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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 13 June 2026 by the Insight Britain weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Málaga enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. The live forecast above gives current conditions, while this guide covers monthly averages, sea temperatures, rainfall, and the best times to visit so you can plan your trip with confidence.
What kind of climate does Málaga have?
Málaga has a subtropical-Mediterranean climate, which means mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The city is sheltered by mountains to the north, which helps keep temperatures pleasant year-round. Average daily highs range from 17°C in January to 31°C in August. Sea temperatures follow a similar pattern, peaking at around 25°C in August and dropping to 15–16°C in February.
Málaga weather by month: a seasonal breakdown
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the coolest and wettest period, but still mild compared to most of northern Europe. Daytime highs in December and January hover around 17–18°C, dropping to about 8–10°C at night. February is similar, with highs around 18°C. Rainfall is most frequent in December (average 100mm), but you can still expect plenty of sunny interludes. Sea temperatures in malaga weather december are about 16°C, and in malaga weather february they fall to 15°C – too cool for most swimmers, but fine for coastal walks.
Spring (March to May)
Spring sees a steady rise in temperatures and a sharp drop in rainfall. March averages 20°C highs, climbing to 24°C in May. Sea temperatures warm from 15°C in March to 18°C by May. Crowds are still thin, making this a great time for sightseeing. The number of sunny hours jumps from 7 per day in March to 10 in May.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot, dry, and reliably sunny. July and August have average highs of 30–31°C, with sea temperatures reaching 24–25°C – perfect for swimming. Rainfall in summer is minimal; you can expect fewer than 5mm per month. Night-time temperatures rarely fall below 21°C, so the warmth lingers into the evening. The live conditions above will show the current heat, but plan for strong sun and high UV levels.
Autumn (September to November)
September remains very warm (28°C highs) with sea temperatures still at 23°C. October cools to 24°C, and November to 20°C. Rainfall increases from October onwards – November averages about 80mm – but many days are still sunny. Autumn is a popular time for travellers who want warm weather without the peak-season crowds.
Best months to visit Málaga
For guaranteed beach weather, June to September are ideal, with sea temperatures above 22°C and virtually no rain. If you prefer sightseeing without extreme heat, April–May and October offer comfortable highs of 22–26°C and lower accommodation prices. Winter (December–February) is suitable for cultural trips and avoiding crowds, but expect some rain and cooler evenings.
What to pack for Málaga
Your packing list depends on the season. In summer (June–August), bring light cotton clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. Evenings are warm, so a light jacket is rarely needed. For spring and autumn, add a medium-weight jacket or cardigan, as nights can be cool. In winter, pack a warm coat, a jumper, and a waterproof layer – particularly for the rainy months of December and January. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round because Málaga is a city best explored on foot. Swimmers should note that sea temperatures in winter are around 15–16°C; a wetsuit is advisable if you intend to swim then.
Rainy season and quiet season in Málaga
The rainy season runs roughly from November to February, with December the wettest month. Even then, rainfall usually comes in short bursts followed by clear skies – you rarely get whole days of drizzle. The quiet season for tourism is November to February (excluding Christmas holidays). Fewer visitors mean lower prices and more space on beaches and in attractions. The shoulder months (March–May and October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather and moderate crowds. The busiest period is July and August, when temperatures and prices are highest.
How far ahead can you check the Malaga forecast?
For trip planning, the malaga weather 15 day forecast provides a reliable outlook on temperatures and general trends, while a malaga weather 30 days projection is more directional. The malaga weather 14 days and malaga weather forecast 21 days options give increasingly useful detail for packers and itinerary builders. The 10-day forecast (often seen in weather in málaga 10 days searches) is typically the most reliable for daily decisions. You can always check the 10-day forecast on our site for the latest update.
Málaga weather by month – quick reference
If you are comparing destinations or choosing a travel date, the malaga weather by month table below summarises key averages:
- January: 17°C high, 10°C low, 6 sunshine hours, 70mm rain
- February: 18°C high, 10°C low, 7 hours, 60mm rain
- March: 20°C high, 12°C low, 7 hours, 50mm rain
- April: 22°C high, 13°C low, 8 hours, 40mm rain
- May: 24°C high, 16°C low, 10 hours, 25mm rain
- June: 28°C high, 20°C low, 12 hours, 10mm rain
- July: 30°C high, 22°C low, 12 hours, 5mm rain
- August: 31°C high, 23°C low, 11 hours, 5mm rain
- September: 28°C high, 20°C low, 9 hours, 15mm rain
- October: 24°C high, 16°C low, 8 hours, 40mm rain
- November: 20°C high, 12°C low, 7 hours, 80mm rain
- December: 17°C high, 9°C low, 6 hours, 100mm rain
How hot is Málaga in August?
August is the hottest month, with average daytime highs of 31°C and night-time lows around 23°C. Sea temperatures peak at 25°C. The live conditions above will confirm the current temperature, but you should prepare for intense sun and high UV – especially between noon and 4pm.
Is Málaga warm in December?
December in Málaga is mild, with average highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Sea temperature is about 16°C – fine for a brisk paddle but not for swimming without a wetsuit. You can expect around 6 hours of sunshine daily, but also the highest rainfall of the year (~100mm).
What is the sea temperature in Málaga in February?
Sea temperature in February averages 15°C, the coolest of the year. This is too cold for most swimmers, though brave surfers and winter swimmers still use the water with a wetsuit. The air temperature sits around 18°C during the day – pleasant for coastal walks and al fresco lunches.
Can I get a reliable 21-day forecast for Málaga?
Yes, a malaga weather forecast 21 days gives a good indication of overall weather patterns, such as whether a heatwave or rain spell is likely. However, day-to-day accuracy decreases beyond 10 days. For packing and activity planning, combine the 21-day outlook with the UK weather hub for the most up-to-date data.
Whether you are comparing Benidorm Weather or considering Majorca Weather, Málaga’s climate offers reliable warmth for most of the year. For updates on any weather warnings affecting travel, check our UK weather warnings page before you depart.