The Costa del Sol has one of the world’s best climates and more than 325 days of sunshine a year. Malaga weather is in general mild, with light variations during the year; let’s find the seasonal climate in Malaga and where is the best weather.
Best climate in Malaga
Most of the Costa del Sol enjoys much the same pleasant climate, although there are slight local variations. The western side of the coast is generally cooler in summer than the rest of the region because it’s fanned by Atlantic breezes, which don’t reach the rest of the coast. All areas claim to have the best climate and many also claim a particular microclimate, but it’s generally agreed by the experts that Marbella city has the best climate in the area.
In the west, the area around Sotogrande and Estepona is generally wetter and windier; this area is directly influenced by weather on the Strait of Gibraltar. Not far inland from Estepona is Grazalema, Spain’s wettest place.
In the eastern area from Malaga eastwards is generally warmer throughout the year than the rest of the Costa del Sol because the Atlantic breezes don’t reach there. This is an advantage in winter, but not in the summer. Malaga can be particularly hot in July and August.
Inland all towns and villages away from the coast are colder in winter and hotter in summer. The difference can be more than 5 ºC. In mountain villages, frosts are common in winter.
Live weather forecast
Seasons and weather in Malaga
What is the weather like on each season in Malaga? Let’s find out information about climate and temperature during all the year, in case you are wondering when to visit Malaga.
Spring
Spring is generally pleasant with average temperatures of around 20 ºC to 24 ºC during the day. April, May and June are often the best months. Rainfall is occasional and however it usually doesn’t rain after the end of May.
Summer
Summer is warm and sunny. The temperature rises in July and August, when it’s often over 30 ºC. Note that some areas of the Costa del Sol are often several degrees warmer particularly when the hot dry wind blows from the north. Areas most likely to be affected by this wind, which can blow for several days at a time, are valleys such as Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Malaga city. It rarely rains in summer.
Autumn
Autumn is warm and sunny, although rainfall can be frequent and is sometimes torrential. September and October are usually pleasant months.
Winter
In winter the lowest temperature is usually around 12 ºC, although in an exceptional year it may fall lower and very occasionally there’s snow on the highest mountains. The daytime temperature often rises to 20 ºC. Note, however, that, although daytime temperatures may be high, you need some from of domestic heating. Rainfall can be frequent and is often torrential, although bas weather rarely lasts for more than three or four days at a time.
Wind in Malaga
The Costa del Sol can be a very windy place, particularly the western and around Estepona and Sotogrande. Prevailing winds, from the Atlantic and from the Mediterranean can be strong and usually blow for several days at a time.
The levante is dry In winter and humid in summer, and the poniente, humid in winter and refreshingly cool in summer. Levante storms in winter often cause severe damage along the sea front. The wind from the north, known as terral, is dry and cold in winter, and dry and scorching in summer. Occasionally the wind blows from the south in the summer (sirocco), bringing sand from the Sahara desert.
Raining season
Although Malaga is a sunny province during all the year, there are months when raining probability is higher; from November to April. Although extreme raining in Malaga is not common we give you some recommendations in case it happens.
Flooding and flash floods can happen during torrential rain, and dry river or stream beds can turn into fast flowing currents within a matter of minutes.
During extreme raining, don’t attempt to cross a river or stream on foot or by car; even if it’s a four wheel drive vehicle as you can easily be swept away.
Also avoid parking your vehicle at the down floor because it will be the first to get flooded and the water will cause terrible damage to the car.