Costa del Sol Spain Weather: Month by Month Guide

The Costa del Sol temperature never drops very low. Even in the coolest months, December, January and February, afternoon highs sit at 17°C to 18°C, with nights around 9°C. From April the warmth builds steadily: 23°C in April, 25°C in May, 28°C in June, then a peak of 33°C in July and August, when nights stay at 22°C to 23°C.

Rain is concentrated rather than constant. July and August average a single wet day each, while October is the wettest month by far with 117mm over around 10 days, and March is the other damp spell with 85mm over 9 days. The months we would pick first are April, May, June, September and November; January, February, March, October and December are the shoulder months, mild but less settled.

Most British travellers come on a package, and Málaga airport puts Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Mijas within 13 minutes. You can compare package holidays, hotel prices and car hire on this page once you have settled on your month.

Winter is gentle. Costa del Sol weather in December means highs of 18°C, lows of 9°C and around 4 wet days, while January is similar at 17°C with 6 wet days. Costa del Sol weather in February turns wetter, with 67mm over 7 days, and Costa del Sol weather in March is the damp end of winter: 20°C highs but 85mm of rain across 9 days. These are good months for Málaga's Alcazaba and the Museo Picasso rather than the beach.

Spring changes everything quickly. Costa del Sol April weather is one of the best of the year, with 23°C highs, lows of 13°C and only 8mm of rain over 3 days. Costa del Sol weather in May brings 25°C and 4 wet days, and June warms to 28°C. July and August are the hot heart of summer at 33°C, with almost no rain at all.

Autumn starts well: Costa del Sol weather in September still gives 28°C highs, with 6 wet days. Costa del Sol October weather is warm at 25°C but the wettest month, with 117mm over about 10 days, so pack for showers. Costa del Sol weather in November settles again, with 22°C highs, 5 wet days and nights of 12°C, which is why it sits among the best months.

For July and August, think light, breathable clothes, a hat and plenty of sun cream: 33°C afternoons and nights above 20°C leave little need for anything warm. June and September, at 28°C, call for much the same, perhaps with one light layer for evenings.

In April, May and November, pack summer clothes for the day but add a jumper or light jacket, as nights fall to between 12°C and 15°C. From December to March, bring proper layers for evenings around 9°C to 11°C, and a compact waterproof, especially for February and March. October also deserves an umbrella or rain jacket despite its 25°C highs, given it is the wettest month of the year.