So, there I was, a few years back, feeling that familiar November chill creeping into my bones. You know how it is, the days get shorter, the sky is mostly grey, and you start dreaming of a bit of sun. Malaga in Spain popped into my head. I’d heard bits and pieces, seen a few pictures, and the idea of some Spanish warmth in December sounded pretty good.
But then the practical side of me kicked in. What’s the weather really like in Malaga in December? Is it all sunshine and shorts, or is that just wishful thinking and clever tourist board photos? I’ve been caught out before, packing for sunshine and ending up shivering. So, I figured the best way to find out for sure, to get a proper record of it, was to just go and experience it myself. And that’s exactly what I decided to do.
My Malaga December Field Trip
I booked a flight and a small place to stay. Packing was the first challenge. I remember standing in front of my wardrobe, wondering. Heavy coat? Light jacket? Just jumpers? It’s always a bit of a guess when you’re heading south in winter. In the end, I went for layers – a couple of sweaters, a decent fleece, and a medium-weight waterproof jacket. Figured that would cover most bases.
Touching Down and First Feelings
When I stepped off that plane in Malaga, the first thing I noticed wasn’t blazing heat. It wasn’t like stepping into summer. But, and this was the important bit, it wasn’t cold either. There was a distinct mildness in the air. You could smell the sea, a sort of fresh, slightly salty scent. It was an instant mood lifter compared to the damp cold I’d left behind.
Day-to-Day Observations
I made a point of really paying attention to the temperature and how it felt throughout my stay. Here’s what I found:
- Mornings: Started off cool. Definitely needed that fleece or light jacket if I was heading out early for a coffee. Sometimes a bit of mist hanging around, but it usually burned off.
- Daytime: This was the sweet spot. Most days, the sun came out, and it was genuinely pleasant. I’m talking comfortable enough to walk around in a long-sleeved t-shirt and maybe a light top layer. I saw some locals in just t-shirts, looking perfectly happy. I spent hours just wandering through the old town, sitting in squares. The sun felt warm on my face. Many cafes had their outdoor seating full.
- Evenings: Now, this is where you remembered it was December. As soon as the sun went down, the temperature dropped noticeably. That jacket I packed became essential. It wasn’t freezing, not by a long shot, but it was definitely coat weather for sitting outside or walking by the sea.
- Sunshine vs. Cloud: Sunny days felt significantly warmer, obviously. On the one or two cloudier days I had, it felt cooler, and I kept my jacket on for most of the day. I even had one afternoon with a bit of light rain, nothing major, but a reminder it’s not a tropical paradise in winter.
I even walked along the beach a few times. No swimming for me, thank you very much, but there were people sunbathing – properly lying out on towels! They were rugged, I’ll give them that. For me, a brisk walk with the sound of the waves was good enough.
The Final Record: Malaga in December
So, after my little investigative trip, what’s my verdict on Malaga’s December temperatures? It’s a good bet for a winter sun break if you manage your expectations. It’s not going to be scorching hot beach weather every day.
Here’s the gist of what I recorded:
- Average Feel: Think of a mild spring day in many parts of Europe, or a pleasant autumn day. Definitely a break from deep winter.
- What to Pack: Layers are your best friend. T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, a good fleece, and a decent waterproof and windproof jacket for evenings and any showers. Comfortable shoes for walking are a must. Forget the summer-only wardrobe.
- Activities: Perfect for sightseeing, walking, enjoying long lunches outside (especially when the sun is out), and just generally soaking up a more relaxed, brighter atmosphere.
It was a successful experiment, I’d say. I got my dose of Vitamin D, enjoyed the festive lights they had up, and didn’t have to scrape ice off my car. For me, Malaga in December was a very pleasant experience. It offers a welcome respite from the harsher winters further north, as long as you go prepared for mild days and cooler evenings. That’s my honest record of it.
