Malaga in December: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
There are many reasons to visit Malaga in December – from experiencing the Christmas atmosphere and traditions to sightseeing and exploring Andalusian white villages.
While December isn’t the warmest month, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunny and clear days. Temperatures during the day can reach even 20 degrees Celsius (68°F). You won’t regret visiting Malaga if you want a winter sun getaway.
December is one of my favourite months in my hometown, so I’ll share everything about Malaga in December below, from the weather and the best things to do to some local tips to help you make the most of your holiday.
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Weather in Malaga in December
December is one of the coldest months in Malaga, but what is cold for a local like me or someone who has been living in Malaga for a while is probably different for you.
During the day, it’s likely you’ll enjoy sunny and mild temperatures. The average temperature is 17 degrees Celsius (62.6°F), but don’t be surprised if it’s even 20 (68°F).
Nevertheless, the temperature difference between day and night is big. It can be 9 or 10 degrees (about 48.2°F) during the evening and early morning.
Generally, it doesn’t rain much in Malaga, but there are chances of rain during December. Most of the time, the rain isn’t heavy and doesn’t last long.
Average temperatures in December
- Average temperature: 16ºC (60,8 ºF)
- Highest temperature: 18ºC (64,4 ºF)
- Lowest temperature: 9ºC (48,2 ºF)
Other important weather information:
- Sunlight: 11 hours per day
- Rain: 7 days
- Humidity: 73%
- Wind speed: 7 Mph
11 Best things to do in Malaga in December
1. See the Christmas Lights
If you’re staying in Malaga city centre, there’s no chance you’ll miss the Christmas lights. However, if you’re staying in a coastal town, make sure to go to Málaga for the day to check out the beautiful Christmas Lights.
Calle Larios (Larios Street) becomes the busiest area in the city centre as the Christmas Lights attract locals and tourists.
I love the fact that the town hall comes up with different decorations almost every year, so even if you’ve seen Málaga at Christmas before, you’ll still be surprised by the new lights.
On top of the impressive light installation, there’s also a light show in which the lights dance to the rhythm of Spanish Christmas carols like Feliz Navidad and international Christmas songs like the popular All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey.
The Christmas light show is every day at three different times (usually 6, 8 and 10 pm) from the end of November to the beginning of January.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Malaga in December.
2. See a nativity scene
Another great activity to do in Malaga in December is to visit the belenes nativity scenes across the city centre.
They aren’t just the average nativity scene; these are huge, and you can see how much effort has gone into them by looking at the details.
My favourite nativity scene is the one in Málaga town hall. It’s pretty big and impressive, and the town hall architecture is beautiful and elegant.
However, other nativity scenes you want to check out are the ones in the cathedral and peña La Mosca.
3. Enjoy the Christmas Markets
I love Christmas in my hometown, but having lived in the UK for a few good years, I can say that Spanish Christmas markets are completely different from those in the UK or other European countries.
The atmosphere is different, and the sunny and mild weather probably plays a part in it. So don’t expect the typical European Christmas market.
There are a few Christmas markets in the city centre. The oldest Christmas market is the one in Paseo del Parque. You’ll find many stalls selling second-hand books, toys, and nativity scene figures.
Although there are a few food stalls, there isn’t a wide variety. As a local, I can tell you that I would rather eat at a bar or restaurant, and many other people feel the same way.
Another Christmas market that has become more popular is the one in Muelle Uno (Malaga’s Port). This market has lovely things, such as traditional pottery, which you can gift as a Secret Santa or take as a souvenir home.
If you visit Malaga with kids, Muelle Uno is perfect for you. They also set up Santa’s Grotto and do activities for the little ones.
Outside Malaga, many other towns also organise Christmas markets worth visiting.
4. Visit Malaga Botanical Garden
Jardín Botánico de la Concepción is a beautiful botanical garden located a few minutes by car from Malaga city centre.
Regardless of the season, it’s worth visiting because of its wide variety of plants and flowers, the lovely walking routes you can do, and the breathtaking views of Malaga.
However, if you love all things Christmas, you must add Malaga Botanical Garden to your itinerary.
The garden comes to life with the impressive Christmas lights set up in different parts of the garden.
Go to the botanical garden in the evening to enjoy a Christmas light walking route.
5. Taste Christmas dishes and sweets
Visiting Malaga in winter allows you to try traditional dishes you won’t often find at other times of the year.
You can taste comfort food such as puchero andaluz (chickpea stew), gazpachuelo (fish soup) and plato de los Montes de Málaga (a hearty dish that contains pork, fried egg and peppers).
In addition to these winter dishes, don’t miss out on Christmas delicacies. It’s the best time to eat nougat, mantecados (Spanish shortbread), candied almonds and the Three Kings’ cake.
You’ll find many of these products in bakeries, supermarkets, and sometimes at Christmas markets.
6. Hit up the museums
You can do this activity all year round, but it can be the perfect plan for a rainy or colder day in Malaga.
During this time of the year, museums are decorated with Christmas ornaments and might have special exhibitions.
