Malaga Weather In Winter: What to expect in December & January
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, this post also has you covered.
In my experience, Malaga is a popular city in winter and everything & everywhere we wanted to see / visit was open.
The wettest month in Malaga is November, so either avoid or pack wisely!
What to Expect from the Malaga weather in January
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 and at worst had to pack an extra layer.
Is January a good time to visit Malaga?
Absolutely, December and January are the perfect time to visit the Southern Spanish capital. Chances are you’re visiting Malaga in the winter months to explore, eat tapas, wander the little streets, and perhaps go on day trips. And the weather is utterly perfect for all of those things.
Beautifully sunny, warm but not too hot as it so often is in the summer months, there’s also plenty of daylight.
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 that you can 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 just be 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.
And, 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 hopeful!) for those balmy winter days.
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 January?
As mentioned, the weather in Malaga in December and January is perfect for exploring.
In summer, the Spanish temperatures are frequently so scorching all you can do is laze by the pool. However, in winter, the wonderfully warm days lend themselves to getting out and about.
Malaga really is a stunning city and there’s a lot to see, like the soaring cathedral, Alcazaba fortress, and the Castillo de Gibralfaro (full guide coming soon).
You can easily spend a long weekend exploring the city and even longer enjoying the vibrant food scene. Best of all, December and January are a much quieter time of year. By opting for winter you get fabulous weather, but with fewer people and less crowded streets, cafes, and hotels.
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 which make perfect day trips, including the incredible town of Ronda, white hilltop villages like Casares, and the infamous Caminito del Rey clifftop walk.
Or take a coastal trip along the Costa del Sol; Estepona, Marbella, and Nerja are all easily accessible from Malaga and lovely to visit during the winter months.
In December and January, experience all this in incredibly pleasant and warm weather.
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
You can check the weather in Malaga in January here.
Enjoy the Malaga weather in January
In my opinion, the Malaga weather in December and January is a huge reason to visit this Spanish city in the winter months.
Expect blue skies, warm days, and beautiful sunsets, with plenty opportunity to spend your days outside - all whilst leaving your big winter coat firmly at home!
If you’re planning a trip to the Spanish south coast, read my Malaga travel guide (coming soon). You may also like:
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