Things to Do in Spain in February

February Weather in Spain

16°C (61°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Almond blossoms bloom across Andalusia creating stunning pink and white landscapes - February is the only month to see this spectacle
Tourist crowds are at their lowest, meaning 50-70% fewer people at major attractions like Alhambra and Sagrada Familia compared to summer
Hotel prices drop 40-60% from peak season - luxury hotels in Madrid and Barcelona cost €80-120 versus €200-350 in summer
Perfect weather for walking cities - cool 14-16°C (57-61°F) afternoons ideal for exploring without overheating or summer's oppressive heat

Considerations

Many beach clubs and coastal restaurants close until March - about 60% of Marbella and Costa del Sol establishments shut down
Daylight hours are limited to 10.5 hours (8am-6:30pm) restricting sightseeing time compared to summer's 15-hour days
Unpredictable weather patterns - sunny morning can turn to 6°C (43°F) evening requiring multiple clothing layers daily

Best Activities in February

Alhambra and Andalusian Palace Tours

February offers the best Alhambra experience with minimal crowds and crisp air perfect for exploring the extensive palace grounds. The 14-16°C (57-61°F) temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 hour walking tours without summer's exhausting heat. Nasrid Palace tickets are easier to secure, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains provide a dramatic snow-capped backdrop.

Booking Tip: Book Alhambra tickets exactly 60 days in advance at 9am Spanish time when they're released. February availability is much better than peak season. Combo tours typically cost €45-75 and include skip-the-line access. Choose morning tours (9-11am) for best lighting and fewer crowds.

Madrid Museum Triangle Walking Tours

Cool February weather makes museum-hopping between Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen perfect. The 1.2km (0.7 mile) walk between museums is comfortable in 12-14°C (54-57°F) temperatures. Tourist crowds are 60% lower, meaning shorter queues and better viewing experiences. Many museums offer winter exhibitions that rotate in February.

Booking Tip: Purchase the Paseo del Arte ticket (€32) for all three museums. Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing €35-55 per person. Morning tours (10am-12pm) provide best natural lighting for artwork viewing. Reference booking widget for current combination tours.

Camino de Santiago Winter Stages

February is ideal for Camino day-walks without summer's heat or autumn's mud. The cooler 8-14°C (46-57°F) temperatures are perfect for 10-20km (6-12 mile) stages. Fewer pilgrims mean authentic experiences and available accommodation. The Galician sections offer misty, mystical landscapes unique to winter months.

Booking Tip: Book supported day-walk tours 2-3 weeks ahead, typically €65-95 including transport and meals. Self-guided packages cost €40-60 per day. Choose sections near Santiago or León for best February weather conditions. See current supported walking tours in booking section below.

Flamenco and Tapas Evening Tours

February's cool evenings create perfect conditions for authentic flamenco experiences in heated intimate venues. The 6-8°C (43-46°F) nights encourage lingering in cozy tapas bars between performances. Tourist density is lowest, so you'll experience venues alongside locals rather than packed tourist groups.

Booking Tip: Book small-group tours (8-12 people) 1-2 weeks ahead, typically costing €55-85 including tapas and 2-3 venues. Tours starting 7-8pm avoid afternoon tourist groups. Look for tours including traditional tablaos in Sevilla or Madrid's authentic neighborhoods.

Basque Culinary Walking Tours

February is peak season for Basque winter specialties like kokotxas and seasonal seafood. Cool 10-16°C (50-61°F) temperatures are perfect for walking between pintxos bars without overheating. San Sebastián's tourist crowds drop 70% from summer, allowing authentic interactions with locals and better access to popular bars.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 10-14 days ahead, typically €75-120 for 4-hour experiences including 6-8 tastings. Evening tours (6-10pm) coincide with local dining patterns. Choose tours that adapt to daily market availability rather than fixed menus.

Valencia and Mediterranean Coast Cycling

February's mild 14-18°C (57-64°F) temperatures along the Valencia coast are perfect for cycling without summer's humidity or winter's northern cold. The 15km (9.3 mile) coastal bike paths are nearly empty of tourists. Almond blossoms bloom in inland areas, creating spectacular cycling backdrops unique to February.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes locally for €15-25 per day or book guided tours €45-65 including bike rental and route guidance. Book accommodation near City of Arts and Sciences for best cycling access. Multi-day coastal tours typically cost €80-120 per day including support vehicle.

February Events & Festivals

Early to Mid February

Almond Blossom Season

Andalusia's almond trees bloom in spectacular pink and white displays, particularly beautiful in Málaga province and Granada's countryside. This natural phenomenon lasts only 3-4 weeks and creates Instagram-worthy landscapes impossible to see any other time of year.

Mid February

Madrid Fashion Week

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid transforms the city's cultural scene with runway shows, pop-up exhibitions, and fashion-focused events throughout the city. Many events are open to public with advance booking, offering insight into Spain's fashion industry.

Late February

Carnival Celebrations

While not as famous as other countries, Spanish cities like Cádiz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Sitges host vibrant carnival celebrations with parades, costume competitions, and street parties that provide authentic cultural immersion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 6°C (43°F) but afternoons reach 16°C (61°F), requiring 3-layer flexibility

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - February brings 8 rainy days with wet cobblestones in historic districts

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - afternoon showers are brief but frequent, lasting 15-30 minutes

Lightweight wool sweater or fleece - essential for 6-8°C (43-46°F) evenings when exploring tapas districts

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index of 4 can still cause burns during sunny afternoon sightseeing

Portable phone charger/power bank - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and heavier phone usage for maps and photos

Warm scarf and light gloves for early morning starts - museum queues and morning tours begin when temperatures are coldest

Quick-dry pants or jeans - February's 65% humidity means cotton takes longer to dry if caught in rain

Comfortable day pack (20-25L capacity) - cooler weather encourages longer walking tours requiring water, layers, and snacks

European plug adapter (Type C/F) and voltage converter if needed - essential for charging devices in different regions

Insider Knowledge

Museum visits should be timed 11am-2pm when natural lighting is best and morning crowds have cleared - locals avoid the pre-opening tourist rush

Restaurant kitchens serving lunch close 3:30-4pm sharp in February - arrive by 3pm or wait until 8pm dinner service, unlike tourist areas that serve continuously

Many Spaniards take weekend trips to ski resorts in February - book Friday-Sunday accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona earlier as business hotels fill with domestic travelers

February is prime real estate viewing season for Spanish buyers - expect higher hotel occupancy in major cities from domestic business travelers, affecting availability and prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming coastal areas will be warm - February temperatures along Costa del Sol average 12-16°C (54-61°F), requiring jackets and closed shoes

Not booking Alhambra tickets in advance - even in low season, the limited daily entries (6,000 people) sell out 30-45 days ahead for February visits

Planning beach days - most beach clubs, chiringuitos, and coastal facilities close January-March, leaving beaches beautiful but without services or amenities