for safety reasons.

What to do in Málaga when it rains

Make the most of the rainy weather by visiting:

• the Centre Pompidou Málaga
• Málaga Cathedral
• Atarazanas Market

Don’t plan a steep climb up to Gibralfaro when it’s raining. The stone paths can be slippery, and the main attraction of a visit is the views of the city and the sea.

You’ll find more inspiration in the sections ‘What to see in Málaga ’ and ‘What to do in Málaga’.

What to pack for Málaga

From December to February

During the day, a T-shirt, jumper or light jumper will do. For the mornings and evenings, take a jacket and long trousers.

Also pack a light waterproof jacket or a small umbrella.

Check whether your apartment has heating. Mild outdoor temperatures don’t necessarily mean it’ll be comfortable in an older, unheated flat in the evening.

In March, April and November

Take light clothing for sunny days, a jumper or cardigan for the evening, and a waterproof layer.

When visiting Ronda, Granada or the mountains, expect lower temperatures than on the coast itself.

In May, June, September and October

Summer clothing will generally suffice. A light layer is advisable for cooler evenings or windy days.

In May and October, also pack a light rain jacket.

In July and August

Take light, breathable clothing, a hat, good-quality sun cream and a water bottle.

When choosing a hotel, air conditioning is more important than a swimming pool. Even at night, it can remain very warm during the dry season.