Weather in Malaga in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Malaga and ranks 80th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Spain it is 41st of 87 (Spain in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Malaga is 5.5°C warmer by day and 7.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Malaga peaks at 22.1°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.8°C or more. Roughly 1 in 6 days top 25°C and 1 in 200 pass 30°C. Nights average 15.5°C; one night in ten drops to 12.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 32.3°C (2015-05-14) and the coldest night 8.4°C (2013-05-01).

Rain in May

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 25 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1996 with 80 mm, the driest 1995 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 67%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 17.2°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 16.5°C to 18.2°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (23.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 14.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:10 and sets about 21:18 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 39%.

Is May a good time to visit Malaga?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Malaga on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Warm days, but pack for cooler evenings

Malaga in May suits travellers who prefer being outdoors without relying on intense heat. The average daytime high is 22.1°C, while 15% of days reach 25°C, so warmer spells are possible but should not be the basis of your plans. Light tops and comfortable walking clothes make sense, with sun protection for time outside around midday. Evenings need a different approach: the average low is 15.5°C, and the coldest 10% of nights fall to 12.8°C or below. Bring a jumper or light jacket if you want to sit outside late. This is warm spring weather, not a guarantee of balmy nights.

Plenty of daylight, with room for a shower

There is plenty of scope for spending the day outdoors, with about 8.6 hours of sunshine within 14.0 hours of daylight. That does not mean uninterrupted blue skies, but it gives you flexibility to shift plans if the morning looks unpromising. About 4 days in May have measurable rain, so showers deserve a place in your packing rather than dominating your decision. A light waterproof is a sensible addition, and keeping outdoor plans flexible is more useful than expecting every day to be dry. For a holiday built around walking and sitting outside, the balance looks favourable, provided you can tolerate an occasional change of plan.

The sea is the main compromise

Air temperature and swimming comfort tell different stories in May. The sea averages 17.2°C, with a year-to-year range of 16°C to 18°C, so a sunny afternoon should not be mistaken for warm water. If you enjoy a cold dip, swimming may still appeal, but anyone wanting a relaxed, lingering swim is likely to find it uncomfortable. Plan waterside time around being out of the water rather than making daily swims the centre of the trip. May is a stronger choice for travellers seeking warmth on land than for those whose holiday depends on comfortable sea bathing.