What is the best time to visit Marbella?
That depends on who you ask and what you want to do!
I live right next to Marbella, and I personally think that this pretty town on Costa del Sol is an all-year-round destination, but your preferences may vary from mine.
In short, for the best prices and exploring without crowds, consider booking your trip between November to January. To get the best of Marbella’s nightlife and sunny beaches, travel between May and September.
In this article you will find a comprehensive guide that will help you decide.
Don’t forget to check the end of the article for some practical travel tips and things to consider before you book your trip to Marbella.
PS: This article has some affiliate links. They help me make a small commission that supports my site.
Best Time to Visit Marbella: Guide for Travelers
Here is a short overview of the best time to visit, depending on the type of traveler or what you’re looking to do.
| Visit For | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed Sunshine | May to November |
| Best Deals & Prices | January to March |
| Best for Families | Spring Break or Autumn Break |
| Best for Winter Sunshine | November to December |
| Best for Solo Travelers | All Year Round |
| Best for Peaceful Exploring | October to December |
| Best for Events & Nightlife | Summer |
| To Escape the Crowds | October to November, February to March |
Best Time to Visit Marbella: Guide to Seasons
If you’re interested in a specific season and can’t decide on a month, this guide will help you to do that.
Spring in Marbella: Weather March to May
One word to describe the weather in spring? Unpredictable!
The temperature differences between morning and daytime are very noticeable, and the weather can change very quickly. Long term weather forecast in this season is rarely very accurate.
| Month | Highest Temperature | Lowest Temperature | Average Temperature | Average Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 18ºC / 64ºF | 9ºC / 48ºF | 14ºC / 57ºF | 7 |
| April | 21ºC / 70ºF | 11ºC / 52ºF | 16ºC / 61ºF | 4 |
| May | 23ºC / 73ºF | 13ºC / 55ºF | 18ºC / 64ºF | 3 |
Is Marbella Worth Visiting in Spring?
Oh yes! Spring is a great time to visit Marbella, to escape the heat and crowds that usually come in the summer months.
Spring in Marbella brings pleasant temperatures (compared to the rest of Europe), blooming flowers, and lower prices compared to the main season.
March might still be a bit cool and rainy, but by April and May, the weather warms up, making it ideal for exploring the city’s historic sites, strolling along the promenade, and indulging in outdoor activities.
Plus, you’ll catch the vibrant energy of Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities, adding a cultural flair to your visit.
Things To Do in Marbella in Spring
In addition to the usual must-see places like Marbella old town, Plaza de los Naranjos or Puerto Banus, here are a few season-specific activities to explore Marbella in spring:
- outdoor hiking – La Concha is a great option
- strolls along the Paseo Maritimo
- book a day trip to Gibraltar
- explore the famous Caminito del Rey
- visit Malaga on a day trip
- enjoy a peaceful day at the beach
- book a walking guided tour of the old town
- book a bike tour in Marbella
- explore the local shops and boutiques
- visit the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada
- watch a sunset on the beach
Here are my month-by-month guides:
- best things to do in March
- best things to do in April
- best things to do in May (coming soon!)
Summer in Marbella: Weather June to August
Summer in Marbella means two things: heat and crowds.
But that’s not all – also sandy beaches, nightlife and plenty to do to experience a proper Spanish summer!
June weather can be still manageable, while July and August tend to be the hottest of the year, obviously.
| Month | Highest Temperature | Lowest Temperature | Average Temperature | Average Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 27ºC / 81ºF | 17ºC / 63ºF | 22ºC / 72ºF | 2 |
| July | 29ºC / 84ºF | 19ºC / 66ºF | 24ºC / 75ºF | 0 |
| August | 29ºC / 84ºF | 19ºC / 66ºF | 24ºC / 75ºF | 0 |
Is Marbella Worth Visiting in Summer?
Yes and no. If you’re after a proper summer with everything that comes with it, then yes. If you don’t like crowds and heat, then this is a no for you.
Summer in Marbella is a peak season, and for a good reason.
With long, sunny days and temperatures hovering around the 30°C (86°F) mark, it’s beach weather at its finest. The Mediterranean Sea is perfect for swimming, water sports, or simply lounging on the soft sands of Marbella’s renowned beaches.
Keep in mind that summer also means the highest prices of the whole year, and high demand, so be sure to book accommodation and activities well in advance.
Things To Do in Marbella in Summer
- explore luxury yachts in Puerto Banus marina
- check out the parties in Puerto Banus
- spend a day at a beach club in Marbella
- book a sunset cruise from Puerto Banus
- go on a dolphin watching cruise
- enjoy the watersports on the beach
- go on a morning run on Paseo Maritimo
- go on an e-bike tour to the mountains
- book a day trip to Gibraltar
- enjoy sunset views from the beach
- check out summer concerts in nearby Fuengirola
- take a walking tour of the old town
- visit the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada
Here are my month-by-month guides:
- best things to do in June (coming soon!)
- best things to do in July (coming soon!)
- best things to do in August (coming soon!)
Autumn in Marbella: September to November
Autumn (fall for you guys in the US) is my favourite season in Marbella – it offers the perfect combination of two things: weather and fewer crowds.
