Malaga Weather In Winter | What to Expect In December & January
Thinking of booking a trip to Malaga in December or January - but not sure what to expect from the weather? Don’t worry, this post has you covered. Below, we’re sharing practical tips about visiting Malaga in winter, including what to do, where to eat, and our favourite activities. Plus, our personal experience of the Malaga winter weather - and what to pack.
Malaga in winter is a glorious place. Full of sunshine, swaying palms, and quiet attractions, it’s the perfect escape from colder European destinations. One of my favourite cities, here’s what to expect from the weather this winter —and what to pack.
If you’re planning a trip to the Spanish south coast this winter, you’re likely wondering about the Malaga weather in January.
Chances are, like me, you’re seeking an easy European getaway full of sunshine and warmth. But those travellers more accustomed to summer holidays in Spain often find packing for winter in Malaga tricky. Will it be warm? Will it rain? Should I pack a bathing suit - or a big coat?!
Well, I’ve visited the city twice during the winter months.
And I can happily report that Malaga in January, or any other winter month, is a wonderful choice.
Sitting in an outdoor cafe, sipping a cold beer, I was vaguely aware of the snow fall back home. Yet under the Spanish blue sky, in a balmy 23°, the problems of winter and all its coldness seemed very, very far away. In fact, the Malaga weather in January was everything I wanted from a winter destination and then some.
So, in this article I’m going to share my experience of the Malaga weather in December, how warm it was, what you can expect, and what I’d recommend you pack.
Malaga winter weather Info
Firstly, the Malaga weather in January is broadly similar to the other winter months. So, if you’re looking for information on Malaga weather in December or February, this post also has you covered.
In my experience, Malaga is a popular city in winter, which means all activities, attractions, and eateries stay open (there are exceptions around Christmas and New Year).
The wettest month in Malaga is November, so either avoid or pack wisely!
This is a wonderful time of year for a Southern Spain road trip, with consistently mild and dry weather.
Malaga’s Best Winter Hotels
What makes an excellent winter hotel you ask? For us, it's a winning combination of a rooftop pool or terrace (for when the sun shines), a cosy bar or lounge (for when it’s cool or wet), and beautifully decorated rooms that are inviting no matter the weather.
These are our top picks of Malaga hotels, each highly rated and located in the city centre:
Soho Boutique Colón | affordable option; boutique stay with design-led, modern rooms.
Molina Lario | sun terrace, rooftop pool, and views over the Cathedral.
Casa de la Merced Suites | modern apartments with all the essentials.
H10 Croma | mid-lux option; excellent old town location rooftop terrace, bar, and pool.
Only YOU Hotel | luxury option; incredible location, rooftop terrace, pool, and stunning rooms.
Posada del Patio | contemporary stay with a rooftop pool and lush green spaces.
Alternatively, book a Malaga city break from the UK with hotels, flights, and luggage included.
Is January a good time to visit Malaga?
If you’re wondering if December and January is a good time to visit Malaga, the answer is absolutely, yes.
Though spring and summer in Malaga are undeniably wonderful, the winter months in the Southern Spanish capital are equally incredible. Chances are you’re visiting Malaga in the winter months to explore the historic Old Town, eat tapas, have a beer in the main plaza, wander the narrow streets, and perhaps go on day trips.
And the weather is utterly perfect for all of those things.
It's beautiful and sunny, warm but not too hot, as it so often is in the summer months. There are also plenty of daylight hours and long, sunny days.
What about Sunbathing in Malaga in January?
In all honesty, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to sunbathe in Malaga in either December or January. Though not entirely impossible. Malaga in winter is around 18°C and a few degrees below what I’d call full-on ‘bikini weather’.
But the great news is its most definitely still warm enough to enjoy the city’s beaches - for a coastal stroll, a few hours of relaxing, or in a lively beach bar.
After all, an integral part of Spanish culture is to being outside, whether by the ocean or relaxing in a busy plaza - a tradition we all love.
December and January are utterly perfect for that and literally nothing beats soaking up the winter sunshine in an outdoor cafe (recommend both El Cabra and Restaurante El Tintero for ocean views, seafood, and drinks).
