Winter in southern Spain: a long stay on the Costa Tropical

Short answer. For the mildest winter, stay on the coast: in Motril the average January high is 17.6 °C and the low 9.0 °C, close to Málaga (16.8 °C and 7.4 °C, AEMET). Granada is a different climate: the average January low is 0.0 °C with about 17 frost days. December to February is also the rainiest period. An inland village between the two, such as Vélez de Benaudalla, gives you both, with a car.

Coast, Málaga or Granada: the winter averages side by side

Average daily high and low, and average rainfall, for the three winter months. These are 1981–2010 normals from official stations, not a forecast: any given winter can be warmer, colder or wetter.

High / low and rainfall. Sources: AEMET (Málaga, Granada), WMO via Wikipedia (Motril). Vélez de Benaudalla has no official station.
Place	December	January	February
Motril (coast)	18.6 / 10.3 °C · 70 mm	17.6 / 9.0 °C · 49 mm	18.3 / 9.9 °C · 40 mm
Málaga airport	17.5 / 8.9 °C · 100 mm	16.8 / 7.4 °C · 69 mm	17.7 / 8.2 °C · 60 mm
Granada airport	13.4 / 1.7 °C · 56 mm	13.0 / 0.0 °C · 42 mm	15.4 / 1.6 °C · 38 mm

What the numbers mean for a winter stay

The coast is the mild option

Motril and Málaga have similar winters: highs of 17–19 °C and lows around 7–10 °C. Days are often pleasant for walking by the sea; evenings are cool, so pack layers.

Granada has cold nights

At Granada airport the average January low is 0.0 °C, with 16.8 frost days in January according to AEMET. Days can be bright and around 13 °C, but plan for real cold in the evenings.

It is the rainy season

December is the wettest month on the coast (70 mm in Motril, 100 mm at Málaga airport). Rain usually comes in episodes rather than every day: Málaga averages 5.8 days of rain in January.

Snow stays in the mountains

Snow is possible in Sierra Nevada and the upper Alpujarra villages. Check the weather and road conditions before driving up.

Which base for a winter month?

If warmth matters most, choose a coast town such as Motril, Salobreña or Almuñécar, or Málaga for big-city life and the busiest airport in Andalusia. If you want Granada’s culture and services, accept the cold nights and ask how your accommodation is heated.

An inland village in the Guadalfeo valley, such as Vélez de Benaudalla, sits between the coast and Granada. With a car, you can spend weekdays in the quiet of the valley and choose the coast or the city at the weekend.

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Organising a winter month

Weekdays

Work in the morning, then use the light for a walk or the coast: days are short in December and January.

Weekends

Granada and the Alhambra (book the Nasrid Palaces early: entry is at a fixed time), the Alpujarra villages when the roads are clear, or a coastal walk between Salobreña and Almuñécar.

Packing

Layers, a waterproof jacket and warm clothes for the evenings, especially inland or in Granada.

Paperwork

EU citizens do not need a visa. Non-EU nationals should check the official Spanish rules on stays and the international teleworker visa.

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Rincón Salvaje in winter

Rincón Salvaje is a two-bedroom duplex for up to 4 guests in Vélez de Benaudalla, inland in the Guadalfeo valley. Verified on the listing: air conditioning and a full kitchen. According to the operator, the Wi-Fi is free and suited to remote work. The seasonal pool closes on 31 October, so it is not part of a winter stay.

The apartment has heating. Before booking, check the minimum and maximum length of stay and monthly prices on the listing for your dates.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the warmest place to spend winter in southern Spain?

Of the places compared here, the coast: Motril (average January high 17.6 °C, low 9.0 °C) and Málaga (16.8 °C and 7.4 °C). Granada, inland and higher, is much colder at night.

Is Granada too cold in winter?

Days are often bright, with an average January high of 13.0 °C, but the average January low is 0.0 °C and there are about 17 frost days that month (AEMET, Granada airport). It suits people who want the city and accept cold evenings.

Does it rain a lot in winter on the Costa Tropical?

Winter is the rainiest season: 70 mm in December and 49 mm in January in Motril on average. Rain comes in episodes, not every day.

Is Vélez de Benaudalla a good base for a winter month?

It can be, if you have a car and want quiet weekdays with the coast and Granada within reach. There are no official climate figures for the village, and the pool at Rincón Salvaje is closed after 31 October.

Can I work remotely through the winter in Andalusia?

Yes, many people combine a winter stay with remote work. Check the internet at your accommodation before booking, and see our guide to remote work in Andalusia for coworking and choosing a base.

Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026

Spending the winter in southern Spain: coast, city or village?