The Best Time to Visit Malaga 2024: The Ultimate Guide
If you ask anyone who has ever been there, any time is the best time to visit Malaga. This capital city in Southern Spain is full of warm sunshine with daytime temperatures in the middle 70s. The great weather all year long is why there are so many people visiting Malaga at all times of the year.
The perfect season to visit Malaga depends on what you want to do. If you are planning some beach fun in the Mediterranean Sea with water activities like swimming and boating, the summer is the best time to visit Malaga. If you want to visit Malaga when there are the least tourists, winter is the best time to visit Malaga for you.
One place that is fun to visit all year long is Costa del Sol. The White Villages there are special to see and make great backdrops for some terrific selfies. Whether you come in January or August, you will need to bring sunglasses and sunscreen because it is sunny all year long in this Spanish region.
Being in Europe, the temperature can change often so it is a good idea to bring clothes for all seasons when you go. The weather is almost always full of sunshine but in some months, the temperatures can drop pretty low. Once you get to Malaga, you will need someplace to keep your belongings while you look for accommodations. Check out the local luggage storage sites in Malaga before you head for the airport. Once you arrive, you can leave your bags and decide exactly where you'd like to stay in this glorious destination.
Summer in Malaga: June - August
For those who want to hit the beaches of Costa del Sol when you visit Malaga, summer is perfect. Being in Southern Spain, Malaga has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with warm winters, hot summers, and very little rain. The daytime temperatures in Malaga during the summer range from 83 degrees F (28 degrees C) to 87 degrees F (31 degrees C) and the evenings are cooler with an average temperature of 65 degrees F (18 degrees C) to 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).
You can leave your umbrella at home but pack your sunglasses and sunblock because it rarely rains and there are an average of 11 hours of warm sunshine per day. And don't forget your beach blanket, swimsuit, and sandals because the sand can get pretty hot. Sunny days and warm nights are the summertime norms.
The city of Malaga is busy during the summer months of June, July, and August with crowds of tourists heading to the beaches and festivals. Whether you are into music, food, or just having fun, there are a variety of events if you visit Malaga during the summer. Some of the most popular include the Fan Fan Fest in June, the Mad Cool Festival in July, and The Canela Party in August.
Besides festivals, Malaga has a summer fair for one week in August called the Malaga Feria (Malaga Fair). It has been going on since 1487 and includes flamenco dancing, fireworks, food, drinks, and music. And it is all free of charge. There are many events going on all over Malaga City Centre during the summer. Just follow the crowds and listen for the music.
If you are not happy in the heat and do not like crowds, you may want to choose a different season to visit Malaga. The best time to visit Malaga with the least crowds is in winter, although December is busy because of Christmas and all the other holiday fun. Since it does not get brutally cold here, even in the winter, the holidays are busy even when it gets chilly.
Summer is the perfect season for visiting Malaga if you are looking for sun, the beach, and great weather but it is not the best choice for your wallet. From June through August, hotel prices are higher as well as other amenities like gas, food, and beverages.
Fall in Malaga: September - November
Fall in Malaga is special as it turns cooler and the trees start to change color. The days are warm and evenings are almost chilly and you may see quite a bit of rain. The high temps in Malaga during the fall range from 82 degrees F (27 degrees C) to 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and the nights are almost cold with an average temperature of 66 degrees F (19 degrees C) to 52 degrees F (12 degrees C).
Be sure to pack that umbrella and maybe a light jacket with a hood because it rains quite a bit during these months, especially in November. It rains about four days per month with an average of six days in November. But you will still see some sunshine. There are about 214 hours per month when you will need your sunscreen and shades.
You will not see anywhere near the number of tourists during the fall even though the weather is quite warm still. Many of those who visit in September, October, and November are typically in Malaga to visit friends or family so this Southern Spain city is a great location to enjoy during these months. It is the best time to head to Costa del Sol where you can visit the White Villages without the hustle and bustle of too many people.
Fall is a foodie's heaven in Malaga because this is when the food festivals really begin to pick up. Learn all about raisins at the Day of the Raisin in September, try all kinds of cheeses in October at the Artisanal Cheese Festival, or enjoy chestnuts at the Chestnut Festival in November.
Those who came to spend time at the beach enjoying the Mediterranean Sea will be disappointed with the water temperatures. Most people who swim during the fall do not stay there long. Although you can spend your holiday in the sun by the sea you probably will not need a bathing suit. The night is often chilly if not cold, and you will most likely need a jacket during this time.
