Nerja weather by month

When to go to Nerja

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: June, July, August, September. December is the wettest month (64 mm, about 7 rainy days) and July the driest (1 mm). The sea is warmest in August at 23.8°C and coolest in February at 14.8°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP, 56 km from Nerja) takes roughly 2 h 48 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Europe/Madrid.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Nerja between 1991 and 2020 reached 41.8°C on 2 August 2020; the coldest fell to 0.8°C on 28 January 2005. In August one day in ten tops 33.2°C and about 53% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 7.0°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was March 2018 with 386 mm, against a March average of 55 mm.

Winter: mild afternoons, cool evenings

December, January and February suit travellers who want mild daytime weather rather than reliable sunbathing. Daytime averages sit at 16°C throughout, but January and February nights fall to 10°C, so bring a jacket and layers rather than packing only summer clothes. Each winter month averages 7 rain days; keep outdoor plans flexible and carry a light waterproof. December has the least sunshine, averaging 5 hours daily, while January and February offer 6. The sea is cool throughout this period, making winter a poor fit if comfortable swimming is the main reason for your trip.

Spring into June: warmer days, but the sea takes time

March and April are useful for spending time outdoors without summer heat, with daytime averages rising from 18°C to 19°C. Evenings still call for a layer, and showers remain part of the picture. May feels more suited to a warm-weather holiday: days average 23°C and rain becomes less frequent, though the 18°C sea may still feel chilly. June brings a clearer shift towards summer, with 27°C days, 12 hours of sunshine and just 2 rain days on average. Choose May for gentler daytime warmth or June for longer sunny spells, while keeping sun protection and a midday break in mind.

July to November: peak heat gives way to milder days

July and August are the months for heat, with days averaging 30°C and nights staying warm. July is the sunniest month, while August has the warmest sea at 24°C; choose August if warmer swimming water matters more than maximum sunshine. Plan active time for mornings and take shade at midday. September keeps much of summer's warmth, with 27°C days and a 22°C sea, but rain becomes more likely. October is a gentler option at 23°C by day, with sea temperatures of 20°C, though a waterproof becomes more useful. By November, days average 19°C and nights 13°C: pack layers and treat swimming as optional rather than the focus. Autumn therefore suits different trips depending on how much warmth you need.