Weather in Malaga in October

How October compares

October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Malaga and ranks 86th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Within Spain it is 65th of 87 (Spain in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Malaga is 7.4°C warmer by day and 8.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Malaga peaks at 22.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 8 days top 25°C and 1 in 125 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.4°C; one night in ten drops to 13.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 33.4°C (2019-10-01) and the coldest night 8.4°C (2018-10-29).

Rain in October

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 7 days with 1 mm or more, 57 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2018 with 259 mm, the driest 1998 with 3 mm. Humidity averages 75%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 19.4°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 17.7°C to 20.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (23.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:25 and sets about 19:42 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 47%.

Is October 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 afternoons without dependable summer heat

October suits travellers who want to spend time outside without relying on strong heat. The average high of 22°C makes light clothing a sensible daytime choice, with a jumper or light jacket for evenings. Warmer spells can still feel summery: 13% of days reach 25°C, so leave room for a warmer afternoon rather than packing only autumn clothes. The catch is that temperatures drop once the day cools, and the coldest 10% of nights reach 13.6°C or lower. If you plan to sit outdoors late, an extra layer will be more useful than another set of beachwear.

Enough sunshine for outdoor plans, with a rain allowance

There is useful sunshine in October, averaging about 5.9 hours a day within 11.0 hours of daylight. That gives you scope for time outdoors, but it is not a promise of clear skies throughout your stay. About 7 days have measurable rain, so a light waterproof is a sensible addition to your bag. Keep weather-dependent plans movable and use the brighter periods for being outside rather than committing every day to the same routine. October is a reasonable compromise if you can accept some wet weather; it is less suited to anyone whose holiday depends on uninterrupted sunshine.

Treat swimming as an option, not the main reason to go

The sea is the clearest reason to temper expectations. At an average of 19.4°C, it is bracing rather than comfortably warm, even when the air feels pleasant. The October sea temperature ranges from 18°C to 21°C between years, so a warmer year still does not guarantee easy, lingering swims. Confident cool-water swimmers may find that acceptable, but anyone who dislikes the initial chill should make swimming optional. Bring swimwear if you enjoy a dip, alongside something dry to put on afterwards. For a break centred on walking and spending time outdoors, the sea temperature matters much less.