Costa del Sol Weather in October: Local Update

What’s the weather like in Costa del Sol in October?

I’ve lived on Costa del Sol for a few years now, and autumn is my absolute favourite time!

If you’re planning a holiday in one of the destinations on Costa del Sol (also known under the full name Costa del Sol Occidental), you will be pleased to know that it’s one of the sunniest destinations in the Mediterranean, and even in October, you can count on plenty of sunny days and minimum rainy periods.

Costa del Sol in Andalusia is a big area that covers popular holiday destinations like Marbella, Estepona, Malaga, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Checking the weather for the whole region of Costa del Sol doesn’t really give you the whole picture, as the temperatures vary between the cities, although not by much.

I have provided an overview of some of the most popular destinations below. If you would like to just have general ideas about the whole area of Costa del Sol, here are some weather averages as a general guide.

weather costa del sol in October — Estepona old town – one of the popular destinations on Costa del Sol

At Glance: Costa del Sol Weather in October

Temperatures / High: 23C / 25C

Temperatures / Low: 10C / 15C

Rainy Days: 5 to 8 days on average

Sea Temperature: around 20C

Please note the above are averages for the whole region. Some cities get more rain than others.

Temperatures on Costa del Sol in October

The temperatures vary between the destination on Costa del Sol by a few degrees usually. Generally the further south you go, the warmer it tends to be, but the area also catches a bit more rainfall.

Mornings and late evenings are quite cold, so don’t let the daily averages tempt you to bring only light clothing. Nights are also quite cold, which you can really feel inside the buildings which are not properly insulated, nor do they have any central heating systems.

If you’re staying in airbnb or similar type of accommodation, getting a pair of slippers with you is a good idea. Houses and flats rarely have carpets, and the floors get very cold. You can also find these in the local Chinese kiosks if you forget to bring some.

Rainy Days on Costa del Sol in October

October is the first month where more noticeable rain periods start. Even though there are roughly 5 to 8 rainy days in the month, these are normally scattered towards the end of the month. It’s a rare sight that it would rain more than two days in the row.

On most rainy days, its mostly showers that quickly move across the area and the weather clears up a bit after that. It’s certainly not as dry as in September, but you’re chances of catching a good weather are pretty good.

Cloudy Days on Costa del Sol in October

There is a noticeable increase in cloudy days in October, but they tend to be scattered clouds with sun peaking from behind them. The proper grey cloudy days are a few in between and are more common in the winter months.

Weather for Malaga in October: — Old town Malaga in October

How Busy is Costa del Sol in October

October is a relatively peaceful time on Costa del Sol. Certain destination like Fuengirola get busy because it’s the time of arrival of the winter birds from Northern Europe.

Generally you can expect almost no crowds and empty beaches during the day. It’s the perfect time to travel and explore.

Local services are also cheaper as its considered the low season, so you will get a better deal on accommodation and car rentals.

In October, the serviced beach chairs and umbrellas are usually packed away for the winter, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to spend some time on the beach – you will need to bring your own chair or blanket.

October Weather for Destinations on Costa del Sol

MALAGA

temperatures: 15C to 25C
rainy days: 4 – 6 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 6-7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

MARBELLA

temperatures: 15C to 23C
rainy days: 4 – 5 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

FUENGIROLA

temperatures: 15C to 25C
rainy days: 4 – 5 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

ESTEPONA

temperatures: 16C to 21C
rainy days: 5 – 10 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

BENALMADENA

temperatures: 15C to 25C
rainy days: 4 – 5 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

TORREMOLINOS

temperatures: 14C to 23C
rainy days: 4 – 5 days
cloudy days: 50% to 70% of the month
sunshine hours: 7 on average
sunrise/sunset: after 8am, before 9pm
sea temperature: 20C

Costa del Sol Weather in October: What to Pack?

The mornings and evenings in October are quite cold, even though the temperatures during the day might be mild.

If you’re packing for your trip, bring some light autumn clothing, and a jacket or warm cardigan for the evenings/early mornings. An umbrella is also a good idea if the weather forecast shows some rain. The chances are that it will pass quickly, but it’s better to be prepared.

Some October days tend to be very windy, especially by the sea, so keep that in mind when you pack. I also recommend bringing a pair of home slippers if you’re staying in a rented apartment – the floors are very cold and most places don’t have carpets. (side note: locals in here don’t use slippers and they don’t take their shoes off, which would also explain the lack of carpets at home)

Fuengirola in October — Fuengirola beaches in October

Things to do on Costa del Sol in October

October is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors and also for visiting some of the most popular tourist attractions, as there will be no crowds waiting for you.

Some of the activities you can enjoy in October include:

hiking the nature trails around Malaga and Marbella
visiting Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga
visiting the Alcazaba in Malaga
enjoying a peaceful walk through Marbella old town
visiting Estepona old town and their Orchidarium
stepping into the jungle at Bioparc Fuengirola
chasing butterflies at Mariposario Benalmadena
enjoy a walk through the beautiful nature at La Conception Botanical Garden
hiking the route at Caminito del Rey

Frequent Questions about Costa del Sol Weather in October

What’s the weather like in Costa del Sol in October?

The weather is still relatively warm and mild, with minimum rainy days and plenty of sunshine. The temperatures tend to climb down in the early mornings and late evenings, but during the day you can expect nice and warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Is Costa del Sol better than Balearics weather on October?

Yes, in general. The coastal areas have more predictable and stable weather compared to the islands, so you’re better off booking a holiday on Costa del Sol in October.

What are the temperatures in Costa del Sol in October?

The averages around Costa del Sol in October are between 10C to 25C, depending on the destination.