What December feels like in Málaga
For Málaga, December is early winter on the calendar. Afternoons reach about 16.6°C (61.9°F), close to the coolest of the year: pleasant for walking with a layer on. Nights fall to about 10.6°C (51.1°F), about 6°C (10.8°F) below the afternoon, so evenings call for a layer. Humidity averages 75%, more humid than usual here: damp air makes a cool day feel cooler, especially in wind.
Rain in Málaga in December
Rain turns up on about 6 of 31 days, among the three wettest months of the year; wet days bring about 9.6 mm (0.4 in), a proper soaking, close to the city's usual 7.8 mm.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year; afternoons are 2.5°C (4.5°F) cooler than in November, with 21 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into January, to about 15.9°C (60.6°F).
December in Málaga: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years December averages 15–18°C (59–65°F) in the afternoon, with 6–126 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 5 in an average December.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest December | 2022 | 19°C (66.2°F) | 110 mm | 11 |
| Coldest December | 2008 | 14.1°C (57.4°F) | 56 mm | 8 |
| Wettest December | 2009 | 16.2°C (61.2°F) | 239 mm | 15 |
| Driest December | 2015 | 17.2°C (63°F) | 3 mm | 1 |
Odds across years
In 8 of 20 years, December had 8 or more rainy days. In 6 of 20 years, it had under 15 mm of rain. In 5 of 20 years, the average high reached 18°C (64.4°F) or more. In 7 of 20 years, it stayed below 16°C (60.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable on foot with a jacket.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant with a light layer on.
Tips for visiting Málaga in December
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Sun comes and goes, but sunglasses are still worth a place in your bag.
What to wear in Málaga in December
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 12°C (53°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 17°C (62°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 14°C (56°F): bring the jacket back.
Cold year or warm year
In a cold year like 2008, December highs averaged only 14.1°C (57.4°F), so one extra warm layer is worth packing. In a warm year like 2022 they reached 19°C (66.2°F), and a lighter layer would do.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 1 wet day in a week, often heavy, with about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) on that day.
- A light jacket or sweater
- 2 or 3 light layers
- Sunglasses and a light hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Málaga in December?
Afternoons average 16.6°C (61.9°F) and nights about 10.6°C (51.1°F), cool by most people's standards; it is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Málaga in December?
Not especially: about 6 rainy days (58 mm), mostly moderate rain.
What should I wear in Málaga in December?
Pack a light jacket and sunglasses, plus a layer for cold mornings and evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Málaga?
December scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has more rainy days.
