December 18, 2023
Last updated: January 16, 2024
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There are plenty of things to do in January in the Costa del Sol. If you are considering visiting in January, you may want to know what to expect of the weather and what you gonna find once you arrive in this part of Spain. To help with that, I’ve checked around the internet – on Facebook and on Google – and chose to answer some of the most common doubts I saw around. I hope it helps! We’ll also focus on the activities and events going on this month, the special food of this month – Roscón de Reyes and the Spanish holidays in January – there is a lot going on!
Related Posts:
Winter on the Costa del Sol – embracing the magic
February in the Costa del Sol – carnival, romance and fun funerals
The main events in early January in Spain are related to Christmas (yep, it is still going strong in the beginning of the month) and the arrival of the 3 wise men from the east, around January 6. If you are coming with kids, the first week of January is special, because this event, in particular, is for them. After January 6, it is for the adults. 😎
Table of Contents
The weather in the Costa del Sol in January
As the cities in the Costa del sol are close to each other, they are quite similar when it comes to weather. Therefore, the answers in this section are valid for all the area of the Costa del Sol – from Nerja to Manilva, including, of course, Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas and Estepona.
Is the Costa del Sol cold in January?
The temperature in the Costa del Sol in January stays between +10oC and +20oC during most of the afternoon but is lower than that in the mornings and during the night. Defining if that is cold, though, is a bit tricky, as the perception of cold varies from one person to the next. For me, it is cold, particularly when I take my kid to school, in the early morning.
The graphic above is a good indication of what to expect in terms of temperatures. It displays the actual high and low temperatures experienced in the city of Malaga for each day of January 2023, plus the average high and low temperatures of each day, historically. For January 15, 2023, for instance, it shows that the maximum temperature was around +20oC and the minimum, around +8oC. The higher temperatures occur between 12:00 and 16:00.
Does it rain in January in the Costa del Sol?
Yes, it does. Here in the Costa del Sol we are actually looking forward to it, as the newspapers everyday mention that the levels of water in the reservoirs are very low, and some actions have already been implemented in order to prevent a drought, such as a prohibition to irrigate lawns and some limits to consumption. The situation is actually worst in Catalonia than in Andalucia, but if it doesn’t rain soon in the Costa del Sol, we may also get in trouble.
According to Weather2travel, the averages for Malaga in the years from 1980 to 2010 was of 14 days of rain in January. Notice, though, that it doesn’t mean that it will be raining the whole day; quite often it rains a bit during the night followed by a beautiful sunshine day. The Costa del Sol in January has many days of beautiful, fully blue skies.
Can you sunbathe in the Costa del Sol in January?
Probably not on the beach, because it can get windy, but you may be able to sunbathe if you are staying in a place with a protected terrace. Then, when temperatures are at their highest – sometime between noon and 4:00 p.m. – you can go to the terrace and enjoy the sunshine safe from the winds.
Other interesting weather-related data for January:
🏊 sea temperature: +15oC
🌅 Sunrise times: 08:30 (Jan 1) – 08:21 (Jan 31)
🌙 Sunset times: 18:12 (Jan 1) – 18:42 (Jan 31)
🌼 Average number of daylight hours: 10
☀️ Average number of sunshine hours per day: 5
What clothes to bring to the Costa del Sol in January?
Should you bring shorts? Yes, to use at home – they are comfy. You probably will not be sporting them outside though. You should also bring pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a coat. Most of the time I walk around in January I go out with a coat but end up carrying it after a bit of walking, so think in terms of layers that you can take out or put back on as the day progresses. Better a coat than a sweater because coats are easier to remove.
Wool hats, scarves, and gloves only if you feel a lot of cold. I do, but not enough for hats – In the Costa del Sol I wear only ear protectors and a scarf, no gloves either. Kiddo likes gloves. Hubby (that is from Estonia) thinks it’s not winter here and goes out with a light wool coat and that is it. For going out at night, hats, scarves, and gloves are a good idea.
