Barcelona in February: Weather, Things to Do, Where to Go (2024)
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Wondering what it’s like to visit Barcelona in February? Here’s what you need to know!
Lucky for you, I live in Barcelona and I’ve had many February’s in Barcelona! While it’s not “prime time” in the city, it brings charms and advantages that you won’t get in July and August.
For starters, Barcelona is much less crowded in February compared to the summer months. To go along with fewer crowds, if you don’t like the heat and humidity, Barcelona in February is definitely for you.
The mild weather is perfect for strolling around, enjoying sunsets from rooftop bars, and taking advantage of the gastronomy of a quieter city.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting my city in February, from weather and things to do to festivals and even the downsides of visiting during a colder month.
Planning a trip soon? Here are my favorite Barcelona travel resources
- Book your accommodations at Booking.com
- Find hostels at hostelworld.com
- Book your tours at GetYourGuide
- Book rental cars at discovercars.com
Is February a good time to visit Barcelona?
Yes, February is a fantastic time to visit Barcelona! If you’re someone who wants to avoid huge crowds and hot and humid temperatures, this is the perfect time for you.
Since it’s low season in the city, you’ll find fewer tourists, better deals on hotels, and a nice “spring” breeze throughout the days. Although there might be occasional passing showers, it shouldn’t interfere with your plans.
This time of year is great for sightseeing, absorbing the culture, and exploring museums.
I highly recommend prioritizing Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, and Park Guell in February. Let’s take a deeper look into what to expect during your February visit to Barcelona.
Weather in Barcelona in February
What’s most important to remember about visiting Barcelona during this later winter month is that this is not the time to visit if you’re hoping to spend your days at the beach!
Take a look at the average temperatures and you’ll see that this time is better for foodies and historians than beach bums.
Average Temperatures in February
- Average high in Barcelona in February is 59°F / 15°C
- Average low in Barcelona in February is 47°F / 8°C
- How hot is it in Barcelona in July? Barcelona reaches a high of 89 F (29C) in July
- What month is the warmest in Barcelona? July and August are the warmest months in Barcelona reaching highs of 85 degrees F (29°C).
How warm is Barcelona in February?
Barcelona is not very warm in February! In fact, the average high in February is only 59°F / 15°C.
It’s generally not warm enough to spend time at the beach. However, the temperature doesn’t usually drop below 47°F/8°C, so while you may have some chilly evenings, it’s not nearly as cold as “winter” destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in February, you’ll want some light sweaters and jackets.
Average Rainfall for February in Barcelona
- Average rainfall in February in Barcelona: 1.6 inch/40 mm
- What are the rainy months in Barcelona? March with 3 inches and September-November with 3-4 inches on average are the rainiest months in Barcelona
- What is the rainiest month in Barcelona? October is the rainiest month in Barcelona with an average rainfall of 3.5 inches (90 mm). March has the second-highest rainfall at 3 inches (76 mm)
Barcelona Holidays and Festivals in February
Even though February is a slower month in Barcelona following the Christmas celebrations, you can still catch some exciting events!
1. Santa Eulalia Festival
The Santa Eulàlia Festival, or La Laia, is like a big, fun birthday party for a brave gal named Eulàlia. Imagine your town throwing a huge party with fireworks, music, and parades – not just in one place, but all over the city!
This is exactly what happens every February during the Santa Eulalia Festival. Eulàlia was only 13 when she stood up to a Roman Emperor threatening the Christians. Even though she faced punishments, she never gave up fighting for what was right, and that's why we still celebrate her today.
At the festival, they honor her courage with exciting activities like "human towers" where people actually climb on top of each other, traditional sardanas dances, and a special parade featuring a giant Laia, a huge figure that represents Eulàlia. It's a bit like having a superhero party, where the superhero is a heroic young girl from history!
2. Sitges Carnival
Sitges, a beachside town located approximately 40 minutes from the Catalan capital of Barcelona, is renowned for its vibrant and tolerant community, with a significant gay population.
