Málaga Weather by Month 2026: Temperature, Rain & What to Expect

Quick answer: The best time to visit Malaga is May, September and October — warm days (23–28°C), minimal rain, and fewer crowds than peak summer. June is excellent too. July and August are hot (31°C+) but perfect for the beach. November through February are mild (15–19°C) and great for sightseeing without the tourists.

 

Planning your days around the weather? Our private day trips run all year, from Ronda and Granada to Gibraltar and Nerja. See all our private day trips from Málaga or ask us on WhatsApp.

 

 

Malaga Weather at a Glance: Month-by-Month Summary

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Sea Temp	Rain Days	Verdict
January	17°C / 63°F	8°C / 46°F	16°C	6	Mild, quiet, good for city breaks
February	18°C / 64°F	9°C / 48°F	15°C	5	Coolest month, great value
March	20°C / 68°F	11°C / 52°F	15°C	5	Warming up, Semana Santa
April	22°C / 72°F	13°C / 55°F	16°C	4	Ideal for sightseeing
May	25°C / 77°F	16°C / 61°F	18°C	3	⭐ Best overall month
June	29°C / 84°F	19°C / 66°F	21°C	1	Warm, sunny, sea is swimmable
July	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F	23°C	0	Hottest, busiest, beach-perfect
August	32°C / 90°F	22°C / 72°F	24°C	0	Hot, peak season, crowded
September	28°C / 82°F	19°C / 66°F	23°C	3	⭐ Best overall month
October	24°C / 75°F	15°C / 59°F	21°C	5	Warm, dry, fewer crowds
November	20°C / 68°F	12°C / 54°F	19°C	5	Mild, quiet, lovely light
December	17°C / 63°F	9°C / 48°F	17°C	6	Cool, festive, low prices

 

Malaga’s average monthly temperatures (line) and precipitation (bars).

 

Best Time to Visit Malaga

Malaga enjoys one of the warmest climates in mainland Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 3,000 hours of annual daylight. The weather depends heavily on what you’re looking for:

 

Best for comfortable weather and sightseeing

Costa Excursions recommends April, May, September and October for comfortable Malaga weather and sightseeing: average temperatures are 22–28°C, rainfall is low and crowds are lighter than in peak summer. May and September offer the best balance of beach weather and comfortable conditions for visiting the Alhambra.

 

Best for beach holidays

Costa Excursions recommends June, July and August for Malaga beach holidays: daytime temperatures reach 29–32°C, rain is almost absent and the sea warms to as much as 24°C. These are peak-season months, so expect the busiest beaches and higher prices.

 

Best for fewer crowds and lower prices

Costa Excursions recommends November to February for fewer crowds and lower prices in Malaga. Daytime temperatures are typically 15–20°C, with occasional rainy days but mostly sunny conditions, making this period well suited to city breaks, cultural tours and day trips to Ronda or Granada.

 

Best for Christmas markets and winter sun

December. Cooler (17°C average daytime) but Malaga’s Christmas lights on Calle Larios are among the most spectacular in Spain.

 

Weather in Malaga in January

 

• Average high: 17°C (63°F)
• Average low: 8°C (46°F)
• Sea temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Rainfall: ~70 mm across 6 rainy days
• Daylight: 9h 56min

 

January is the coldest month in Malaga, but it’s still remarkably mild compared to northern Europe. Expect sunny days in the high teens interrupted by short rainy spells. Pack layers: a warm jumper and light jacket are plenty for the day, though evenings can feel chilly.

 

Ideal for: city sightseeing, Ronda day trips, escaping northern European winter.
Recommended day tour: Private day trip to Ronda

 

Weather in Malaga in February

 

• Average high: 18°C (64°F)
• Average low: 9°C (48°F)
• Sea temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Rainfall: ~60 mm across 5 rainy days
• Daylight: 10h 52min

 

February is often the coolest month of the year, but with fewer rainy days than many European destinations, it’s still very pleasant. Temperatures frequently climb into the high teens, and the almond trees start blossoming inland — beautiful scenery for anyone heading to the mountains.

