What’s the weather like in Malaga
It’s no secret that one of the main reasons people come to the south of Spain is the weather.
Ever since the mid-20th century, mass tourism has flocked to the Costa del Sol because, as its name suggests, it is bathed in glorious sunshine practically all year round.
Some of the more touristy destinations such as Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Benalmádena or Mijas might get a lot of the attention, but let’s not forget that Malaga is, in fact, the capital of the Costa del Sol.
How hot is it in Malaga?
The Costa del Sol enjoys, on average, more than 320 days of sunshine per year. As a result, Malaga has a very pleasant climate all year round.
Across the year, the city has an average daytime temperature of 23.3°C.
Generally, the summers are warm, but not incredibly hot (in the high 20s to low 30s on average) thanks to Malaga’s proximity to the sea.
July and August are the hottest months of the year (average highs around 33°C). These summer months also tend to be humid, except on days when the famous Terral strikes (more on that later).
Does it get cold in Malaga?
The temperatures are fairly steady in Malaga, with no enormous variations – typical of the Mediterranean climate in general.
Winter in Malaga tends to be mild, with temperatures dropping to the low to mid-teens.
Lower temperatures are known to occur, but this is infrequent thanks to the Montes de Málaga mountain range blocking the passage of cold winds.
Is there much rain in Malaga?
It does rain in Malaga, but most of it tends to fall during the winter – and very little (and sometimes none at all) during the summer.
Around 50 per cent of Malaga’s total annual rainfall arrives between November and January. Given the irregularity and infrequency of rain in the area, when it does fall, it often falls very hard and can sometimes result in flash flooding.
Famous local weather phenomena
Thanks to Malaga’s unique location on the Mediterranean, close to the Strait of Gibraltar and facing North Africa, there are a number of local weather phenomena which can generate some quite unexpected conditions from time to time.
Terral
The Terral wind is probably the most famous. It causes temperatures to suddenly shoot up, with a dry heat that makes it feel almost oven-like outside.
Given Malaga’s proximity to the Sahara, many think this wind originates there. On the contrary, it’s a wind from the north-west that heats up significantly on its journey south before surging through the Guadalhorce valley and hitting the coast, causing temperatures in Malaga to jump by up to ten degrees, often in excess of 40°C.
Luckily, though, this lasts for around two to three days at most. However, Terral strikes more than once a year, normally in the summer months.
Calima
One type of weather that does originate in the Sahara is the so-called calima.
This often orange haze in the sky is caused by Saharan sand storms on the other side of the Mediterranean. These sand particles are then suspended in the air before being carried across the sea by the air’s currents.
The density of the calima has increased in recent years and has particularly noteworthy consequences when it combines with rainclouds. This results in brown rain falling from the sky and covering the streets (and anything on them) in mud.
Taró
Another strange local weather phenomenon is known locally as taró.
Strangely, this dense fog occurs most often when the weather is at its hottest. It causes a notable drop in temperature of between four and five degrees Celsius.
These eerie conditions are produced when the cold water from the Atlantic comes into contact with the dry winds from the south, causing it to quickly evaporate.
Unlike morning mists, taró can occur at any time of day and can suddenly and significantly reduce visibility, frequently closing beaches at short notice.
What do people wear in Malaga?
Given the city’s relatively stable climate, you won’t need a large wardrobe if you’re planning on living in Malaga.
Shorts, T-shirts, light blouses and dresses are a must for the summer. In fact, you’ll rarely wear anything else. And don’t forget your sandals, swimwear and sunhat. You’ll need them!
In the winter, jeans, with a shirt and light jumper or jacket will often be enough. Certainly don’t bring more than one winter coat unless you have unless you’re planning on exploring inland Malaga province.
What to bring for the home
As a lot of ordinary homes in Malaga don’t have air conditioning, you might want to acquire a fan or some other cooling unit. Likewise, many don’t have central heating so a unit that doubles up as a heater might come in very handy, especially as homes are often poorly insulated.
In the bedroom, a sheet will suffice for much of summer, while a thin and a medium duvet should also make your shopping list.