Best Time to Visit Marbella: Season by Season Guide

The best time to visit Marbella is May-June or September-October when the weather is perfect for beaches, the old town is pleasant to explore, and you'll avoid both peak summer prices and winter's quieter rhythm.

But Marbella is genuinely two destinations in one.

There's the glamorous Marbella: Puerto Banús superyachts, designer boutiques, and beach clubs where a sunbed costs €100.

And there's the authentic Marbella: the whitewashed old town with Plaza de los Naranjos, family-run tapas bars, and locals who've lived here for generations.

Summer delivers the glamour.

Shoulder seasons deliver the charm. And your timing shapes which Marbella you'll discover.

Marbella Weather at a Glance

Best Time to Visit Marbella: The Quick Answer

Here's what you need to know:

• Best overall: May-June or September-October
• Best for beach clubs: July-August (peak season, peak prices)
• Best for the old town: March-May, October-November
• Best for golf: October-May (cooler temperatures)
• Best for budget travellers: November-March (excluding Christmas/New Year)
• Best for families: June or September (good weather, fewer party crowds)

The Two Marbellas

Before choosing when to visit, decide which Marbella you want:

Summer Marbella (July-August): Beach clubs pumping, Puerto Banús packed with superyachts, champagne sprays at Nikki Beach, celebrities and influencers everywhere. Expensive, crowded, and unapologetically glamorous.

Shoulder Season Marbella (May-June, September-October): Beach weather without the mayhem, the old town genuinely charming, restaurants with available tables, and prices that won't require a second mortgage.

Spring in Marbella (March-May)

Spring is when Marbella transforms from winter retreat to beach destination.

The temperatures climb, the orange trees in Plaza de los Naranjos bloom, and the town shakes off its quieter winter rhythm. By May, beach season is in full swing, without the summer crowds that make everything harder.

Why Spring Works

March still feels transitional, pleasant but not beach weather.

The sea is around 15°C (too cold for most), though sunny terraces are already inviting.

April sees temperatures climbing to 21°C, with brave swimmers testing the water.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings Marbella's traditional side to the fore.

The old town's processions are intimate compared to Seville, winding through streets that feel authentically Andalusian. Hotels spike in price, but it's a powerful time to visit if you book ahead.

May is arguably Marbella's finest month.

The beach clubs open, the sea reaches swimmable temperatures, and the summer crowds haven't descended. You'll find tables at restaurants that'll be impossible to book in July, and the old town feels genuinely Spanish.

Spring Highlights

• Beach season begins without crowds
• Old town at its most pleasant
• Orange blossom scent in the plazas
• Semana Santa processions
• Golf courses in excellent condition

Summer in Marbella (June-August)

Summer is when Marbella earns its reputation as the Costa del Sol's party capital.

The beach clubs reach full throttle, Puerto Banús fills with superyachts, and the town attracts a glamorous international crowd.

If you want the Marbella of magazine spreads and celebrity sightings, this is your season.

The Summer Experience

July and August in Marbella are intense.

Beach clubs like Nikki Beach, Ocean Club, and La Sala by the Sea operate at full capacity, with DJs, champagne, and beautiful people from noon until sunset.

Puerto Banús becomes a catwalk of luxury: Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and superyachts as far as you can see.

This is Marbella at its most expensive.

Beach club sunbeds cost €80-150.

Restaurant prices surge. Hotels charge peak rates. But if you want the glamorous Costa del Sol experience, this is when to come.

The Feria de San Bernabé

Marbella's main festival falls in mid-June, celebrating the town's patron saint.

For a week, the fairground comes alive with casetas, flamenco, horses, and music until dawn.

It's more authentically Spanish than the summer party scene, a glimpse of local Marbella amid the glamour.

Summer Considerations

• Very crowded, especially weekends
• Premium prices for everything
• Beach clubs require booking
• Parking is extremely difficult
• Hot for walking the old town midday

Summer Highlights

• Beach clubs at full capacity
• Puerto Banús at its most glamorous
• Buzzing nightlife
• Feria de San Bernabé (June)
• Sea at perfect temperatures (23-24°C)

Autumn in Marbella (September-October)

Autumn is Marbella's secret weapon.

September feels like summer, with warm days, hot sea, and long evenings, but the crowds evaporate almost overnight when European holidays end.

October continues the trend: comfortable temperatures, quieter beaches, and a town that finally feels relaxed.

