Home › Weather › Costa Del Sol Weather December
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the PressHive weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
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If you are planning a December trip to the Costa del Sol, expect mild, mostly dry days with highs around 16–19°C, though evenings turn cool. The live forecast above shows the current conditions for Málaga, the regional hub, giving you a reliable snapshot for your visit.
What is the weather typically like on the Costa del Sol in December?
December on the Costa del Sol brings some of the mildest winter weather in mainland Europe, thanks to the sheltering effect of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Daytime temperatures in Málaga, Marbella and Benalmádena Costa del Sol weather December averages usually sit between 16°C and 19°C, with overnight lows dropping to around 8–10°C. Rainfall is moderate, with about six to eight wet days in the month, but sunny spells remain frequent. The sea temperature hovers near 16°C, so swimming is for the hardy. For comparison, Costa Blanca weather December is similarly mild, though slightly cooler inland.
How does December compare to November and January?
Costa del Sol weather November tends to be wetter and a touch warmer, with more cloud cover. By December, the rain eases slightly and the days are shorter, with sunset around 6pm. Moving into January, temperatures dip a degree or two further, and frost is rare except in inland valleys. If you are weighing up Costa del Sol weather December January, December is often the brighter, more settled choice for a winter break. For those considering alternatives, Malta Weather offers similar mildness, while Antalya Weather is cooler.
Is December a good time to visit the Costa del Sol?
Yes, for mild sightseeing and fewer crowds. You will need a jacket for evenings, but daytime walking, golf and dining outdoors are comfortable. It is quieter than summer, with lower prices.
Does it snow on the Costa del Sol in December?
Snow is extremely rare on the coast. The nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, visible from Málaga, do get snow, but the coast itself stays frost-free. For snow, you would need to head inland to higher elevations.
How does Tenerife weather December compare?
Tenerife weather December is warmer, with highs of 22–24°C and less rain, thanks to its southerly latitude. The Costa del Sol is cooler but offers easier access from the UK and a different Andalusian character.
Sources
For a broader view of conditions across Spain and the UK, visit our UK weather hub or check the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK for planning your journey. If you are comparing destinations, Costa del Sol weather December 2022 saw similar patterns to the long-term averages described above.