Weather in Spain in February

Though February is definitely still winter in Spain, temperatures start to rise through the month as the country shifts towards spring. Though northern and inland regions are colder, you might be surprised how mild it feels in the south and coastal areas. And, though February sees moderate rainfall, it’s drier than December and January. Tempted to visit? Keep reading for detail on the weather in Spain in February.

Spain in February at a glance

  • Average lows: 35°F to 50°F (2°C to 10°C); highs: 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C).
  • It’s still winter, but spring is on the horizon.
  • Less rainy than December and January, and still good for winter sports.
  • Expect small low season crowds

Is February a good time to visit Spain?

Similar to January, February can be a good time to visit Spain if you’re into cooler weather, and like the idea of exploring cities in pretty crowd-free conditions, with the bonus of it being a low-cost low season month.

With the weather in Spain in February milder compared with much of Europe, it’s a good time to discover some of the country’s top outdoor cultural attractions, with plenty of galleries and museums to warm up in on chillier days.

At the same time, February is also a great month to enjoy winter sports in Spain's mountainous regions. 

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for warm weather, you could consider visiting the Canary Islands in February, or Valencia — they’re both pretty great winter sun destinations.

On balance, although Spain is often seen as one of the best summer destinations in Europe, it has plenty to keep culture vultures and winter sports aficionados satisfied in winter. As a bonus, February also hosts a few fabulous festivals, which are covered below.

Keen to visit, but less keen on planning? Browse our customisable Spain itineraries, and contact our local experts to start curating your dream trip to Spain.

royal-alcazar-seville-shutterstock_1120759877

The weather in Spain in February sees a shift towards spring. Image: Royal Alcazar, Seville © Shutterstock

Average daily temperatures in February

Warmer than January, the weather in Spain in February heralds an average low temperature range of 35°F to 50°F (2°C to 10°C), with average highs spanning 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C). 

At the same time, February sees Spain experience regional variations in temperature, as detailed below:

Central Spain (Madrid)

  • Highs: 52°F to 57°F (11°C to 14°C)
  • Lows: 34°F to 39°F (1°C to 4°C)

Thinking of visiting Madrid? Arm yourself with our itinerary for the perfect weekend, and read up on the best areas to stay in Madrid.

North-eastern Spain (Barcelona, Catalonia)

  • Highs: 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)
  • Lows: 42°F to 46°F (6°C to 8°C)

Planning a vacation in Barcelona? Discover the best areas to stay.

Southern Spain (Seville, Granada)

  • Highs: 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C)
  • Lows: 42°F to 47°F (6°C to 8°C)

Keen to uncover the best of Andalucía in Southern SpainCheck out our customisable Andalucia Explored itinerary.

Eastern Spain (Valencia)

  • Highs: 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C)
  • Lows: 42°F to 47°F (6°C to 8°C)

Discover why Valencia is such a great weekend break destination, and see our Valencia City Break itinerary

Northern Spain (Bilbao and Basque Country)

  • Highs: 52°F to 56°F (11°C to 13°C)
  • Lows: 41°F to 45°F (5°C to 7°C)

Want a picture of the weather in Spain around the year? Read up on the best time to go to Spain.

Alhambra in Granada © Shutterstock

Alhambra in Granada © Shutterstock

What about the crowds and cost?

February is part of the low tourist season in Spain, which means crowds are minimal. As a result, it’s the ideal time to explore popular tourist destinations — you’ll avoid the long lines and crowds that are typical of the peak season summer months.

There are, however, a couple of exceptions. Firstly, ski resorts will be busy, and you can expect a spike in crowds around Carnival.

The same pattern applies to the cost of visiting Spain in February. Flights are generally cheaper, but expect ski resorts to be pricey, and the cost of accommodation to rise around Carnival. 

On a budget? Find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and Barca’s best things to do for FREE!

If you’re not fixed on Spain, discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

woman-flamenco-dance-shutterstock_607196504

Flamenco dancer © Shutterstock

What to do in Spain in February

Here are some of the best things to do in Spain in February.

Enjoy winter sports

In good news if you’re into winter sports, February remains a fine time to head to Spain’s mountainous regions to ski and board.

Offering excellent snow and stunning scenery, Sierra Nevada, Andalusia, is one of the most popular places to ski.

Uncover culture in handsome historic cities

February is an excellent time to experience Spain’s rich cultural heritage. During this low season month, even popular tourist hotspots like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada will be less crowded.

This means you won’t have to queue to visit the likes of Granada’s grand Alhambra, Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, and Madrid’s Royal Palace.

We also suggest looking into booking cultural experiences, like enjoying a flamenco show (or lessons) in Seville.

As it happens, Seville is also the perfect place to enjoy immersive food experiences.

Editor’s tip: to take in five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Granada, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona – without the hassle of planning, book our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip.

Escape to the sunny Canary Islands

Come February, the Canary Islands enjoy an average low temperature range of 58°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C), and an average high range of 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). 

As a result, if you’re looking for a warmer experience of Spain in February, the Canaries have your name all over them.

For one example, you could head to Gran Canaria to walk your way around epic landscapes in warm weather, with plenty of beautiful beaches on hand for post-hike relaxation.

Want more inspiration? Read up on the best things to do in Spain.

Los Cristianos resort in Tenerife © Shutterstock

Los Cristianos resort in Tenerife © Shutterstock

Festivals and events in Spain in February

Here are a few of the festivals and events held in Spain in February:

  • Carnival: held in late February or early March, Spain’s Carnival celebrations are at their most spectacular in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cádiz and Sitges.
  • Festa de Santa Eulàlia: held in Barcelona on February 12th in honor of Santa Eulàlia, this features parades and traditional dances.
  • La Endiablada: held in Almonacid del Marquesado across 2nd-3rd February, the unique, centuries-old La Endiablada (Festival of the Devils) sees locals dress as devils to perform traditional dances and rituals. 
Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona © Shutterstock

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona © Shutterstock

Ready for your dream trip to Spain?

Before booking your dream trip to Spain, browse our Spain itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

  • Andalucía Explored (9 days): discover the best of Andalucía's breath-taking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards (and more) on a culture-packed 9-day trip that also showcases incredible natural landscapes. 
  • Gems in Southern Spain (16 days): starting out in Seville, this will see you exploring Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Malaga and the Costa del Sol in immersive, leisurely style.
  • The Lands of Wine from Madrid (5 days): offering a deep dive into two of Spain’s most esteemed wine regions — Ribera del Duero and La Rioja — this includes tours of four famous wineries.
  • Get more ideas for your Spanish vacation in our 14-day itineraries in Spain.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to Spain

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 09.09.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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