As the winter season approaches, many destinations in Europe are preparing for the cold and snow, so Malaga, a city in southern Spain, keeps its temperatures very pleasant. We say yes yes and yes to a trip to Malaga in December, Malaga in January or Malaga in February.
If you’re thinking of visiting Malaga in winter, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the many activities and unique attractions this Andalusian city has to offer. In this article, we’ll guide you through the charms of Malaga in winter and answer some frequently asked questions to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
What to do in Malaga in winter?
Malaga in winter is an attractive destination for many reasons. Here are some activities and attractions not to be missed during your visit:
Discover Malaga’s historic centre
Malaga’s historic centre is a veritable open-air museum, and the mild winter weather makes exploring it all the more enjoyable. Monuments from different eras and styles stand side by side. You can admire the Moorish architecture and discover some jewels:
- The Cathedral of the Incarnation, a masterpiece of Baroque art, nicknamed “la Manquita” (the one-armed one) because it has only one completed tower1. You can visit its sumptuous interior, adorned with sculptures, paintings and organs, as well as its museum displaying religious goldsmiths’ and embroiderers’ work.
- The Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress that dominates the city from Mount Gibralfaro2. It boasts lush gardens, elegant patios and a small archaeological museum. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea from its ramparts.
- The Roman theatre, located at the foot of the Alcazaba, dates back to the 1st century B.C. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and restored to host live performances. You can visit it free of charge and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity.
- The Picasso Museum, which pays tribute to the famous painter born in Malaga in 18812. It exhibits more than 200 works by the master, illustrating his creativity and artistic development. You can also visit the house where Picasso was born, located in the Plaza de la Merced, which houses another collection of personal objects and works by the genius.
Visiting museums
Malaga is home to several world-famous museums, including the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the Malaga-born artist. Museums offer an ideal cultural getaway from the winter chill.
Enjoying Malaga’s mild, sunny climate
Malaga enjoys an oceanic Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and little rainfall. The average temperature in December, January and February is 12°C in the morning and 17°C in the afternoon3. The sun shines for around 7 hours a day, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities. You can :
- Take a stroll along the Paseo del Parque, a tree-lined promenade that runs alongside the port and offers uninterrupted views of the sea. There are fountains, statues, benches and children’s play areas.
- Relax on Malaga’s beaches, such as La Malagueta, La Caleta or Pedregalejo. Even if the water is too cold for swimming (between 16°C and 18°C), you can sunbathe on the sand, play sports or sample local specialities in the chiringuitos (beach restaurants).
- Venture into the natural parks surrounding Malaga, such as the Sierra de las Nieves or the Montes de Malaga. Here you can go hiking, mountain biking or climbing, while admiring the varied landscapes: mountains, forests, rivers, gorges, etc.
Taste typical Malaga gastronomy
Malaga is a gourmet city, offering a varied and tasty cuisine. You can try:
- The tapas, those small portions of food shared with friends over a drink. You’ll find tapas of all kinds: cold meats, cheese, tortillas, croquettes, calamari, patatas bravas…
- The pescaíto frito, malagueña-style fried fish, which is one of the city’s most typical dishes. These are small fish (sardines, anchovies, hake, etc.) that are breaded and fried in olive oil. They are eaten with the fingers, accompanied by lemon and salad.
- The Malaga wines, which are sweet, aromatic wines made from sultanas. They can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with desserts. You can discover them in the city’s bodegas (wine cellars), such as Antigua Casa de Guardia and El Pimpi.
Malaga in December: celebrating Christmas and New Year in Malaga
Malaga lights up during the end-of-year festive period. The highlight is the celebration of the ‘Feria de Navidad’ (Christmas Fair), when the streets come alive with colourful lights, food stalls and attractions for all the family.
New Year’s Eve is also a memorable time in Malaga, with spectacular fireworks displays on the beach.
Taste the local cuisine
Andalusian cuisine is famous for its rich and varied flavours. Make the most of winter to sample traditional dishes such as “gazpacho,” a cold tomato-based soup, and es “espetos,” skewers of grilled sardines.
Malaga in winter is a destination that will surprise you with its beauty and dynamism, even in the coldest season. Mild temperatures, Christmas festivities and the city’s rich culture make it an ideal winter getaway. So get ready to explore Malaga and experience some memorable moments in December, January and February.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malaga in Winter
What’s the climate like in Malaga in winter?
Malaga enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate in winter. Temperatures generally fluctuate between 10°C and 20°C, making it a pleasant destination for escaping the winter chill.
What are the best dates to visit Malaga in winter?
There are no ideal dates for visiting Malaga in winter, as the climate is pleasant throughout the season. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices, you can choose the months of December (excluding the Christmas period) and January. If you want to attend festive events, you can opt for February, which coincides with the Malaga Carnival.
Is it possible to swim in Malaga in winter?
The water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea are rather cool in winter, making swimming not very pleasant. However, you can still take advantage of the beaches for walks or picnics.
What special events are there in Malaga in winter?
Malaga in December and Malaga in January: the Christmas and New Year festivities are the highlights of Malaga in winter. The city is decked out in lights and entertainment to celebrate the festive season.
Malaga in February: the carnival is often scheduled during this month, so check the dates before booking your trip.
Getting around Malaga
Malaga is an easy city to visit on foot or by bike, as it is relatively flat and compact. You can also use public transport, which is efficient and cheap.
The network consists of buses, metro and suburban trains. A single ticket costs €1.30 for the bus and metro, and €1.80 for the train. You can also hire a car if you want to explore Malaga’s surroundings.