Month guide · Málaga · Spain
Málaga in December
What December is really like in Málaga: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 9.7 hours of daylight. Mild and festive, with light shows on Calle Larios and sunny days between showers.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 17°C (63°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 9.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 16°C (61°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Málaga: days average 17°C (63°F) against a yearly average high of 23°C (73°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with November (20°C (68°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:23
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:03
- Daylight
- About 9.7 hours
- Sea
- 16°C (61°F)
Winter (December–February). Mild days around 17°C, festive lights on Calle Larios and low hotel prices; too cool for most swimmers.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- Christmas light shows on Calle Larios (evenings through December)
- Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales — traditional folk bands (usually 28 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Waterfront · Pedregalejo
Pedregalejo and El Palo seafront
The promenade through the former fishing villages of Pedregalejo and El Palo is lined with family restaurants grilling espetos of sardines over wood fires in boats on the sand.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Couples
- Kids
Museum · Centro Histórico
Interactive Music Museum
Allow time in the hands-on rooms, where children can try the instruments themselves.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
Palace · Centro Histórico
Alcazaba of Málaga
Built in the 11th century on the hill above the port, this Moorish palace-fortress climbs through horseshoe arches, double walls and courtyards with fountains and orange trees to Nasrid-era palace rooms at the top.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Architecture
- Kids
Castle · Centro Histórico
Gibralfaro Castle
Take bus 35 up and walk down the zigzag path to the Alcazaba; the Mirador de Gibralfaro just below the castle is free.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- History
- Photo spot
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 17°C, lows near 9°C and 6 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Málaga?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Málaga in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Málaga?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Mild and festive, with light shows on Calle Larios and sunny days between showers.
+How warm is Málaga in December?
Average highs are around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Málaga in December?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.