I don’t think you’ll need a bikini at all, but hey – bring one. They take up so little space in the bag that it is worth thinking positive. Also, you know what? This is the perfect season to go visit the Hamman al Ándalus in Malaga, and you would need to bring your swimsuit to go there, so yes, bring it! Nothing like a warm bath and massages when it is cold outside!
In terms of shoes, tennis shoes are your best friend in January. No need for heels (maybe heeled boots if you really like them, but remember that the Costa del Sol is hilly, so it can be difficult (and dangerous) to walk in heels around the area. Beach sandals will probably not be used this month, sorry (except, maybe in the Hamman al Ándalus).
Sunscreen is always a good idea. I’m a fan. Not that you’d need it so much now, the UV level is low in January, but it is a good habit to always wear sunscreen. They sell some in bars, like deodorant bars, that even the most stubborn people (I’m thinking Hubby) may agree to put on, because it is not greasy.
And since we are talking skin protection, you may bring (or get here) some calendula-based cream too, especially if you intend to be out and about during nighttime or early morning. It is very good to protect skin from the cold, and I swear by it from my years in Estonia. In Spain, Kiddo and I apply it sporadically, as it prevents skin reddening.
More about the Costa del Sol in January
Besides weather-related questions, there are a few more that may pop into the mind of people when they consider coming to the Costa del Sol in January. Here are some things you may be wondering:
Does the Costa del Sol close for winter?
No, the Costa del Sol restaurants, shops, cinemas, and cultural venues (mostly) don’t close for winter! Some places open for shorter hours; very few actually close, and still usually for only one or a few weeks during winter, but, you see, most businesses probably could not survive being closed for the whole season.
Moreover, it would be a big loss in profit, considering that besides tourism, the cities in the Costa del Sol have people that live in them, and are consuming all year long. I believe this impression may be rooted on something I experienced myself when I moved to the Costa: the siesta hours, that are way longer than I anticipated.
I moved to the Costa del Sol in January 2022 and for quite a while I thought that a paper shop near my home (well, Airbnb, back then) was closed for good, because I never saw it open when I picked my kid from school, around 16:00 every weekday. Turns out their siesta times went from noon to 5 o’clock! They were open every day (and some of the night)! I just never saw it, until I was told their times by a friend that recommended their services.
A pro tip: check on the door of venues for their opening hours. They usually have a paper informing it; and if they are closed for a few days, it probably will be informed on their door too.
Is the Costa del Sol quiet in January?
Well, I wouldn’t say it is quiet, but it certainly is quieter than in summer. There are pubs to go, nightlife happening, restaurants and events everywhere; it is a matter of looking around, mostly. If you are in a hotel, you can ask what is going on in the city at the reception; on an Airbnb, ask the owners of the place – if they are local, they probably can point you towards what you are looking for.
You can also check the tourism offices, present in every town of the Costa. They are super nice, and even can get you some fliers that give discounts, if there are some around. 😉 To find the closest to you, just go to google maps and type Tourism Office in (name of the city where you’ll be staying). There are plenty!
Is it worth going to the Costa del Sol in January?
In my opinion, yes, it is worth it. If your goals are to leave a colder place, escape snow (and snow shoveling), have more hours of light in the day and avoid the winter blues, and / or to be more active, then yes, it is well worth coming to the Costa del Sol in January. If the expectations include sunbathing and swimming in the sea (or in the pools), then no, you’d have to either wait a few more months or travel somewhere else (Canary Islands, maybe?)
If you have already been to the Costa del Sol during some warmer months, visiting in January may be the opportunity for you to explore some of the places you didn’t see before because you were on the beach. 🙂 January is excellent to walk around, as there are less people, less traffic and the temperatures during daytime tend to stay between 10oC and 20oC – quite comfortable to do some sightseeing outdoors.
