Best Time to Visit Malaga

Average weather of Malaga

The best time to visit Malaga depends on what you want to do during your stay. May through to late September almost guarantees sunshine, although if you’re looking for cheap flights and Malaga hotels, it may be best to avoid the peak times of July and August.

When planning a Malaga vacation, March, April, and October are often overlooked. However, temperatures are still warm and there are fewer crowds – making it super easy to explore historical and cultural attractions.

Malaga is also an ideal winter break, as temperatures rarely dip below 16°C (61°F ). These are times to get cozy in tapas bars sampling local cuisine, and browsing the covered markets.

Temperature and rainfall in Malaga

Malaga’s annual temperatures are, as a general rule, warm and pleasant throughout the year, although you can expect rain on some days during the winter months. Keep reading for inspiration on what to do and see by month to make the most of your Spanish stay.

Malaga Outside Temperature

The temperatures in Malaga rarely drop below 16°C (61°F) throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August with highs of 31°C (88°F) and almost zero chance of rain – however, it can be pretty muggy. If you’re looking for warm, pleasant weather, April, May, and October can be great months to visit, with temperatures reaching highs of 24°C (75°F).

Malaga Precipitation (rainfall)

The wettest months in Malaga are November and December. In my experience, rainfall can be quite heavy for a few days at a time. However, these are great times to discover new foods in tapas bars, get to know the locals, browse covered markets, and discover the world-class museums and historical attractions for which Malaga is known.

Malaga Sunshine Hours

Between April and August, there are 13-14 hours of daylight which means more hours of sunshine – perfect for lounging on the beach or by the pool. These months are ideal for exploring the city’s natural landscapes, hiking, swimming and indulging in watersports and boat excursions.

Malaga Humidity

The high humidity season in Malaga lasts from late June to early October, with August being the muggiest month. If you want to avoid humidity completely, February is the best month for travel.

Weather and climate in Malaga

With such amazing weather for most of the year and many historical and cultural attractions to explore, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to begin when planning a trip to Malaga. Don’t worry; I’m here to help! Below, I’ll show details of the temperatures month by month, along with some exciting events and activities for first-timers to enjoy in the city.

January in Malaga

January can be cool and wet some days, but the worst of the rainy weather has passed and now we’re looking at mild temperatures with highs of 16°C (61°F). At the beginning of the month, Malagueños celebrate the Three Kings Festival with processions through the city streets. If visiting in January, take time to visit La Alcazaba – a spectacular 8th-century Moorish fortress set in a stunning tree-lined location. Also, pop into Malaga Museum to see their fine art and archaeological artifacts collections.

February in Malaga

The weather in February is a few degrees warmer than the previous month, although you will still need a jacket or jumper for cooler evening walks. In February, Malaga Carnival fills the city with parades, street food and live bands. Suppose you plan to visit during this month. In that case, the Roman Amphitheater is a great sightseeing pick, also seek out the best tapas bars in the city to warm up with plates of Gambas Pil-Pil (spicy shrimp in garlic olive oil) and Patatas Bravas (potatoes with spiced tomato salsa).

March in Malaga

In March, the temperatures slowly creep up again with highs of 19°C (66°F). It’s a great time to really get to know the undiscovered corners of the city and the local architecture. Visit Malaga Cathedral – a structure that took 150 years to build. It is home to the second-tallest bell tower in Andalucia. You can wander through charming Old Town streets or join a hop-on/hop-off Malaga city bus tour. If you’re short on time, it’s a perfect way to learn about the city’s heritage.

April in Malaga

Usually, Easter falls in late March or early April, which increases accommodation and flight prices during Semana Santa (Holy Week). If you want to really benefit from the warmer weather this month, plan around the holidays to save. Some great picks to visit in April include Castillo de Gibralfaro – a majestic, historic hilltop castle overlooking the Port of Malaga and Costa del Sol coastline. Also, La Concepción-Historical Botanical Gardens are in full bloom this month with over 50,000 sub-tropical plants and tranquil water features to discover.

