Every year, more and more northern Europeans swap their grey, wet winter for the sunshine of the Costa del Sol. And Marbella tops their list. With daytime temperatures of 16 to 18 °C, plenty of sunshine and a town that is lively all year round, it is one of the best places in Europe to spend the winter. In this article you'll find out why, where best to stay and what you need to arrange, whether you rent or buy your own home.
Why spend the winter in Marbella?
- Mild weather: in December, January and February daytime temperatures average 16 to 18 °C, with six to seven hours of sunshine a day.
- Sheltered microclimate: the Sierra Blanca keeps out the cold north wind. Read more about Marbella's microclimate.
- A living town: unlike many seaside resorts, Marbella doesn't shut down in winter. Restaurants, golf courses, shops and sports clubs stay open.
- Close to home: just two to three hours' flight from London, Brussels or Amsterdam, with little or no time difference.
- Healthy outdoor living: seaside walks, golf, padel and cycling, all winter long.
- A large international community: you're never alone, unless you want to be.
What is the weather like in Marbella in winter?
The coldest month is January, with an average of 16 °C during the day and around 8 °C at night. On sunny afternoons you can sit out on a terrace in a T-shirt. It rains more in winter than in summer, usually in short spells of two or three days, after which the sun soon returns. Frost is almost unheard of on the coast. You'll find all the monthly figures in our article What is the weather like in Marbella?
Which area is best for wintering?
- Town centre and Golden Mile: the most sheltered, with everything within walking distance. Ideal if you don't want to take the car every day.
- Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía: lively, with plenty of restaurants, golf and shops.
- Marbella East: quieter, with lovely beaches and walks along the promenade.
- Benahavís: beautiful and peaceful, but a few degrees cooler than the coast on winter nights.
Our tip: choose a home close to the coast with a south-facing terrace, so you can make the most of the winter afternoons in the sun.
What should your home offer?
Spanish homes are mainly built to keep the heat out. If you spend the winter in Marbella, you'll soon notice that indoors. So look out for:
- Heating: underfloor heating or a heat pump with air conditioning is ideal. An open fire adds a cosy touch.
- Insulation and glazing: double glazing and good insulation make a big difference.
- Orientation: a south-facing living room and terrace.
- Heated pool: so you can swim in winter too.
Modern new builds generally score best here. Take a look at our new developments.
Rent or buy?
Wintering here for the first time? Renting can be a good way to discover which area suits you best. Many owners let their homes in winter for longer periods at a lower rate than in summer. If you come back every year, buying soon becomes more attractive. You'll have your own things here, you can let the property in summer or use it yourself, and you build up equity instead of paying rent. See also Is now a good time to buy property in Spain?
What do you need to arrange when wintering?
- Insurance: check that your health and travel insurance cover a longer stay in Spain. Take your European Health Insurance Card (or UK GHIC) with you.
- Length of stay: as an EU citizen you are free to stay in Spain. If you stay longer than three months, you are in principle required to register.
- Tax residence: if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, you may become a Spanish tax resident. Take advice on this.
- Your home back home: arrange for someone to keep an eye on it, forward your post and check your home insurance.
- Transport: hire a car long term or bring your own.
What does wintering in Marbella cost?
The cost depends mainly on your accommodation. Everyday spending on food, restaurants and leisure is often lower than in the UK or northern Europe. And you save on heating back home. Read more in Is Marbella expensive?
What to do in winter?
Winter is high season for golfers, walkers and cyclists. You can also take day trips to Ronda, Málaga, Granada or Seville, enjoy the Christmas markets and festive lights in the old town, and on sunny days simply have lunch on the beach. You'll find more ideas in our article What to do in Marbella?
Your own winter sun home?
Many of our clients started with a few weeks of wintering and then bought their own place in the sun. We'll help you find a home that is comfortable in winter too, in the right location and within your budget. Take a look at our Prestige collection or get in touch with us.
A typical winter's day in Marbella
What does a winter's day look like in practice? You have breakfast around nine on your terrace in the morning sun. Then a walk along the promenade or a round of golf. Around two you have lunch on a seafront terrace, often in the sunshine. In the afternoon, a siesta, a visit to the market or a trip to a white mountain village. When the sun sets around six, it gets cooler and you head for a cosy restaurant. It's a rhythm that many winter visitors soon can't do without.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marbella a good place to spend the winter?
Yes, it is one of the best places in Europe to spend the winter, thanks to its mild climate and amenities that stay open all year round.
How warm is Marbella in January?
An average of 16 °C during the day and 8 °C at night, with six to seven hours of sunshine a day.
How long can I spend the winter in Spain as an EU citizen?
As an EU citizen you are free to stay. After three months you are in principle required to register, and after 183 days a year you may become a tax resident.
Are homes in Marbella cold in winter?
Older homes can feel chilly without good heating. Modern homes with insulation and underfloor heating are comfortable all winter long.
