By February, Spain is still deep in winter, and the tourist crowds are sparse. Despite the often gloomy weather, there are regions like the Mediterranean coast that get little rain and avoid the chillier temps. Yes, there is sun to be had in Spain, even in February, and the lower ticket prices make it easy to book a quick winter getaway.

Weather

Spain's northern Atlantic coast and regions like Basque Country are typically the first to receive cold-weather fronts and storms. If you visit the north, expect averages to be in the 50s/40s (Fahrenheit) and pack for rain. Those arriving in Madrid and traveling around central Spain can expect slightly higher averages (but still hovering in the 50s) and much less precipitation due to the region's location on the Meseta Central (central Iberian plateau).

If you're going to Spain to beat miserable winter weather back home, then the Mediterranean coast and the southern region of Andalusia is where you want to go. There isn't so much rain in February (averages between one and two inches), and temps often hit the low 60s. No surprise that you'll find the absolute warmest weather throughout the year in the far south of Spain, as the winter is much milder in places like Extremadura and southern Andalusia, where highs are often in the mid-60s (18°C).

Crowds & Costs

Like January, the tourists, holidaymakers, nomadic revelers, and backpackers have mostly left the country due to the often inclement weather. Also disappearing this month are the high prices on hotels and flights that define the summer tourist season. Spain is an economy driven by tourism, with nearly 100 million visitors descending on the country yearly. Many come for sunny weather, and absent that, prices drop as hotels in hotspots like Barcelona, Mallorca, Cordoba, Murcia, Madrid, Seville, San Sebastián, and others compete for the few travelers that are visiting during this time.

Where to Go

If you're interested in finding a locale with the best weather, southern Andalusia is where you want to go. Not only can you enjoy some sun, but you could also make a side trip to Gibraltar and lay eyes on the famous rock.

The entire Mediterranean coast gets less gloomy weather than the north. You could plan a road trip from Andalusia to Valencia and up to Barcelona and likely would enjoy the sun the majority of the time. Plus, that coastal drive along postcard-perfect beach towns and cities like Cádiz, Marbella, Cartagena, and Alicante is incredible any time of the year. Madrid is also a good option for a winter vacation, especially if you're arriving in that city and flying out of it. While Madrid also sees less rain, the nightly desert winds can offer up quite the chill, so pack accordingly.

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What to Do

If you do visit Andalusia, you'll most certainly want to partake of the tapas culture; pull up a seat at a bar, café, or bodega, and the proprietor will serve you up some complimentary "small plates" so long as you're washing the food down with a beer, wine, or a spirit.

Conversely, you could head to Basque Country and San Sebastián for pintxos (pronounced peenchos) culture. There's an abundance of restaurants in San Sebastián's historic center and elsewhere that display seemingly endless trays of gourmet pintxos along the bar, just waiting for hungry locals and tourists alike to come and sample the delicacies.

If you have the time to travel throughout Spain, you should use this less-crowded month to visit the most famous museums in the country. These include the Prado in Madrid, the Picasso Museum in Málaga, MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona), and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, located in a stunning 20th-century modern masterwork building by Frank Gehry.

Events in February

Day of Andalusia. This public holiday falls every year on the last day of February as Andalusians celebrate the 1980 referendum that granted this region autonomy. Schools and businesses are closed, and there are festivities, live music, and the singing of the region's anthem, Himno de Andalucía (Hymn of Andalusia). The biggest celebrations are in places like Málaga, Granada, and Seville. 

Traveling to Spain in February? Check out these great itineraries

Andalusia Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days. Discover the highlights of Andalucía, from the Mediterranean coast in Málaga to the Atlantic coast in Cádiz. This region gets some of the best weather in February, and there's a great tapas culture, too. 

Culinary Journey Through Spain - 12 Days. This gastronomic tour celebrates the food and wine of Spain's famous Basque Country. Indulging in Spain's cuisine is the best activity you can enjoy in the low-season month of February.

More Helpful Information

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How Many Days to Spend in Spain