What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Malaga? Sun, crowded beaches, extreme hot weather, summer, and sangria, probably. It’s not a wrong impression; the city gets over 300 days of sunshine and doubles in population in the summer months. But have you ever wondered how is Malaga in the winter? If a city gets this much sunlight per year, it should be good, right? And it is. It’s not just the weather that’s better, it’s many other things.
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From December to February, Malaga gets emptier and transforms into a normal city. Locals take the city back; the weather doesn’t feel like it’s burning on your skin, and the monuments take only two minutes to get into without any line. Winter in Malaga is when you get to experience the real, authentic Malaga. It’s a time for slow-paced exploration, enjoying tapas on a sunny terrace without a wait, and hiking through lush green landscapes that are parched and brown in summer. You must visit Málaga in winter at least once, and you won’t want to go back.
What to Expect from Malaga in the Winter?
The number one reason to visit Malaga in winter is its unbeatable climate. It has one of the warmest winters in mainland Europe. If you are somewhere in the West or Northern Europe, it’s the perfect escape. It’s warm, but you won’t be swimming, I can tell you that (unless you are from Northern Scandinavia). There will be a lot of sunshine, though. In addition to the nice weather, winter is not a peak tourism season here. The city will be much emptier if you were here in the summer. The city becomes a tranquil paradise.
- December. Probably one of the best times to visit if you want to visit in winter. Christmas markets are still there despite the nice weather, and it’s a festive season. Average daytime temperatures are about 17 °C. Although December is the highest chance of rain.
- January. It’s officially the coolest month, but “cool” in Malaga is still very pleasant. Daytime average temperature is around 12 to 17°C. It’s perfect for morning hikes.
- February. February is the unofficial start of spring in Andalusia. Winter is almost over but you still have the city to yourself (mostly). Days are much longer, and the trees start to get their color back. Probably February is the second-best month to visit.
Local Culture Without the Crowds
I already said that in winter, Malaga is empty. Locals start enjoying the downtown, and this also means that restaurants, bars, touristic areas, monuments, and historical areas don’t have any crowds. You can walk in and out much faster, allowing you to see the city at a quicker pace. Of course, you can also connect with the local culture more easily. Talk to people, see how they live, and enjoy the local life.
Best Things to Do in Malaga in Winter
Without the summer heat draining your energy, winter is the prime time to explore Malaga’s cultural treasures. The shorter queues and comfortable temperatures make sightseeing a pure joy. You can do most of these in summer, too, by the way, but it will take you much longer because of the heat, crowds, and so on. I’ll list some of my favorites down here, what I enjoy most to do in winter in Malaga. I won’t go into detail about certain things. I have a whole article about what to do in Malaga where I detailed them.
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
In August, climbing the steep paths to Malaga’s Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, and the Gibralfaro castle above it can feel like a marathon. In winter, it’s a delightful walk. You don’t have to rush visiting the beautiful architecture, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views over the port, and you won’t even get sweaty. The clear winter light makes for stunning photos.
Soak Up Art at the Picasso & Thyssen Museums
Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, and the Museo Picasso is a must-visit. Yeah, they are museums, and the weather doesn’t matter, but the crowd does. Do you know how bad it is to visit these museums normally? Winter is the perfect time to go, as you can admire the works without peering over someone’s shoulder. The same goes for the Carmen Thyssen Museum, which hasa beautiful collection of 19th-century Spanish art. If you happen to catch a rare rainy day, these museums are the perfect cozy and inspiring escape.
Walk the Promenade at Sunset
The “golden hour” in winter is shorter but more intense. Take a stroll along the promenade at Malagueta beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon without getting sweaty. Afterwards, you can pop into one of the beachfront chiringuitos (some stay open year-round) for a drink and some fresh seafood.
Relax in a Hammam (Arab Baths)
There is no better way to appreciate the crisp winter air than by contrasting it with the warm, steamy embrace of a traditional Arab bath. The Hammam Al Ándalus, for example, is great for this. You can get a relaxing experience rooted in Malaga’s Moorish past. Soaking in the thermal pools and sipping mint tea in a candlelit room is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
The Christmas Lights (Calle Larios) – My favorite!
I’ve always loved the Christmas period wherever I am. It feels cozy and nice. Malaga is no exception to that. If you’re visiting in December, you’re in for a treat. Malaga’s main shopping street, Calle Larios, is the stage for a world-famous Christmas light and music show. The entire city center is filled with cute decorations. It still creates that magical and festive atmosphere everyone’s familiar with. It also draws crowds from all over Spain. It feels a bit weird without having to feel cold, but it’s a different kind of Christmas!
Nature and Hiking: The Prime Winter Season
Hiking and going out to nature are not as popular as they are in other seasons, but in Malaga, you can have a better experience during winter with these activities. For me (and for a lot of other people), winter is the undisputed the best season for hiking near Malaga. The landscapes, filled with autumn rains, are lush and green, and the cool, breathable air makes even challenging trails enjoyable.
Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous hiking routes in Europe, perhaps in the world. It was also one of the deadliest hiking routes until the 2015 renovation. The trail is built around the cliffside boardwalk through the El Chorro gorge. It’s probably the safest on dry winter days. You can tackle the “King’s Little Pathway” without the risk of sunstroke or the huge summer crowds. The dramatic views of the turquoise river below are even more striking against the crisp winter sky. I wrote more about this route in my hiking in Malaga article.
El Torcal de Antequera
The landscape of El Torcal, with its unique limestone formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and rain, is a fantastic winter destination. This place has stunning views across the Andalusian countryside when the weather allows for it. In winter, you can get better views. The marked trails are easier to navigate when you’re not battling the summer heat with the crowd.
Montes of Malaga
The Montes of Malaga Natural Park is a local favorite for a weekend escape, and it’s really close to the city center of Malaga. In winter, its pine forests are fragrant and green, and it becomes a must-visit for walkers. It’s the perfect place for a gentle ramble or a more uphill hike with a nice meal at one of the roadside restaurants.
Beach Walks and Coastal Views in Winter
Last but not least, you can’t say nature and don’t mention the beach walks. You can’t really swim because the water gets cold, around 15°C during these months (unless you can swim in cold waters), but you can always enjoy the beach. Playa Malagueta, for example, becomes great. No crowds, no heat, just calmness, and a nice beach to yourself. For more natural coastal experiences, locals recommend beaches like El Palo.
Winter Day Trips from Malaga
I have a whole article on day trips from Malaga, so I won’t go into much detail. But there are a few destinations that become nice in winter and that you should consider visiting. They get less crowded and are worth the trip rather than visiting in summer.
Granada and the Alhambra
A visit to the Alhambra palace is always magical, but seeing it with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop is a special winter-only view. The gardens are quieter, it feels better, and you can actually enjoy it.
Sierra Nevada Skiing
It feels weird to say it, but you can ski in Malaga in winter. The best part is that you can ski in the morning and be back on the coast for a sunset walk on the beach the same day. Where else in Europe can you do that? The Sierra Nevada ski resort is just a two-hour drive from Malaga, it’s a fantastic day trip if skiing is your thing.
Ronda
Ronda is amazing year-round. Even in summer, it’s really nice, mostly because of the geographical shape of the town. But in winter, the gorge and the views become much better. Also, well, no crowds.
Practical Tips for a Winter Visit
I made it look like it’s easy, and it’s amazing to visit Malaga in winter, and it’s true. But a little planning goes a long way. There are things you need to be considerate of, be prepared for, and understand before you take the trip. Believe me, it will make your life so much easier.
Packing Smart
Weather in Malaga in the winter is not so easy to pack for. When you are outside during the day, you won’t need a lot of layers. Something long-sleeved or even a t-shirt will do the trick. In the evenings and early mornings, though, you need layers. A medium-weight jacket or a simple coat will be enough. You still need your sunglasses, sunscreen, and usual summer stuff. Also, inside buildings can get a little chilly, so always bring a light jacket.
Accommodation Tip
You have to be aware that many traditional Spanish apartments don’t have central heating. When booking, check that your accommodation explicitly lists “heating” or has a good air-conditioning unit that also provides heat. An apartment can feel colder inside than it is outside on a sunny day. The rest is fine, you’ll probably find the prices cheaper than normal and much more accommodation available.
Opening Hours
While almost everything stays open in winter, some attractions may operate on slightly shorter winter hours. It’s always a good idea to double-check opening times online before you head out for the day.
Conclusion
Visiting Malaga in winter is a completely different experience from a summer holiday. If you are looking for a holiday to slow down and just be, connect with where you are, and enjoy your time without having to rush by waking up at 7am, it’s one of the best options to visit Malaga in winter. You can go on better hikes, enjoy your time more, and see more of the city in winter. The options don’t get limited in winter; you can still be outdoors as much as you want. Just need to be slightly careful in case there is rain.
FAQ
Is Malaga worth visiting during the winter months?
One of the best times to visit. The weather is mild, basically no tourists, and there are still festive seasons like Christmas.
What are the top things to do in Malaga in winter?
You can almost do everything you’d do in summer. Visit Alcazaba, see the Picasso Museum, go for hikes, and visit beaches. Perhaps one of the best winter things to do is visit the festive markets.
Are the beaches in Malaga enjoyable in winter?
Swimming is not very common, but beaches still work for scenic walks or just to enjoy the environment.
What are some recommended day trips from Malaga during winter?
Popular day trips could be any of the day trips I mentioned in my previous article. But as an example, Ronda is great. You could go to the Caminito hike because it’s easier to hike in the winter months.
How should I pack for a winter trip to Malaga?
Pack layers. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, but also include comfortable shoes for walking. The weather is generally pleasant, but it’s wise to be prepared for a mix of sun and cooler spells.