Benalmádena has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate – long dry summers, mild winters and around 300 sunny days a year. Average highs reach 30°C in August. January averages 15°C during the day. It rains most in November and almost not at all in July.
The best time to visit depends on what you want. Beach swimming peaks July to September. Hiking and sightseeing are better in May or October. Budget travellers get the lowest prices in January and February.
- 01Best all-round month: May – warm but not too hot, low rainfall, fewer crowds than summer.
- 02Best for swimming: July to September – sea temperatures reach 22–24°C.
- 03Best for hiking and sightseeing: March, April, May and October – manageable heat, low rain.
- 04Cheapest months: January, February and November – lowest hotel prices outside holiday periods.
- 05Hottest months: July and August – highs of 29–30°C, almost no rain, beaches packed.
- 06Rainiest months: November (107mm) and December (99mm) – pack a rain jacket.
- 07Cable car most likely to close: January and February due to wind – check before visiting.
Monthly Weather at a Glance
Temperatures and sea:
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Sea °C |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 7 | 15 |
| February | 16 | 7 | 15 |
| March | 18 | 9 | 15 |
| April | 20 | 10 | 16 |
| May | 23 | 13 | 18 |
| June | 27 | 17 | 19 |
| July | 29 | 19 | 22 |
| August | 30 | 20 | 24 |
| September | 27 | 18 | 23 |
| October | 24 | 14 | 21 |
| November | 19 | 10 | 18 |
| December | 16 | 8 | 16 |
Rainfall and sunshine:
| Month | Rain mm | Rainy Days | Sunny hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88 | 13 | 5 |
| February | 80 | 12 | 6 |
| March | 65 | 11 | 7 |
| April | 51 | 10 | 7 |
| May | 32 | 8 | 9 |
| June | 18 | 5 | 11 |
| July | 4 | 2 | 11 |
| August | 6 | 2 | 10 |
| September | 18 | 4 | 8 |
| October | 60 | 9 | 7 |
| November | 107 | 12 | 6 |
| December | 99 | 13 | 5 |
Season by Season
Summer – June, July, August
Highs 27–30°C · Almost no rain · Beaches packed
Summer is peak season in every sense. Highs reach 29–30°C in July and August, sunshine runs to 10–11 hours a day and rainfall is almost zero – July averages just 4mm for the entire month.
The sea reaches 22–24°C, making it the best swimming window of the year. Evenings stay warm enough for outdoor dining until late.
The downsides are real. Beaches fill by 10:00 in July and August. Hotel prices peak – July averages around £264 per night. Restaurants need booking at weekends. The marina gets loud after midnight every night.
What to pack: Sunscreen (factor 50), hat, beach gear, light clothing, water bottle, light layers for air-conditioned restaurants.
Spring – March, April, May
Highs 18–23°C · Low rainfall · Best for sightseeing
Spring is one of the best times to visit Benalmádena. Temperatures are warm and comfortable, rainfall drops steadily through the season, and the summer crowds have not arrived yet.
May is the strongest month – 23°C average high, only 32mm of rain, 9 sunshine hours a day and beaches that are usable without fighting for space. Sea temperature reaches 18°C in May, which is cool but swimmable for most people.
April is good for the Pueblo, Colomares Castle and the cable car – comfortable temperatures for walking and no heat exhaustion risk at the summit.
What to pack: Light layers, an evening jacket, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen from April onwards.
Autumn – September, October, November
September still warm · October transitional · November rainy
September is the hidden best month in Benalmádena. Highs of 27°C, sea temperature still at 23°C, significantly fewer crowds than August and hotel prices dropping. The best month for a beach holiday if you can travel outside school holidays.
October is a good compromise – 24°C highs, sea at 21°C, occasional rain but still largely sunny. Good for a mix of beach days and sightseeing.
November marks the shift to winter. Rainfall rises to 107mm – the rainiest month of the year. Still mild at 19°C average high, but beach days become less reliable.
What to pack: September – same as summer. October – light layers, a rain jacket. November – warmer layers, umbrella, closed shoes.
Winter – December, January, February
Highs 15–16°C · Mild by northern standards · Quiet
Winter in Benalmádena is mild compared to most of Europe – daytime highs of 15–16°C and rarely cold enough for more than a light coat. Snow in the town itself is extraordinarily rare.
It is the quietest season for tourism, hotel prices are at their lowest and the Pueblo, Colomares Castle and the Stupa are all uncrowded. The beach is not a realistic option – water temperature drops to 15°C and rain is more frequent.
The cable car is most likely to close due to wind in January and February. Check before planning a visit to the summit.
What to pack: A jumper, a light coat, closed shoes, an umbrella.
Cable Car Winter Closures
Best Time to Visit – Summary
For beach holidays: July to September for warmest sea. May and June for a less crowded version.
For sightseeing and culture: March to May or October. Comfortable temperatures, low rain, manageable crowds.
For the cable car: April to June for the clearest views and lowest wind closure risk. Avoid January and February if the cable car is a priority.
For day trips: May, October and early November for hiking near Caminito del Rey and other outdoor routes nearby. Caminito del Rey is around 45 minutes from Benalmádena and best visited in spring or autumn.
For budget travel: January and February for the lowest hotel rates. November outside school holiday periods is also good value.
Practical Notes
Jellyfish: July to September carry the highest jellyfish risk on the Costa del Sol, particularly after calm warm spells. Check beach flags on arrival – a purple flag means marine life present.
Wind: February is the windiest month on average. Wind speeds are generally low-teens km/h, described as breezy rather than stormy. The cable car is the most weather-sensitive attraction.
Sunshine: Benalmádena averages over 300 sunny days a year. Even winter months average 5 sunshine hours per day.
Snow: Almost never happens on the coast. Very rare even in exceptional cold snaps.
Full planning guide: Things to Do in Benalmádena Where to stay by season: Where to Stay in Benalmádena
Whatever month you land on, the guide to Benalmádena has plenty to fill it.
