Vélez-Málaga and the Axarquía region are at their best in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides and mild temperatures perfect for walking the Axarquía villages; the vineyards are just beginning to leaf out and the almond blossoms come a little earlier, in February. Autumn is grape harvest season, when the Muscat vineyards are at full colour and the bodegas are pressing the new wine.
Summer (June to August) is hot and dry — the Axarquía hills get very warm, though the coast at Torre del Mar is cooled by sea breezes. The Cómpeta wine festival in August is worth planning around. Semana Santa (Holy Week, dates vary) is Vélez-Málaga's other major annual event, with elaborate processions through the old town streets that are among the best in the Málaga province outside Málaga city itself. Winter is mild and the town is quiet; not a bad time to visit if you want the historic centre and the fortress to yourself.