Malaga Weather in August: Peak Heat, Feria & What to Expect

August in Malaga is summer turned up to maximum.

The hottest temperatures, the warmest Mediterranean waters, and the city's biggest celebration all collide in one intense, unforgettable month. It's not for the faint-hearted, but if you embrace the heat and the Spanish way of dealing with it, August rewards you with warm seas, late nights, and the spectacular Feria de Malaga.

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

Is August the Hottest Month in Malaga?

Yes.

August is Malaga's hottest month, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching 31-35°C (88-95°F). Some days push higher, especially when hot air from inland Andalusia or North Africa flows through.

The heat is relentless from late morning until early evening.

By midday, the city slows to a crawl. Shops close, streets empty, and anyone with sense retreats indoors or to the beach. This is siesta time taken seriously.

Evenings are warm but bearable, with temperatures dropping to around 22°C (72°F).

This is when Malaga transforms. Restaurants fill their terraces, the paseo maritimo comes alive, and the city doesn't wind down until well past midnight.

What's the Temperature in Malaga in August?

Metric	August Average
Average high	32°C (90°F)
Average low	22°C (72°F)
Sea temperature	24°C (75°F)
Rainfall	0 days
Sunshine hours	11 per day
Daylight hours	13-14 hours
UV index	9-10 (very high)

August is hot, dry, and sunny.

Rain is essentially non-existent. You can leave the umbrella at home.

Can You Swim in Malaga in August?

Absolutely, and the water is at its best.

The Mediterranean reaches 24°C (75°F) in August, warm enough to stay in for hours without feeling cold. This is bathtub-warm by Mediterranean standards.

Swimming isn't just pleasant in August; it's essential.

The sea becomes your escape from the heat. Morning swims before the beaches fill up, afternoon dips to cool down, sunset sessions as the light softens. The water is warm enough for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and all the water sports you might want.

Early August vs Late August

Early August (1st-15th)

• Peak heat, often 33-35°C
• Beaches at maximum capacity
• Sea at its warmest
• Spanish holidays in full swing
• Building anticipation for the Feria

Late August (16th-31st)

• Feria de Malaga (usually mid-August)
• Still very hot but occasionally slightly less intense
• Spanish families starting to return home
• Beaches slightly less crowded after the 20th
• Sea still warm (23-24°C)

The Feria typically falls around August 15th-24th.

If you want to experience it, book accommodation months ahead. If you want beach time without the peak crowds, the last week of August offers slightly more breathing room.

What's the UV Index in August?

Extreme.

The UV index in August sits at 9-10, among the highest levels in Europe. Unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes.

What this means for you:

• SPF 50 is not overkill
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, more often if swimming
• Stay out of direct sun from 12pm-5pm
• A wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are essential
• Seek shade whenever possible

The intensity surprises many visitors.

Even people who "don't usually burn" find themselves caught out. Take it seriously from day one.

Best Beaches in August

All of Malaga's beaches are busy in August, but some handle the crowds better than others:

• La Malagueta: The city beach, walking distance from the centre. Convenient but sardine-packed in August. Good for a quick dip, not for a quiet day.
• Pedregalejo: East of the centre, with chiringuitos serving espetos. Longer stretch means you can usually find space. More local atmosphere.
• El Palo: Further east, genuinely local. Families, fishermen, and excellent seafood. Worth the extra distance for a more authentic experience.
• Playa de la Misericordia: West of the port. Popular with Malaga residents. Good facilities and often slightly less tourist-heavy.
• Rincon de la Victoria: A short drive or bus ride east. Escapes the worst of the Malaga city crowds. Worth considering if you have transport.

How to Handle the August Heat

August heat requires strategy. Here's how locals cope:

• Embrace siesta: The afternoon shutdown isn't laziness; it's survival. Rest from 2-6pm, then emerge for the evening. Fighting the heat is a losing battle.
• Start early: The morning hours before 11am are your window for active exploration. Visit the Alcazaba, walk the old town, do your sightseeing before the heat peaks.
• Go underground: Museums are air-conditioned sanctuaries. The Picasso Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Carmen Thyssen offer culture with climate control.
• Stay hydrated: Drink constantly. Water, tinto de verano, granizados (slushies). Dehydration sneaks up on you.
• Live at night: August evenings are when Malaga truly comes alive. Dinner at 10pm, drinks until late, walking the paseo maritimo under the stars. The day starts when the sun goes down.

