Sunny and smiling Barcelona is still in the grip of winter, periodically reminded by a chilly wind or cold drizzle. The streets are a little deserted as the winter holidays are behind us. However, if you come here in February, you can still enjoy the city's stunning atmosphere with its magical architecture and centuries-old history and breathe in the salty smell of the Mediterranean Sea.
Holidays in Barcelona in February: pros and cons
The capital of Catalonia in February is somewhat capricious in terms of weather: sometimes it looks like a warm spring, and sometimes it seems like a cool autumn. But most reviews about holidays in Barcelona in February are fantastic: this city is always beautiful. Even a trip not in the warmest time of the year has advantages. What are they?
- A large number of sunny days. Any walk is more pleasant and the world around you is more beautiful when the sun shines. However, Barcelona cannot be spoilt even on a cloudy and rainy day.
- Absence of frost and snow. Few people remember that in winter, the temperature here was below zero. And if snow usually falls, it doesn't reach the ground — it melts in the air.
- There is no influx of tourists. The active winter holidays are over, and the queues to the sights are gradually decreasing, so a quiet holiday is practically guaranteed.
- Winter sales. But sales here are usually delayed until the spring, and the percentage of discounts by this time is growing. Therefore, a helpful holiday is added and profitable shopping.
- Carnival. If you want to see this colourful, cheerful extravaganza, plan your trip in the second half of the month.
Barcelona in February has several peculiarities worth knowing about to adjust your plans. So what are the disadvantages of travelling in February?
- The weather at this time is changeable. Over two or three days, daytime temperatures can vary from +19°C to +5°C. If you're not a big fan of such drastic changes or are planning a trip with a baby, take advantage of the short-term forecast, stock up on warm clothes or postpone your trip for a month or two when the warmth will be more constant.
- The city experiences an occasional influx of tourists. Given the festivities and cultural events of the city, for a while, its population increased by several thousand. If you plan a relaxing holiday, check the calendar to adjust your travel time.
- Family-friendly activities in Barcelona
- Barcelona: Travel Family Guide
The weather in Barcelona in February
The weather in February and March is inconsistent, and February is the leader regarding surprises. The air temperature can change within a week, but also by 3 - 5 degrees during one day: in the morning, the sun, in the afternoon, the clouds gather, and it gets colder. Therefore, you will hardly need a down jacket, but a warm autumn jacket and a scarf will be handy. Although it can be +20°C in February, you may have to take off your coat.
Thus, the weather at the beginning of February is primarily sunny; after sunset, the humidity increases and gets colder. Night temperatures are relatively low, averaging +3°C to +8°C.
Temperatures in Barcelona in mid-February are between +10°C and +18°C, with night-time temperatures remaining almost unchanged. However, daytime temperatures can drop to +6°C for a few days. The weather in Barcelona at the end of February is more stable, but there have been occasions when it has snowed on these days. However, this is rather an exception than a rule.
Air and water temperature
The Mediterranean climate ensures mild, warm winters in Barcelona. There are winds and light rains, but the inclement weather does not last long and gives way to sunny and dry days. The average temperature in Barcelona in February is around 10°C above freezing.
Air temperature in Barcelona in February
The average daytime temperature is +13,1°C; sometimes, it can feel colder due to cool winds. The average night temperature stays around +7,8°C. The subzero and zero temperatures are are very rare here in winter.
Sea temperature in Barcelona in February
The sea in Barcelona is not warm at this time, with water temperatures of +13°C. So you must wait for the beach season, leaving your swimming costume home and enjoying leisurely walks along the shore or a picnic on the sand on a sunny, warm day.
Precipitation
February is a relatively dry month with a precipitation of about 36 mm. Accordingly, there are a few rainy days from 3 to 5. There is high humidity in the mornings and after sunset, and most of the rains are drizzly and light.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The number of sunny days in February is from 15 to 19, cloudy days are 2-4 days, and the rest of the time, overcast days can be replaced by sunshine or light rain. Considering these facts, you can easily choose the time for a walk along the seashore or sightseeing in the city.
Tour Holidays
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The sights of Barcelona are beautiful in any season and any weather, but if you choose a warm sunny day to explore them, you will get a lot of pleasant, unforgettable impressions. Everything in this city is created to delight, surprise and admire.
Barcelona's centuries-old history is preserved in the streets and walls of its buildings. To get in touch with it, take a trip to the Gothic Quarter, especially as even in early February, you can choose a day for a walk.
Many buildings here date back to the 14th or 15th century, but plenty of cosy restaurants, expensive shops and even nightclubs nearby exist. The quarter is made up of many intertwined narrow streets.
The central structure of the Gothic Quarter is the majestic Cathedral of the Holy Cross also known as Barcelona Cathedral — its tallest spire is 93 metres high, and its façade is about 40 metres long.