The hotels, airlines, and attractions all lower their prices to attract customers in the fall so you can take advantage of that. It is the perfect time to visit Malaga for those on a budget. The location is great for those who are not fond of hot days and humid nights with fewer people and lower prices. October is the least crowded month of the year here.
Winter in Malaga: December - February
The weather in Malaga during the winter is not like other cities you may think about visiting on holiday. Although January is cold, you will not need your snow boots or heavy coat. Fall in Malaga is special as it turns cooler and the trees start to change color. The high temps in Malaga during the winter range from 62 degrees F (17 degrees C) to 64 degrees F (18 degrees C) and the nights are almost cold with an average temperature of 47 degrees F (8 degrees C) to 48 degrees F (9 degrees C).
You will probably need an umbrella or at least a raincoat during the winter in Malaga. The weather is often cloudy and it rains about seven days per month. But don't worry, you will not see any snow. They have not had any since 1954. However, you will need your sunglasses at least part of the time. There is an average of 174 hours of sun per month, which evens out to be almost six hours per day.
The only time you are likely to see a lot of people in Malaga in winter is during December. The holiday season in Malaga is special and there are a lot of celebrations, decorations, and events. For example, many people visit Malaga in December just to see the holiday lights and do some shopping on Larios Street (Calle Larios). Winter is also popular for festivals and food.
All Saints Day is one of the holidays in November when the streets are full of people and parades. Another fun event is the Feast of St. Martin, which is obviously a time to enjoy some food. The Winter Carnival in February is one of the most popular events in Malaga. It starts on a Saturday when they announce the Carnival Gods and ends on the following Sunday with a parade.
Being in Southern Spain, you will still have sunny days and Malaga is rarely ever really cold. If you enjoy the holidays and shopping without all the people, visit Malaga in the winter. It is also a fantastic time to enjoy the Spanish cuisines since most of the restaurants are practically empty. Winter in Malaga is the time to cash in on those excellent winter deals they have. Everyone will be offering specials so be sure to shop around.
You can still visit the beach in Malaga in December but you probably will not want to get in the water. Even if the sun is out and the outside temperatures are warm, the sea is surprisingly chilly. So, if you want to swim, come back in July or August when it is even hot enough to swim in the sea at night.
Spring in Malaga: March - May
Spring is probably the most beautiful time to visit Malaga and is almost as popular as the summertime. With a subtropical Mediterranean climate, you are going to find warm temps in the spring but not too hot and nights are cool. Daytime temperatures in Malaga in spring can go from 67 degrees F (20 degrees C) to 78 degrees F (24 degrees C) and the evenings are cooler with an average temperature of 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) to 58 degrees F (14 degrees C).
Springtime is not the rainiest season in Malaga but there is going to be some rain so you may need your umbrella. It rains about three days per month in March, April, and May with April being the rainiest month. On the other hand, there are approximately 288 hours of sunshine per month, which averages out to about 10 hours per day.
One place you do not want to miss during the springtime in Malaga is the Botanical Gardens. Everything is in bloom at this time of year and you can see a 400-year-old olive tree as well as a huge collection of palm trees. In fact, many people choose to visit Malaga during the spring just to see this garden. You can also see a lot of orange trees at the Cathedral Gardens and Muelle Uno at Port Malaga.
This is the best time of year for wine and food tours in Malaga. With the cool temps and abundant sunshine, you can take a wine tour you will never forget. Of course, there are festivals in the spring too with the perfect weather for exploring, shopping, and visiting the local attractions. In March, film buffs flock to the Malaga Film Festival. and Holy Week in April has celebrations and events all over Malaga.
Many people still visit Malaga at this time of year because of the perfect weather and beautiful flora. The April holiday brings tourists as well as locals to the streets, making it seem crowded everywhere. However, you can avoid the hoards by sticking to the areas you know are not the hot spots for everyone.
You will find that the spring season is a little more reasonable price-wise with airlines offering specials and hotels dropping their prices before the busy season. Services and other amenities will not be as cheap as winter prices but they will not be as outrageous as in the summertime.
When is the best time to visit Malaga for you?
Because everyone is unique, the best time to visit Malaga for you may not be the same as for others. For example, if you came to shop at the Christmas Market on Calle Larios, you should visit Malaga in the winter. But those who came to sit on the beach in the sun or do some swimming will want to visit Malaga in the summer.
No matter what time of year you are planning to visit Malaga, you should always check the weather forecast before packing. The temperatures can change often in southern Spain and you will need to know so you can decide what to pack. However, you should also check the local events and special occasions as well as the deals so you can decide the best time to visit Malaga for you.
Know what you want to do during your trip to Malaga? Check out these guides for inspiration!
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