Hello everyone!

My wife and have spent the last 8 years visiting the Costa del Sol during the summer, usually around Riviera Del Sol/La Cala etc. and one day hope to move there (before we hit the big 3-0 and start having kids) as we are becoming disillusioned with life in the UK.

We are planning to go to Riviera Del Sol for a few weeks over the Christmas period and were wondering what life is like there during this time i.e. the weather, places being open etc.

Generally, how is the weather during December/Jan? Is it warm enough during the day for shirt sleeves? Does it rain a lot?
We are not looking to be on the beach every day, or else we would go to Tenerife.  But we would like to spend some time outdoors if possible. 

Also, how busy are the restaurants etc. i.e. do places in these resorts stay open all year round or do they close when the holiday season ends?  Has anyone ever ventured out for Xmas dinner?  Or is the place as busy as it is during the summer?

Again shops, i presume the supermarkets will be open as usual, also La Canada and the Miramar malls?

As I say, we are not really looking at an actual ‘holiday’ like we would do in the summer, more really just a break from the hustle and bustle of home, plus a bit of research about one day moving here.  I’d be quite happy to stay indoors and relax every day (its bound to be better than sitting at home in Britain moping about whilst its freezing outside).

Thanks!

Costa Del Sol is open as much in December as August, mostly.

The more noticable is the Urbs tend to be quieter than usual and traffic not as bad.

Resturants and shops all stay open apart from the holiday periods.

Temperature depends, but below 14 degrees is unusual, most visiters from the UK still in T Shirts and shorts, the full time expats will be wearing jumpers with the locals.

You can also get hotter days of around low 20 degrees, I`ve known xmas day to be 25 degrees. The evenings can be cool, locals wear winter cloths at these temperatures, when your used to 40 degrees December can feel really cold.

Winter is a nice time to visit the area, especially the harbour, you get some lovely sunsets.

If you are over make sure you stay long enough to enjoy the Spanish xmas day 6th Jan , the three kings parade in Malaga is really good , in fact Malaga is a great city to explore anyway and it is a shame that it is often so overlooked by the Brits , great shopping , lovely bars and restaurants and so much better value than on the Coast .

Parking can be a nightmare so better to hop on the train I tend to park at Plaza Mayor (near the airport) it only takes 10 mins .

The weather can be hit and miss as previously mentioned , this last winter was freezing , well not technically but was bloody cold especially as the houses here tend to have marble floors and are designed to let heat out ! Make sure you bring your slippers !!!

thanks for advice guys!

break is booked and looking forward to it.

in a way, would prefer it if it WASN’T like a summer holiday!

Agree about Malaga, always planned to go there for a day but never got round to it.  The Port looks quite spectacular when you fly in over it. 

This seems to be the perfect time to try it.

Hiya,i used to live in Riviera and la cala i found the weather at christmas lovely it can get cold at night but what the hell still warmer then the UK.Most things are open over this period as the spanish love shopping for pressies for 3 kings day.It can get quite at this time as many ex-pats go home,but a great time to chill out and get to see different places.As stated before Malaga is a must its a wonderful city.Hope you have a great time,i miss my life over there.

avg tyemp is around 16 - 18 oC day time with 8- 12 oC at night .... this what the weather Tve people give to me   today but say 3 years was the hotest had in while with people having dips in the sea , As in loacls , but cold record was in Canary Islands in Dec 2005 it was cold and was on holiday with few mates and no jumpers .... COLD so each year can chane so keep eye weather befor you go and jump and light jacket , bottel hard stuf can help lol

Thanks for all the info you guys. Like markandjay i’m planning on going on a holiday with some friends at the same place. Glad to see some tips here.

Regards,
Laine
pr?ts travaux