Weather in Costa del Sol: Month-by-Month Guide for the Best Time to Visit

Nerja Beach, Costa del Sol - weather in costa del sol

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Costa del Sol has an average year-round temperature of 20°C (68°F), which makes it an attractive holiday destination at most times of the year. But what about seasonal variation?

Is it too hot in the summer months, and are there times of the year that are less welcoming? In this article, you will discover all you need to know about the weather in Costa del Sol, Spain.


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What’s the Weather Like in Costa del Sol?

weather in Costa del Sol

RESOURCES TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SPAIN!

Book your flight: I use Skyscanner to compare prices before booking a plane ticket.

Book your accommodation: I’ve tried many different platforms for accommodation, but none of them beats the advantages of Booking.com.

Book your car: The best way to find an affordable car to rent is to use a powerful search engine that compares all the rental companies in the market. I use Discover Cars.

Book your tours: Live unforgettable adventures and cultural experiences with Get Your Guide. For instance, you can visit Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, explore the Alhambra in Granada, discover Flamenco in Madrid, or walk the Caminito del Rey.

Don’t forget travel insurance: Things can go wrong at times, but travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I recommend Safety Wing for peace of mind.

The climate of the Costa del Sol is the classic Mediterranean with four seasons, the hottest in the summer months. The region also records at least 325 sunny days yearly, hence its name, the Coast of the Sun.

The range of Sierra Mountains to the North of the Coast act as a protective barrier from Northerly winds and makes for remarkably reliable weather all year round.

Torremolinos - weather in costa del sol
Torremolinos.

If you are planning a last-minute trip to the sun, or you are thinking about a future sunshine break, the Costa del Sol is a good bet whenever you can travel.

Here’s our month-by-month guide to what weather you can expect on your trip to the Costa del Sol and understand which is the best time to visit.

Weather on Costa del Sol and Best Months to Visit Top Spain Destination

Let’s start discussing the weather in Costa del Sol starting with the most popular time of the year, the summer months!

June

weather in costa del sol - Nerja, Andalusia
Nerja, Andalusia.

June is the beginning of the high holiday season in the Costa del Sol when the temperatures rise and the daylight hours start to reach their peak at eleven hours of sunshine per day.

The average daily temperatures are up to 28°C (82°F), which is warm enough for most sun worshippers, but this can rise rapidly if there is a heatwave.

  • It is almost guaranteed that there will not be a cloud in the sky for the entire month, with average annual rainfall in June of just 3 mm. 
  • Sea temperatures will be cooler than in the following months, but refreshingly so.
  • June is a good month to visit and enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol without the crowds of school-age children that start arriving on July 1st. 
  • Prices may also be slightly lower in the hotels, apartments, and the region’s campsites.

July

weather in Costa del Sol
Marbella.

July is when the tourist season kicks off, and the temperatures begin to hit daily highs of 31-32°C (88-90°F). Heatwaves can drive temperatures up to 40°C (104°F), in which case the beaches tend to empty in the middle of the day. 

  • Most tourists seek refuge from heatwaves in air-conditioned museums, such as the Picasso Museum in Màlaga, or they go underground at the Caves of Nerja.
  • However, the attraction of holidaying in the Costa del Sol in June is the guarantee of uninterrupted sunshine, the assurance of absolutely no rain, and the consistency of the weather. 
  • Your holiday in the sun will be exactly that, warm, bright, and relaxing.
  • If the holiday crowds are a concern, then do not worry, there are over 160 kilometers (100 miles) of world-class sandy beaches along the Costa del Sol. 
  • Almost all have the European Union’s top Blue Flag rating too.
  • While the urban city beaches such as Màlagueta Beach at Màlaga, with all the watersports, catamaran cruises, restaurants, and facilities you can think of, will be packed, there are other, less frequented spots to discover.

August

weather in Costa del Sol
Cadiz.

August on the Costa del Sol is probably when this coastal region experiences its hottest temperatures. Be careful of the sand heating up quickly during the day, and make sure you have adequate footwear for walking on the beach.

  • Heatwaves are also not uncommon. 
  • When they occur the beach is much more enjoyable either early in the morning or in the late afternoon before the sun begins its evening descent.
  •  Whenever you are out, always remember to take a flask or bottle of water with you so that you remain properly hydrated.
  • Traveling after August 15th is a good idea for budget holidaymakers who still want to experience the best of the heat and the highest level of sunshine. 
  • The 15th is Ascension, a feast day, and also seen as the traditional end of the season for many Southern Europeans. 
  • Prices can be lower, but beware, some local businesses may begin to close for their own holidays.

September

weather in Costa del Sol
Torremolinos.

If you are not a fan of high temperatures but still need to jet away to the sun, the Costa del Sol in September could be your ideal month for travel. 