Why Locals Love September

The sea reaches its warmest temperatures in September (24°C), heated by months of summer sun.

Yet the beaches are suddenly manageable.

Restaurant terraces have space. The traffic in Puerto Banús calms down.

October brings the first hints of autumn.

Temperatures remain pleasant (23°C days), though evenings are cool enough for a light jacket.

Some beach clubs close or reduce hours, but the best restaurants and bars continue strongly.

Golf courses hit their stride as conditions become ideal.

Late Autumn (November)

By November, Marbella shifts gear. Beach season effectively ends (though the brave still swim), and the town takes on a quieter, more local character.

Hotel prices drop significantly, making quality properties suddenly affordable.

Autumn Highlights

• Warmest sea temperatures (September)
• Crowds disappear almost overnight
• Best value on quality accommodation
• Golf season begins
• Relaxed, less frenetic atmosphere

Winter in Marbella (December-February)

Winter Marbella is a different beast entirely, and surprisingly appealing.

While northern Europe shivers, Marbella enjoys some of mainland Spain's mildest winter weather, daytime temperatures around 16-17°C are common, and many days feel genuinely warm in the sunshine.

It's not beach weather, but it's certainly terrace-and-golf weather.

The Winter Appeal

Marbella has become a popular winter escape for northern Europeans, and the town caters to them well.

Golf courses offer their best conditions (summer is too hot for comfortable play).

Restaurants stay open, though some beach clubs close.

The old town feels genuinely local, with fewer tourists and more residents going about daily life.

Golf is winter Marbella's main draw.

The Costa del Sol has over 70 courses, many of championship quality, and winter offers ideal playing conditions. Expect to share fairways with Scandinavians, Britons, and Germans escaping their grey winters.

Christmas in Marbella

December brings festive charm without the cold.

The town decorates its plazas, Christmas markets appear, and the atmosphere is celebratory yet relaxed. New Year's Eve in Puerto Banús draws a glamorous crowd, while the old town offers a more traditional celebration.

Winter Considerations

• Too cool for comfortable swimming (sea around 15°C)
• Some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants closed
• Shorter daylight hours (sunset around 6 pm)
• Occasional rainy days
• Quieter nightlife than summer

Winter Highlights

• Mildest winter weather in mainland Spain
• Peak golf season
• Best prices of the year
• Authentic old town atmosphere
• Christmas celebrations

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best Time for Specific Activities

Beach Clubs

Best: July-August (peak season), June and September (open but less intense)

The major clubs (Nikki Beach, Ocean Club, La Sala by the Sea) operate at full capacity in July-August.

June and September offer the experience without maximum intensity. Most close or operate reduced schedules from October to April.

Old Town and Sightseeing

Best: March-May, October-November

Comfortable temperatures make wandering the narrow streets a pleasure. Summer middays are too hot for comfortable walking.

Golf

Best: October-May

Summer is too hot for comfortable play. Autumn through spring offers ideal conditions, with courses in excellent shape and tee times more available.

Puerto Banús

Best: July-August (maximum glamour), year-round (dining and shopping)

The superyacht and party scene peaks in summer. The restaurants, bars, and designer shopping work year-round.

Families

Best: June, September

Good weather without peak-season intensity. Beach clubs are more family-friendly outside of July-August's party atmosphere.

Events and Festivals

Marbella vs Other Costa del Sol Towns

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Getting There

Marbella is 50km from Málaga Airport, the main gateway to the Costa del Sol.

By car from Málaga Airport takes about 45 minutes via the AP-7 toll road or 1 hour on the free A-7. A car is recommended for exploring the wider area.

By bus from Málaga takes about 1 hour with regular Avanza services. The bus station is on the edge of the old town.

Private transfer services are popular, especially for those staying at luxury hotels. Expect to pay €60-80 from Málaga Airport.

Final Thoughts

Marbella rewards visitors who know what they want and time their visit accordingly.

Come in summer for the full glamorous experience: beach clubs, superyachts, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.

Visit shoulder seasons for the same beautiful weather with more relaxed vibes and better value. Try winter for golf, mild weather, and a glimpse of authentic local life.

Whatever season you choose, take time to explore beyond Puerto Banús. The old town's narrow streets, Plaza de los Naranjos, and family-run tapas bars reveal a Marbella that existed long before the first superyacht arrived, and they're worth discovering.