Autumn and winter on the Costa del Sol: the best time to view property

When the days get dark and cold back home in November, the sun is still high over the Costa del Sol. This is exactly when many of us start dreaming of a place in the south. Autumn and winter are also among the best times to come out and view property, and to combine your viewings with what the coast does best: light, nature, food and good days.

Sunshine in January, and a slower pace

On an ordinary winter day the temperature in Málaga is around 16-18°C in the middle of the day. Records from Málaga Airport show 160-180 hours of sunshine a month from December to February. It is winter, not summer: the evenings are cool, and a jacket is a good idea once the sun goes down.

But it is lunch outside in a sunny corner, walks along the promenade and coffee on the square that leave the impression. The tourists have gone home, and the towns get on with their own lives. Restaurants stay open for locals and residents, and it is easy to get a table.

Many buyers discover that winter is the season they value most once they own a home here. You can read more about everyday life in the colder months in Winter on the Costa del Sol.

Four experiences you only get in autumn and winter

The Copper Forest in the Genal Valley. In autumn the chestnut woods of the Genal Valley in the Serranía de Ronda turn copper. Bosque de Cobre, as it is known, is about an hour's drive from the coast. Small white villages, footpaths through the woods and chestnuts from local farmers make this one of the finest trips of the year. In our experience the colours are usually at their best in November.

Golf in high season. Winter is high season for golf on the Costa del Sol, which has more than 70 golf courses. The temperature is pleasant and the courses are green. Many people combine a golf week with viewing homes near their favourite course. Our article on golf and holiday homes shows which areas have the most courses nearby.

Christmas lights in Málaga. From late November, Calle Larios lights up with a large Christmas show of lights and music several times each evening. Last year the lights were switched on on 28 November. In December there is also a Christmas market in Paseo del Parque. Visit the city in December and end the day with tapas in the old town.

Skiing in Sierra Nevada. About two hours from Málaga lies Sierra Nevada, the southernmost major ski resort in Europe. The season usually opens in late November or early December. Last year the resort opened on 29 November. You can ski in the morning and have dinner by the sea in the evening.

Why winter is a good time for viewings

• More time and calm. Outside the season, both agents and sellers have more time for you.
• Room to think. With fewer people at viewings, you have time to weigh things up calmly and build a good dialogue with the seller.
• You see the home as it is all year. Where is the sun in winter? Is the apartment warm enough? What is the neighbourhood like when the tourists have gone? This is the only time you get the answers.
• Cheaper travel. Flights and accommodation are often cheaper outside the school holidays and festive periods.

If you are not sure which areas to look at, we can start with a free video call before you travel. We explain how we work in Autumn is the time to start looking.

Suggestion: five days of viewings and experiences

Here is an example of what a viewing trip in November or December could look like. We always tailor the programme to what you are looking for.

• Day 1: Arrive in Málaga. Check in, a walk on the promenade and dinner by the sea.
• Day 2: Viewings of 2-3 homes in the morning. Lunch in the sun, then a relaxed afternoon.
• Day 3: Golf or a trip to the Copper Forest. In the evening, tapas and Christmas lights in central Málaga.
• Day 4: Viewings of 2-3 homes, and another look at your favourite. In the afternoon we go through areas, prices and next steps together.
• Day 5: A free morning, or skiing in Sierra Nevada for the energetic, before heading home.

Come out and feel the winter for yourself

The best way to find out whether the Costa del Sol is right for you is to experience the coast when it is dark and cold at home. Have a look at our property search and our new developments before you travel, and we will put together a programme of viewings and experiences that suits you.

Planning a trip this winter? Get in touch and we will help you with viewings, areas and a plan for your days.

Frequently asked questions

How warm is the Costa del Sol in winter?

In the middle of the day it is usually around 16-18°C in Málaga from December to February, according to AEMET. Evenings and nights are cool, so bring a jacket.

When is a good time to come out for viewings?

November to March is a good time. There are fewer tourists, agents and sellers have more time, and you can see how the home works in winter.

How long should a viewing trip be?

Four to five days is enough for most people. That gives you two days of viewings, another look at your favourite and some time to get a feel for the area. Get in touch and we will set up a programme.