The Best Time to Visit Malaga (Tips from a Local)

If Malaga is on your list, you’ll probably be asking yourself when the best time to visit Malaga is.

I’m from Malaga, and I don’t think there’s a wrong time to visit my hometown because each season and month has something to offer. The best time to explore it depends on the type of holiday you want.

If you want to sightsee and go on day trips to explore the beautiful whitewashed towns of Malaga, the best time to visit Malaga is anytime between March and May and October.

But if you’re looking for the ultimate beach holiday, go to Malaga in July, August or September.

In this blog, you’re going to discover the best time to visit Malaga for each type of traveller, the weather and the key things you can do each month. Plus tips from a local!

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Malaga weather by month at a glance

Malaga has warm summers and mild winters and enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine, so you’re likely to have great weather during your trip to Malaga. 

Wondering what’s the weather in Malaga like every month? Here is a table with the monthly temperatures in Malaga.

The best time to visit Malaga without crowds

If you dislike crowds and prefer places to yourself, then you must know when the high season and low season are in Malaga.

The high season in Malaga is from June to September. However, there are other times you might want to avoid if you don’t want crowds, such as December with the Christmas lights and celebrations, as well as Easter.

The best times to visit Malaga with fewer tourists are January (except the first week of January), early May, mid October and November.

The best time for a city break in Malaga

Summer in Malaga is scorching, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees (104°F). Therefore, visiting Malaga for a city break isn’t the best time unless you cope very well with high temperatures.

In that case, if you visit attractions between 2 and 4 pm, you won’t see many people around (people are having a siesta or on the beach)!

Suppose you don’t want to sightsee in extreme temperatures; the best times to visit Malaga for a city break are spring and autumn, particularly March and April and October and November.

The best time for a beach holiday in Malaga

June to September is the best time to visit Malaga for a beach holiday. These are the warmest months and when it rains the least.

Whether you love swimming in the sea, water sports activities or sunbathing, these are the best months.

By visiting Malaga during this time, you’ll find everything open, including beach clubs, water parks and other attractions that only open during the peak season.

If you visit Malaga during these months, make sure to use sun cream, wear hats, avoid the sun’s peak hours and drink lots of water.

Malaga in January

Malaga weather in January

• Average temperature in January: 14ºC
• Average days of rain in January: 6 days
• Hours of sunshine in February: 11 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in January: 16ºC

Is January a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes! If you travel to Malaga at the beginning of January, you can experience Christmas in Malaga. The lights and all the decorations will still be up, and you can attend Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings Parade).

However, if you visit Malaga after Christmas, which ends on the 6th of January, you’ll find cheaper flights and accommodation and fewer crowds.

Despite being one of the coldest months, Malaga is a great winter sun getaway.

The best things to do in Malaga in January

• See the Christmas lights in Calle Larios
• Attend the Three Kings Parade on the 5th of January
• Enjoy the sales in Malaga’s best shopping centres after Christmas

Main events in Malaga in January

5th of January – Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos

This is the biggest event in January. Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos takes place in the centre of Malaga every year. This is a special event for families, especially for small children who believe in the Three Kings.

There is a big parade in which the Three Kings and their helpers throw sweets, and sometimes toys, to children from their beautifully decorated floats.

If you visit Malaga with children, you can’t miss it!

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in January

➢ January is the coldest month.

➢ There are chances of rain.

➢ There isn’t much going on apart from the Christmas events at the beginning of the month.

➢ Days are shorter.

Malaga in February

Malaga weather in February

• Average temperature in February: 15ºC
• Average days of rain in February: 5 days
• Hours of sunshine in February: 10 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in February: 16ºC

Is February a good time to visit Malaga?

February is one of the best months to visit Malaga without crowds. It’s a lovely month to do outdoor activities such as hiking and experiencing the carnival.

The best things to do in Malaga in February

• Enjoy an orange-scented walk through Malaga Park
• Experience the carnival in Malaga and its towns
• Go on a scenic hike

Main events in Malaga in February

Mid-February – Carnaval de Málaga

If you love carnival, plan your trip when the carnival starts in Malaga. The atmosphere, music and customs are fantastic. Although it isn’t as big as the carnival in Tenerife or Cadiz, it’s worth experiencing the carnival in Malaga.

28th of February – Día de Andalucía

There aren’t any major events to celebrate Andalusia’s Day in Malaga. This is often celebrated in schools where children dress with typical customs and enjoy bread with olive oil.

However, some towns might have street markets or small celebrations.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in February

➢ It is colder than in other months.

➢ The atmosphere isn’t as lively as in spring or summer.

Malaga in March

Malaga weather in March

• Average temperature in March: 17ºC
• Average days of rain in March: 4 days
• Hours of sunshine in March: 11 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in March: 16ºC

Is March a good time to visit Malaga?

March in Malaga is relatively quiet; however, as spring is around the corner, you’ll be able to enjoy longer days, especially towards the end of the month.

