Thinking about a late season trip south? Málaga weather in October is one of the best kept secrets of the Costa del Sol: warm, sunny days around 24°C, a sea that is still swimmable, and far fewer people than in summer. November is cooler and a little wetter, but still mild enough for lunch outside and long rounds of golf. This guide covers the real averages for both months, what that means if you are staying with us at El Paraíso in Benahavís, what to pack and what to do.
All figures are long-term averages, so treat them as a guide rather than a forecast, and check the forecast a few days before you fly.
Málaga weather in October and November at a glance
| October | November | |
|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | about 24°C | about 20°C |
| Average night time low | about 15°C | about 11°C |
| Sea temperature | about 20°C (21°C early in the month, 19°C by the end) | about 18°C |
| Rainfall | about 61 mm, spread over 4 or 5 rainy days | about 77 mm, spread over about 5 rainy days |
| Sunshine | about 7 hours a day | about 6 hours a day |
| Sunset in Marbella | about 20:00 on 1 October, 19:30 before the clocks change, 18:30 after | about 18:25 on 1 November, 18:05 by the end of the month |
| Daylight | about 11 h 50 min falling to 10 h 40 min | about 10 h 40 min falling to 9 h 50 min |
Air temperature, rain and sunshine figures are AEMET (the Spanish state weather agency) 1991 to 2020 averages for Málaga Airport. Sea temperatures are multi-year averages for the water off Marbella.
Costa del Sol weather in October
October is the month when summer slowly lets go. The fierce heat of August is gone, but most days are still warm and sunny. Expect afternoons of 23 to 25°C on the coast, and on some days more. Early October often feels like an extended summer, with 26 to 28°C not unusual, especially when the dry terral wind blows down from the mountains towards Málaga.
The second half of the month is a little fresher. Nights drop to around 15°C and the first real rain of the autumn usually arrives at some point in October. It tends to come as a day or two of showers or one heavy downpour, followed by clear blue skies again.
Marbella weather in October
Marbella and the stretch of coast around Benahavís, San Pedro and Estepona are sheltered by the Sierra Blanca and Sierra Bermeja mountains. Temperatures are very similar to Málaga, with highs of around 23 to 24°C, and the area is known for its mild microclimate.
Costa del Sol weather in November
Málaga weather in November is spring-like rather than summery. Typical afternoons reach 19 to 21°C, perfect for walking, golf and long lunches outside. Mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler, around 11 to 13°C, so you will want a jumper once the sun goes down.
November is the wettest month of the autumn on average, but the rain comes in bursts: two or three days of heavy rain, sometimes with storms, then a long run of dry, sunny days. When it does rain, it is a good excuse for a museum day in Málaga or a long lunch in Benahavís village.
Sea temperature: can you still swim?
Yes, especially in October. The Mediterranean holds on to its summer warmth, so the sea is often warmer than the air in the evening. In early October the water off Marbella averages about 21°C, dropping to around 19°C by the end of the month. That is fresh for the first minute and then lovely on a sunny afternoon.
By November the sea averages about 18°C. Hardy swimmers still go in, but most people settle for a walk along the shore. Beach clubs and many chiringuitos stay open in October, often with shorter hours, while some close for the season in November. Lifeguard cover generally ends after the summer, so swim with care.
Rain, sunshine and daylight
October averages around 220 hours of sunshine and November around 180, which works out at roughly 7 and 6 hours of sun a day.
The days do shorten quickly. At the start of October the sun sets around 20:00, giving you long golden evenings. In Spain the clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October, which is Sunday 25 October in 2026. From then on sunset is around 18:30, and by late November it is just after 18:00. The UK changes its clocks on the same night, so Spain stays one hour ahead of UK time.
A little cooler up in Benahavís
El Paraíso sits a few kilometres inland from the coast, on the hills below the village of Benahavís and a bit higher than the seafront. Daytime temperatures are much the same as on the beach, but once the sun drops behind the mountains the evening air cools faster. In late October and November, plan on a fleece or light jacket if you want to sit out on the terrace after dark.
The views make up for it: autumn light is clearer than the summer haze, and on a good day you can see the coast stretching towards Gibraltar.