 

Ideal for: carnival (Carnaval de Málaga in late Feb), white village tours, lower prices before Easter.
Recommended day tour: Nerja & Frigiliana day tour

 

Weather in Malaga in March

• Average high: 20°C (68°F)
• Average low: 11°C (52°F)
• Sea temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Rainfall: ~55 mm across 5 rainy days
• Daylight: 11h 56min

 

March is when Malaga starts to wake up. Temperatures rise noticeably, and by the second half of the month you’ll often see 22–23°C afternoons. The sea is still cool for swimming, but it’s an excellent time to visit before the tourist crowds arrive. Semana Santa (Holy Week) sometimes falls in late March and transforms the city with processions.

 

Ideal for: sightseeing, hiking, Semana Santa celebrations, Caminito del Rey.
Recommended day tour: Day trip to Ronda

 

Weather in Malaga in April

• Average high: 22°C (72°F)
• Average low: 13°C (55°F)
• Sea temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Rainfall: ~40 mm across 4 rainy days
• Daylight: 13h 08min

 

April is one of the best months to visit Malaga for sightseeing — warm but not hot, and days are noticeably longer. It can be showery (spring rain arrives in short bursts), but 20+ days of the month typically see temperatures above 18°C. The Costa del Sol is in full bloom with jacarandas and bougainvillea.

 

Ideal for: hiking, day trips, Easter holidays, visiting vineyards.
Recommended day tour: Ronda winery and tapas tour

 

Weather in Malaga in May ⭐

• Average high: 25°C (77°F)
• Average low: 16°C (61°F)
• Sea temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Rainfall: ~25 mm across 3 rainy days
• Daylight: 14h 07min
• Sunshine: ~282 hours (one of the sunniest months)

 

May is arguably the best month of the year to visit Malaga. Warm but not uncomfortably hot, minimal rain, full-length sunny days, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. The sea is starting to warm up enough for a brave swim. If you can only come once, come in May.

 

Ideal for: everything — beach days, sightseeing, hiking, day trips, cultural tours.
Recommended day tour: Granada & Alhambra day tour

 

Weather in Malaga in June

 

• Average high: 29°C (84°F)
• Average low: 19°C (66°F)
• Sea temperature: 21°C (70°F)
• Rainfall: ~10 mm across 1 rainy day
• Daylight: 14h 40min
• Sunshine: ~302 hours

 

June is warm, dry and reliably sunny. The Mediterranean tempers the daytime heat, keeping it comfortable even mid-afternoon, and the sea finally warms up enough for proper swimming. Crowds are still moderate in early June and build toward month’s end as European school holidays begin.

 

Ideal for: beach days, boat trips, outdoor dining, wine tours.
Recommended day tour: Mijas private day tour

 

Weather in Malaga in July

• Average high: 31°C (88°F)
• Average low: 22°C (72°F)
• Sea temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Rainfall: Near zero
• Daylight: 14h 26min
• Sunshine: ~338 hours — the sunniest month of the year

 

July delivers peak summer. Hot dry days, warm evenings perfect for outdoor dining, and almost zero chance of rain. The sea is beautiful. Expect the odd heatwave where inland temperatures push above 35°C, although the coast stays cooler thanks to the sea breeze.

 

Ideal for: beach holidays, boat trips, evening tapas and nightlife.
Avoid if: you don’t handle heat well, or you want to tour Granada or Ronda mid-afternoon.
Recommended day tour: Gibraltar day tour

 

Weather in Malaga in August

• Average high: 32°C (90°F)
• Average low: 22°C (72°F)
• Sea temperature: 24°C (75°F) — warmest of the year
• Rainfall: Near zero
• Daylight: 13h 34min
• Sunshine: ~309 hours

 

August is the hottest month, but the Mediterranean tempers the intensity. The sea is at its warmest of the year, making it ideal for families. Be aware: this is peak holiday season for Spain and much of Europe — prices are at their highest, hotels sell out, and the beaches are full. Also watch for the occasional terral — a hot, dry wind from inland that can push temperatures above 40°C.

