Málaga, Spain: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Málaga, Spain? If you're planning to travel the Costa del Sol, you'll generally start in Málaga. This article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Málaga
- Important essentials for Málaga
- Activities for Málaga
- Málaga in January: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in February: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in March: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in April: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in May: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in June: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in July: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in August: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in September: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in October: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in November: weather and what to pack
- Málaga in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Málaga, Spain
Based on the climate and weather in Málaga, the best time to go is June. The peak summer months are great as well, but expect lots of crowds. See below for details.
Important essentials for Málaga, Spain
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Málaga, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Málaga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Activities for Málaga, Spain
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Málaga.
If you are going to go to the heavenly Málaga Cathedral, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Long dresses
This one, for example.
Trousers
If you go to La Conception Botanical & Historical Garden, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Binoculars
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Castle hopping? For Castillo de Gibralfaro, take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Málaga.
Malaga old town biking/walking tour
A great way to see the sights, like the Cathedral, is to do a bike or walking tour. A local guide will help you understand the significance of the sights.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Even if you don't need a guide, it's a good idea to pre-book tickets to this museum, especially in the high season.
Kayak and snorkeling tour of Nerja
If you love the water, consider a snorkeling and kayaking tour of the amazing cliffs of Nerja.
The beautiful village of Ronda by 4x4
If you're up for an exciting adventure and are willing to get dirty, you can't go wrong visiting the famous city of Ronda (with the bridge connecting its two mountaintop parts) off-road on a 4x4. If you haven't seen Ronda, this is not to be missed.
Malaga wine and tapas tours
Don't go to Malaga without sampling some of the locals' favorite tapas joints. You can find some of these in a guidebook, or join a tour with a local who will take you and help you choose the best tapas/wines.
What to wear/what to pack for Málaga, Spain by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit Málaga during January, you might find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
February
If you visit Málaga during February, you are likely to find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
March
March here is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month. Holy Week is held in late March or early April, with marches and events. Depending on the year, the Malaga Film Festival may also occur during this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
April
April for Málaga is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time. Several events and festivals take place during this time, although the exact month varies.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you visit Málaga during May, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you vacation in Málaga during June, you will probably find that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. This is a great time to go to Malaga, before the peak summer crowd arrives.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you go to Málaga in July, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C). This is peak tourist time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
If you're going to the beach
August
If you are traveling to Málaga in August, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C). This is peak tourist time, and the Feria de Agosto festival brings even more crowds and activity to the city.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
If you're going to the beach
September
Traveling to Málaga in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Málaga is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Málaga during November, you might notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December here is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
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