is a major city and holiday resort, which is the capital of the Province of Malaga in Andalucia in southern Spain. It lies on the Mediterranean Costa del Sol ("Sunshine Coast") and is the southernmost of the large cities in Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to approximately 770 BC, and it is the main economic and financial centre of southern Spain. Tourism, construction and technology are the main factors that contribute to the prosperity of Malaga.
Malaga has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, which is one of the warmest, driest and sunniest in Europe although it is not quite as dry as the south-east of Andalucia, thanks to its proximity to the North Atlantic Ocean, which means that the region is sometimes prone to significant rainfall from mid-latitude depressions during the winter half-year.
Temperatures are moderated significantly by the neighbouring Mediterranean Sea, which helps to keep the winters somewhat milder than further inland, while often restricting the intensity of the heat during the summer months. In winter the Malaga Mountains to the north help to shelter Malaga from cold northerly winds.
The mean maximum temperature ranges from 17°C in January to 30°C in July and August, and on average August is slightly hotter than July, due to the tendency for the sea to be at its warmest during August and September. Extremes of cold are very rare and the lowest temperature recorded in the city centre is -0.9°C on the 19th January 1891.
Extremes of heat are also quite rare but they do occur, particularly when a sluggish southerly flow brings hot air up from the interior of northern Africa, and 43.3°C was recorded on the 13th August 1881. In the 20th century there was only one instance of snow in Malaga, on the 2nd February 1954.
The mean annual precipitation is 526mm, and most of this falls between October and March. Rainfall amounts can vary considerably depending on how far south the jet stream is, and consequently, how far south frontal depressions from the North Atlantic Ocean track.
Thus, while the months of the summer half-year are consistently very dry, in the winter half-year some individual months are very wet while others remain mostly dry. Much of the rain tends to be heavier and over with more quickly than is normal in central and northern parts of Europe.
Sunshine totals average 2815 hours per year, making Malaga one of the sunniest spots on the European mainland although not quite as sunny as some of the Mediterranean islands. This amounts to approximately two-thirds of the possible sunshine amount and is approximately twice the amount of sunshine associated with most of the northern half of Europe.
The mean daily sunshine duration range from 10 or 11 hours during July and August to between 5 and 6 hours in December. The winter months feature about three times as much sunshine as is typically experienced over central and northern Europe.
Malaga does not have an especially humid climate, and the average relative humidity ranges from 73% in December to 59% in June. The average sea temperature ranges from 16°C in February to 24°C in August, which makes diving and snorkelling attractive during summer and early autumn.
Weather hazards in Malaga are relatively rare but during the winter half-year the levante wind, a strong east or south-easterly wind associated with depressions tracking eastwards through the Mediteranean Sea, can cause some damage near the coastal strip. The sirocco wind, associated with a significant southerly component, brings hot, dry and dusty conditions up from northern Africa.
What's the Weather Like in Malaga in January?
January is typically the coldest month of the year in Malaga although compared with the UK it's quite sunny and mild. And with an average of five hours of sunshine, you'll get five times more than in northern Europe.
How Hot Is Malaga In January?
The daily average temperature for January is 13°C with highs of 17°C in the warmest part of the day and lows of 7°C overnight.
Does it Snow in Malaga?
There is no record of snow in Malaga in January and a large majority of Januarys remain frost-free, Although a minimum of -0.9°C was once observed near the city centre on the 19th January 1891.
Is January Wet In Malaga?
January is typically one of the wettest months of the year, with a mean precipitation total of 81mm falling over an average of eight days.
How Warm Is The Sea In January?
The average sea temperature in January is just 16°C which is on the cool side for swimming.
Hotels for Malaga in January
Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio
Malaga boasts a significant number of good accommodation options although there are also some unreliable ones, so choose wisely. The Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio at Pasillo Santa Isabel 7, 29005 offers luxury 5-star accommodation and has many amenities including a bar with occasional live music and a fitness centre.
Malaga Hotel Picasso
A good hotel for access to the various attractions associated with Pablo Picasso is the 3-star Malaga Hotel Picasso at C/ Acacias de Guadalmar, 153, 29004, which is located in the Guadalmar beach and is surrounded by a quiet residential area.
Hotel Solymar Malaga
Those on a tight budget are well catered for and can consider the Hotel Solymar Malaga at Calle Ferraz, 29002, which is a small hotel close to the beach and within walking distance of the city centre.
Beaches for January for Malaga
January is not generally a good time of year to hit the beach although on a fine day, it can be pleasant enough outdoors for a spell of relaxation, especially with very few tourists on the beach at this time of year.
La Arana
La Arana beach has a big rock and a cove and watchtower, from which you can enjoy spectacular views over the sea.
Pedregalejo Beach
The Pedregalejo Beach is a sandy beach parallel to the Malaga promenade and boasts numerous restaurants nearby, as well as a playground.
Restaurants and Bars for Malaga in January
Julia Cupcakes Malaga
Those after a pleasant snack can try out Julia Cupcakes Malaga at C/ Carreteria 53, 29008, a bakery themed around American-style cupcakes and pastries which also has a house speciality, the "Antonio".
Casa De La Antigua Guardia
Malaga has some good wine bars, and one of the most reliable is the Casa De La Antigua Guardia at Alameda Principal 18, 29005. This is the oldest tavern in Malaga, dating back from 1840, and there are ample opportunities to drink sweet and reasonably priced wines.
Things to Do in Malaga in January
Museum of Glass and Crystal
January is a good time of year to try out one of Malaga's impressive museums. The Museum of Glass and Crystal at Plazuela Santisimo Cristo de la Sangre boasts approximately 700 objects of glass and crystal, dating from Egyptian and Roman times to the present, in an 18th century palace. There are many colourful samples and there are paintings and stained glass windows to check out. The museum is closed on Mondays, but from Tuesday to Sunday it is open from 11am to 7pm, and visits are guided.
Museo Automovilistico De Malaga
A good museum to try for automobile enthusiasts is the Museo Automovilistico De Malaga at Avda Sor Teresa Prat, which features numerous classic and ancient cars, many of which have been done up to reflect art. This museum, too, is closed on Mondays and also on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, but is open from 10am to 7pm on Tuesday to Sunday.
Plaza Mayor
If you enjoy bowling take a visit to the Plaza Mayor. This complex contains a bowling alley with promotional offers for games of bowling, 20 screen cinema, leisure centre, restaurants and a few shops.
