Best time of year to visit Malaga
Key takeaways
A monthly low-down: weather, key events, how busy Malaga is and practical tips.
Year-round appeal: the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination any time of year.
Spring: ideal for sightseeing with pleasant temperatures.
Summer: perfect for beachgoers and al fresco dining.
Autumn: warm weather with fewer tourists, making it great for exploring.
Winter: mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
One of the questions that pops up most in our Guide to Malaga inbox is when is the best time of year to go to Malaga. That’s a hard one to answer because every month offers something different in terms of weather and events.
To make it easier for you to decide when’s the best time of year to go to Malaga for you, we’ve compiled a month-by-month guide. Here, you’ll find a guide to Malaga weather and events in the different months.
Did you know our Events section lists all the main events in Malaga and gives you all the essential information?
Why go to Malaga in January
In a nutshell, start the year with some sunshine. Enjoy one of the quietest months of the year in Malaga for visitors so you can see the museums and monuments without the crowds.
Make the most of bargain shopping in Malaga at the sales. And the art museums often start the year with new exhibitions.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in January
The days are short and it gets dark at around 6pm. Mostly sunny and average daytime temperatures are 17 degrees. January is one of the wettest months in Malaga but even so, expect no more than a few days (the statistics say it will rain on 6).
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 degrees | 6 | 15 degrees |
Can you sunbathe in January?
Of course! And if you find a sheltered spot in the sun, it can get quite hot.
What’s the temperature of the sea at this time of year?
It averages 15 degrees, so the water’s at its chilliest. That said, we know people who go swimming in Malaga every day of year and many of them claim that January is the most invigorating month for a dip!
What’s on in Malaga in January
Three Kings’ Parade is the family highlight of events in Malaga. Leaving from the Port in late afternoon and winding its way through the city centre, the Three Kings’ Parade gives you the chance to see their majesties themselves on elaborate floats and accompanied by dancers, performers…
January also heralds the start of the winter sales – from 7 January to 28 February.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 1 January
- 6 January
Why go to Malaga in February
One of the fun months of the year with Carnival celebrations including parades, drag queen competitions and the burial of the sardine. Read about carnival in Malaga here. And of course, you need some winter sunshine.
What’s the Malaga weather in February
Days are getting longer, warmer and drier. Average daytime temperatures in Malaga reach 18 to 19 degrees. According to statistics, February has 5 rainy days.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 degrees | 5 | 15 degrees |
Can you swim in Malaga in February?
We’d say only if you don’t mind the water being on the chilly side. 15 degrees is pretty cold, but if you don’t mind a refreshing dip, feel free!
What’s on in Malaga in February
Carnival takes centre stage with 10 days of events for all the family. Check out our free Guide to Malaga newsletter for updates, in your inbox every other Friday.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 28 February
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Why go to Malaga in March
Spring comes early in Malaga so if winter is lingering in your home country, book a holiday to Malaga in March. The parks and gardens are in full bloom and it’s peak nesting season at the Guadalhorce Natural Park.
Discover lots of other compelling reasons to visit Malaga in spring.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in March
The days are getting longer especially the evenings after the clocks go forward at the end of the month. Daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 20 degrees and historically you can expect just 4 days of rain.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 degrees | 5 | 16 degrees |
Can you sunbathe and swim in the sea in March?
20 degrees is certainly warm enough to sunbathe in Malaga in March and you’ll find sunloungers at some beach restaurants. The Mediterranean is starting to warm up (although it’s only slightly less chilly than in February), so if you like a fresh dip, March is your month!
What’s on in Malaga in March
Malaga Film Festival takes place in March. Read all about this event in Malaga here. And if Easter is early (it falls in April in 2026), you can enjoy the magnificent Holy Week processions.
Public holidays in Malaga in March 2026
None in 2026.
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Why go to Malaga in April
For many people this is the best time of year to go to Malaga – spring has well and truly arrived, the days are longer so there’s more time for sightseeing. Don’t miss the wisteria in full bloom at the Concepción Botanical Gardens.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in April?
Lots of warm sunshine and some spring showers (statistically it rains in Malaga on 5 days in April).
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 22 degrees | 5 | 18 degrees |
Is it warm enough to sunbathe in Malaga in April and go swimming?
Yes, definitely hot enough to start work on your tan. UV levels are high in spring, so be generous with the sunscreen and wear a hat. The Mediterranean is beginning to lose its winter chill and you’ll see locals taking their first dip of the year.
