The Weather in Nerja in Winter

For most years, the weather in Nerja during December and January has been absolutely fantastic. Many days have offered sun, clear skies, and temperatures that even made it possible to lie on the beach. This very contrast, leaving the darkness and cold up north and being met by the sun and light by the Mediterranean, is one of the reasons why I try to spend as much time as possible in Nerja during the winter.

Sol i Nerja Almijara
Kör ner i Nerja motorvägen regn och moln
Sol i Nerja Jardines de Nerja

The Weather during Christmas and New Year 2025/2026

I have celebrated Christmas and New Year in Nerja every year since 2015. Throughout all these years, the winters here in southern Spain have been something I've truly appreciated: mild temperatures, many sunny days, and a climate that felt like early summer in Sweden. So, the winter of 2025/2026 stood out. It felt both colder and rainier than what I've grown accustomed to in previous years.

January is the Coldest Month

According to established weather sources, January is the coldest month in Nerja. Normally, daytime temperatures in winter are around 9–15 degrees Celsius, with average daily temperatures of about 13–14 degrees. However, when the sun is out (which it usually is), the perceived daytime temperature is around 20 degrees. Nights are cooler, and combined with high humidity and cloudiness, the cold can feel more raw.

As of January 7th, the weather forecast looks like this, so things are looking bright ahead!

Väder och temperatur Nerja 7-11 januari 2026
Väder och temperatur Nerja 7-11 januari 2026

Rain in Nerja

Rain is not uncommon during winter in Nerja, even though it usually "gets stuck" up in the mountains, and Nerja generally enjoys brilliant sunshine.

December and January are statistically among the months with the most rainy days. It's rarely constant rain, but rather a shower at night or for part of the day, along with occasional clouds. As mentioned, it usually gets stuck in the mountains. According to climate data, the winter of 2025/2026 falls within what is considered normal for the region, but perhaps the rain crossed the mountain ridge a bit more often this year than before?

For me, the experience of Christmas and New Year 2025/2026 was one of more consecutive cloudy days, more rain than I recall from previous winters, and fewer truly sunny full days. When the sun fails to appear, the temperature drops, especially in the afternoons and evenings, making it feel more raw. During Christmas and New Year 2025/2026, an umbrella and jacket proved more useful to me than in previous years.

But – the sunny moments enjoyed at a café or on the terrace felt like "summer sun," and I was able to enjoy "summer moments" in winter even this year.

In Summary: Weather Christmas and New Year 2025/2026

In summary, weather statistics show that Christmas and New Year 2025/2026 in Nerja fall within the normal climatic range for the region. At the same time, I experienced it as colder and rainier than the past 10 years.

The moments when the sun did show through were absolutely wonderful. When the clouds broke, Nerja displayed exactly the side that makes me return as often as I can. The light, the sea, and the mild warmth of the sun make a huge difference! The sunny hours served as a reminder of why winter in southern Spain is worth experiencing and how much a few hours of sunshine can change both the temperature and the feeling in one's body.

We would love to hear how you experienced the weather in Nerja during Christmas and New Year!

The question is posed in English so that our English-speaking readers can also respond ;)

How did you experience the weather during Christmas and New Year 2025/2026?

  • Colder than usual

  • As usual

  • Warmer than usual

  • I don´t know