Best Time to Visit Malaga: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

The best time to visit Málaga is May, June, September, or October when temperatures hover between 20-28°C, the beaches are enjoyable, and the crowds are manageable.

These shoulder months offer the ideal balance of warm weather without the intense summer heat.

But here's what makes Málaga special: with over 320 days of sunshine a year and the mildest winters in mainland Spain, there's genuinely no bad time to visit.

Even in January, you'll often find locals in t-shirts by midday.

We've lived on the Costa del Sol for years, and each month brings something different.

From the explosive Feria de Málaga in August to the quiet charm of December's Christmas lights on Calle Larios, there's always a reason to visit.

This guide breaks down what each month actually looks like, so you can time your visit perfectly.

Málaga Weather at a Glance

Málaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with more sunshine than almost anywhere else in Europe.

The city's position on the Costa del Sol, sheltered by mountains, creates a microclimate that keeps temperatures comfortable year-round.

Best Time to Visit by Activity

Spring in Málaga (March to May)

Spring brings Málaga to life.

The city shakes off winter's quieter pace as temperatures climb from 17°C in March to 25°C by late May.

This is prime time for exploring the historic centre, the Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle without summer's crowds or heat.

March feels transitional with crisp mornings warm to pleasant afternoons.

The almond trees bloom in the hills, and the terraces of Plaza de la Merced fill with locals enjoying the strengthening sun.

If Easter falls early, Semana Santa transforms the city.

April is when spring fully arrives.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings Málaga's famous processions: enormous floats (tronos) carried through narrow streets by hundreds of costaleros, accompanied by music and incense.

It's one of Spain's most spectacular Easter celebrations, rivalling Seville's.

May might be Málaga's most perfect month.

Temperatures hit 25°C, the beaches reopen in earnest, and the summer crowds haven't arrived.

The Jardín Botánico blooms magnificently, and evening paseos along Muelle Uno feel magical.

Spring Highlights

• Semana Santa processions (Easter)
• Málaga Film Festival (March)
• Beach season begins (May)
• Noche en Blanco cultural night (May)
• Perfect sightseeing weather

What Málaga is like in March | April | May.

Summer in Málaga (June to August)

Summer is peak season for good reason: guaranteed sunshine, beach weather, and the city's biggest party, the Feria de Málaga.

June offers the sweet spot before peak summer intensity.

Temperatures average 28°C, beaches are swimmable, and prices haven't yet peaked. The summer solstice brings Noche de San Juan celebrations: bonfires on the beach, fireworks, and midnight swimming.

July turns up the heat.

Expect 30°C+ days and beaches packed with Spanish holidaymakers.

Open-air concerts at the Roman Theatre and the Terral music festival bring live performances throughout the city. This is beach-and-evening-terrace season.

August brings the Feria de Málaga, the city's most important festival and, in our opinion, Spain's best summer feria.

For ten days around mid-August, Málaga transforms.

Days (feria de día) see flamenco dresses and horse carriages in the centre.

Nights (feria de noche) move to the recinto fairground with casetas, rides, and dancing until dawn.

It's hot, loud, crowded, and absolutely unforgettable.

Summer Highlights

• Feria de Málaga (mid-August)
• Noche de San Juan (June 23)
• Roman Theatre concerts
• Peak beach season
• Terral music festival

What Málaga is like in June | July | August

Autumn in Málaga (September to November)

Autumn is when locals reclaim the city.

The summer crowds disperse, prices drop, and yet the weather remains glorious, especially in September and October.

September offers summer conditions without summer chaos.

The Mediterranean holds its warmth (24-25°C water temperature), making this the best month for swimming. Málaga Fashion Week adds cultural buzz, and hotel prices drop by 20-30% from peak.

October brings golden autumn light and comfortable 24°C days.

The sea remains swimmable into mid-month. Cultural institutions launch their new seasons, and Picasso celebrations around his birthday (October 25) bring special exhibitions and events.

November signals shoulder season's end.

Temperatures cool to 20°C, and the first autumn rains arrive, though Málaga's rainfall is light compared to northern Spain. This is prime time for museum-hopping, tapas crawling, and enjoying the city's cafés without tourist crowds.

Autumn Highlights

• Warmest sea temperatures (September)
• Málaga Fashion Week (September)
• Picasso celebrations (October)
• Málaga Jazz Festival (November)
• Roasted chestnuts season

What Málaga is like in September | October | November

Winter in Málaga (December to February)

Winter in Málaga bears no resemblance to winter elsewhere in Europe.

While the rest of the continent shivers, Málaga regularly hits 18°C in the afternoon sunshine. You'll see locals in short sleeves, and so will you.

December brings Christmas magic.

Calle Larios hosts one of Spain's most spectacular Christmas light displays, a choreographed show drawing thousands nightly. Nativity scenes (belénes) appear throughout the city, and a festive market fills Plaza de la Constitución.

January is Málaga's quietest month, perfect for culture vultures.

The Picasso Museum has no queues.

The Alcazaba is peacefully empty. Restaurants are relaxed. The Three Kings Parade (5 January) closes the holiday season with a spectacular procession, and winter sales offer bargains.

February hints at spring.

Carnival celebrations bring costumes and music (though smaller than Cádiz's famous version). Check out what's on in Malaga in February for events and activities.

Almond blossoms appear in the surrounding hills. And while the rest of Spain shivers, Málaga enjoys 18 to 19°C days with plenty of sunshine.

Winter Highlights

• Calle Larios Christmas lights
• Three Kings Parade (January 6)
• Winter sales (January)
• Carnival (February)
• Best hotel prices

What Málaga is like in December | January | February

Weather by Month: Quick Reference

Why Málaga Works Year-Round

Málaga genuinely is a year-round destination, not just marketing speak. Here's why:

• The climate: With 320+ days of sunshine and the mildest winter temperatures in mainland Spain, there's always something comfortable about the weather. Even January's "coldest" days often feel like a British summer.
• The indoor attractions: The Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, Carmen Thyssen Museum, and CAC Contemporary Art Centre offer culture vultures world-class options regardless of the weather. Read our complete guide to museums in Málaga for more.
• The tapas culture: Málaga's indoor tapas bars and restaurants are just as lively in winter as summer. Arguably more atmospheric when the tourists are gone, and it's locals only.
• The festivals: From August's Feria to December's Christmas lights, from Semana Santa to Carnival, Málaga celebrates something spectacular in almost every month.

Plan Your Málaga Trip

Whatever time you choose, Málaga delivers.

The locals joke that tourists come for a week and stay forever.

After years here, we understand why. The sunshine, the food, the pace of life: it gets under your skin.

Come in summer for beaches and feria.

Visit in the spring for perfect sightseeing weather.

Try winter for culture and quiet.

Or arrive in September and discover what the locals already know: this might be the best month of all.