So though you may not find yourself sunbathing, I absolutely guarantee you’ll enjoy tapas and drinks with the sun beaming down.
However, to caveat, I still recommend packing some swimwear. We experienced a few very hot days in January and we did, on occasion, manage to top up our tan. Plus, many of Malaga’s best hotels have pools and loungers, so be prepared (and keep your fingers crossed) for those balmy winter days.
What else to Expect from
the Malaga weather in January
Malaga Temperatures During Winter
The Malaga weather in January is firmly a Mediterranean climate.
That means mild winter temperatures and lots of dry days. On average, the daytime temperature in December and January is around 18°C, but we frequently had 23°C and occasionally even warmer.
At night, however, expect as low as 8°C, which feels especially chilly after a warm day.
In terms of rain, it’s not unheard of in January and we certainly experienced a few showers. But they were incredibly rare and also brief. The Malaga weather in January is typically dry, with little rain and around only four days of the wet stuff on average.
We never had to change our plans because of bad weather, but at worst, we had to pack an extra layer.
Will I need suntan lotion?
Yes, absolutely. Expect the sun to be shining, and though not as powerful as in summer, the UV rays are still strong enough to damage your skin.
Is the weather good for sightseeing in winter?
Put simply, the weather in Malaga in December and January is perfect for exploring.
In summer, the Spanish temperatures are frequently so scorching that all you can do is laze by the pool. However, in winter, the wonderfully warm days lend themselves to getting out and about and, generally, the temperature is ideal for days wandering around the city.
Malaga Old Town in Winter
There’s a lot to see to Malaga in winter, especially around the spectacular Malaga Old Town.
Here, you’ll find soaring Malaga cathedral, the Alcazaba fortress, the Castillo de Gibralfaro, Roman amphitheatre, and a maze of postcard-perfect plazas, alleyways, and hidden corners.
The Old Quarter also has a vibrant food scene, with tapas bars, traditional eateries, cafes, and Andalusian restaurants to choose from. The best part? Even in winter, it’s warm enough to enjoy eating and drinking on the outdoor terraces.
From the historic quarter, it’s also a leisurely stroll to the port's more modern bars and restaurants; we spent a lazy evening watching the sunset from a rooftop bar with cocktails in hand - a much better proposition than winter in the UK!
Best of all, December and January are a much quieter time of year.
By opting for a Malaga winter trip, you get fabulous weather, but with fewer people and less crowded streets, cafes, and hotels. Unlike summer, when the crowds descend on mass, there’s no queueing for the city’s main attractions, tables, or seats on the rooftop bar.
Malaga Winter Activities & Attractions
Our favourite Malaga activities are generally located in the city centre and provide a taste of authentic Andalusian culture, the city’s fascinating ancient history, and genuinely fun things to do.
Below, we’re sharing our absolute favourite sights, tours, and experiences. Plus, indoor activities should you find the weather takes a rainy or cool turn.
All highly rated, these are the best things to do in Malaga in winter:
Picasso Museum
There are a myriad of museums and galleries in Malaga, but my favourite is the Picasso Museum. Inside, you’ll find famous paintings and sculptures in a series of exhibitions from the iconic artist.
Picasso spent his childhood in Malaga and returned almost every summer, painting some of his most famous works there.
Expect to spend one to two hours in the museum/gallery, including the cute bookshop and cafe. Though generally quieter in winter, we recommend buying your tickets early to avoid potential queues.
Malaga Live Flamenco Show
Synonymous with Andalusia, flamenco is a quintessential part of Malaga's history. There’s no better way to spend an evening than catching a live flamenco show. These performances are legendary and sure to captivate with their live music, passionate dancing, and lively performances.
I’ve caught a few flamenco shows, but my favourite in the old town is held in the Teatro Flamenco Malaga, a traditional Old Town theatre. Shows run three times a night (5.30pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm) and last one hour.
Malaga Wine & Tapas Tour
A must for foodies, eat your way through Malaga’s best tapas bars and most authentic eateries with an expert guide. Tickets cost £50 per person but include four tapas bars, the city’s most famous tavern, eight delicacies and plates, and four varieties of wine or local sherries. This tour is a lot of fun and well worth the cost.
