Malaga Weather in July: Hot Days, Warm Seas & What to Expect

July in Malaga is the height of summer: hot days, warm nights, and virtually guaranteed sunshine. It's the month when the city fully embraces beach life, late dinners, and that slow Mediterranean rhythm where nothing happens in the afternoon.

For a bigger picture of when to visit Malaga, check our seasonal guide. But if you're coming in July, here's exactly what to expect.

Is Malaga Hot in July?

Yes, July is hot. Daytime temperatures typically reach 30-34°C (86-93°F), and it can feel even hotter in direct sun or when the inland wind blows in from the hills.

The heat builds through the morning and peaks in the early afternoon.

By 2-4pm, the city slows down. This is when locals retreat indoors, shops close for siesta, and the smart move is to follow their lead.

Evenings are warm but comfortable, with temperatures dropping to around 21°C (70°F). This is when Malaga comes alive again, with restaurants filling up, the paseo maritimo buzzing, and the city stretching its day well past midnight.

What's the Temperature in Malaga in July?

Metric	July Average
Average high	31°C (88°F)
Average low	21°C (70°F)
Sea temperature	23°C (73°F)
Rainfall	0-1 days
Sunshine hours	11-12 per day
Daylight hours	14-15 hours
UV index	9-10 (very high)

The numbers tell the story: hot, dry, and sunny.

July typically sees less than 2mm of rain for the entire month. You can essentially forget about umbrellas.

Can You Swim in Malaga in July?

Absolutely.

The Mediterranean reaches a comfortable 23°C (73°F) by July, which feels warm and inviting rather than bracing. You can walk straight in without the sharp intake of breath that cooler months bring.

The sea stays pleasant well into the evening, making sunset swims a genuine option. Water sports conditions are excellent, with calm seas most days and good visibility for snorkelling.

Early July vs Late July

There's a noticeable difference between the start and end of the month:

Early July (1st-15th)

• Temperatures building but not yet at peak
• Beaches busy but not sardine-packed
• Sea temperature warming through the low 20s
• Slightly more chance of a brief thunderstorm

Late July (16th-31st)

• Peak heat, often hitting 34°C+ on hotter days
• Beaches at maximum capacity
• Sea at its warmest (23-24°C)
• City preparing for August Feria buzz

If you have flexibility, early July offers the same sunshine with slightly gentler heat and fewer crowds.

What's the UV Index in July?

Very high. The UV index in July typically sits at 9-10, which means unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes.

What this means for you:

• Apply SPF 30+ before going out, reapply every 2 hours
• Seek shade during 12pm-4pm when UV peaks
• A wide-brimmed hat isn't optional, it's essential
• Sunglasses with UV protection matter more than they do at home

The intensity can surprise visitors from northern Europe. Take it seriously, especially in the first few days before you've acclimatised.

Best Beaches to Visit in July

July is peak beach season. All of Malaga's beaches are busy, but some handle the crowds better than others:

• La Malagueta: The city beach, walking distance from the centre. Convenient but crowded. Good for a quick dip between sightseeing.
• Pedregalejo: East of the centre, with a string of chiringuitos (beach bars) serving espetos (grilled sardines). More local feel, longer stretch of sand.
• El Palo: Further east, even more local. Less polished than the central beaches but better for a genuine Malaga beach day.
• Playa de la Misericordia: West of the port, popular with locals. Long sandy stretch with good facilities.

What to Do When It's Too Hot

The afternoon heat in July can be intense. Here's how locals handle it:

• Escape into museums: The Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Carmen Thyssen are all air-conditioned.

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro have less AC but offer shaded gardens.

• Siesta properly: Take a break from 2-5pm. This isn't laziness; it's how Mediterranean life works. Rest, read, nap. Go out again when it cools.
• Head to the mountains: The villages in the Montes de Malaga are noticeably cooler. A lunch in the hills is a welcome escape from coastal heat.
• Stay near water: The beaches have sea breezes. The city centre can feel stifling when there's no wind.

What Time Does the Sun Set in July?

The sun sets between 9:15pm and 9:45pm throughout July, with the latest sunsets in early July.

This means long evenings.

Dinner at 9pm still happens in daylight. The sky doesn't fully darken until after 10pm. It's one of the best things about Spanish summers: the day just keeps going.

What to Wear in Malaga in July

Pack for heat. Everything should be light, loose, and breathable.

Daytime essentials:

• Loose cotton or linen clothing
• Shorts, sundresses, light trousers
• Comfortable sandals for walking
• Swimwear (you'll use it daily)
• Wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen

Evenings:

• Smart casual for restaurants (no formal dress codes in summer)
• A light layer if you're sensitive to AC
• Comfortable shoes for evening paseos

You won't need a jacket.

Evenings are warm enough to dine outside in a t-shirt. The only exception is overly air-conditioned restaurants or the occasional breezy rooftop.

Events in Malaga in July

July is a warm-up for August's famous Feria de Malaga, but the city has plenty happening:

• Beach season in full swing: Chiringuitos host live music, beach bars stay open late, and the paseo maritimo becomes the city's living room.
• Outdoor cinema: The Cine Abierto series shows films in parks and plazas throughout the summer. Check local listings for screenings.
• Open-air concerts: The city hosts various music events in outdoor venues, taking advantage of the warm evenings.
• Local festivals: Surrounding towns hold their own ferias throughout July. Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and other Costa del Sol towns celebrate with music, food, and fireworks.

Weather Along the Costa del Sol in July

If you're heading to other Costa del Sol towns, expect similar conditions:

Location	July High	July Low	Sea Temp
Malaga	31°C	21°C	23°C
Torremolinos	30°C	21°C	23°C
Benalmadena	30°C	21°C	23°C
Fuengirola	30°C	20°C	23°C
Marbella	30°C	20°C	22°C
Nerja	31°C	21°C	23°C

The whole coast shares the same basic pattern: hot, dry, and sunny. Marbella can occasionally be a degree cooler thanks to sea breezes; Nerja sometimes catches the same effect.

Is July a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

July is ideal if you want:

• Guaranteed sunshine and beach weather
• Warm sea swimming
• Long evenings and outdoor dining
• The full summer atmosphere

July might be too much if you:

• Struggle with heat above 30°C
• Prefer quieter, less crowded destinations
• Want to do a lot of active sightseeing on foot
• Are sensitive to intense sun

The honest answer: July is fantastic for beach lovers and those who embrace the Mediterranean summer lifestyle. But if you wilt in heat or want to walk the city all day, consider May, June, or September instead.

The Bottom Line

July in Malaga is peak summer: hot days, warm seas, and endless sunshine. The city adapts to the heat with late nights, long siestas, and a beach-focused lifestyle that visitors can easily embrace.

Come prepared for the intensity.

Bring sun protection, pace yourself through the hottest hours, and lean into the Spanish way of doing things. Start early, rest in the afternoon, and save your energy for the long, warm evenings when the city really comes alive.

It's not for everyone. But if you love summer at its most summery, July in Malaga delivers exactly that.