Malaga Weather in April: Warm Spring Days & What to Expect

April in Malaga is spring at its best.

The days are warming up, the almond blossoms are fading into orange blossom season, and the city has that fresh energy that comes after winter. It's warm enough to enjoy outdoor dining, cool enough to explore comfortably, and the beaches are starting to fill up again.

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

Is Malaga Warm in April?

Yes, pleasantly so.

April temperatures typically reach 20-23°C (68-73°F) during the day, which feels warm in the sunshine but comfortable for walking and exploring. This is t-shirt weather during the day, though you'll want a layer for shade and evenings.

The warmth builds through the month.

Early April can still feel like late winter on cooler days, while late April often gives a taste of summer. The Mediterranean influence keeps temperatures stable, without the dramatic swings you might get further inland.

Evenings cool to around 11-13°C (52-55°F), which means you'll need a light jacket for dinner outdoors. The temperature drop after sunset can surprise visitors, so don't pack only summer clothes.

What's the Temperature in Malaga in April?

Metric	April Average
Average high	21°C (70°F)
Average low	12°C (54°F)
Sea temperature	16°C (61°F)
Rainfall	41mm (5-6 rainy days)
Sunshine hours	8-9 per day
Daylight hours	13-14 hours
UV index	6-7 (high)

April sits in the transition zone between winter and summer. The numbers show reliable warmth during the day with enough variation to keep things interesting.

Can You Swim in Malaga in April?

Technically yes, but it's bracing.

The Mediterranean sits at around 16°C (61°F) in April, which most people find too cold for comfortable swimming. You'll see some hardy locals and a few determined tourists taking dips, but this isn't beach swimming weather for most visitors.

That said, the beaches are lovely for walking, sunbathing on warmer days, and enjoying the chiringuitos (beach bars) that start opening for the season. The beach promenade comes alive again after winter, and you can comfortably spend time on the sand even if you're not swimming.

Early April vs Late April

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

Early April (1st-15th)

• Temperatures in the high teens to low 20s°C
• Higher chance of spring showers
• Semana Santa (if Easter falls in April)
• Fewer tourists except during Holy Week
• Sea still quite cold (15-16°C)

Late April (16th-30th)

• Consistently warmer, often 22-24°C
• More stable, sunnier weather
• Beaches getting busier
• Terrace season in full swing
• Sea warming slightly (16-17°C)

If you have flexibility, late April offers more reliable warmth. But early April has its charms, especially if you catch Semana Santa.

Does It Rain in Malaga in April?

April sees around 41mm of rain spread across 5-6 days. This makes it one of the wetter months, though "wetter" in Malaga terms is still relatively dry by northern European standards.

When it rains, it's usually brief.

Spring showers tend to pass through rather than settle in for the day. A morning downpour often clears to sunny afternoon. The key is having a light rain jacket handy rather than letting the forecast dictate your plans.

What's the UV Index in April?

Moderate to high. The UV index in April typically sits at 6-7, which means unprotected skin can burn in 20-30 minutes during midday hours.

What this means for you:

• Apply SPF 30+ if spending extended time outdoors
• Sunglasses are worth bringing
• A hat helps during midday sightseeing
• The intensity can surprise visitors from cloudier climates

April sun feels gentle compared to summer, but it's strong enough to catch you out. The clear skies that follow rain can be particularly intense.

What Time Does the Sun Set in April?

The sun sets between 8:30pm and 9:00pm through April, with clocks having already moved forward for summer time. This means long, pleasant evenings perfect for the Spanish lifestyle of late dinners and evening paseos.

By late April, you have nearly 14 hours of daylight. This makes it easy to fit in morning sightseeing, afternoon beach time, and evening exploration all in one day.

What to Wear in Malaga in April

Pack for variability. April requires layers and flexibility.

Daytime:

• Light layers you can add or remove
• T-shirts and light long sleeves
• Light trousers, jeans, or a casual dress
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days

Evenings:

• Light jacket or cardigan (essential)
• Jeans or trousers rather than shorts
• A scarf can be useful for cooler nights

Just in case:

• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
• One warmer layer for unexpectedly cool days

The mistake most visitors make is packing only for warm weather. April evenings can feel genuinely cool, especially near the sea.

Semana Santa: The Highlight of April

If Easter falls in April, Semana Santa (Holy Week) transforms Malaga. This is one of Spain's most important religious and cultural events, and Malaga celebrates it with particular intensity.

What to expect:

• Daily processions through the historic centre
• Elaborate floats (tronos) carried by hundreds of bearers
• Haunting saetas (flamenco-style songs) sung from balconies
• Crowds lining the streets, especially for major processions
• A deeply atmospheric, emotional experience

Practical considerations:

• Book accommodation well in advance
• Expect higher prices during Holy Week
• The city centre gets very crowded during processions
• Restaurants fill up quickly in the evenings
• It's worth planning your day around the procession schedules

Other Events in April

Beyond Semana Santa, April offers:

• Malaga Film Festival: Usually held in March but sometimes extending into early April. Spanish cinema celebrated with screenings and events throughout the city.
• Spring gardens: The Botanical Garden La Concepcion is at its most beautiful, with spring blooms throughout. The parks and plazas of the city are lush and green.
• Terrace season: Outdoor dining returns in earnest. The plazas fill with tables, and the evening paseo becomes a social event again.
• Day trip weather: April is perfect for excursions to Ronda, the white villages, or the Caminito del Rey. Warm enough to enjoy but not hot enough to exhaust you.

Weather Along the Costa del Sol in April

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

Location	April High	April Low	Sea Temp
Malaga	21°C	12°C	16°C
Torremolinos	20°C	12°C	16°C
Benalmadena	20°C	12°C	16°C
Fuengirola	20°C	11°C	16°C
Marbella	20°C	11°C	16°C
Nerja	21°C	12°C	16°C

The whole coast shares the same spring pattern. Slight variations exist, but you won't notice a meaningful difference between towns.

Is April a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

April is excellent. Here's why it works:

April is ideal if you want:

• Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
• Fewer crowds (outside Semana Santa)
• Lower prices than summer
• Long daylight hours
• The drama of Semana Santa (if timing works)

April might not suit you if you:

• Want guaranteed beach swimming weather
• Prefer to avoid any chance of rain
• Don't enjoy crowds (avoid Holy Week)
• Want the hottest possible conditions

The honest answer: April gives you spring at its best. Warm enough to enjoy outdoor life, cool enough to explore actively, and with the added possibility of experiencing one of Spain's great cultural events.

The Bottom Line

April in Malaga is spring done right.

The weather is warm and increasingly reliable, the city is coming alive after winter, and there's a freshness in the air that summer loses. You can explore all day without overheating, dine outdoors in the evening, and if you time it right, experience the unforgettable spectacle of Semana Santa.

Come prepared for some variability.

Pack layers, bring a rain jacket, and embrace the fact that April weather keeps you on your toes.

But when the sun shines and the temperature hits the low twenties, there's nowhere better to be than a terrace in Malaga with a cold drink and nowhere to rush to.