And there is so much to see around the Costa! It always gets me how so many people have been coming to the Costa for years and have never been to Benalmadena Pueblo or Mijas Pueblo, for instance, two super cute places, easily achievable by bus. January is also prime time to visit the museums, the street markets (yes, they are open!) and the Orchidarium Estepona – where you can actually feel like you are in a tropical country.
Holidays and other remarkable dates in the Costa del Sol in January
There are two bank holidays in Spain in January:
January 1st, New Years Day, is one of the most celebrated public holidays in the world. You will probably not find supermarkets or banks working on this day; even the Christmas celebrations that are still going on tend to close on January 1st.
January 6th, Día de Reyes, Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day is a Christian festive day. It is a special date for many Christians as it celebrates how a falling star led the Magi – also known as the Three Kings or the Wise Men – to visit baby Jesus.
In Spain it is celebrated in many cities with a parade where the kings throw candies to the crowd. This parade attracts many viewers, particularly families. On the days before the parade the cities also organize events where kids can send letters to the kings asking for gifts, much like happens before Christmas with letters to Santa Claus.
In 2024, as January 6 will be a Saturday, banks will be closed anyway. Most supermarkets close on January 6 as well. If you plan to go to a restaurant, it is advisable to check their webpage (or their door!) for information on whether they will be open or not.
After January 6, it starts a period of winter discounts in most large retail shops present in Spain – think of Zara, El Corte Ingles, Springfield, Stradivarius, etc. These discounts (rebajas) are generous, reaching to 70%; for this reason, shopping centers become as crowded (or more) than right before Christmas. It is a time to enjoy low prices, if you are willing to face the crowds; even better if you buy online! In theory, the discounts last up to March, but, in practice, the discounted products get sold out long before.
January 17 is not a holiday but it is a important date in Spain, as it is the day of San Antonio Abad, or San Antón, as he is known in Spain, protector of the animals. Mijas and Benalmadena are preparing events to celebrate the date in 2024.
Related post:
Holidays in Malaga 2024
Food of the month: Roscón de Reyes
Roscón de Reyes is traditional Spanish food associated with the celebration of the arrival of the Three Kings of the East, on January 6th. It looks like a cake-sized donut, made of dough. It usually has a cream filling and is covered in dried fruits and sugar. The idea of the shape and of the colorful fruits is that it imitates a royal crown.
As tradition has it, there is usually a surprise hidden in the dough of the Roscón – a toy, a bean (historically) or something else small, but not small enough that someone could choke on it (hopefully). So, caution is advised – check before eating or feeding it to kids.
The tradition of the Roscon de Reyes dates back to roman times in Spain and is now part of the Spanish culture spread through the Hispanic world. Whoever found the bean or toy back then was crowned ‘the king’ (for a day or so, only among friends or family) and / or had to pay for the Roscón.
In January it is easy to find roscones in bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, particularly in the first half of the month. Have one – or a slice – and join the tradition. Long live the king!
Activities in January in the Costa del Sol
I’ve handpicked several activities that are a bit less advertised, so you can have quite unique January 2024 vacations. My two main criteria for things to do in January in the Costa del Sol are: nothing with outdoor water, because it is too cold for that, and lots of food, because food is even better in winter and we have a whole year to get thin before the next Christmas (plus, in Spain it is still Christmas, and vacations are a time to be free!).
I paired that with Olive Oil and Wine – the first because I adore it, the second because it’s perfect for this time of the year; traditional Spanish shows, because you are in a very special part of Spain (you know that!), Andalusia, that has long traditions that are worth watching (plus, we can eat during or after the shows), some unique adventures that will make amazing memories and drop the jaws of people back home and, for those rainy days when we feel guilt that we ate too much, indoor activities and visits to museums. But not any museums, dear reader; I picked the funniest and most original ones.
If you are lucky and it is not raining, you can also visit the street markets of the Costa del Sol, that, yes, happen all year long. But if it starts raining too much, I’ve included several activities beyond the Costa del Sol, so that you even have an escape route! I’ll miss you, though. ❤️ Now let’s get to it!