What’s on in Malaga in April
Easter falls this month in 2026, with Holy Week running from Sunday 29 March to Sunday 5 April. One of the biggest events in Malaga of the year and a major tourist attraction, Holy Week involves spectacular parades of religious icons round the city streets.
Read our guide to Easter in Malaga.
Public holidays in Malaga in April 2026
Thursday 2 April (Maundy Thursday)
Friday 3 April (Good Friday)
Why go to Malaga in May
We think May is a lovely time of the year to go to Malaga – it’s easily warm enough to go to the beach for the day, evenings start to get long and balmy (perfect for rooftop cocktails). And the rose gardens in the Jardines de Pedro Alonso next to City Hall come into bloom, a stunning display that lasts well into July.
What’s the Malaga weather like in May
Warm and sunny. Daytime temperatures are approaching 25 degrees and rainy days are less likely.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 24 degrees | 4 | 20 degrees |
How hot is it in Malaga in May?
We’d say that May is one of the best months for warm temperatures without it being too hot. That said, May can sometimes be unseasonably warm – Malaga had a heatwave in May 2025.
What’s on in Malaga in May
International Museum Day takes place on 18 May. To celebrate this, museums in Malaga offer free entry and guided tours, often in English, of their collections.
Read our comprehensive guide to all the museums in Malaga
May is also the month for the Noche en Blanco, an evening when free cultural events take off the city. It’s on a Saturday evening, usually in the second half of the month.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 1 May
Why go to Malaga in June
A city break with a beach holiday in Malaga comes into its own in June when the weather is perfect for basking in the sun and not too hot for sightseeing during the day. The parks and gardens are in full spring bloom. And evenings in the city have a real summer buzz to them.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in June
We’d almost say perfect. Temperatures in the day can reach 28 degrees especially towards the end of the month. Full sunshine is on the cards daily with hardly any chance of rain at all.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 26 degrees | 1 | 22 degrees |
Is June too hot?
Temperatures start to reach the high 20s in the second half of the month and minumums stay high too. You’ll probably want to do your sightseeing first or last thing and spend the rest of the day on the beach.
What’s on in Malaga in June
Malaga Tango Festival is one of the events. Check out tango concerts (music and dance) at the Cervantes and Echegaray Theatres plus free performances on the street.
You can also enjoy San Juan, a night festival on the beaches, welcoming the summer. There’s a big firework display at midnight, another highlight in Malaga in June.
How to get around
To reach some of these activities, particularly those slightly off the beaten track, public transport is an option, but renting a car is recommended for greater comfort and flexibility. A reliable choice is Espacar, a car hire company based in Malaga and with a strong presence in the province and on the Costa del Sol.
Why go to Malaga in July
High holiday season has arrived and this is a great month for long days at the beach followed by a spot of evening sightseeing. Al fresco dining and cocktails on rooftop terraces come into their own. And Calle Larios sports its summer shady awnings.
What’s Malaga weather like in July
Along with August, this is the hottest month of the year with average daytime temperatures easily hitting 30 degrees. And absolutely no need for your umbrella at all.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 28 degrees | 0 | 24 degrees |
The sea has warmed up, but is still refreshing.
Is it too hot to visit in July?
Unless you’re planning time on the beach, Malaga is too hot in July for full-on sightseeing, particularly if you walk to wander around the city. That said, all museums and shops have air-conditioning. Note too that minimum temperatures average 21 degrees, so there’s no respite at night.
What’s on in Malaga in July
Some of the best cultural events in Malaga take place during July. Lots of music and dance at the Festival Terral held at various venues round the city; classical plays at the Roman Theatre; and open-air cinema at lots of locations in Malaga including the beach.
Why go to Malaga in August
If you love a hot, sunny holiday at the beach with the chance to join southern Europe’s biggest fiesta plus a dash of sightseeing then August is the best time of year to go to Malaga for you. Just bear in mind that it’s high holiday season and you’ll be sharing the beach and everything else in Malaga with lots of other people.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in August
Hot, sunny and often sticky as the eastern Levante winds blow in moist air from the Mediterranean. Temperatures rarely drop below 30 degrees in the day or 21 at night. And rain? Forgot about that one.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 30 degrees | 1 | 22 degrees |
What’s on in Malaga in August
Malaga Fair – probably the biggest event in Malaga, both for things to do and visitors. For just over a week during the middle of August, Malaga becomes one big party all day and all night. In 2026, Malaga Fair runs from 15 August to 22 August.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 15 August
- 19 August (local holiday)
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Why go to Malaga in September
Compared to July and August, September is a much quieter month especially after the schools go back (usually from 10-12 September). It’s cooler and less crowded and for many people, this is the best time of year to go to Malaga. Many temporary art exhibitions open during this month or early October so this is a good time to catch some new culture.
