The hustle and bustle of the New Year holidays are left far behind, and the streets recently decorated with bright lights and colourful Christmas paraphernalia have again become grey and dull. But not in Spain — the country of eternal fun, where an atmosphere of joy reigns all the time, regardless of the season. If you want to escape the February cold and dullness even for a few days, then Kidpassage assures you that you will not find a better place than Madrid.
Photo: pixabay.com
Holidays in Madrid in February: pros and cons
Winter in Spain is not the same as in the home countries of our tourists: in this city you will not see huge snowdrifts, ice or slush on the pavements, and you will not freeze your ears if you suddenly dare to go out without a hat. Reviews of holidays in Madrid in February once again confirm that it is here that it is best to say goodbye to the pretty annoying cold weather.
Madrid in February has several advantages for our tourists:
- Weather. Most tourists who choose a country for a winter holiday want to escape the cold. In Spain, they can do it. In addition, Madrid is called the sunniest city in the country.
- Madrid Carnival. The New Year holidays are over, but the restless city is preparing for a new large-scale event — Carnival of Masks — slightly inferior to the legendary Brazilian Carnival.
- Rich sightseeing programme. Madrid has no beach, so people come here only for sightseeing. However, many must-see sights would not leave time for a beach holiday even if the city stood by the sea.
- Contemporary art exhibitions and art festivals. In February, all the city's galleries burst with paintings and unique installations, but we'll talk more about that later.
As for the disadvantages of visiting Madrid at the end of winter, there are only a few. Those tourists who expected to walk around the city in shorts and T-shirts may be disappointed. Although Spain is much warmer than many other European countries, the winter temperature is not up to the sweltering heat. February Madrid is also almost all the time accompanied by cloudy and overcast weather, so the photos may not be as bright and colourful as in spring, summer or autumn.
Weather in Madrid in February
Judging solely by weather conditions, it may seem like you have travelled back in time, jumping several months at once. The weather in Madrid in February-March is already very reminiscent of a typical spring with its bright sun in a cloudless blue sky.
The weather in early February is usually cloudy. You can only do it with a windbreaker and a light hat in the evenings.
The temperature in Madrid rises steadily in mid-February, and the city begins to flood with bright sunshine, making long walks more enjoyable. And finally, the calendar and the natural spring comes almost totally! The weather in Madrid at the end of February feels like a mild off-season.
Air temperature
The continental climate of Madrid is characterized by colder winters than on the Mediterranean coast. Snow rarely falls here; rainy weather is much more common.
Climate in Madrid in February
The average daily temperature in Madrid in February is +11.4°C. Be sure to take warm clothes because the thermometer will drop to +3.9 ° C at night.
Precipitation
Meteorologists usually predict about three rainy days for the entire month. The average precipitation falling in the resort at the end of winter is 27.8 mm.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
In the sunniest city in Spain, even in winter, there will be a few cloudy days (only 17%). The number of cloudy days is 28%.
Tour holidays in Madrid
Before you arrive in the Spanish capital, we advise you to list attractions you would like to visit in advance. Otherwise, your eyes will run wide from the abundance of sightseeing routes.
Las Ventas Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas)
Photo: pixabay.com
It would be an unforgivable omission not to visit the famous Las Ventas, the place of bullfighting. This monumental building is even dedicated to the paso doble of composer Manuel Lillo — this attraction plays a significant role in the country's cultural life.
The bullfighting museum is also located in the arena building, which in early February when it can be cool outside will warm you with its walls and impressive exhibits (for example, a matador costume is kept here).
Reina Sofia Art Center
Photo: museoreinasofia.es
The museum is recommended for visiting all connoisseurs of modern art. After you get aesthetic pleasure from the creations of Kandinsky, Picasso and Dali, you can enhance the impression with a delightful panorama of the city, which opens from the terrace.
Buen Retiro Park
If the weather is clear at the end of February, you want to spend more time outdoors. That's why we recommend a visit to the Buen Retiro City Park. It's a pleasant place to stroll along the winding paths and admire the lakeside. In addition, there are several palaces in the park, as well as a huge number of sculptures and monuments.
The Forest of Memory, located on Buen Retiro's outskirts, deserves special attention. It is a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the terrorist attacks of 11 March 2004. The memorial was inaugurated one year after the tragedy. The area planted with cypress trees (a Spanish symbol of remembrance of the dead) and olive trees (a triumph of life over death) is surrounded by a ditch with water.
