If you’re thinking about Marbella in November, you’re probably picturing one of two things. Either a ghost town of closed-up chiringuitos or a secret summer that never ended. Honestly? It's neither.
November in Marbella is a weird, beautiful middle ground. It’s that slice of the year where the "jet set" has flown home, leaving the Golden Mile to the locals and the savvy travelers who know that a 19°C afternoon is actually perfect for a long lunch. You aren't going to roast. You might get wet. But you definitely won't be freezing.
What the weather in Marbella Spain in November actually looks like
Let's talk numbers, but keep it real. Most websites will tell you the average high is around 19°C (66°F). That’s technically true, but it doesn't tell the whole story.
On a clear day, when that Andalusian sun hits the Plaza de los Naranjos, it feels like 24°C. You'll see tourists in shorts and locals in light puffer jackets. It’s a funny contrast. Then the sun dips behind the Sierra Blanca mountains at 6:00 PM, and the temperature drops like a stone. Suddenly, it’s 12°C. You’ll want a sweater. Maybe a scarf.
The "Microclimate" isn't just a marketing myth. The La Concha mountain peak sits right behind the city. It acts like a giant shield. It literally blocks the cold northern winds. This is why Marbella stays significantly warmer than, say, Malaga airport just 40 minutes away.
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Rain is the wildcard
November is statistically one of the wettest months. Don't panic. "Wettest" in Marbella means maybe 5 to 7 days of rain across the whole month.
It’s rarely a grey, drizzly English mess. Usually, it’s a dramatic thunderstorm that clears out in two hours, leaving the sky looking incredibly crisp. The dust gets washed off the palm trees, and everything smells like jasmine and wet stone. If you get a "Terral" wind—a dry, warm wind from the interior—it can actually feel surprisingly hot even in late November.
Can you actually swim?
Short answer: Maybe.
Long answer: The Mediterranean has been soaking up heat all summer. In November, the sea temperature stays around 18°C. For most people, that’s "refreshing" (read: bone-chilling).
You’ll see the occasional brave soul—usually a Brit or a Scandinavian—doing laps near Puerto Banús. Most locals wouldn't dream of it. If your hotel has a heated pool, you’re golden. If not, stick to a walk on the sand. The beaches are empty, which is a luxury you can’t buy in July.
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Life beyond the beach
Because the weather in Marbella Spain in November is so mild, the city shifts its energy. It becomes about "active" luxury.
- Golf Season is Peaking: In August, it’s too hot to play 18 holes without melting. In November? It’s prime time. Courses like Los Naranjos or Valderrama (a short drive away) are buzzing.
- The IRONMAN 70.3: Usually hitting the calendar in early November, this event turns the promenade into a high-octane race track. The air is cool enough for the athletes to breathe but warm enough for the crowds to cheer without shivering.
- Málaga’s Christmas Lights: Around November 20th, nearby Málaga city flips the switch on its world-famous light display on Calle Larios. It’s a massive deal. Even if you’re staying in Marbella, you have to drive down for this.
The "Local" Wardrobe: How to not look like a tourist
If you wear a Hawaiian shirt in Marbella in November, you’ll stick out. The vibe is "Autumnal Chic."
Think layers. A linen shirt is fine for lunch, but you need a blazer or a denim jacket for the walk back. Most local women have transitioned to ankle boots and light trench coats by now, even if it’s sunny. It’s a style thing. Also, bring polarized sunglasses. The autumn sun sits lower in the sky and can be incredibly bright when you're driving the A-7 coastal road.
Is everything closed?
This is the biggest myth. Marbella isn't a seasonal resort like some spots in Ibiza. It’s a living city.
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The high-end spots in Puerto Banús stay open. The Michelin-starred restaurants like Skina or El Lago are much easier to get a table at. Some of the beach clubs (the ones that are basically just wooden shacks) might pack up, but the big ones like Marbella Club or Puente Romano are year-round operations.
Honestly, the service is better in November. The staff aren't exhausted from the August madness. They actually have time to talk to you.
The Practical Cheat Sheet
If you're booking, here is the reality of your trip:
- Pack an umbrella, but expect to use it only once.
- Book a south-facing room. You want that morning sun hitting your balcony.
- Rent a car. Use the cool weather to drive up to Ronda or Casares. The mountain air is incredible this time of year.
- Check the sunset times. It’s early. Plan your "sundowner" drinks for 5:30 PM.
The weather in Marbella Spain in November offers a version of the Costa del Sol that feels authentic. It’s the sound of the waves without the thumping bass of a beach party. It’s the smell of roasting chestnuts in the Old Town. It’s arguably the best time to be here if you actually want to see Spain rather than just tan in it.
Go for a hike up the Juanar cross. The trail starts in the pine forests above the city. In the summer, it's a death march. In November, it’s a crisp, exhilarating walk with views that stretch all the way to Gibraltar and the coast of Morocco. That’s the real Marbella.
Next step for your trip: Check your hotel's pool policy. Many "year-round" pools in Marbella are not actually heated, which makes a big difference in November. If you're looking for a swim, specifically ask if the water is maintained at 26°C or higher. Once that's sorted, look into booking a table at a chiringuito in the San Pedro area for a Friday lunch—it's when the local atmosphere is at its peak.