  • Daylight hours begin to drop to around nine hours a day, but so does the temperature, to similar levels to those of June.
  • The breeze, a constant feature of the seaside resorts, also tends to fall off around this time of year, which can make the beaches feel just as warm as they did in August. 
  • The chance of rain has increased slightly but is still very low.
  • At this time of year, prices will be lower, but not usually by very much, and you may find that services and sporting activities may be less available as the beach season begins to wind down as Autumn approaches.

October

weather in Costa del Sol
Old Town, Stepona.

While the North Europeans are beginning to think spooky thoughts and are tending their pumpkin patches, on the Costa del Sol the sun is still blazing. 

  • The average temperature for the month drops to 24°C (75°F), which is a good ten degrees warmer than the monthly average for London.
  • This means that you can still enjoy the beaches, swim in the sea, and hike in the hills while your friends and colleagues back home are readying their winter wardrobes. October is also the ideal month to book guided city walks or other outdoor activities to enjoy the pleasantly warm weather without the crowds.

November

weather in Costa del Sol
Marbella.

November is the beginning of the nominal rainy season in the Costa del Sol, but you can still be guaranteed a good deal of sunshine and temperatures won’t usually dip below 20°C (68°F).

Brave souls can still be found swimming, but this is a good time of year for sea-fishing on the beach or visiting cultural centers.

December

weather in Costa del Sol
Malaga.

Christmas holidays on the Costa del Sol are as festive as they are anywhere else on mainland Europe, but rest assured, snow is something that will never happen here. 

  • While other resorts are beginning to open up for Winter sports, on the Costa del Sol, there might be a little rain.
  • The old town of Màlaga is a perfect destination for those wanting to escape the harsher climes of Northern Europe. 
  • With its boutiques open for Christmas shopping and temperatures still in the high teens on the coldest of days the old city of Màlaga is still a pleasure to walk around.

January

weather in Costa del Sol
Peñón del Cuervo.

The beginning of the calendar year is when a lot of people in the retail and service industries, who have been working long hours over the mid-Winter holiday season, take a well-earned break. 

  • The Costa del Sol lives up to its name even in this dim and dark month.
  • It’s not the warmest month by a long shot, and it has an average rainfall of 100 mm in January (4 inches).
  • However, it is a lot warmer than other places, and 17°C (62°F) will certainly feel warm to anyone escaping the dark days in the North.

February

weather in Costa del Sol
Winter in Costa del Sol.

While the cloak of Winter still holds much of Europe in its thrall, on the Costa del Sol the days are lengthening and the weather is steadily getting warmer as the region heads into Spring. 

  • By February the clouds are beginning to disperse entirely and soon there will be another long wait for rain.
  • This is one of the cheapest months for budget travelers to experience the culture and food of the Costa del Sol, with most hotel prices at their pre-season lowest. 
  • Be aware that some museums and galleries, restaurants, and hotels may be partially closed for pre-season maintenance work.

March

weather in costa del sol
Malaga Cathedral, Costa del Sol.

Spring arrives with a vengeance toward the middle of March and temperatures begin to climb past the 20°C (68°F) mark. This is a very colorful time to visit as spring flowers and blossoms decorate the trees and roadsides.

  • New attractions and restaurants begin to open their doors ahead of the Easter holiday season, so there could be some bargains to be had and special offers online.
  • One word of warning. The Calima is a dust storm phenomenon that occurs from time to time in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol and is usually at its worst in March when storms across the Sahara desert carry sand up and across the Mediterranean.
  • Combined with wet weather this delivers the lluvia de barro, or muddy rain, covering the region in a thin film of orange mud.
  • Sometimes visibility can be reduced to about 200 meters! The best advice? Stay indoors, it’ll pass.

April

weather in Costa del Sol
Mijas, Costa del Sol.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Summer has already arrived in April.

  • Easter has brought the season into full swing and the average temperatures have started to climb up into the twenties. 
  • Overall April’s weather is very comfortable on the Costa del Sol.

May

weather in Costa del Sol
Marbella.

The season is up and running in May with good, steady, warm weather and at least eight hours of sunshine every day. 

  • Temperatures are pushing up into the high twenties, water sports are the most popular activities, and the beaches are populated with sun worshippers!
  • May is the beginning of the peak tourist season on the Costa del Sol and most attractions and beaches will see the first big crowds of the year. 
  • For most, it is the chance to enjoy the region’s great weather and facilities after a long cold Winter.

Are you planning to visit Costa del Sol this summer?
Let me know in the comments below!

You might also want to read more articles about Spain


Writer’s bio: Lucia is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations and hidden gems on her blog Viva La Vita.

Pin this Guide to All-Year-Round Weather in Costa del Sol

weather in Costa del Sol

About me:

Gabi Ancarola | The Tiny Book

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.

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