Málaga in December
In December, Málaga averages 17°C (63°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (40 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Málaga is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Málaga
December is one of the coolest months in Málaga (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (23°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (20°C) and cools 1°C in January (16°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Málaga
Times shown for Málaga local time (Europe/Madrid), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Málaga — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Málaga's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Málaga in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Málaga's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Málaga
Málaga is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Málaga
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Málaga — December
Across the year Málaga's sea swings from 15.1°C (January) to 26.3°C (August) — December sits at 16.7°C.
Málaga in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 49°F | 48 mm | 6 | — |
| February | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 31 mm | 6 | — |
| March | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 71 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 20°C / 69°F | 13°C / 56°F | 44 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 62°F | 24 mm | 4 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 7 mm | 2 | — |
| July | 31°C / 87°F | 23°C / 73°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 31°C / 87°F | 23°C / 74°F | 7 mm | 1 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 69°F | 28 mm | 4 | — |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 17°C / 63°F | 52 mm | 5 | — |
| November | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 56°F | 70 mm | 6 | — |
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 51°F | 40 mm | 5 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Málaga in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Málaga in December?
In December, Málaga averages a high of 17°C (63°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Málaga in December?
December sees occasional rain in Málaga, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Málaga?
December is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Málaga in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full December packing list for Málaga for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.