Malaga in January: Weather, Things to Do & Is It Worth Visiting?

If you're thinking about visiting Malaga in January, let me put your mind at ease: while the rest of Europe shivers, you'll be enjoying 17°C days and sunshine.

It's the coldest month here, but "cold" in Malaga means something very different from Berlin or London.

The best part? You'll have the city almost to yourself.

After the Three Kings parade on January 6th, Malaga settles into its quietest period of the year.

For a review of every month take a look at my best time to visit Malaga guide.

What to Expect from the Weather in January

Daytime temperatures typically reach 16-18°C (61-64°F), which feels genuinely pleasant in the sunshine.

You can walk the city comfortably, sit on a terrace for lunch, and explore without heavy winter gear. The sun has a gentle warmth that makes outdoor sightseeing a pleasure.

Evenings are cooler, dropping to around 7-9°C (45-48°F), so you'll definitely want a jacket once the sun goes down.

The sea temperature sits at 15°C (59°F), making swimming only for the very brave! But the beaches are lovely for walking, and some chiringuitos stay open year-round.

The UV index in January is just 2-3, so you can leave the high-SPF sunscreen at home and enjoy the gentle winter sun.

Okay, and that's the weather. Now for reasons January is actually a brilliant time to visit!

What's On in January

You can skip ahead to my calendar where I try to keep track of everything free happening in Malaga if you prefer!

No matter the month, there are always a few staples that are always worth catching if you're in the city.

Most museums are free on Sundays, as are the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alcazaba. P.S. The Roman Theatre is ALWAYS free.

La Merced market is the first Sunday of each month, and the Botanical Gardens are free on Sundays too.

But the real draw in January is the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) on January 5th. This is one of Spain's most important celebrations, with elaborate floats parading through the city centre and the Three Kings throwing sweets to children. It's magical.

January 6th (Three Kings Day) is a public holiday, and in Spain this is when children traditionally receive their gifts, not Christmas Day!

What are the best things to do in January?

January's quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for certain activities.

The Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, and Cathedral are all much quieter. No queues, no crowds, and more time to appreciate what you're seeing.

The weather is perfect for day trips to the Caminito del Rey (book ahead!) or exploring the white villages without summer heat.

Atarazanas Market is at its most local, and museums offer culture without the crush.

The promenades are quiet and peaceful, and the winter light can be beautiful for photography(my new hobby).

And restaurant tables are available without booking. This is the time to explore Malaga's best tapas in the Old Town at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Malaga

From boutique hotels in the historic center to beachfront resorts along La Malagueta, Málaga offers accommodations for every budget.

The best area to stay is the Centro Histórico for sightseeing, or the eastern beaches for a relaxed vibe.

GREAT LOCATION

Room Mate Valeria

8.8

Centro Histórico

Stylish design hotel with rooftop pool and bar, steps from the Picasso Museum and cathedral.

From $120/night

View Deal

Molina Lario

8.7

Centro Histórico

Elegant 4-star hotel facing the cathedral with rooftop terrace and excellent service.

From $150/night

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BEST VALUE

Soho Boutique Bahía Málaga

8.5

La Malagueta

Modern beachfront hotel with sea views, close to the port and city center. Great value.

From $90/night

View Deal

See our accommodation guide →

What Time Does the Sun Set in January?

The sun sets between 6:00pm and 6:30pm through January, with about 10 hours of daylight.

The early sunsets mean planning outdoor activities for daytime. Evenings are for restaurants, tapas bars, and indoor attractions.

The city lights up nicely after dark, and the evening atmosphere has its own appeal - especially if you catch the tail end of the Christmas lights!

Tours in Malaga

I'm a tour person myself, but there are good tours, and there are bad tours. Here's what I recommend.

Browse all tours →

Is January a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

January is excellent for the right visitor.

You get mild weather that's perfect for sightseeing, the lowest prices of the year, and attractions largely to yourself.

The only reason to skip January is if you want beach swimming and guaranteed hot weather. But if you're after a genuine winter escape with authentic local atmosphere, January delivers.

Ready to Escape the Winter Blues?

If January's not quite perfect, maybe take a look at December and February.

If you need any help with deciding, you can always send me an email or contact me on any of my socials. I love helping.

I totally get that picking a month can be difficult, they all have something amazing to see, do and experience in them.

If you're ready to book that trip, take a look at my where to stay in Malaga guide for my recommendations. If you make a booking through here I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, and it helps support my blog.

Thank you for reading, and if you make it to Malaga please send your photos!