Walk through St James's Square and see the Bridge of Sighs, or "lace bridge", the calling card of the Gothic Quarter.
For many tourists, the main attraction in Catalonia is not even the Sagrada Familia, but Camp Nou, the home stadium of the Spanish football club Barcelona. Around the middle of February, you can get to a game of the club and see this celebration with your own eyes. And you should also definitely visit the museum of the legendary team. It occupies 3.5 thousand square metres.
You will see an interactive screen displaying information about the history of Barça, and you can choose the section you are interested in. You will also get acquainted with the team's trophy collection and admire Maradona's uniform, Koeman's boots and Messi's Golden Boot. And if you have a young football fan travelling with you, this tour will be an unforgettable gift for them.
Purchase one of the many Barcelona Tourist Cards, which can help you save significantly on your budget for transport and sightseeing costs.
Holidays, events and festivals
February holidays in Barcelona bring bright colours, fun and... human towers! The capital of Catalonia never tires of surprising and amusing its visitors. Plan your trip during the holidays if you want to join the fun and noisy carnival crowd.
- In the first half of February (dates vary slightly) is the Festival of St Eulalia, organised in honour of the city's patroness. For five whole days, there are concerts and festive processions, fireworks and stunning towers of people — Castellers — all accompanied by the songs and dances of the participants.
During this holiday, many museums and architectural structures can be visited free of charge.
- Another significant event is the Barcelona City Carnival. Its dates vary from year to year and depend on the date of Easter: it can take place either at the beginning of the month or at the end and lasts for a whole week. It takes place before Lent and is accompanied by fun folk dances, costume parades, and competitions. For example, seven "kings" come to town on Fat Thursday, each representing a different "village". On this day, there is a competition to cook and eat traditional Catalan dishes. On Sunday, locals and visitors to the capital will be treated to an "orange battle" and, on the last day, the "Funeral of the Sardine". At the end of the festivities, the Carnival King is burnt on a bonfire to represent all the bad things that have happened during the year.
Shopping
The main feature of winter sales in Barcelona is that they last almost until April. So, if you come here in February, you will find yourself in a very active period of winter discounts, significantly as compared to December, they have already increased and made from 50 to 70%. Shopping centres are waiting for visitors every day, except Sundays, and offer clothing and accessories shops and a lot of entertainment and delicious food. In addition to shopping centres, Barcelona has several shopping streets with shops for all tastes: budget popular and expensive brands.
Don't forget about local outlets: they are located half an hour's drive from the city, are small shopping villages and offer visitors year-round discounts of up to 70% on clothing from famous brands.
Cost of vacation
Tourist activity decreases in February — the off-season is not a particularly popular time to travel. That's why prices in Barcelona in February become a bit lower. So you have every chance to have a budget holiday in the fantastic capital of Catalonia.
Airfares
In February, airlines reduced prices compared to January. Tickets can be purchased 15 to 20% lower than the previous month. And if you book them several months in advance, you can save a lot of money.
Package Tours
Tour operators and hotels also allow you to buy tours in February cheaper by 20%. At this time, there is always an opportunity to book your favourite hotel without fear that it is already full or to choose a room with your favourite view. Booking a tour in advance will help you save a good amount of money.
Food
Food prices depend little on the season and only rise in line with national price increases. If you want to taste Catalonia, have an original breakfast. Get up early and head to the local market. A package of jamon costs 13 euros, and a kilo is around 50 euros. Catalan sausages cost you around 10 to 30 euros per kilo. Fruit slices are not cheap — around 3 euros per cup. You can have breakfast here, in a small café, where a meal costs 5-8 euros.
- Prices in Barcelona for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
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Tips for travellers with children
Barcelona is very hospitable and always waiting for you. Even considering the vagaries of the weather, you can take your baby on a trip; the main thing is to bring warm clothes. There are plenty of sunny days in February, so you can easily choose a time to stroll along the alleys and boulevards of the city.
But for walks on the beach with a baby, it is better to choose a warmer time of the year; after all, the sea wind in February is not the best companion for a child in a pram.
For older children, February is an excellent time to visit. You can choose a carnival week and introduce your child to local traditions, or you can organise a trip with no noisy celebrations and devote it to excursions and walks around the city. After all, excellent museums, interactive expositions, football stadium and aquarium can not fail to fascinate even an adult; what to say about children? We hope our recommendations will help to make your holiday interesting and informative.
When going on a trip, put a warm jumper and a light jacket in your suitcase in case of weather changes Don't forget about a good mood, and be ready to be surprised, admired and take away with you a lot of unforgettable impressions of the unique capital of Catalonia. Kidpassage wishes you the happy memories of your trip in February.