Tapas and Chocolate
There are lots of experiences to be had in the Costa del Sol involving food, and January is the perfect time of the year to enjoy them. Here is a taste of what is coming:
Tapas, the traditional and uniquely Spanish food! Go around the city of Malaga tasting the best tapas the city has to offer. Go in a group and you may get to make friends for the meals and adventures of the next days as well. 😉 The Genuine Wine & Tapas Tour takes you through 4 different bars to try 8 different delicacies and 5 varieties of wines; the Tapas Tasting Tour includes the Atarazanas Market, a historical landmark of Malaga – and it includes wine, too! When in doubt, pick both.
The Chocolate workshop in Mijas allows your inner child the happiness of seeing, doing and learning about this mouthwatering delicatessen – plus tasting it, of course; the Tragabuches Marbella Dani García gives you the unique experience of trying tapas from a Michelin starred chef from Andalusia – it can’t get better or more authentic than this. If you want a full translation of the Tragabuches menu, plus some explaining (well, I needed it!) check here. 😉
Wine and Olive Oil tours
Taste some local wine while visiting vineyards in this Wine Tour and Tasting in Manilva, south of Estepona. The tour starts in CIVIMA, a museum of wine and winery in Manilva; then it proceeds to Bodega Nilva, which has several award-winning wines and where the steps from harvesting to bottling will be shown, followed by a visit to Viña del Peñoncillo, a vineyard with panoramic views of the Costa, where tasting will be accompanied by aperitifs. Yum!!!
The visit through LA Organic Estate, near Ronda, will show the process of cultivation and let you see the machinery currently in use to prepare the liquid gold; they then take you to see the olive groves with more than 20 varieties of olive plants from Spain, Greece, and Portugal and, in the end, offer an Olive Oil tasting experience.
The Aceite Molisur Oilve Oil Museum and Tasting takes place close to the Costa, near Alhaurín el Grande. There they have an Olive Oil Museum where they’ll show the evolution of the technique of preparing olive oils, followed by tasting and a visit to Aceites Molisur factory.
There is no better place to learn about Olive Oils than in Spain, in my opinion. Take advantage of the fact that these tours are offered in English and enjoy a delicious visit under the sun, while the rest of the (northern) world freezes. 🙂
Traditional Spanish shows
The Club Hipico El Ranchito offers horse shows in Torremolinos every Wednesday. Watch a ‘ballet’ performed by 20 horses along a flamenco presentation. The show happens under a roofed area, so you don’t need to worry about rain. The venue has a bar, souvenir shop and toilets. Come early to meet the horses. 🙂
Flamenco show Alegria in Malaga happens inside a restaurant. Even though food and drinks are not included in the ticket, you can watch the 1 hour long show of Flamenco dance and music while enjoying your favorite tapas and beverages, comfortably seating by a table. Great way to end the day!
For explorers and adventurers
The Cueva del Tesoro, or treasure cave, is an archaeological site where remains testifying human presence as early as the Paleolithic Age have been found. Explore the cave with an audio guide to discover cave art and an underground lake in the only marine cave in Europe. Fantastic activity for both adults and kids.
The Torcal de Antequera is an UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve featuring karst landscapes (a type of landscape made of limestone, a soft rock that dissolves over time in contact with water). The area is filled with curious natural creations and beautiful panoramic viewpoints. This English-guided hiking trip lasts about 3 and a half hours.
Get your adrenaline pumping in the Alhaurín de la Torre Zip Line Tour, where you can achieve up to 100 km per hour while ‘flying’ about 1300 meters above ground! For the bravest readers only. Then relax by taking a Quad tour around Mijas, on a mountain route with an English guide. The guide goes ahead in a different quad, showing the route and the beauty of this area.
Off the beaten track Museums and indoor activities
In the Museo de la Imaginación (Museum of imagination, in Málaga) you can immerse yourself (and your family) in optical illusions, while taking the funniest pictures walking on the ceiling or being smaller than your child. Fun for all ages! For a more psychological kind of illusion, you can take part in a Murder Mystery investigation going on in the Automobile and Fashion Museum, in Malaga, on January 13 only. Who killed fashion designer Rosalia Martinez? Can you solve the mystery?