If you could choose from the three months, I recommend September and October, even though they are still quite busy. November is also a great month, but it starts getting colder and it also gets darker earlier.
| Month | Highest Temperature | Lowest Temperature | Average Temperature | Average Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 26ºC / 79ºF | 17ºC / 63ºF | 22ºC / 72ºF | 3 |
| October | 22ºC / 79ºF | 14ºC / 57ºF | 18ºC / 64ºF | 4 |
| November | 18ºC / 64ºF | 10ºC / 50ºF | 14ºC / 57ºF | 7 |
Is Marbella Worth Visiting in Autumn?
Yes, I personally think it’s the best season to visit Marbella.
As summer bids farewell, autumn arrives in Marbella with balmy temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
September is still warm enough for beach days, while October brings cooler evenings and the occasional rainfall. November marks the transition into the off-season, with fewer tourists and more affordable rates.
It’s a great time to explore Marbella’s cultural sites, enjoy outdoor dining without the summer crowds, and even squeeze in a round of golf at one of the city’s world-class courses.
Things To Do in Marbella in Autumn
- check out the weekend markets in Marbella
- go hiking in nature – La Concha is great
- visit the famous hiking path of Caminito del Rey
- take a walking tour of the old town
- visit the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada
- check out the Christmas decorations in old town (from end Nov)
- book a sunset cruise from Puerto Banus
- go on a dolphin watching cruise
- explore tapas in local restaurants
- go on an e-bike tour to the mountains
- escape bad weather by visiting museums in Malaga
- plan a day trip to nearby Estepona to see the old town & orchidarium
Here are my month-by-month guides:
- best things to do in September (coming soon!)
- best things to do in October (coming soon!)
- best things to do in November (coming soon!)
Winter in Marbella: December to February
Winter in Marbella is still relatively warm, compared to the rest of Europe, and offers plenty of sunshine and daylight hours.
It’s best to travel in December, ahead of Christmas, to avoid peak prices, and for those looking for the best deals, you will find those in January and February. Those two months tend to have the worst weather of the whole year.
| Month | Highest Temperature | Lowest Temperature | Average Temperature | Average Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 16ºC / 61ºF | 8ºC / 46ºF | 12ºC / 54ºF | 5 |
| January | 15ºC / 59ºF | 6ºC / 43ºF | 11ºC / 52ºF | 5 |
| February | 16ºC / 61ºF | 7ºC / 45ºF | 12ºC / 54ºF | 5 |
Is Marbella Worth Visiting in Winter?
While Marbella may not be your typical winter wonderland, it still has plenty to offer during the colder months.
Temperatures during winter tend to be mild, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This makes it an excellent destination for escaping the winter chill and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or even a round of golf.
Plus, you can experience the festive spirit of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, albeit with a Mediterranean twist.
Things To Do in Marbella in Winter
- check out the Christmas markets in Marbella
- see the famous Christmas lights in Malaga
- take a walking tour of the old town
- visit the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada
- check out the Christmas decorations in old town
- taste the traditional Christmas food in restaurants
- escape bad weather by visiting museums in Malaga
- book a day trip to see the Mosque of Cordoba
- visit the capital of Andalusia – Seville on a day trip
- plan a day trip to nearby Estepona to see the old town & orchidarium
Here are my month-by-month guides:
- best things to do in December (coming soon!)
- best things to do in January (coming soon!)
- best things to do in February (coming soon!)
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Marbella
Where to Stay in Marbella
Where to stay in Marbella depends on the time of travel and also your preferences.
If you like quiet boutique hotels, you will like to stay in the old town of Marbella, which is a little more peaceful and offers beautiful historical properties turned into hotels. They are pretty small and almost none of them have a pool.
If you’re after beach and pool parties, then you need to look closer to the coastline, where you will find bigger resorts and wider selection of hotels of all sizes.
Airport Transfer
I highly recommend booking your airport transfer in advance – especially in the summer months, this will save you quite a bit of time (and money) as you don’t have to wait for a taxi at the airport to be available.
The company I use personally is Get Transfers – just enter your trip details on this page and they will give you price quotes from local transport companies. Much faster and easier than emailing for quotes yourself!
Car Rental in Marbella
You don’t need a car to get around in Marbella or to get from the airport. But if you want to explore more of Costa del Sol and Southern Spain, renting a car is a must – the public transport in Marbella is pretty limited (see next section).
To rent a car, you should check Discover Cars – it’s an award winning price comparison platform.
Enter your trip details here and they will source quotes from dozens of local rental companies, giving you the best options for prices and also cars available.
Getting Around in Marbella
I mentioned that the public transport in Marbella is very limited – there are only buses, no trains.
You can get to the city from Malaga airport by bus, but exploring beyond the city with buses is pretty limited. You can get to cities like Fuengirola, Estepona or Ronda with a direct bus service, and there are also some long distance buses but these are not really suitable for day trip option.
To see some of the bigger cities, I recommend booking a tour with a local company or renting a car.
Conclusion: When to Visit?
So, when is the best time to visit Marbella, Spain?
It ultimately depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip. If you crave sun-soaked beach days and lively nightlife, then summer is your time to shine.
For a more relaxed vibe and fewer crowds, consider visiting in spring or autumn. And if you’re looking to escape the winter blues without breaking the bank, winter can be surprisingly pleasant in Marbella.
No matter when you choose to visit, Marbella welcomes you with open arms and promises an unforgettable Spanish adventure filled with sunshine, sea breeze, and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
LOVE it? SAVE it for Later!
Not ready to book your trip? Save this article to your Pinterest board – and while you’re there, also check out my boards for best photography locations, the best things to do and also my visual guide to Marbella old town!
