Weather Overview
Situated along the Mija Cosa almost exactly half way between Marbella and Fuengirola, the weather in Calahonda has been identified by the World Health Organisation as having one of the best climates in the world.
With less than 50 days of rain every year and an average temperature of around 19°C, a bright, sunny climate is on offer for anyone that chooses to visit this area, no matter what time of year it is. And thanks to its ideal coastal location on the Costa del Sol, even when the heat is at its peak in the strong summer months, humidity never seems to become a problem in Calahonda.
For those that enjoy a touch of snow in the warmth of the Spanish sun, Calahonda also provides easy access to Sierra Nevada, one of Europe's highest ski resorts and one of its most snow sure. This ensures, no matter what the season, there is always a reason to visit Calahonda.
Urbanisation in this part of the Costa del Sol only started in 1963 when developer Don Jose de Orbaneja identified the potential within the area for an outstanding resort. Today, more than 45 pubs, clubs and restaurants frame the miles of beautiful beaches to provide entertainment for a strong mixture of residents and visitors who wish to enjoy the consistently irresistible weather found in Calahonda every month of the year.
Like many resorts in Southern Europe, the weather in Calahonda is separated into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter seasons. But unlike many neighbouring countries, there is no bad time to visit Calahonda. Every month brings some truly desirable aspects to the climate in the region and ensures a very pleasant visit for all who choose to stay here.
Spring
Though no month in Calahonda is ever really wet or cold, March is the month when the climate in the region starts to improve ready for the summer and heralds the start of spring. An increase in the number of daily sunshine hours blesses this time of year, with less than a third of all days experiencing any sort of rainfall at all.
This trend of lighter, drier, brighter days then continues throughout the summer months in Calahonda and is enjoyed well into September and October by anyone who chooses to visit.
The onset of spring also sees a marked improvement in the sea temperatures when compared with those experienced during the winter months of November, December and January. And while only the very brave will be tempted to take a dip in March or April, by the end of May, average high temperatures of 21°C and low levels of rainfall improve conditions to such a level that the beach becomes a very popular place to go. The population of Calahonda then begins to swell as more and more people choose to enjoy such an attractive climate.
Summer
The forecast for Calahonda in the summer, along with many of the resorts on this coastline in Spain, are the things that dreams are made of. Long, hot summer days pave the way for beautifully warm nights to ensure this laid back town is awash with the thousands of visitors that appreciate such a beautiful climate.
Clear blue skies are almost taken for granted in Calahonda, while the sea temperature climbs to a very tempting 24°C by the time the hottest month of the year, August, arrives.
This combination of high air and sea temperatures for consistently long periods of time offers a much more pleasant experience than a large proportion of other resorts across Europe and many other parts of the world. During the three key summer months of June, July and August, temperatures will usually remain in the high 20's or low 30's every day of the month.
And while the cool winds offer a fresh relief from the heat for visitors and residents alike, for those that prefer their climate a little cooler, it is wiser to visit in the months of May or October when the sun won't be quite so strong.
Autumn
Though traditionally autumn starts in September in Calahonda, the weather during this period is still incredibly mild. High average temperatures and warm sea conditions ensure the holiday season extends throughout September, and will often stretch well into October as well, with 10 glorious hours of sunshine per day.
For those that like to enjoy the warm weather of the Costa del Sol but need to avoid peak temperatures, autumn provides the perfect solution. Sea temperatures are still very warm so the beach is an option and rainfall does not increase again until November. With less visitors to the area there is more room on the beaches, in the hotels and in the restaurants and cafés situated nearby.
Winter
Winter is still very mild in Calahonda, especially when compared with other parts of Northern Europe. However the change in climate is mostly noted by the increase in the amount of rain. Though it doesn't rain for very many days in Calahonda, even in the winter months. When it does rain, the precipitation is usually significant. This means there is the occasional chance of a rain storm during the months of November, December and January, with some flooding on lower levels. November is in fact the wettest month of the year with 119mm falling across the month.
Daily temperatures can also vary significantly in Calahonda during winter. January is the coldest month of the year and some days will reach lows of just 6°C. However other days during the winter season can be as warm as 15°C. It is therefore essential that any accommodation selected for a visit to Calahonda at this time of the year has some form of heating facility as traditionally Spanish buildings are not constructed to withstand the cold.
However, even through the coldest winters, weather conditions in Calahonda are usually always more favourable than those in Northern Europe, which is why so many Northern Europeans either choose to come for an extended visit or stay permanently during the winter.
Then, as February arrives, average temperatures reach up to 18°C again to create some very welcome early sunshine and ensures Calahonda prepares itself for another incredible year, with 8 hours of sunshine available to experience each day.