The best things to do in Malaga in March

• Keep an eye out for famous people at Malaga Film Festival
• Go to El Caminito del Rey hiking trail

Main events in Malaga in March

10th to 19th March – Festival de cine de Málaga (Malaga Film Festival)

Malaga has become more and more popular when it comes to a location to record series and films. As a result, Malaga celebrates its annual film festival, where you can see famous Spanish actors and actresses.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in March

➢ Although it can be warm during the day, it’s still pretty chilly in the evenings.

➢ Beach clubs and summer activities aren’t available yet.

Malaga in April

Malaga weather in April

• Average temperature in April: 20ºC
• Average days of rain in April: 5 days
• Hours of sunshine in April: 11 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in April: 17ºC

Is April a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes, April is a good time to visit Malaga. It’s even a better option for you if you want to experience traditional events, such as Easter and fairs in cities near Malaga.

Things to do in Malaga in April

• See a procession during the Easter week.
• Go on a day trip to Seville. If you go to Seville at the end of April, you can experience Feria de Abril (Seville’s Fair), one of the best fairs in Andalucia.
• Visit Malaga Botanic Garden to see many flowers blossom, like Spanish broom.

Main events in Malaga in April

Beginning of April – Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Malaga is considered one of the best cities to experience Easter. The religious parades and the passionate and lively atmosphere make it one of a kind. It’s worth seeing what Holy Week is like in Malaga, even if you aren’t religious.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in April

➢ It gets crowded during Easter

➢ It often rains in April for a few days in a row

Malaga in May

Malaga weather in May

• Average temperature in May: 23ºC
• Average days of rain in May: 3 days
• Hours of sunshine in May: 12 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in May: 18ºC

Is May a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes, May is a good time to visit Malaga.

Despite June being the start of the summer, it’s pretty warm in May, so you can enjoy spending time on the beach. During mid-May, many beach clubs and attractions open for the season, so you can start experiencing all the summer activities before it gets too warm and crowded.

The best things to do in Malaga in May

• Visit the parks and gardens to see beautiful blossoming flowers like jacarandas
• Attend the opening season party of a beach club like Nikki Beach Marbella
• Experience Noche en Blanco

Main events in Malaga in May

20th May – Noche en Blanco

Noche en Blanco is one of the most important cultural events in the city. During the evening of the 10th of May, you can visit all the museums in Malaga for free. On top of this, be prepared to enjoy special exhibitions, live music and much more.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in May

➢ If you fly from the UK, flights get expensive towards the end of May because of the school holidays.

Malaga in June

Malaga weather in June

• Average temperature in June: 28ºC
• Average days of rain in June: 1 day
• Hours of sunshine in June: 12 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in June: 20ºC

Is June a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes, June is a good time for a summer holiday in Malaga. Flights and accommodation tend to be slightly cheaper than in July and August.

Things to do in Malaga in June

• Enjoy Noche de San Juan
• Make the most of beach days
• Do water activities

Main events in Malaga in June

23rd June – Noche de San Juan

Noche de San Juan isn’t only celebrated in Malaga, but it’s a popular event in which locals make bonfires on the beach in the evening. They meet with friends and family and have food and drinks until late morning.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in June

➢ Flights can be expensive.

➢ It starts getting crowded, especially towards the second half of the month.

Malaga in July

Malaga weather in July

• Average temperature in July: 32ºC
• Average days of rain in July: 0 days
• Hours of sunshine in July: 13 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in July: 23ºC

Is July a good time to visit Malaga?

Malaga in July is about keeping cool at the beach, pool or water park. The temperatures are high, so you’ll experience a great summer holiday.

Despite the scorching temperatures, July is one of my favourite months in my hometown because it’s lively. I love walking and having tapas in the evening because everyone is out. The atmosphere is great.

The best things to do in Malaga in July

• Go to the beach
• Spend the day at a water park
• Go on a kayak tour in Maro Beach, Nerja
• Attend a music festival

Main events in Malaga in July

16th July – Procesión de la Virgen del Carmen

The most special event in Malaga in July is Procesión de la Virgen del Carmen which takes place on the beach and is also celebrated in other towns along the Costa del Sol. This unique religious parade commemorates this virgin who takes care of fishermen.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in July

➢ It gets crowded

➢ It’s one of the hottest months

➢ It’s one of the most expensive months to visit Malaga

Malaga in August

Malaga weather in August

• Average temperature in August: 32ºC
• Average days of rain in August: 1 day
• Hours of sunshine in August: 13 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in August: 24ºC

Is August a good time to visit Malaga?

August is pretty similar to July. However, it’s the hottest and busiest month because not only tourists are on holiday, but most locals take holidays during this time, too.

Personally, August isn’t the best month to visit Malaga, but if you do, you’ll be able to attend Malaga’s Fair, which is held in the middle of the month.

The best things to do in Malaga in August

• Experience Feria de Agosto (Malaga Fair)
• Spend the day at the beach or pool
• Go to a waterpark

Main events in Malaga in August

Middle of August – Feria de Agosto

Feria de Málaga, also known as Feria de Agosto, is a big celebration that lasts between 7 and 9 days. Expect delicious food and wine, traditional dances and music, fun attractions and live concerts. The vibrant atmosphere of this fair makes it worth attending.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in August

➢ It gets crowded

➢ It’s one of the hottest months

➢ It’s one of the most expensive months to visit Malaga

Malaga in September

Malaga weather in September

• Average temperature in September: 28ºC
• Average days of rain in September: 2 days
• Hours of sunshine in September: 12 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in September: 23ºC

Is September a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes, September is one of the best months to visit Malaga. If you wonder, “Why is September the best time of the year to visit Malaga?”

