The Best Activities in Malaga in May with Local Tips

Are you thinking about visiting Malaga in May, and whether it’s a good time to explore the city? Well, the answer is yes. May is a great time to discover the best of my hometown. 

The weather is beautiful, and you can even start feeling summer is around the corner. It’s mostly sunny and warm, but not too warm either, making sightseeing pleasant. At the same time, you can start enjoying some of the summer attractions and beach clubs too.

In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do in Malaga in May, provide an overview of the weather, and share my top tips to make the most of your holiday. 

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Overview of the weather

I’ve already mentioned we enjoy beautiful days in May. Expect lots of sunshine and warm temperatures for most of the month.

Is there any chance of rain in Malaga in May? I hear you ask. Well, it rains one or two days on average, so the chances are very low.

The rain usually doesn’t last for long. It rains for a few hours, and that’s it; there are fun activities to do on a rainy day, too. 

Also, we enjoy plenty of daylight in May, so we stay up late, and the atmosphere is lively.

Here’s an overview of the temperature in May: 

• Maximum temperature: 25ºC (77ºF)
• Minimum temperature: 15ºC (59ºF)
• Average temperature: 19ºC (66.2ºF)
• Rainy days: 2-3 
• Sea temperature: 18ºC (64.4ºF)
• Average humidity: 67%

The best things to do in Malaga in May 

1. Celebrate La Noche en Blanco

May is one of the best times to visit Malaga to attend events in Malaga and its surrounding towns. If we’re talking about Malaga, La Noche en Blanco is the most important event of the month. It’s usually in the second week of May, between the 15th and 20th.

Many museums, art galleries, and attractions are open that evening for free. Some also offer unique exhibitions or workshops.

I also love the atmosphere in the centre. They organise concerts and activities for all ages. It’s a fun evening, and a great opportunity to visit some attractions and museums that aren’t normally free.

2. Go to the water park

A popular summer activity in Malaga, especially for families, is visiting a water park.

Just outside Malaga, a 15 to 20 minute drive, you have the biggest water park on the Costa del Sol: Aqualand. 

I had great memories of spending the day in this water park with my family as a kid. But I’ve visited since then and recommend it. 

They have many attractions, including ones for the little ones. May is a better month to visit Aqualand because there are fewer crowds. The downside of Aqualand is the price. It’s become more expensive over the years. 

3. Taste the local fish dishes at a chiringuito 

Although you can do this activity year-round, locals believe the best months to eat grilled sardines, our speciality dish, are between May and August. You’ll eat the best sardines during this time of the year.

I recommend going to a chiringuito, a beach restaurant, over a regular restaurant to get the full experience. They aren’t normally fancy, but you see how the fish is slowly cooked on a barbecue.

4. Watch the sunset on a rooftop terrace

Malaga has definitely upped its game when it comes to rooftop terraces. Most offer a stunning city view, top-notch cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

One of my favourite rooftop terraces is La Terraza de Valeria, which has beautiful views of the port, Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba. 

The rooftop bar at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is among the best. It’s been open for a while and been a meeting point for many years before others opened.

Another I must mention here is La Terraza de La Alcazaba, which I love because of the direct views of the Alcazaba fortress palace, an unmissable attraction in Malaga and my preferred sight in my hometown. 

5. Take in the beautiful flowers

In my opinion, Paseo del Parque is underrated. This over 30,000 square metre park is home to a wide variety of plants. 

You can expect the flowers to blossom between March and May, so it’s quite pretty during these months. 

However, it isn’t the only place to enjoy the flowers. One of my favourites is the jaracandas, bright purple flowers. You can find them in Plaza de la Merced and other areas of Malaga (see photo to the right). 

If you have enough time, La Concepcion Botanical Garden is also worth visiting. It’s just outside the city centre and can be accessed by bus. 

The botanical garden is huge and is truly beautiful during this time of the year. 

6. Discover the history of Malaga 

No visit to Malaga is complete without discovering its history through the historic buildings and museums. Yes, you can do this any time, but I truly believe spring is the best time to go sightseeing. 

It’s warm, but not to the extent that you don’t want to walk around and prefer to cool down at the beach or pool. 

Booking a group walking tour is ideal for getting insider information with a local guide, but it isn’t essential. If you prefer to learn about the city at your own pace, you can get a self-guided audio and read the information posters at the attractions.

One day in Malaga is enough to see the main attractions, and I show you how in my itinerary. But if you’re even shorter on time, I wouldn’t miss the Alcazaba and the Cathedral.

7. Attend one of the fairs near Malaga 

We do love a party, and fairs are part of our celebrations. 

Late spring to early autumn are the peak times to attend one of these fairs.

The biggest and most popular fair is Feria Internacional de los países de Fuengirola. I love this fair because it celebrates multiculturalism in Costa del Sol. 

Each stall represents a country by providing local dishes, playing music and more.

Coín and Frigiliana also have fairs in May. I attended the Sugar Cane Honey Festival in Frigiliana and liked the atmosphere. But I wished the visit to the sugar cane honey factory were longer. You can only visit it that day. 

8. Ride a bike on the beach promenade

The historic centre is, of course, a must-see, but I also recommend exploring its surroundings, such as the Pedregalejo or Huelin neighbourhoods. 

Although you can do it on foot, riding a bike is a fun and quicker alternative. 

Go along the beach promenade to enjoy the beautiful sea views. 

Renting a bike isn’t expensive; if you’d rather go with a group, you can book a tour like this one. 

9. Enjoy a candlelight concert

If you haven’t been to a candlelight concert, you might want to attend one during your time in Malaga. 

Sure, you could go to one somewhere else, but the venues are beautiful, and it’s definitely something different to do.

Before your trip, have a look at the upcoming candlelight concerts. I especially like the ones that take place inside the Gran Hotel Miramar, one of the prettiest hotels and the only 5-star hotel in the city.

10. Browse the street markets 

Will you be in Malaga on a Sunday?

Sundays are family days as most people are off, so you can expect a lively atmosphere in the city. 

It’s a good day to explore Malaga’s main attractions since many offer free entry on Sundays, but it’s also great for shopping at the markets.

I love the one set up along Muelle Uno. Vendors sell unique gifts, from tiles to decorate your front door or garden to natural candles and beautiful kitchen utensils. 

Another market worth checking out is the artisanal market at La Merced Square, which is only available on the first Sunday of the month. 

Conclusion 

Is Malaga worth travelling to in May? I personally think it’s one of the best months to visit my city. 

Do you have any questions? Drop them below or join my Facebook group, which is the perfect place to ask questions and connect with me.

Have a lovely holiday! 

Cristina x

Read more about Malaga 

• How to Get from Malaga Airport to the City Centre
• Where To Stay in Malaga: Best Hotels and Areas
• 14 Things Not to Do in Malaga
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• 3 Days in Malaga (Detailed Itinerary & Insider Tips)
• 25 Best Malaga Photo Spots 
• The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• Unique Gifts and Souvenirs from Malaga