Marbella in August: Weather & Travel Tips [2024]

Marbella in August: Weather & Travel Tips [2024]

Are you wondering what’s the best time to visit Marbella?

Is it too hot and busy in August?

You came to the right article! I live in Costa del Sol, right next to Marbella, and in this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Marbella in August.

August is indeed hot and very busy, with prices at their highest, but it promises a summer to remember.

From the best things to do in Marbella in August, to tips for exploring cities near Marbella and also tips for your packing list, this article covers everything you need to know about planning your trip to Marbella.

Let’s get into it!

Luxury Marina of Puerto Banus in Marbella
Luxury Marina of Puerto Banus in Marbella

PS: This article has some affiliate links. They help me make a small commission that supports my site. Thank you if you use them!

MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Is August a Good Month to Visit Marbella?

August is the hottest month of the year in Marbella, so if you’re after a proper Spanish summer, you will certainly get that!

The temperatures hover between 30C – 35C, and even the evenings and mornings are pretty hot. There is nearly zero chance of rain or shower, and you’re guaranteed over 10 hours of sunshine every day.

August is also the school summer holiday, so you will see a lot of families on the beach, both from abroad and local Spanish families that come for a holiday to the coast.

If you’re after great weather, but fewer crowds, you should consider visiting in September -it’s less busy and the temperatures are very nice.

Here is a recap of pros and cons of visiting Marbella in August:

Reasons FOR Visiting Reasons AGAINST Visiting
Warm, sunny weather ideal for beach activities. August is peak tourist season, leading to crowded beaches and attractions.
Vibrant nightlife and numerous festivals. Higher prices for accommodation and services due to high demand.
Opportunity to experience local cultural events, like the Marbella Fair. Extreme heat, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C (86°F).
Perfect time for water sports and outdoor dining. Possible long waits at restaurants and for public services.
Rich nightlife and entertainment options. Need to book activities and dining in advance due to high demand.
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Visiting Marbella in August: Plan Your Trip

marbella in august costa del sol gudie

Things To Do in Marbella in August 2024

August means the summer on Costa del Sol is in full swing, and in addition to summer parties, yachting, water sports and time on the beach, you shouldn’t forget to visit some of the must-see places in Marbella.

These include:

  • wander through the streets of Marbella old town
  • explore the flashy district of Puerto Banus
  • take a walk on the Golden Mile – coastal promenade between Marbella and Puerto Banus
  • check out the Dali cultures on Avenida del Mar
  • get lost in the jungle of Alameda Park
  • visit the nearby resorts on Costa del Sol – you will love Estepona, Fuengirola or Malaga

Here are some additional activities you can book in advance for Marbella trip:

Best Day Trips from Marbella in August

If you’re staying in Marbella for at least a week, you might want to check out some options for the best day trips.

In the end, it would be a big shame to miss out on some of the historic locations and beautiful places of Southern Spain!

If you don’t like the idea of renting a car and driving, you can also do a day trip with a local tour company. They pick up you from Marbella and include a guided tour of the monuments with an English speaking guide.

I have recently returned from a day trip to Morrocco and loved it. We visited Tetouan on a day trip – you can book the same one here.

If you fancy exploring some of the most popular day trip destinations, Gibraltar is a really affordable and a pretty fast trip – you will see the monkeys in the nature reserve and also explore the stunning St Michael’s Cave. I did this trip twice already.

Finally, no visit to Andalusia is complete without visiting two most important monument – the Alhambra in Granada (book trip here) and the famous Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (book trip here).

Don’t Miss Out!

Summer is a popular time to travel and the tours sell out very fast. Book your spot now – you can always cancel if needed, up to 24 hours before, for free.
The coastal promenade (Paseo Maritimo) in Marbella in the summer.
The coastal promenade (Paseo Maritimo) in Marbella in the summer.

What to Wear in Marbella in August

In August, it’s all about light breathable fabrics and sun protection. Think linen materials, and light summer dresses. Don’t forget to pack your summer hat, sunglasses and reusable water bottle.

For my complete packing guide for August, check this article.

Getting Around Marbella in Summer

To plan your trip in August, you need to remember that it’s going to be hot and busy.

Plan your airport transport in advance – if you don’t want to rent a car, book your airport transfer online here and choose the best price for the trip to Marbella.

If you’re looking to rent a car, it pays to get quotes from local companies – you can use Discover Cars to do that. Enter the trip details and they will source from local car rental places, so you can quickly choose the right one for you.

