Spain in February

Looking to visit Spain on a shoestring and avoid the hectic crowds? February in Spain is the lowest season for travel in Spain and prices are at their lowest then. The festivals are over and winter in Spain is at its peak. Airfare and hotels in Spain will cost less in February than in the high season (mainly in summer), and it’s likely that some tourist sights will also have reduced rates – furthermore, you won’t be faced with long lines and annoying crowds.
February in Spain can also be a rather refreshing experience to see a different side to sun-kissed cities like Barcelona. It’s also one of the best times to go skiing in Spain, with many skiing bargains and winter holiday deals available. Some of the best ski resorts in Spain are in the Sierra Nevada (in Granada) and the Pyrenees (bordering France). December and January tend to be the busiest months while February and even March are the least crowded months to ski.
Spain weather in February varies depending on where you are in the country, but on the whole, the southern parts of Spain (such as Malaga and the Canary Islands) are definitely warmer than the northern cities like Santiago de Compostela. Thanks to Spain’s location in the southernmost tip of Europe, you would experience generally milder and warmer climate here than other parts of the continent. The average temperature for most of Spain in February is just over 5degC. Remember that those numbers are averaged out over a huge land area, however, so you’ll want to find out more about the specific cities you’re going to be visiting and what their climate is like in February.
Although Christmas and New Years’ are officially over by February, there are still plenty of traditional festivals taking place all over Spain in February. So if you’re hoping to take a peek into Spain’s traditions and savor the winter festive spirit, then join in these February festival celebrations in Spain.

• The Seville Tapas Fair is held throughout the month of February. The city of Seville devotes itself completely to catering for lovers of this way of eating by hosting the annual Tapas Fair. Although as many as 50 restaurants and bars officially participate in the Festival, all over the city other ‘unofficial’ establishments will be offering their own individual specialties for people’s delight.

• La Candeleria, a celebration of when Mary and Joseph took Baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, forty days after his birth. Nationwide but especially popular in Madrid, La Candaleria is celebrated on 2 and 3 February.

• The biggest Spain festival in February is the Sitges carnival. The big gay community in Sitges has made it one of the most anticipated events in Spain with the flamboyant displays and crazy partying popular with people of all sexualities. Jueves Lardero (“Fatty Thursday”) begins the festivities, with a humungous feast of local dishes. On Sunday and Tuesday the parade comes through town, while on Tuesday there is also a big drag queen show.

• February is also the month for love. Valentine’s Day in Spain is celebrated in pretty similar ways to the rest of the world. You’ll see street venders selling roses, florists stocked full of flowers and shopping malls bursting with gift ideas. One thing that differs however, is that Valentine’s Day in Spain is largely celebrated by the younger generation. It is after all an imported festival.