 

Ideal for: beach holidays, families with children, sea swimming, evening markets.
Avoid if: you want a quieter trip, or plan to walk around historic cities mid-day.
Recommended day tour: Marbella & Puerto Banus day trip

 

Weather in Malaga in September ⭐

• Average high: 28°C (82°F)
• Average low: 19°C (66°F)
• Sea temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Rainfall: ~20 mm across 3 rainy days
• Daylight: 12h 25min
• Sunshine: ~247 hours

 

September is the other best month to visit Malaga — sometimes even better than May. Locals call it veroño (a blend of verano/summer and otoño/autumn) because summer lingers well into the month. Days are still warm and dry, the sea is at its second-warmest, and by mid-month the peak-summer crowds have largely cleared out.

Ideal for: beach and sightseeing combined, wine harvest tours, food festivals.
Recommended day tour: Wine and tapas tour in Ronda

 

Weather in Malaga in October

• Average high: 24°C (75°F)
• Average low: 15°C (59°F)
• Sea temperature: 21°C (70°F)
• Rainfall: ~30 mm across 5 rainy days
• Daylight: 11h 16min

 

October is warm, reliably sunny and noticeably quieter. The veroño extends into the first half of the month — warm enough for the beach — and by late October the light softens into that magical autumn gold that photographers love. Evenings get cooler but daytime is still T-shirt weather.

Ideal for: city tours, photography, hiking, white village tours.
Recommended day tour: Malaga private city tour

 

Weather in Malaga in November

• Average high: 20°C (68°F)
• Average low: 12°C (54°F)
• Sea temperature: 19°C (66°F)
• Rainfall: ~60 mm across 5 rainy days
• Daylight: 10h 12min

 

November brings cooler weather but it’s still noticeably mild for a European destination. Most days still hit the high teens, meaning you can comfortably walk around in a light jacket. Rain arrives in short spells rather than all-day downpours. Hotels and flights drop sharply in price — excellent value.

 

Ideal for: cultural tours, gastronomy, wine country, shoulder-season prices.
Recommended day tour: Bull breeding farm private tour

 

Weather in Malaga in December

• Average high: 17°C (63°F)
• Average low: 9°C (48°F)
• Sea temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Rainfall: ~80 mm across 6 rainy days
• Daylight: 9h 40min

 

December is one of Malaga’s cooler months but still remarkably mild compared with northern Europe — often 16–18°C during sunny afternoons. The city shines with its famous Christmas lights on Calle Larios (one of Spain’s most spectacular displays), festive markets, and a lively pre-holiday atmosphere. Expect some rain, but plenty of bright, clear days.

Ideal for: Christmas markets, winter sun escapes, city breaks, pre-New-Year getaways.
Recommended day tour: Gibraltar day tour

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What’s the hottest month in Malaga?

August is typically the hottest month, averaging around 32°C during the day and 22°C at night. July is a close second.

 

What’s the coldest month in Malaga?

January and February are the coolest, averaging around 17–18°C during the day and 8–9°C at night. Still remarkably mild by European standards.

 

When can you swim in the sea in Malaga?

The sea is comfortable for most people from June to October, with temperatures of 21–24°C. July and August are warmest. May and November are possible for the brave.

 

Does it rain a lot in Malaga?

Malaga does not receive a great deal of rain: this Costa Excursions guide estimates about 500 mm annually, mainly between November and March. Rain usually falls in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, while summer is practically dry.

 

What’s the best month to visit Malaga?

May and September are the top picks — warm, dry, uncrowded, and comfortable both for the beach and for sightseeing. June and October are excellent runners-up.

 

Is Malaga warm in winter?

Yes, by European standards. Daytime temperatures average 17–20°C from November to February, with plenty of sunshine. Evenings are cooler, so pack a jacket. You won’t be sunbathing, but you’ll enjoy sitting at outdoor cafés.

 

When is the rainy season in Malaga?

Rain is concentrated in November, December and January. Even then, expect only 5–6 rainy days per month on average.

 

Planning Your Trip to Malaga

Once you’ve picked your month, the next question is what to do while you’re here. We run private day tours from Malaga and Marbella to Ronda, Granada, Gibraltar, Caminito del Rey, the white villages and Nerja — tailored to your interests and pace.

Once you’ve picked your month, see our guide to things to do in Málaga for what to fill the days with — museums, markets, beaches and the best day trips from the city.

 

Read our complete guide to day trips from Malaga or get in touch to plan a custom itinerary.

 

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