Weather in Nerja: forecast, climate & best time to visit
Anyone arriving in Nerja soon realises that “the weather” is not a dull topic but an essential part of the experience. Sheltered by the Sierra de Almijara and warmed by the Mediterranean, the town enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year and temperatures that rarely drop below 8 °C in winter or rise above 31 °C in August. This unique mix makes Nerja one of Europe’s most inviting destinations for a getaway at any time of year.
Live forecast
Before packing your suitcase, check a reliable 7- to 14-day forecast. Pay special attention to:
- Maximum and minimum temperatures: decide on daytime outfits and an evening jacket.
- Rain probability and totals: downpours are usually confined to October–December.
- Wind speed and direction: the Levante breeze cools summer afternoons and can create moderate surf.
- UV index: even in February it hovers around 4-5; in June and July it exceeds 9, so high-factor sun cream is essential.
Climate through the year
Winter · Mild sunshine & tranquillity
From December to February daytime highs average 16-18 °C, dropping to 8-9 °C at night. Clear skies are the norm, perfect for hiking the Chíllar River or sightseeing without crowds. Rain arrives in short Atlantic fronts: the season accounts for barely a third of the annual ~470 mm. The old town is decked with lights and markets until the Three Kings’ parade on 5 January.
Spring · Explosion of colour
Temperatures climb quickly from March; by mid-April they surpass 20 °C. Sea temperatures sit at 16-18 °C, refreshing after a cycle ride. Highlights include Easter processions and the San Isidro pilgrimage (15 May) when decorated carts head to the Nerja Caves amid music and sherry punch.
Summer · Dry heat & crystal-clear sea
Late June to early September brings classic Mediterranean summer: highs of 28-31 °C, light breezes of 15-20 km/h and moderate humidity. Nights stay pleasant (20-22 °C) – perfect for alfresco dinners on the Balcón de Europa. Sea temperatures peak at 24-25 °C in August, ideal for hours of swimming, paddle-surfing or kayaking to the Maro cliffs.
Autumn · Late swims & big fiestas
September feels like an encore of summer: highs reach 26-27 °C and the sea barely cools. Early October sees Nerja’s patron-saint fair: five days of lanterns, casetas and sardines on the spit. The first DANA storms bring brief but intense showers; yet beach weather often lasts into mid-November.
Seasonal climate table
| Season | Avg. temps (°C) | Rainy days/mo. | Perfect for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 16 / 8 | 6-8 | Hiking, culture, quiet breaks |
| Spring | 20 / 12 | 3-5 | Excursions, events, first swims |
| Summer | 29 / 21 | 0-2 | Beach, water sports, nightlife |
| Autumn | 24 / 16 | 5-7 | Fair, crowd-free swims, photography |
Sea temperature & beach life
| Months | Sea temp. | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | 15 °C | Chilly – hardy swimmers or thin wetsuit |
| Apr-May | 16-18 °C | Refreshing after a hike |
| Jun | 20 °C | Comfortable without wetsuit |
| Jul | 22 °C | Ideal for long beach days |
| Aug | 24-25 °C | Warm, almost pool-like |
| Sep-Oct | 23-21 °C | Still inviting, fewer crowds |
| Nov-Dec | 19-16 °C | Quick dip + towel |
Blue-flag beaches such as Burriana, Carabeo and Calahonda boast clear water and sandy bottoms. Daily boards show flag colour, jellyfish alerts and exact sea temperature.
Best time to visit
Your ideal dates depend on what you’re after – endless beach days or crowd-free hiking? The table shows each season at a glance. Need concrete ideas? Check our guide to things to do in Nerja.
| Goal | Top months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sun & beach | Jun-Sep | Sea ≥ 20 °C · 10-11 h sun |
| Hiking / MTB | Feb-May · Oct-Nov | 17-24 °C · clear skies |
| Budget break | Nov-Mar (not Christmas) | Hotels up to 40 % cheaper |
| Festive vibe | May, Jul, Oct | Pilgrimage, Virgen del Carmen, Fair |
Local weather quirks & tips
| Phenomenon | When | Effect | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saharan dust | Spring-summer | Aerial haze | Drink water · clean lenses |
| Levante wind | All year (peaks in summer) | 30-40 km/h gusts | Secure umbrellas · great SUP surf |
| DANA storm | Oct-Nov | Short, heavy showers | Pocket raincoat |
| High UV index | Apr-Sep | Quick sunburn | SPF 50 · cap |
Events you can’t miss
Every season in Nerja comes with celebrations blending devotion, flavour and plenty of music. From the Carnival’s colourful parades to the bonfires of San Juan, the calendar brims with good vibes and Andalusian tradition. Mark these dates:
| Month | Festival | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| February | Carnival | Parades & free “migas” stew |
| Mar-Apr | Holy Week | Baroque processions |
| 15 May | San Isidro | Pilgrimage to the caves |
| 23-24 Jun | San Juan | Beach bonfires & midnight swims |
| 16 Jul | Virgen del Carmen | Sea-borne procession |
| 8-12 Oct | Nerja Fair | Flamenco & fireworks |
| Dec-Jan | Christmas | Markets · Three Kings parade |
Packing tips
- Winter (Dec-Feb): thermal long-sleeve tops, thin wool jumper, lightweight down or windproof jacket, comfy trousers, neck gaiter and optional beanie for cool nights.
- Spring & autumn (Mar-May / Oct-Nov): layering system (tech tee + light hoodie), zip-off trousers, trail shoes with grip, packable rain jacket and swimmers just in case.
- Summer (Jun-Sep): loose linen or cotton clothing, shorts, rubber sandals, wide-brim hat or cap, polarised sunglasses, water-resistant SPF 50 sun cream.
- Year-round accessories: refillable bottle (tap water is potable), small day-pack, power bank and comfy walking shoes.
Conclusion
Nerja’s microclimate softens winter chills and tempers summer heat, offering near-constant sunshine, clear water and balanced temperatures. Whether you visit in February for rosemary-scented hikes, in May for rosy sunsets, in August for the funfair or after the first October rain, Nerja always casts its spell.
Need an official forecast? Find it on AEMET’s website.