What to pack for October and November
- Summer clothes for the day: T-shirts, shorts and dresses still get plenty of use, especially in October.
- Layers for the evening: a jumper or fleece, plus long trousers. In November add a light padded or waterproof jacket.
- Swimwear: definitely in October, optimistically in November.
- Sun protection: the sun is still strong. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, particularly for golf and hiking.
- Proper shoes and a compact umbrella: walking or trail shoes for the mountains, and something for the odd wet day.
What to do in October and November
Golf high season
Autumn is peak golf season on the Costa del Sol. The courses are green again and the temperatures are ideal for 18 holes, so tee times go quickly, especially at weekends. Book ahead. Our guide to golf near El Paraíso and Benahavís lists the courses closest to the apartment.
Hiking, white villages and Ronda
With the heat gone, the mountains come into their own. There are trails right around Benahavís, and the A-397 up to Ronda is one of the most scenic drives in Andalusia. Ronda itself, with its famous bridge over the gorge, is about an hour and a quarter from the apartment by car. It sits at around 750 metres, so it is several degrees colder than the coast. Take a jacket.
From late October into November, the chestnut woods of the Genal valley turn a deep copper colour. Locals call it the Bosque de Cobre (the copper forest), and the little white villages around it, such as Júzcar, Pujerra and Igualeja, make a wonderful day out with a long country lunch. You will need a car for this kind of trip; see our tips on car hire and driving in Spain.
Beaches, towns and markets
Early October is still a proper beach month, with quieter sand and easier parking. Later in the season, the coastal towns are better for a stroll and a long lunch. Try the old town and seafront of Estepona, the orange tree squares of Marbella Old Town, or the marina at Puerto Banús. The weekly street markets along the coast are also far nicer to browse at 22°C than at 32°C.
Food and autumn flavours
Autumn brings roasted chestnut stalls to the streets, new season olive oil and hearty mountain dishes on the menus. Benahavís village has an impressive number of restaurants for its size, and our restaurants in Benahavís guide has our favourites.
Holidays and events
- 12 October: Fiesta Nacional de España, a national holiday. In 2026 it falls on a Monday, so expect a busy long weekend with Spanish visitors.
- Around 19 October: San Pedro de Alcántara celebrates its patron saint with its annual feria, and 19 October 2026 is a local holiday in the Marbella municipality. Read more in our San Pedro de Alcántara guide.
- 31 October: Halloween is increasingly popular, with parties in bars and events for children in the bigger towns.
- 1 November: All Saints' Day (Todos los Santos), when families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday, so in Andalusia the public holiday moves to Monday 2 November.
On public holidays, banks and many smaller shops close. Restaurants, bars and attractions usually stay open, and some large supermarkets open with shorter hours, so do a quick shop the day before.
Quieter and better value: the shoulder season
Once the school holidays are over, the Costa del Sol changes pace. Beaches are calm, restaurants have free tables and parking in Marbella or Puerto Banús is easy. Flights and accommodation are usually cheaper than in July and August too, apart from popular golf weeks and the holiday weekends above.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Málaga and the Costa del Sol?
Yes. With highs of about 24°C, around 7 hours of sun a day and a sea of about 20°C, October combines beach weather with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, golf and hiking.
Is it warm enough to swim in November?
The sea averages about 18°C in November. Some people still swim, especially on sunny afternoons, but most will find it bracing. October is the better month if swimming is a priority.
How much does it rain in November?
On average about 77 mm, but spread over only about 5 rainy days. Rain usually comes in short, heavy spells with plenty of sunshine in between.
When do the clocks go back in Spain?
On the last Sunday of October, which is 25 October in 2026, the same night as in the UK.
Plan your autumn stay
October and November are a wonderful time to enjoy El Paraíso: warm days, quiet beaches and perfect golf weather. If you are flying in, our Málaga Airport to El Paraíso guide explains the journey. When you are ready, check availability and book your stay on our homepage.
Written by Mex Smits
Hero photo: Puerto Banús harbour with La Concha behind, by Tommie Hansen, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 3.0 (cropped).