For video game lovers, there are two activities in Malaga that are worthy being AFK for. The first is the video game museum OXO, where Atari still lives. The museum is divided into three floors – past, present, and future of video games – and is mostly interactive. It also has a rooftop cafe where to enjoy panoramic views of Malaga. The second is VRFun Malaga, a space to try different games in virtual reality. There are underwater games, zombie fights and even a roller coaster!
Beyond the Costa
If residents’ prays are heard and it starts to rain in the Costa del Sol, you can skip the area with one of these day trips to visit other interesting areas and be back to the comfort of your hotel / Airbnb in a matter of hours:
You can go to the nearby Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas or the famous Caminito del Rey or…
… the world famous Granada or the equally famous Seville or …
… you can even go abroad, to either Gibraltar or Morocco – and come back on the same day!
Events in January 2024: Christmas and the 3 wise men!
It may sound surprising, but Christmas in Spain goes all the way to January. The celebrations’ end is marked by the arrival of the 3 Kings, which falls on January 6th on the calendar, but vary a bit from city to city. Therefore, in the first week of January you can still visit Christmas related events. Here is a short list with some of them; you can check the complete list for the towns near you on the related posts, that have the full program prepared by each Town Hall translated to English (except for Mijas; they didn’t publish a program, as far as I know).
If you are going to spend New Years Eve in the Costa del Sol and are looking for a party, check our post about restaurants and parties for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There are lots of great options there!
Torremolinos
Christmas Market in Torremolinos
If you enjoy Christmas markets, you still have the opportunity to visit the one in Torremolinos until January 5, in the Plaza de la Nogalera.
🕘 Till January 5, 11:00h to 22:00h
📍Plaza de la Nogalera, Torremolinos
Crochet Christmas Tree in Torremolinos
The crochet association of Torremolinos created a Crochet Christmas tree that is on display at Torremolinos Town Hall until January 7.
📍 Plaza Blas Infante, 1, Torremolinos
Christmas Park in Torremolinos
In Torremolinos fairgrounds
Free entry and attractions at popular prices: Attractions €1 / Castles €0.50. Only payable by cash.
From December 22 to January 7
From 11:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00
December 24 and 31, and January 5: open only from 11:00 a.m. to 14:00
Three Kings Parade in Torremolinos
Concentration in Plaza Blas Infante at 16:00 and
departure at 17:00 through the streets of Torremolinos.
Related post:
Christmas and New Year in Torremolinos 2023/24
Benalmadena
Nativity Scene in the Museo Precolombino in Benalmadena
The Museo Precolombino in Benalmadena Pueblo is displaying a Mexican-themed nativity scene until January 07, 2024.
Admission is free, and they also offer free guided visits every Sunday at 12:00 and free audio guides in both Spanish and English, for both adults and kids.
🕘 Wednesday to Saturday: 9:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 19:00
Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 to 14:00
📍 Avda. Juan Luis Peralta, 49, Benalmádena Pueblo
🚌 M-103, M-121, M-126
Playdough Nativity Scene in Benalmadena
The playdough nativity scene is on display in the Casa de la Cultura, in Benalmadena (Arroyo de la Miel), until January 5th or 11, 2024 (depending on the source!) Admission is free and it is very fun. I’ve been there with my kid and we both enjoyed looking at the details of this large scene – it measures more than 20 m2 and has 220 figures, according to the Benalmadena’s Town Hall.
Also, because the Casa de la Cultura is in the city center, it is close to restaurants, shops and to the train station, so it is easy to couple this visit to other activities in the area. 😉
🕘 Mondays to Fridays: 9:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 to 14:00
Closed on January 1 and on the afternoon of January 5th.
