Whoever dreamt up “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain” was obviously not a permanent resident in Spain. In fact during this winter on the Costa del Sol, I don’t think I have ever seen as much rain in my life. I’m not talking about the odd light shower here and there. On the contrary, it has rained fast and furious for days at a time and I have vowed to invest in a pair of wellies and a new brolly as a must for next year.

We have spent countless weekends indoors, desperate to get out and then when we do we have been forced to take refuge at the local undercover garden centre Agro Jardin, the only place to be on a wet day. On a few occasions I have experienced UK déjà vu as we spend a Saturday in La Cañada or Miramar (shopping centres). I pity the presumptuous holiday makers visiting Spain in pursuit of some winter sun only to be sorely disappointed but yet ever hopeful on landing.

Personally, I blame the uninformed travel agent staff selling leftover holidays with promises of sun and beach. The beaches don’t actually become usable until well into April and even then you’ll only see Brits as the average Spaniard wouldn’t dream of stripping off until at least mid June.

Of course, flight and accommodation prices are lower out of season but if you want good weather, and who doesn’t when holidaying abroad, it is better to avoid those unpredictable winter months. However, winter does start later and there is usually pleasant weather well into October. In fact September is a good choice as it is refreshingly comfortable after the stifling heat of July and August.

We are currently in March and the weather is variable in the sense that you hang your washing out at your own risk but do not be surprised to find that it dries in two hours. In our town, Manilva, Carnaval was cancelled on Saturday night due to the rain. Having said that they went ahead with it the next day despite the bad weather! Some might compare it to a British summer, where you can organise a barbeque for the weekend but don’t be too disappointed if you end up eating inside!

For the local weather information about Marbella please check out the Marbella weather page.  For all other locations visit our Spanish weather forecast page.