What’s Malaga weather like in September
Still warm – daytime temperatures average a warm 28 degrees so the beach is still a favourite spot and the sea is at its warmest. Evenings are cooler but you still won’t need a jacket when you’re dining outside. The statistics say Malaga usually has 2 to 3 days of rain in September.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 28 degrees | 2-3 | 20 degrees |
What’s on in Malaga in September
Malaga Fashion Week takes place during September and is one of the biggest events in Malaga during the year. The highlight is the 2-day catwalk – all the way down Calle Larios – when local and Spanish fashion designers showcase their collections.
World Tourism Day on 27 September. Museums and monuments in Malaga celebrate this by offering free entry and (best of all) guided tours, often in English.
Read our guide to (all 30+) museums in Malaga
Public holidays in Malaga
- 8 September (local holiday)
Why go to Malaga in October
Perfect weather for sightseeing and relaxing on the beach without needing to pop into the shade to cool off. Great art exhibitions and autumn colours in the parks and gardens.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in October
Daytime temperatures average a very comfortable 24 degrees. Evenings become cooler but it rarely drop below 15 degrees so we’re not talking coats yet. One of the rainiest months according to the weather statistics, but still no more than 5 days at the most.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 24 degrees | 6 | 17 degrees |
What’s on in Malaga in October
Malaga celebrates Picasso’s birthday in October with lots of events created around the most famous resident of the city. You can read about Picassian events in Malaga here.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 12 October
Why go to Malaga in November
November is the best time of year to go to Malaga if you like a destination without the crowds – this is one of the quietest months in the city. Days are shorter so less time for looking round monuments and museums in Malaga, but the shops stay open until at least 8.30pm.
And this is the perfect season for roast chestnuts – buy them at stalls on street corners – and chocolate and churros.
What’s the weather like in Malaga in November
Decidedly cooler, although if you’re from Northern Europe or North America you’ll probably find it balmy. Average temperatures in the day hover around 20 degrees so still very pleasant for al fresco dining.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 degrees | 6 | 16 degrees |
November is one of the rainiest months in Malaga, but even that’s relative – weather statistics point to an average of 5.6 days of rain.
What’s on in Malaga in November
Malaga Jazz Festival is the highlight of this month. Check out the programme of concerts held at the two main theatres in Malaga – Cervantes Theatre and Echegaray Theatre. Jazz events also take place at different venues throughout the city.
Public holidays in Malaga
- 1 November
Why go to Malaga in December
Who doesn’t like a destination at Christmas? This is one of the prettiest times of year in Malaga when the city centre turns into one big Christmas light. Those on Calle Larios are nationally famous and a must-see if you’re on holiday in Malaga in December.
What’s Malaga weather like in December
Daytime temperatures don’t get much above 18 degrees, although that’s still warm enough to sit in the sun. Evenings are cooler and a jacket is a must. You’ll see locals wrapped-up often to the nines, but we never wear gloves or a scarf in Malaga so it isn’t that cold. Statistically this is the rainiest month in Malaga with an average of 6.6 days.
| Average temperature 🌞 | Average days of rain 🌦 | Average sea temperature 👙 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 degrees | 6 | 16 degrees |
What’s on in Malaga in December
Lots of Christmas events. Christmas concerts, nativity scenes, Christmas lights… During Christmas week, there’s an event every evening at the stage on Plaza de la Constitución. Ask at the Tourist Office for details.
Read our guide to Christmas in Malaga
Public holidays in Malaga
- 6 December
- 8 December
- 25 December
P.S. We think Malaga has plenty to offer at any time of year and a great holiday is guaranteed whenever you visit. There is a caveat to this, though – you definitely need to take a good look at our website – all you need to know, bang up-to-date and at your fingertips!
Start planning your upcoming trip to Malaga!
(All Malaga weather data is from the Spanish Meteorological Service AEMET)
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