📍 Plaza Austria, s/n, Arroyo de la Miel (Benalmádena)
Festival of the Royal Postman in Benalmadena
Kids will be able to deliver letters to the Royal Helper for the Three Wise Men of the East in a festival with animation, games, and photo booth with free personalized photo printing. This festival will happen in Benalmadena Pueblo (Plaza del Aguacil) on January 2nd and in Arroyo de la Miel (Plaza de la Mesquita) on January 3rd, from 10:00 to 14:00 in both locations.
Three Kings Parade in Benalmadena
There will be two parades in Benalmadena: one departing at 16:30 and going through the streets of Benalmadena Pueblo and a second one departing at 19:00 and going through the streets of Arroyo de la Miel. Check the related post for more information and routes.
Related post:
Christmas and New Year in Benalmadena 2023/24
Fuengirola
Arrival of the Three Kings from the East and Parade
On January 5, at 16:00, Their Majesties the Three Wise Men from the East will arrive in Fuengirola by helicopter at the “Elola” Social and Sports Complex. At 17:00 the parade will start with the participation of 25 luxurious carriages! Check the related post for more information and routes.
Related post:
Christmas and New Year in Fuengirola 2023/24
Marbella
Exhibition of Christmas Dioramas made by Francisco Román Tornay
🕘 Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30h to 13:30h and 18:00h to 20:30h
📍Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish.
Three Kings Parade in Marbella
Marbella will host several parades in different areas:
– In Las Chapas, on January 4, there will be bouncy castles in the Pinar de Elviria car park from 16:30, and the parade will start at 18:30;
– In Marbella center, the parade will be on January 5, at 18:00, departing from Severo Ochoa avenue (La Zambomba building);
– In Nueva Andalucia, the 3 Kings will arrive by boat in Puerto Banús on January 4 at 16:00, and the parade will start on the following day at noon from the Virgen Madre Parish.
– in San Pedro de Alcántara the parade will start on January 5, at 18:00 from Avenida Virgen del Rocío.
Related post:
Christmas and New Year in Marbella 2023/24
Estepona
Christmas book fair
From December 15 to January 7
More than 8,000 books of all styles, especially children and young people. available at affordable prices.
🕘 From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
📍 Plaza Antonia Guerrero.
Three Kings Parade in Estepona
On Friday 5, at 17:00, the carriages parade will depart from Avenida de Andalucía, No. 1. There will be another parade starting at 18:00 in Cancelada.
Related post:
Christmas and New Year in Estepona 2023/24
Events in January 2024: San Antón
In Benalmádena, there will be a horse parade on January 21, starting from Pino Villordo, in Benalmadena Pueblo, and going all the way to the beach. The parade is set to start at 11:00. At 13:00, in the Hermitage at the Parque Rustico de Casablanca, there will be a blessing of the animals, music and a big paella for all the participants.
Conclusion
The Costa del Sol in January is a more exclusive experience, different from the summer months. It is a great time to explore the beauty and culture of the cities without the crowds; to sit by the restaurants and cafes to eat and drink slowly, with the greater service that comes when less costumers dispute the attention of the waiters.
It is also a time without mosquitoes, without any snow and with lots of sunshine – even if the temperatures are not that high. It is a perfect time for coffee, walking, sightseeing, good dinning, and wine.
The activities of this month are so cool, I bet January will become the best month for vacations in the Costa del Sol. If not, almost. All the activities listed here are available in January 2024 as of this writing, but they may get sold out. It’s worth checking soon. You can also see a few more things to do in the post about Winter in the Costa del Sol, if you didn’t see it yet, and in the post about free activities in the Costa del Sol (tempting, right?).
If you book activities from the links in Mama Málaga, you help me keep this site up with no extra cost to you. 😉 (Thank you! The server cost for hosting the website just went up.) I hope you enjoy your vacation in January and come back for more during the year. Eat a lot of Roscón de Reyes and don’t get caught by surprise by the holidays in Spain in January. You are set to have a fantastic time this month in the Costa del Sol!
