Fuengirola in November: A Guide by a Local Expat

Fuengirola in November: A Guide by a Local Expat

Looking for a winter escape in the sun? Fuengirola in November might be just what you need!

Don’t get fooled though – November is the start of the proper winter season with gusty winds and first showers arriving too. Having said that, it’s still considerably warmer compared to the rest of Europe – on average around 17 – 19 C on good days.

This is my second winter in Fuengirola and here is a little report, in case you wondering whether to book a holiday in Costa del Sol in November.

Weather in Fuengirola in November

This year especially, it has been in general much colder than the previous year.

In a good year, you have temperatures climbing up to 20C with very mild weather conditions – that usually means no wind! I’ve seen people swimming in the sea and enjoying the winter sun on the beach without the need for winter jackets.

This year, the temperatures dropped already as far as 16C during the day, which is normal for January, not this time of year. It’s still really warm in the sun, without any wind, but as soon as the sun goes down, the temperature drops dramatically.

At night, the temperature goes below 10C and you can really feel it – almost none of the Spanish properties on the coast have central heating, so you’re relying on small indoor heaters or the aircon units to keep warm.

Surprisingly enough, we haven’t seen much rain this month. Maybe a couple of rainy days in the whole month, and those being more passing showers. Malaga and other areas of Costa del Sol were not that lucky, they tend to get more rain than Fuengirola.

If you’re planning your trip and checking the weather forecast, please note it’s not very accurate. Things can change very quickly from one day to another, and even a full week of rain in the forecast doesn’t necessarily mean it will rain.

sunny day on the coast in Fuengirola in November
Fuengirola coastline in November

What to Pack for November Trip

November weather can be very tricky – you will be very hot sitting in the sun on a terrace, but also cold in the mornings and evenings. You certainly don’t need a properly padded winter jacket, but warm clothing is highly recommended.

Take an umbrella and wind-proofed jacket as a backup plan, and if you don’t mind the lower temperatures you can also pack your swimming suit or wetsuit.

If you’re not staying in a hotel but a rented apartment, bring a pair of warm slippers for the indoors – carpets are not widely used in Spain and the floors are extremely cold.

Are Shops & Restaurants Open in Fuengirola in November?

Almost all of the beach restaurants (chiringuitos) are closed for winter, with a few exceptions (the one by the Pesetta monument remains open all year round). Other restaurants operate mostly as normal, so you won’t even notice it’s the winter season in full swing.

The restaurants tend to be much less crowded this time of year.

All of the sunbed rental places are also closed and sunbeds removed from the beach, so if you’re looking to spend some time by the sea, you need to bring your own chair (the ground is really cold).

Hotels operate mostly as normal, but not all of them remain open for winter, giving you fewer options to choose from.

old town streets of Fuengirola in November
Beach promenade in Fuengirola in November

What’s Happening in Fuengirola in November

At the beginning of November, the town hall starts to decorate the streets with Christmas lights, but they don’t turn these on until the last weekend of November.

The last weekend of November, they also officially open the Christmas markets at Plaza de la Constitution. It’s a very small affair with a few wooden stalls and Christmas decorations, nothing as spectacular as you would see elsewhere in Europe.

November also sees the arrival of tourists from Northern Europe in much higher numbers, so you will hear Finnish, Swedish or Norwegian a lot on the streets. They are staying for the whole winter season mostly, apart from them there isn’t really a significant presence of tourists.

cloud reflection in the sea water residues on a beach in Fuengirola, Spain

Fuengirola: Recommended Day Trips & Experiences

  • Caminito del Rey Day Trip with Guide – explore the world-famous pathway of the king, and admire the stunning views from the gorge El Chorro. Includes pick up in Fuengirola, entrance to Caminito del Rey and helmets.
  • Day Trip to Gibraltar with pick up from Fuengirola with a minibus, with free time in Gibraltar for shopping and an optional tour of the nature reserve.
  • Gibraltar Sightseeing Day Tour – a more structured day trip with a full tour of the nature reserve, showing you all the highlights, with free time for shopping. Pick up from Fuengirola.
  • Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas Day Trip – see the famous Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda, with one of the oldest bullrings in the country, and admire the homes and restaurants built into caves in Setenil. Pick-up in Fuengirola – includes a walking tour of Ronda and a complimentary glass of wine in Ronda.
  • Day Trip to Granada with Alhambra Tour – see one of the architectural wonders of Spain, the Moorish Palace complex of Alhambra, with free time to explore Granada. Includes pick-up from Fuengirola, tickets to Alhambra and a guide.

Monthly Weather Updates for Fuengirola

Here is a full list of the detailed monthly updates done so far, more to be added!

Explore in and around Fuengirola

How to Spend One Day in Benalmadena

The Most Beautiful Photography Locations in Mijas Pueblo

How to Spend a Day in Marbella: One Day Itinerary

15 Fantastic Things to Do in Benalmadena: Recommended by a Local

Molino de Inca: A Hidden Oasis in Torremolinos

Castillo de Colomares: The Fairy Tale Castle in Benalmadena

10 Things to Do in Mijas Pueblo

Best Restaurants in Marbella: Guide by a Local Foodie

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.

Southern Spain Travel Tips

Find Best Hotels

Find Hotels

I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and it’s the best place to book your hotel.

Find Car Rental

Find Car Rental

To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, an award-winning price comparison site for car rentals.

Book Your Tour

Local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.

Book Local Transport

To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.

Find Cheap Flights

Get the best flight deals when you book early via Skyscanner.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links - if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.

Hi, I'm Lucia

At Viva La Vita, I will help you to discover Southern Spain like a local!

I've been living on Costa del Sol since 2020, and fill these pages with first-hand insights, personal experience and practical tips that will help you plan a wonderful trip to Spain.

Make yourself at home and find the best places to explore in Andalusia and beyond.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.