What Time Does the Sun Set in August?

The sun sets between 8:45pm and 9:15pm through August, gradually getting earlier as the month progresses. The sky stays light until nearly 10pm.

These long evenings are August's gift.

Dinner in daylight at 9pm, sunset drinks on a rooftop, evening walks that stretch into the night. The Spanish schedule makes perfect sense when you experience it.

Feria de Malaga: The Main Event

The Feria de Malaga (usually mid-August, around August 15th-24th) is the city's biggest celebration and one of Andalusia's great fiestas. The city transforms for a week of music, dancing, food, and serious partying.

• Daytime Feria (Centro): The historic centre fills with decorated streets, flamenco performances, and locals in traditional dress. Bars set up on every corner, serving rebujito (sherry and lemonade) and tapas. The atmosphere is joyful and welcoming.
• Nighttime Feria (Recinto Ferial): The fairground on the outskirts comes alive after dark with casetas (marquees), rides, concerts, and dancing until dawn. This is where the party really happens.

What to expect:

• Crowds everywhere, especially in the centre
• Accommodation prices at their peak
• An unforgettable atmosphere
• Very late nights (or very early mornings)
• Dancing, eating, and drinking as a way of life

What to Wear in Malaga in August

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

Daytime:

• The lightest, loosest clothing you own
• Natural fabrics (cotton, linen) that breathe
• Swimwear you can wear all day
• Comfortable sandals
• Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen

Evenings:

• Smart casual for restaurants (still lightweight)
• Comfortable shoes for evening walking
• For the Feria: consider traditional dress if you want to join in

What you won't need:

• Jacket (evenings are warm)
• Umbrella (it won't rain)
• Anything heavy or restrictive

Weather Along the Costa del Sol in August

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

Location	August High	August Low	Sea Temp
Malaga	32°C	22°C	24°C
Torremolinos	31°C	22°C	24°C
Benalmadena	31°C	22°C	24°C
Fuengirola	31°C	21°C	24°C
Marbella	30°C	21°C	23°C
Nerja	32°C	22°C	24°C

The whole coast bakes in August. Marbella can be marginally cooler thanks to sea breezes, but the difference is minor.

Is August a Good Time to Visit Malaga?

August divides opinion. Here's the honest assessment:

August is ideal if you:

• Love hot weather and don't mind intense heat
• Want the warmest sea swimming
• Are coming for the Feria de Malaga
• Enjoy late nights and buzzing atmosphere
• Embrace the Spanish summer lifestyle

August might not suit you if you:

• Struggle with temperatures above 30°C
• Want quiet beaches and uncrowded sights
• Prefer active sightseeing during the day
• Are on a tight budget (August prices are highest)
• Need early nights and regular schedules

The honest answer: August is Malaga at full intensity.

The heat is real, the crowds are significant, and prices are at their peak. But the warm seas, long evenings, and Feria atmosphere create something special. If you can adapt to the Spanish summer rhythm, August delivers an unforgettable experience.

The Bottom Line

August in Malaga is not for everyone.

The heat is intense, the beaches are crowded, and the city runs on a schedule that might feel foreign. But for those who embrace it, August offers warm Mediterranean swimming, spectacular sunsets, long evenings on terraces, and the magnificent chaos of the Feria de Malaga.

Come prepared to adapt.

Start early, rest through the hottest hours, and save your energy for the nights when the city truly comes alive. Bring serious sun protection and accept that you'll sweat. But also bring an appetite for life, because August in Malaga delivers it in abundance.

The Feria alone makes August worth considering.

A week of dancing, eating, drinking, and celebrating with a city that knows how to have a good time. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, August won't disappoint.