What January feels like in Málaga
January is mid-winter in Málaga. Afternoons reach about 15.9°C (60.6°F), the coolest of the year: pleasant for walking with a layer on. Nights fall to about 9.4°C (48.9°F), 6.5°C (11.7°F) below the afternoon, so evenings call for a layer. Humidity averages 74%, more humid than usual here: damp air makes a cool day feel cooler, especially in wind.
Rain in Málaga in January
Expect rain on about 8 of 31 days, with dry spells in between; wet days bring about 6.5 mm (0.3 in), steady rain rather than a passing shower, close to the city's usual 7.8 mm.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the coolest month of the year; afternoons are only 0.7°C (1.3°F) cooler than in December, with 6 mm less rain. This is the low point: February warms up to about 16.4°C (61.5°F).
January in Málaga: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years January averages 15–17°C (58–63°F) in the afternoon, with 14–117 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 4 in an average January.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest January | 2024 | 18.4°C (65.1°F) | 45 mm | 6 |
| Coldest January | 2006 | 13.4°C (56.1°F) | 117 mm | 12 |
| Wettest January | 2010 | 14.5°C (58.1°F) | 135 mm | 15 |
| Driest January | 2023 | 16.9°C (62.4°F) | 5 mm | 2 |
Odds across years
In 7 of 20 years, January had 9 or more rainy days. In 4 of 20 years, it had under 20 mm of rain. In 3 of 20 years, the average high reached 17°C (62.6°F) or more. In 4 of 20 years, it stayed below 15°C (59°F).
Who January 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 January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag for the wet days.
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 January
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 11°C (51°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 16°C (61°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 13°C (55°F): bring the jacket back.
Cold year or warm year
In a cold year like 2006, January highs averaged only 13.4°C (56.1°F), so one extra warm layer is worth packing. In a warm year like 2024 they reached 18.4°C (65.1°F), and a lighter layer would do.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 2 wet days in a week, with about 6.5 mm (0.3 in) on each.
- A light jacket or sweater
- 2 or 3 light layers
- A packable rain jacket
- 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 January?
Afternoons average 15.9°C (60.6°F) and nights about 9.4°C (48.9°F), cool by most people's standards; it is the coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Málaga in January?
Yes: rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 52 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Málaga in January?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses, plus a layer for cold mornings and evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Málaga?
February scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12). February has fewer rainy days.