For the youngest tourists, Madrid has also prepared many surprises and entertainment. In the capital of Spain with children, it is worth visiting:
- Planetarium
- Zoo and aquarium
- Botanical Garden
- The Wax Museum
- Amusement park Casa De Campo (only open on weekends during the winter months)
Children will especially like the city of professions, Micropolix, where kids can try themselves as workers in entirely different fields: from medicine to art and the Wax Museum.
Holidays, events, festivals
The Spaniards cannot imagine their life without entertainment, so the holidays in Madrid in February are held. In this city, an atmosphere of contagious fun constantly reigns, capable of stirring up even the most ossified melancholic.
First, the significant number of art exhibitions in city galleries is worth noting. Usually, they fall on the last weekend of February, but before visiting, you should familiarize yourself with the dates in advance — several times, the organizers postponed events to another season.
ARCO Madrid
This international exhibition recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. Here are various art exhibits from many countries of the world. In addition, collectors can purchase or exchange art objects at the exhibition.
ART Madrid
Visitors to this exhibition can see artistic works of art, photographs, pop art, sculptures and many other unique exhibits. Masterpieces belong to young creators from around the world. The event has been held for over 10 years, and each year, the exhibition is held on a specific topic.
Carnival of masks
Of course, it is impossible not to talk about the most enchanting event of the month — the Madrid Carnival. Every year at the end of winter, the capital of Spain amazes with loud sounds, bright colours and bizarre shapes. The carnival lasts up to one week, from early morning until late evening; processions of the dressed-up participants take place on the streets (what kind of masks do the participants create for themselves!), master classes in making masks, contests, concerts and theatrical performances. At the end of the festival, visitors can see the unusual grotesque rite of "sardine burial".
Cost of vacation in February
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Winter is a low tourist season in Spain. Therefore, prices in Madrid in February for tours and independent holidays will be favourable. Especially when compared with the cost of a trip in the summer months.
Package Tours
In February, the cost of a trip organised by a tour operator will be 8% higher than a month earlier. In March, buying a tour to Madrid is 3% more expensive.
Airfares
The January flight will cost tourists 14% more than the February one. In March, the cost of the flight usually increases by 6%.
Accommodation
At the end of winter, the cost of staying at the hotel will be higher than in the previous month. Prices rise by 2%. In the first month of spring, you can pay 7% less for a hotel room than in February.
Food and Transport
Breakfast in an inexpensive Spanish restaurant costs about 12-15 euros. A snack of street food costs around 5-7 euros. A cup of espresso is €2. In a more expensive restaurant, lunch for one person costs 30 euros on average.
The Spanish capital has such a well-developed transport system that it can be considered a real pride of Madrid. Buses run here; a metro (1.5-2 euros for one trip, a season ticket for 10 trips costs 10-12 euros). A trip in a taxi is paid by the meter; the boarding fee is 2-3 euros.
In addition, there is an official bicycle hire service in the city (2 euros per hour, 4 euros for each subsequent hour). You can also rent a car (budget transport costs from 50 euros per day).
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What clothes to pack for Madrid in February?
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The winter period in the Spanish capital is comparatively warm; the city has no severe frosts. However, you can only do with jackets, scarves and hats in Madrid in February. You can leave fur coats and down jackets at home but put an insulated jacket in your suitcase.
Remember also jumpers and jeans. And take warm clothes (they will be helpful for evening walks around the city) and lighter pullovers, which will be comfortable under the Spanish sun during the day.
As for footwear, the main criterion in its choice should be durability, as you will be walking around the city a lot and for a long time. Pay attention to keeping your feet as comfortable as possible.
Tips for travelling with children
Many people recommend visiting Madrid with children in spring or autumn, as the off-season is the most optimal temperature for kids. However, the end of winter in Spain is also perfect for family holidays. There will be plenty of sunshine at this time of year, but intense colds — on the contrary. In February in Madrid, tourists are not threatened by severe frosts.
Friendly Spaniards, well-developed infrastructure for mothers with children, children's menu in numerous city cafes and many new impressions that your kids will get from the trip are some more benefits in favour of a trip to Madrid with the whole family.
The city of bullfighting and flamenco is like a passionate girl in a bright red satin skirt. This vivacious dancer beckons with the clatter of castanets, casting intriguing glances over your shoulder. Kidpassage advises you to take up the challenge and dive headfirst into sunny Madrid's world of entertainment.
