Weather in Malaga in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Malaga and ranks 72nd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Spain it is 37th of 87 (Spain in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Malaga is 8.1°C warmer by day and 8.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Malaga peaks at 15.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.6°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 10.7°C; one night in ten drops to 8.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 22.1°C (2019-12-09) and the coldest night 4.0°C (1994-12-26).

Rain in December

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 69 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1996 with 243 mm, the driest 1994 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 78%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 15.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 15.2°C to 16.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (23.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:23 and sets about 18:03 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 53%.

Is December a good time to visit Malaga?

December is not the strongest month here: mild days. The best months for Malaga on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Milder than London, but still winter

December afternoons in Malaga are noticeably milder than in London, where the average daytime high is 7.7°C: Malaga is 8.1°C warmer. That makes it a reasonable choice if you want gentler weather without needing summer temperatures. The warmest days can reach around 19°C or more, but that is a bonus rather than something to plan around. Nights can fall to 8°C or lower, so a jumper and jacket are sensible for evenings out. Pack layers you can remove during a mild afternoon, rather than relying on light holiday clothing throughout the day. Midday is a useful window for outdoor plans rather than a time to avoid intense heat.

Keep plans flexible for rain and short days

Rain is a real consideration, with about 7 rainy days during December, but it need not rule out an outdoor-focused trip. The practical approach is to keep your schedule flexible and carry a waterproof layer, rather than assume every day will stay dry. There are about 4.5 hours of sunshine within 9.5 hours of daylight, so bright weather is part of the appeal without being dependable all day. Put outdoor plans into the daylight window and leave room to change them if rain arrives. If your main requirement is uninterrupted sunshine, December is not the right match; if you can work around mixed weather, it remains a reasonable option.

Treat the coast as somewhere to walk, not swim

The sea averages 15.8°C, with a year-to-year range of 15°C to 16°C, so swimming is the clearest compromise of a December visit. This is cold water, not the sort of temperature most travellers would choose for a leisurely dip. A pleasant afternoon on land does not change that, and you should not book expecting a conventional beach holiday. Time by the water makes more sense as a walk, with an extra layer available when you stop moving. December therefore suits travellers who value mild conditions for being out and about more than those whose holiday depends on warm seas and spending the day in swimwear.