The Costa del Sol offers one of the most pleasant climates on the European continent. The coast boasts 325 days of sunshine a year and consistently pleasant temperatures. Summers here are dry and hot with consistently suitable conditions for beach holidays.

However, even during the winter, the Costa del Sol is ideal for excursions, hiking or urban tourism.

Weather during the year

What are the temperatures at different times of the year and when does it rain the most?

Weather in spring

Spring on the Costa del Sol is a pleasant time for exploring and excursions. Temperatures are normally between 22°C and 27°C and there is rarely any rain in the form of short showers. Although daytime temperatures often rise above the summer high of 25°C, the sea is not yet very warm and swimming is only for the hardy.

Summer weather

Summer is the main season on the Costa del Sol. It starts as early as the beginning of June and doesn't end until mid-October. Expect the highest average temperatures between mid-June and the end of August, when they normally rise above 32°C, and temperature extremes of up to 40°C are no exception.

Temperatures are still regularly in the mid-30s in mid-October and the sea is still warm to a comfortable 23°C by the end of October.

The summer holiday period is ideal for beach hiking, but not so good for hiking and city walks, which can be exhausting due to the high temperatures.

Rain is a rare occurrence during the summer.

Weather in autumn

Autumn temperatures drop slowly to 18°C, but rarely drop below that. Rain showers or thunderstorms occasionally occur, but rarely affect the holiday. Most of the day will have sunny skies and temperatures will be inviting for hikes in the mountains and walks in the towns.

Winter weather

Winter is the coldest period on the Costa del Sol, with temperatures dropping as low as 16°C, but never dropping below 8°C at night. Snow is an unknown concept on the Costa del Sol, with only brief showers every other day or so.

In the winter, you'll enjoy mainly sightseeing in the towns, but services are very limited. Most hotels and restaurants are closed during the winter in preparation for the summer season.

Sea temperature on the Costa del Sol

The Mediterranean sea is relatively cold on the Costa del Sol, at least compared to temperatures at similar latitudes in, for example, Italy or Greece. The sea doesn't warm up for swimming until mid-June, when its temperature rises above 20°C and lasts until mid-October.

Expect the warmest seas in August and September, when the water temperature rises above 23 °C.