Some museums and art galleries not to miss in Malaga are Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen Malaga. They won’t disappoint you, no matter what time of the year you visit them.
7. Go shopping
Malaga is home to many shopping centres, not only in the city but also outside.
You can go to Larios and Vialia shopping centres in Malaga city centre. But Calle Larios also has plenty of high-street shops to treat yourself to.
Plaza Mayor is another shopping centre you might want to visit. This one is not far from Malaga Airport and has all sorts of shops, many restaurants, a playground and a cinema.
The downside of shopping during this month is that you won’t find many sales, as these are in January after the Christmas celebrations.
8. Bird watching near Malaga
The best place to bird watch is Desembocadura del Guadalhorce, located 10 minutes’ drive from Malaga.
This protected area is a popular birdwatch spot with many viewpoints from which to view and take fantastic photos of birds. You can see lots of birds, such as ducks, seagulls, flamingos, and owls. However, you won’t see as many birds as if you visit it in March.
It’s a lovely walk to spot birds and, luckily, other small animals like rabbits, and it leads you to Sacaba Beach.
9. Play golf
Costa del Sol is known for its excellent golf courses, and winter is a fantastic time to learn or improve your golf skills.
Some of the best golf courses are between Benalmadena and Estepona. For example, Marbella Golf & Country Club, La Cala Golf and La Quinta Golf & Country Club.
10. Go on a day trip to the snow
Malaga is famous for its sunshine and warm weather, but not many travellers know that you can find snow in some areas of Malaga.
If you visit the mountainside, you’ll be surprised to see snow. You can sometimes find snow in areas like Sierra Bermeja, Torcal de Antequera and Sierra de las Nieves.
You can also even ski not far from Malaga. Sierra Nevada, located in Granada and 2 hour drive from Malaga, is one of the best ski resorts in Spain.
Staying a few days in Sierra Nevada is always a good idea. There are amazing accommodations like El Lodge, where you can disconnect and have more time to enjoy the skiing resort with family or friends.
11. Explore a unique white town
Malaga is home to many beautiful whitewashed towns (pueblos blancos) that are worth discovering.
Most of these towns are on the mountainside, so it can be challenging to visit during the summer months.
In December, you can enjoy milder temperatures, which makes it easy to visit all the town attractions and see the Christmas decorations.
Mijas Pueblo, Frigiliana and Ronda are a few of the pretty whitewashed towns to discover in Malaga. My favourite is Frigiliana, which it’s easy to visit on a day trip to Nerja.
READY TO VISIT MALAGA IN DECEMBER?
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Events in Malaga in December
The whole month of December is full of traditional events and bank holidays in Malaga and the rest of Spain. Here are some of the celebrations:
- Puente de la Inmaculada from the 6th to the 8th of December.
- Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) on the 24th of December.
- Día de Navidad (Christmas Day) on the 25th of December.
- Día de los inocentes on the 28th December.
- Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) on the 31st of December.
Most of these events are celebrated with family. However, if you happen to be in Malaga during Christmas, you might want to attend the mass at the Cathedral on Christmas Day and eat the twelve grapes at Plaza de la Constitución on New Year’s Eve and then attend one of the parties organised in clubs.
For the latter one, make sure to buy your tickets in advance because they sell out quickly.
What to Wear in Malaga in December
Are you wondering what to wear in Malaga in December? Well, because of the weather difference between morning, afternoon and evening, you’ll need to pack a mixture of spring and winter clothes.
Most times, locals dress up for the season rather than the weather. So don’t be surprised to see locals with big coats, even at 18 degrees.
These are my top recommendations on what to pack;
- A few T-shirts.
- Long-sleeved dresses.
- A few jumpers for the evening when it’s colder.
- Jeans.
- A jacket/coat.
- Comfortable shoes. Either trainers or boots.
- Sunglasses.
- Sun cream.
If you don’t want to look like a tourist, don’t pack flip-flops and shorts. You’ll only see tourists wearing these.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Malaga in December
Is Malaga worth visiting in December?
Yes! The temperatures are mild; there are many things to do, as well as events going on. By visiting Malaga in December, you’ll also get a taste of Spanish Christmas.
Is everything open in Malaga in December?
Yes, except for bank holidays such as Puente de la Inmaculada, from the 6th to the 8th of December and Christmas Day.
Is Malaga busy in December?
Yes, Malaga is busy in December. In addition to many tourists, locals look for gifts and meet family and friends to see the Christmas decorations.
December in Malaga isn’t for you if…
➢ You want a beach holiday
➢ You don’t like crowds
➢ You aren’t into Christmas
Conclusion on visiting Malaga in December
Is December a good time to visit Malaga? Yes, especially if you love Christmas and would like to experience Spanish Christmas.
This time of the year is fantastic for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, but also for sightseeing and visiting museums. On top of this, the temperature is excellent because it isn’t too cold or too hot.
Do you want to connect with me and other travellers? Join my Facebook group.
Enjoy your trip to Malaga!
Cristina x
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Top things to do before visiting Malaga
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Check out these tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
- Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
- Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
- Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