May in Malaga

May is tee-shirt weather in Malaga with temperatures reaching highs of 23°C (74°F). But before you head to sandy shores for a spot of sun worshipping, pick up a gourmet picnic at Ataranzanas Market. Here, stalls boast artisan bread, cheeses and fresh produce. It is decorated with a stunning stained glass window and gives visitors an insight into daily Malaga life. This is also a great month for a road trip. The white-washed, hilltop town of Mijas is less than 40 minutes away, with an old-world charm, artsy shops, and incredible coastal views.

June in Malaga

One of my favorite times of year to visit – June is warm and sunny – a little humid but not too overbearing. This month it’s time for Malaga Gastronomy Festival, where famous chefs from all over Andalucia wow crowds with culinary displays and tastings. Leisurely days can be spent strolling beneath the shady palms of Parque de Malaga or on La Malagueta beach catching some rays. Later in the month is Noche de San Juan – with epic firework displays, celebrations, food, and bonfires by the water’s edge.

July in Malaga

Over the next few months, residents living in Spain’s interior arrive in Malaga for their holidays. The weather is hot, and beaches are busy, although smaller, more secluded coves are further along the coast. Mid-month, the Malaga Flamenco Festival takes place, hosting Spain’s best dancers and guitarists. You can head to the beach to sample “espetos” – grilled sardines cooked over a sandy firepit, or embrace the shade at the Automobile and Fashion Museum which has over 100 classic cars on display.

August in Malaga

This is one of the busiest months when over one million people descend on the city for Malaga Feria – one of the largest festivals in Andalucia. A time when women dress in flamenco costumes, tapas are served in the streets, and there are parades and open-air concerts all across the city. If you’ve never experienced the Feria atmosphere, you should, but perhaps stay outside the city, choosing hotels or apartments in surrounding resorts to save money. It’s also a good time to drive along the coast to glitzy Marbella or A-list hotspot Puerto Banus for designer shopping and boat trips.

September in Malaga

Things have calmed down a bit following the Feria, and the temperatures are slowly decreasing, making for a warm and pleasant stay. If you’re a soccer (football) fan, Malaga CF’s season has begun. They occasionally play Spain’s largest teams, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, and when they do, the atmosphere is electric – it’s worth sourcing a ticket. It’s also time to visit local markets and enjoy browsing the shops, bars, and restaurants of Malaga’s Old Town now that it is quieter.

October in Malaga

In October, temperatures still reach highs of 24° (75°C), but it’s a little cooler in the evenings. Malaga, unbeknown to many, was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and this month is a great time to visit the Picasso Museum to see a celebration of his finest works. Aside from this, learn about the city’s history on a Private Walking Tour or hop in a Private Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour for a unique take on the cityscape. You can extend your exploration outside the city to the historic town of Ronda with its famous gorge, or drive to Gibraltar or the Caves of Nerja.

November in Malaga

It does tend to rain in November in Malaga; I know this from experience, although it doesn’t tend to last long. You can gain incredible accommodation deals this month, and it’s a wonderful time to see the Alcazaba, and Roman Amphitheater, and sip wine in a local bodega while sharing plates of tapas with friends. You can hop on the bus to nearby Fuengirola for the day, or experience the oasis of Hammam Al Andalus – an Arabic bathhouse of opulent proportions decorated with mosaics and marble columns.

December in Malaga

December is a delightful month to visit Malaga, with many festivities and twinkling lights at every turn. It’s a month for shopping, dining in fine restaurants, and visiting cultural attractions. Check out the Carmen Thyssen Museum – home to 19th and 20th-century paintings by Spanish Artists or head into Center Pompidou to see Impressionist exhibits. Learn how to make the best paella during a cooking class or sample local specialty Fritura Malagueña (a fried seafood dish).

Best Time to Visit Malaga to Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Malaga to avoid crowds is outside the main holidays and high season. The winter months are a great option if you don’t mind taking a chance on a few days of rain, or for warmer days and cheaper hotel rates, venture here in May, June, late September, or October.

Best Time to Visit Malaga: FAQs

I’ve put together a super friendly Q&A to clear up all your questions about Malaga’s weather, avoiding tourist crowds, and the perfect moments for sunshine. Let’s jump in and discover the best time for your unforgettable adventure in Malaga!