What is the weather like in Marbella? In short: mild in winter, warm but rarely unbearable in summer, and with plenty of sunshine. Marbella has one of the most pleasant climates in Europe, and that is no coincidence. In this article you will find the temperatures month by month, the sea temperature, how much it rains and the best time to come, whether you are going on holiday, want to spend the winter or are looking for a home.
Marbella's climate at a glance
- Summer (June to September): 27 to 30 °C by day, around 20 °C at night, almost no rain.
- Winter (December to February): 16 to 18 °C by day, 8 to 9 °C at night, with the occasional spell of a few rainy days.
- Spring and autumn: 19 to 23 °C, ideal for walking, golf and viewing properties.
- Sunshine: around 300 sunny days a year and some 2,900 hours of sunshine.
The weather in Marbella month by month
| Month | Max. temp. | Min. temp. | Sea | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16 °C | 8 °C | 15 °C | 7 |
| February | 17 °C | 8 °C | 15 °C | 6 |
| March | 19 °C | 10 °C | 15 °C | 5 |
| April | 21 °C | 12 °C | 16 °C | 5 |
| May | 23 °C | 14 °C | 17 °C | 3 |
| June | 27 °C | 17 °C | 19 °C | 1 |
| July | 28 to 30 °C | 20 °C | 21 to 22 °C | 0 |
| August | 28 to 30 °C | 21 °C | 21 to 22 °C | 1 |
| September | 27 °C | 19 °C | 21 °C | 2 |
| October | 23 °C | 16 °C | 19 °C | 4 to 6 |
| November | 19 °C | 11 °C | 17 °C | 6 |
| December | 17 °C | 9 °C | 16 °C | 6 to 7 |
Long-term averages. Individual days may be warmer or cooler, and the weather varies slightly between the coast and the hills.
Why is the weather in Marbella so good?
Marbella is sheltered behind the Sierra Blanca, a mountain range more than 1,200 metres high. These mountains hold back the cold north wind. On top of that, the Mediterranean moderates the temperature: in summer a sea breeze cools the coast, and in winter the sea keeps the nights mild. The result is a microclimate of its own that is noticeably milder than in many other coastal towns. In our article on Marbella's microclimate you can read all about it.
How warm is Marbella in winter?
Winter is Marbella's great trump card. In December, January and February daytime temperatures average 16 to 18 °C, and on sunny afternoons you can often simply eat outside on a terrace in a T-shirt. The coldest month is January, with nights around 8 °C. Frost almost never occurs on the coast. It rains more in winter than in summer, but usually in short spells of two to three days, after which the sun comes back out.
That makes Marbella one of the most popular destinations for wintering in the sun. More and more Northern Europeans spend the winter months here, or buy a home to escape the grey northern skies.
Can you spend the winter in Marbella?
Absolutely. If you are wintering here, it is best to choose a south-facing home with plenty of sun, good insulation and some form of heating, as Spanish homes are mainly built to keep the heat out. A modern new build with underfloor heating and a heat pump is ideal in winter. Location matters too: homes on the coast are slightly milder in the evening than homes high up in the mountains.
How hot does it get in summer?
In July and August daytime temperatures rise to 28 to 30 °C. Thanks to the sea breeze, it feels more pleasant on the coast than inland, where Seville or Córdoba can easily reach 40 °C. Now and then a hot land wind, the terral, brings a few days above 35 °C. The sea reaches around 22 °C in August.
When is the best time to visit Marbella?
- For the beach and the sea: June to September.
- For golf, walking and sightseeing: March to May and October to November.
- For viewing properties: all year round, but especially in spring and autumn. It is pleasantly warm, there is less traffic and you can see how a property feels outside the high season.
- For wintering: November to March.
When does it rain the most?
The wettest months are October to January. In autumn there can occasionally be short, heavy thunderstorms. In June, July and August hardly a drop falls. Over the year, Marbella has about 45 rainy days.
The climate as a reason to buy in Marbella
For many of our clients, the weather is the main reason to buy a home on the Costa del Sol. You can live outdoors all year round, play golf, go walking and enjoy your terrace. That also makes a home in Marbella attractive for letting outside the high season. Curious to see what is for sale? Explore our Prestige collection, our new developments or request a personal selection.
What should you pack for Marbella?
- In summer: light clothing, high-factor sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. A thin cardigan for evenings by the sea.
- In spring and autumn: layers. A T-shirt by day, a jumper or light jacket in the evening.
- In winter: a warm coat for the evening, but also sunglasses and sun cream. The winter sun is stronger than you think.
Sunshine and health
The sunny climate has a positive effect on many people's wellbeing. More daylight, more time outdoors and more exercise are reason enough for many to spend part of the year in Marbella. Do protect yourself well from the sun, though: UV levels are high in spring and autumn too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest month in Marbella?
January, with an average of 16 °C by day and around 8 °C at night.
How warm is it in Marbella in December?
An average of 17 °C by day and 9 °C at night. On sunny days it feels even warmer on a sheltered terrace.
Can you still swim in Marbella in October?
Yes. The sea is still around 19 °C in October, and early in the month air temperatures climb above 25 °C.
Is the weather in Marbella better than in Málaga?
The differences are small, but thanks to the Sierra Blanca, Marbella is better sheltered from the wind and often has slightly milder winters.
