Costa del Sol is a coastal area of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, with 31 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 14°C in the coolest month to 26°C at the summer peak, with roughly 5 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Costa del Sol
31 tracked beaches in Costa del Sol, Spain, with live Mediterranean Sea temperatures.
Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Avg sea temp now
24.0°C
Best months
June – October
Best time to swim in Costa del Sol
The sea in Costa del Sol peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Costa del Sol sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Costa del Sol shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 12°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Costa del Sol, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Jan
15°C
Feb
14°C
Mar
15°C
Apr
16°C
May
18°C
Jun
22°C
Jul
25°C
Aug
26°C
Sep
24°C
Oct
21°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
16°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Costa del Sol sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Costa del Sol?
August is the warmest month in Costa del Sol, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Costa del Sol?
The coldest month in Costa del Sol is typically February, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Costa del Sol without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Costa del Sol runs from June – October — about 5 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Costa del Sol?
Outside peak summer the water in Costa del Sol drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Costa del Sol?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Costa del Sol is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Costa del Sol?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Costa del Sol, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Costa del Sol
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Playa del PaloMálaga, Spain24.7°C
- 2Playa de MaroNerja, Spain24.6°C
- 3Playa de la MalaguetaMálaga, Spain24.5°C
- 4Playa de BountyMarbella, Spain24.5°C
- 5Playa de FuengirolaFuengirola, Spain24.5°C
- 6Playa de CalahondaNerja, Spain24.4°C
- 7Playa del EjidoFuengirola, Spain24.4°C
- 8Playa de NerjaNerja, Spain24.3°C
- 9Playa de la MisericordiaMálaga, Spain24.2°C
- 10CabopinoMarbella, Spain24.2°C
- 11Playa de Los BolichesFuengirola, Spain24.2°C
- 12Playa de BurrianaNerja, Spain24.1°C
- 13Playa de El PadrónEstepona, Spain24.1°C
- 14Playa de los ÁlamosTorremolinos, Spain24.1°C
- 15Playa de Bil-BilBenalmádena, Spain24.1°C
- 16Playa de CalahondaMijas, Spain24.1°C
- 17Playa de la CaletaMálaga, Spain24.0°C
- 18Playa del CristoEstepona, Spain24.0°C
- 19Playa de TorreblancaFuengirola, Spain24.0°C
- 20Playa de NagüelesMarbella, Spain23.8°C
- 21Playa de la RadaEstepona, Spain23.7°C
- 22Playa de la Fuente de la SaludBenalmádena, Spain23.7°C
- 23Playa de Torre BermejaBenalmádena, Spain23.7°C
- 24Playa de la CarihuelaTorremolinos, Spain23.6°C
- 25Playa de BajondilloTorremolinos, Spain23.6°C
- 26Playa de la FontanillaMarbella, Spain23.6°C
- 27Playa de GuadalmarMálaga, Spain23.6°C
- 28Playa de la CalaMijas, Spain23.6°C
- 29Puerto Banús BeachMarbella, Spain23.4°C
- 30Playa de PedregalejoMálaga, Spain23.4°C
- 31Playa de las ChapasMarbella, Spain23.4°C
Swimming in the Costa del Sol — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Costa del Sol in September?
The Mediterranean Sea off the Costa del Sol averages about 24.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is warmest in August (around 26.0°C) and coldest in February (around 14.0°C). There are typically 4 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in the Costa del Sol?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Costa del Sol averages about 19.2°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Costa del Sol?
In peak season (around August, ~26.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 14.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.