The distance from Malaga Airport is around 50 km, which will be approximately 40 minute drive.

Tip:

You don’t need a car to explore Marbella, but to see more of Costa del Sol, I highly recommend renting a car.

If you prefer using public transport, I have a detailed guide on how to get from Malaga airport to Marbella here. There are no train connections available, only buses.

Sandy beach near the marina of Marbella
Sandy beach near the marina of Marbella

Marbella Weather in August: Overview

Marbella Weather in August
Average High Temperatures 29°C
Average Low Temperatures 19°C
Sea Temperature 24°C
Rainy Days 0 days
Humidity 60%
Sunshine Hours 11 hours
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Average Temperatures in Marbella in August

August is as hot as it gets in Marbella, expect the temperatures to hover around 30C – 35C on most days.

Mornings and evenings are also pretty hot, and you might struggle to sleep well at night without a fan or airconditioning.

average high and low daily temperatures in Marbella, Southern Spain
weather data source
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Average Humidity in Marbella in August

Humidity in August is under 55%, which can be uncomfortable at times.

graph showing average humidity in marbella throughout the year
weather data source
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Rainy Days in Marbella in August

August and July are the driest months of the year. While it’s not impossible to encounter a bit of a drizzle, it’s very unlikely.

I’ve been living next to Marbella since 2020, and can’t remember any August that would bring any proper rain, so you don’t need to worry about planning activities for rainy days.

a graph showing average rainfall in Marbella for each month of the year
source: weather-atlas.com
graph showing average rainy days for marbella for the whole year
source: weather-atlas.com
MARBELLA IN aUGUST

Average Sea Temperature

The sea water is at its warmest in August, with an average temperature around 23C. Very pleasant for swimming, and very refreshing in the summer heat.

graph showing average sea water temperatures in marbella throughout the year
weather data source
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Daylight Hours in Marbella in August

In August, you can expect on average 13 daylight hours and also 10 sunshine hours per day.

chart showing average daylight and sunshine hours in marbella throughout the year
weather data source
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

UV Index in Marbella in August

The UV index in August is at the level at 6.0, which means a high risk.

Take it seriously and always apply sun lotion before you head out. Try to stay out of the sun in the mid-day hours and wear a hat as often as possible.

a graph showing the average uv index in marbella throughout the year
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Wind Speed in Marbella

Wind will not cause any issue on your trip in August, the average wind speed is around 9.5 km/h.

graph showing average wind speed in marbella throughout the year
weather source
MARBELLA IN AUGUST

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Marbella 

Before you head off to plan your adventure, here are some practical tips:

Beaches in Marbella

Marbella boasts an impressive 27 kilometers of golden beaches, peppered with hotels and eateries along the shore.

You’ll find plenty of places offering sunbeds for rent, but if you’re looking for a more untouched experience, just grab a towel and find your spot. The best way to explore is on foot – head down to Paseo Maritimo, the beachfront promenade, and walk along until you find the perfect spot for you.

Tip: Get to the beach early to snag those prime spots near the water, as they fill up fast!

Nightlife in Marbella in August

Marbella shines with its lively night scene, especially around Puerto Banús. This area is known for its upscale party vibe, but if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, the Old Town’s bars are your go-to.

Dining Out in Marbella

Expect crowds when dining out in Marbella during the bustling summer season, so waiting for a table is pretty standard.

Remember, locals dine late, typically around 9 – 10 pm for dinner and 2 – 3 pm for lunch, so plan your reservations accordingly. For recommendations on the best dining spots, check out my Marbella restaurant guide.

Narrow streets of Marbella old town on costa del sol
Cute streets of Marbella old town filled with boutique shops and restaurants.

Shopping in Marbella

For those looking to shop, Marbella’s old town is your go-to for boutique finds and unique souvenirs.

The promenade also hosts a variety of shops for beach gear and trinkets. For a broader shopping experience, La Canada shopping mall just outside Marbella offers plenty of options.

Final Thoughts

Are you excited to pack your bags and head to Marbella? I hope so!

If you have any questions that were not answered in this article, leave a comment below and I will be happy to help!

Thank you for reading!

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Lucia has been living on Costa del Sol since 2020, and through her love of photography and travel, she has been documenting the best places to see in Southern Spain and uncovering hidden gems only known to locals. All the articles on Viva La Vita are written based on personal experience and local expertise.

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.

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