In short, it’s still warm to enjoy the beach and pool, but not as hot as July and August. There are many fantastic fairs in towns near Malaga, and there are fewer tourists.

The best things to do in Malaga in September

• Attend one of the many fairs near Malaga
• Enjoy the fewer crowds at the beaches
• Go on a wine or raisin tour. September is the best month for freshly handpicked grapes and raisins.

Main events in Malaga in September

8th September – Procesión de Santa María de la Victoria

This is a religious parade to commemorate the patron saint of Malaga. It takes place in the city centre on the morning of the 8th of September.

27th September – World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day is a fantastic time to visit Malaga’s museums and art galleries for free. During this day, there are also unique exhibitions and free guided tours.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in September

➢ The first two weeks of September are still expensive

➢ Some summer attractions and beach clubs might close for the season

Malaga in October

Malaga weather in October

• Average temperature in October: 24ºC
• Average days of rain in October: 4 days
• Hours of sunshine in October: 12 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in October: 21ºC

Is October a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes! It’s a fantastic month to sightsee, go on day trips to the beautiful pueblos blancos (whitewashed towns) and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

If you visit Malaga in October, you’ll also enjoy beautiful sunny and warm days but not scorching like in the summer.

The best things to do in Malaga in October

• Visit Alora on the 1st of October to experience a traditional culinary event
• Go on a hike to Montes de Malaga to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours
• Taste seasonal products like raisins
• Visit the white villages like Mijas Pueblo or Frigiliana

Main events in Malaga in October

1st October – Día de las Sopas Perotas

You might want to add this event to your list if you’re a foodie. It takes place in Alora, a town in Malaga, and you can try Alora’s most traditional dish, sopa perota, for free, buy local products from stalls, listen to music and more.

31st October – Halloween

Halloween isn’t a traditional event in Malaga. However, it’s celebrated, and you’ll see some Halloween events in the centre.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in October

➢ It starts getting cold in the morning and evenings

➢ All the summer attractions and beach clubs have closed by the beginning of the month

Malaga in November

Malaga weather in November

• Average temperature in November: 19ºC
• Average days of rain in November: 6 days
• Hours of sunshine in November: 11 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in November: 18ºC

Is November a good time to visit Malaga?

November is a good time to visit Malaga for a city break because accommodation and flights are cheap. Although you might experience some rainy days, there are great things to do in Malaga when it rains too. For example, you can visit one of the many museums in Malaga or have a spa day.

The best things to do in Malaga in November

• Visit the museums and art galleries
• Spend an afternoon at the Arab baths
• Go to the switch on of the Malaga Christmas Lights
• Visit the lovely Enchanted Forest in Parauta. It’s definitely the best time to see the autumn leaves.

Main events in Malaga in November

26th November- Christmas Lights switch on

Be the first to see Malaga’s Christmas decorations and Light Show. The city changes its decorations every year, so there’s always a feeling of excitement and curiosity.

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in November

➢ It’s the rainiest month.

➢ It starts getting colder.

➢ There are fewer hours of sunshine.

Malaga in December

Malaga weather in December

• Average temperature in December: 16ºC
• Average days of rain in December: 7 days
• Hours of sunshine in December: 11 hours per day
• Average sea temperature in December: 17ºC

Is December a good time to visit Malaga?

Yes, if you love Christmas, visit Malaga in December. There are plenty of things this month, and what better way to experience Spanish Christmas than visiting Malaga?

The best things to do in Malaga in December

• See a nativity scene (belén)
• Indulge traditional Christmas dishes and sweets
• Visit the Christmas markets in the centre
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Plaza de la Constitución

Main events in Malaga in December

6th to 8th December – Puente de Diciembre

24th December – Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)

25th December – Día de Navidad (Christmas Day)

31st December – Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)

Reasons you might not want to visit Malaga in December

➢ Flights and accommodations are more expensive at this time of the year

➢ It’s one of the coldest months

Frequently asked questions about Malaga

Conclusion on the best time to visit Malaga, Spain

If you’re planning to visit Malaga, choose your holiday dates depending on the activity you want to do. Overall, there isn’t a wrong time to visit Malaga because there are always things to do in the city.

Personally, September is one of my favourite months because it’s still warm for a summer holiday, but it becomes a bit cooler, and you can go sightseeing too.

If you have any questions about visiting Malaga or want more recommendations from a local, join my Facebook community. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Enjoy your time in Malaga!

Cristina xx

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Read more about Malaga

• The Best Free Things to Do in Malaga 
• The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• The Best Day Trips from Malaga
• Incredible Festivals in Malaga
• Malaga in October: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
• Malaga in November: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
• The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Malaga
• Malaga in December: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
• Malaga in February: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips

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