The best time to visit Malaga isn’t summer. It’s autumn.
Updated: August 2026
In October, Malaga is warm enough to sit outside in a t-shirt in the evening, and the chestnut sellers are already on the street corners.
This combination of summer not quite finished, but autumn beginning to show, is what makes this the most underrated time to visit the city. The summer crowds have thinned, the temperatures are comfortable enough to walk around in the middle of the day, and the light on a clear autumn afternoon, looking out across the Mediterranean from Gibralfaro, is hard to beat.
Easy to get to
Dozens of flights come into Malaga Airport every day from dozens of cities in Northern Europe. And if you book ahead or choose to come to Malaga midweek you’ll probably get a good deal.
Then when you arrive, all you need to do is get on the Airport bus (€4 one way, buses every 30 minutes) or the Cercanías train (€1.80, every 20 minutes) into the city centre. It really couldn’t be easier.
Find out more about Malaga Airport.
Lots of sunshine
The autumn is one of the best times to visit Malaga – daytime temperatures reach a very pleasant 20+ degrees while at night, they rarely drop below 15 degrees. It’s warm enough to sunbathe at the beach and the Mediterranean reaches its warmest temperatures in September and early October.
Even if it isn’t quite bikini weather, you can still sit out in a t-shirt and soak up some very welcome rays as late as the end of November.
Perfect sightseeing temperatures
By mid-September, the summer humidity has disappeared and you can sightsee without feeling the heat. This means you can pack many more Malaga attractions into your day (but don’t forget to leave time to hit the beach).
Need some inspo for your sightseeing? Then check out:
- Our best-selling Malaga on a Short Break ebook, the perfect companion to 2,3,4 or 5 days in the city.
- Our self-guided walking tours in Malaga, all off-the-beaten track.
- Our Malaga Museum Guide, listing each and every one!
Autumn is also the ideal time for sightseeing beyond Malaga, especially to inland locations, not without the searing summer heat. If gorgewalks are your thing, try El Caminito del Rey or if you’re a fan of Andalusia’s Moorish heritage, visit Cordoba or Granada.
Clear autumn light
The light is best in autumn – the views of the surrounding mountains and Mediterranean are well-defined and far-reaching, and on very clear days you can make out Morocco beyond. Make the most of this lovely bright light from one of the viewpoints in Malaga.
We recommend the Gibralfaro Castle for 360-degree views, taking a stroll along Muelle Uno or enjoying the vistas from one of the rooftop terraces in Malaga.
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Amazing art
The art museums in Malaga run a year-round calendar of exhibitions and this autumn is no exception with a choice of artists and styles to suit everyone. Highlights on the art scene if you visit Malaga in autumn are:
- Olé! The Myth of Spain in Andalusia at the Carmen Thyssen Museum, exploring how the cliché image of Spain came about. This exhibition opens on 6 October.
- And the Music Began at Bishop’s Palace, showcasing the place of music in art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Visit Malaga in autumn for culture
As it does every season, Malaga has a full calendar of musical events, dance, theatre and art. And best of all, many concerts are free or have bargain tickets. For example, tickets for many shows and concerts at the Cervantes Theatre during September and October cost as little as €12. Find what’s on in Malaga in autumn by reading our what’s on this month post.
Special highlights in autumn are the Jazz Festival in November and Malaga Dance Festival in October and November. Both events bring world-class musicians and performers to the city.
Autumn produce
If you’re a foodie, visit Malaga in autumn for a feast of fruit like grapes, figs, custard apples (chirimoyas) and persimmons.
The muscatel grapes that grow in the Axarquía region to the east of Malaga city are harvested during early September ready to be pressed for wine or dried for raisins. Figs are sold fresh or dried and you can also buy fig cakes (torta de higo – delicious eaten with a slice of cheese).
Look out for the new autumn produce at the Atarazanas market, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Read all about the different autumn fruits in Malaga.
Chestnuts galore
Visitors to the city in early October are always mystified about the plumes of smoke on many street corners. They belong to the roasted chestnut stalls, reminding you that autumn is here even if the weather feels more like summer. Stop by a stall and buy a portion (from €1 depending on how many you buy) for a taste of autumn in Malaga.
Comfort food
They’re the ultimate comfort food and autumn is the perfect excuse to indulge in a plate of churros (or their thinner version known as tejeringos) dipped in thick chocolate. For the best place for your dose, head for the busy, busy Casa Aranda in Calle Herrería del Rey (one block east of Atarazanas Market). If you’re looking for a quieter venue, go to the Casa Aranda in Calle Santos, just south of the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
Perfect gifts for Christmas
And lastly, why not visit Malaga for some early Christmas shopping? There are some great gift shops in the streets around the Carmen Thyssen Museum and Plaza de los Mártires.
Or stock up on Malaga produce in one of the specialised shops – we like Princesa in Calle Granada (near Plaza de la Merced) and La Mallorquina on Plaza Feliz Saenz. Or get them an eguide to Malaga – see what’s in our shop.
And a return visit for Christmas?
And if you loved your visit to Malaga in autumn, why not make a return trip for Christmas? It’s one of the loveliest times of the year with an amazing display of lights along Calle Larios.
For full details about Malaga Christmas lights plus other activities during this festive time, check out our guide to Christmas in Malaga.