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

If you're considering October for your Malaga trip, you've made a brilliant choice.

The summer crowds have departed, but the warm weather lingers.

The Mediterranean is still inviting for swimming, the days are sunny and pleasant, and the city feels unhurried!

Honestly, October is one of the most underrated months to visit.

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

What to Expect from the Weather in October

Daytime temperatures typically reach 23-26°C (73-79°F), which still feels like summer in the sunshine.

You can wear shorts and t-shirts, sit on terraces, and spend entire days outdoors comfortably. The intense heat of August is gone, replaced by pleasant warmth that feels easier to enjoy.

Evenings cool to around 14-17°C (57-63°F), a noticeable drop from summer. A light jacket becomes useful after dark, and outdoor dining might need a layer. But compared to October elsewhere in Europe, this is remarkably mild!

The Mediterranean holds its warmth at 21°C (70°F) through October, comfortable swimming temperature for most people!

The UV index in October sits at 5-6, lower than summer but still strong enough to cause sunburn on fair skin during midday hours. Don't underestimate it, especially in early October!

Okay, and that's the weather. Now for reasons October is fantastic!

What's On in October

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.

Noche en Blanco (usually mid-October) is the cultural highlight. Museums, galleries, and cultural spaces stay open late with free entry and special programming. The city comes alive after dark with art, music, and performances!

Autumn brings seasonal ingredients and harvest celebrations. Many restaurants feature special menus, and outdoor dining remains pleasant.

The clocks change (usually last Sunday of October). Worth knowing for planning your days.

What are the best things to do in October?

Beach season continues!

The warm sea and pleasant temperatures mean beach days are still very much possible. You'll find all of the best beaches here.

October is ideal for day trips. The weather is perfect for hiking the Caminito del Rey, exploring Ronda, or visiting the white villages. The temperatures are ideal for active days, the crowds have thinned, and you have enough daylight to explore comfortably.

This is the last month when outdoor dining feels reliably comfortable so make the most of it! Try tapas in Malaga Old Town or a sunset cocktail on one of Malaga's rooftop bars.

Don't forget the museums which are quieter than summer and perfect for autumn exploration!

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

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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

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See our accommodation guide →

What Time Does the Sun Set in October?

The sun sets between 7:30pm and 6:30pm through October.

The clock change (usually last Sunday of October) marks the biggest shift, dropping sunset by an hour overnight.

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 October a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

October is consistently ranked among the best months to visit!

You get warm weather without extreme heat, sea still swimmable (21°C!), far fewer crowds than summer, excellent outdoor activities and sightseeing, and good value outside peak season.

The only reason to skip October is if you want guaranteed hot, dry weather every day or prefer peak summer atmosphere. But for nearly everything else, October beats expectations.

Ready for Golden Autumn in Malaga?

If October's not quite perfect, maybe take a look at September and November.

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!