Book your guided tapas tour and receive a copy of the Malaga dining guide.
Alcazaba and Roman Theatre Guided Tour
Sitting atop Malaga’s highest point, the Alcazaba, a centuries-old Moorish palace, is a walk back in time. With scenic views from ancient windows, intricate Moorish architecture, and lush gardens, this palace is a smaller (and much less crowded) Alhambra. Undoubtedly, this is one of our favourite places to visit in Malaga.
Skip the queues and book this tour, which includes an expert guide and access to the Roman amphitheatre.
Catamaran Sailing Trip
This highly rated boat trip leaves from the harbour, includes drinks, and is a fun way to see Malaga’s spectacular skyline. We suggest you take an extra layer in winter as it can be breezy on deck, though we found the experience warm and enjoyable in December.
Frequently sold out, be sure to book in advance.
Malaga Winter Day Trips
Additionally, if you’re planning a trip of five days or more, then the world is your oyster, and you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground.
There are many fantastic places that make perfect day trips, including the incredible town of Ronda, white hilltop villages like Casares and Gaucin, and the infamous Caminito del Rey clifftop walk (more on how to book a Caminito trip below).
You can also take a coastal trip along the Costa del Sol; Nerja and Marbella are both easily accessible from Malaga and brilliant to visit during winter for sunshine-filled coastal walks, afternoon beers in pretty plazas, and al-fresco dining.
Experience all this in incredibly pleasant and warm weather in December and January. And, should you need further convincing, every sun-soaked image in this post was taken during the winter months!
Caminito Del Rey
One of the best day trips from Malaga is the Caminito del Rey - a clifftop walkway that was once considered Spain’s most dangerous trail.
Thankfully, today is incredibly safe and, thanks to the spectacular views, one of Malaga’s most popular day trips. An 8km path weaves across cliffs and canyons, often 100m up on the sheer cliff face, high above the El Chorro gorge. The experience is unique, and the views are utterly magnificent.
The entire walk takes around three hours, and you’ll need comfortable shoes, water, and your camera.
The Caminito’s increasing popularity means that getting a ticket can be challenging in summer, with entire weeks sold out months in advance.
However, getting a Caminito del Rey ticket was far more straightforward in winter, with fewer daily crowds, quieter car parks, and more opportunities to stop and photograph. Plus, where in summer the temperature in the mountains can soar well in excess of 40°, in winter the weather is pleasantly warm with less risk of sunburn.
You’ll still want to book ahead to guarantee your spot.
Self-drive | If you’re driving or taking the train, we recommend choosing this ticket option, which includes the shuttle bus between the entrance and the car park.
Tour from Malaga | Alternatively, this highly rated tour from Malaga includes transport from the city and your entry ticket.
Packing for Malaga in January
On my first road trip through the south of Spain, I spent almost two months (December and January) enjoying the warmer temperatures. From Seville to Ronda to Malaga, the weather was reliably wonderful.
Unfortunately, it quickly transpired that my ‘normal winter clothes’ were far too warm for the Spanish winter sun! So, if you’d like to avoid an emergency shopping spree, these are my top packing tips for the Malaga weather in January:
A light jacket
A light layer for the daytime, like a cardigan or shirt
Shorts
T-shirts and/or vest tops
Jeans or leggings for the evening
A warmer layer for the evening
Packable waterproof jacket (just in case)
Sandals
Trainers
SPF
Sunglasses
Bikini / swimmers
Dresses / evening attire
Where to check the Malaga January weather
Before you fly, be sure to check the weather in Malaga in winter here. This should help you pack and plan your activities in advance.
Enjoy the Malaga weather in January
In my opinion, the Malaga weather in December and January is one of the biggest reasons to visit this Spanish city in the winter months. Expect blue skies, warm days, and beautiful sunsets, with plenty of opportunities to spend your days outside.
If you’re considering visiting Malaga in winter, whether on a city break or as part of a bigger Spanish road trip, I highly recommend booking. It’s an incredible city - and a pleasure to wander around.
All whilst leaving your big winter coat firmly at home!
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