Despite the chilly February weather, this city transforms into a spectacle of colors and sounds as it hosts the Sitges Carnival, one of the largest and most celebrated in all of Europe.
The Carnival, or 'Carnaval' in Spanish, is a week-long extravaganza of indulgence before the disciplined period of Lent begins.
It is characterized by dazzling parades along the beachfront, elaborate costumes, and free concerts featuring live music.
As many as 300,000 merrymakers, adorned in glitter, feathers, and creative outfits, gather to participate in this spirited celebration.
3. Calçotada Festival
This is an odd one, as a Calcot is a leek or spring onion, and this festival is all about the calcots! It’s essentially a goodbye to winter and a welcoming festival to Spring by eating the young onions.
I’m not much of an onion girl, but I do love bidding farewell to winter! You’ll find char-grilled onions all around including competitions for best grown, best cooked, and best grilled.
If you visit tapas bars in Barcelona during this time, they’ll likely have a calçot special, so be sure to try it out!
Surprisingly, this festival of the calçot has been happening for hundreds of years and won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona in February
Contrary to popular belief, Barcelona gets a little chilly in February! Not “heavy jackets and snow” chilly, but a light jacket or sweater in the evenings will keep you comfy.
That being said, here are a few of the indoor and less beachy activities that are perfect for February’s mild weather.
4. Visit Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Família, an iconic landmark in Barcelona, is an architectural masterpiece that art and history enthusiasts must visit. In fact, it’s the most visited attraction in Spain!
Designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, this unfinished basilica showcases a unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Adorned with intricate details and symbolic elements, the structure tells intriguing stories of faith and human creativity.
Its towering spires, captivating façades, and colorful stained-glass windows offer a visual feast, making the Sagrada Família a testament to Gaudí's genius and a must-visit destination in Spain.
I made the mistake of not going inside Sagrada Familia for the first few months I lived here. After seeing the monolith from inside, it’s the first thing I tell visitors to do when they get here. It’s truly a sight to see.
🌎 View the best of Gaudi with a guided tour of Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo ↗
5. Learn About the History of Gothic Quarter
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, or "Barri Gòtic" in Catalan, is a sightseer's paradise. This historical district is nestled in the heart of the city and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area. Its narrow, medieval alleyways are filled with an eclectic mix of trendy tapas bars, clubs, and Catalan eateries.
Without a doubt, the Barcelona Cathedral is the most popular attraction in the area, with its grand Gothic architecture that dates back to the 13th century. But there is so much more to discover here.
You can explore the remnants of the Roman wall and other parts of the Quartieri that date back to the Roman settlement of Barcelona. If you're an art lover, then the Picasso Museum, with an extensive collection of his works, is a must-visit for you.
The Gothic Quarter's winding streets and hidden squares are best explored on foot, and despite the area's ancient origins, it is bustling with life and is visited by locals and tourists alike.
Check out an awesome walking tour of Gothic Quarter with a local ►
6. Explore Barcelona’s Gastronomy
Whenever someone asks me what my favorite part of Barcelona is, I always respond with the same answer - the food. With endless tapas options, traditional Catalan cuisine, and fun tapas bars scattered throughout the city, Barcelona is a foodie paradise.
In Barcelona, food is not just a necessity but a cultural experience. Friends gather each night to enjoy time and food together, and there's nothing quite like getting lost in conversation over a plate of incredible food.
If you're not sure where to start, food and wine tours are a great way to learn about the best spots in the city. There's no shortage of options in Barcelona, and each meal is a new adventure.
7. Take a Cooking Class!
If you find yourself in Barcelona on a chilly February day, taking a cooking class can be the perfect activity to warm you up and learn about traditional Spanish cuisine. Not only is it a fun way to try new tapas, but it's also great to learn the proper cooking techniques from locals.
While there are plenty of paella classes to choose from, I highly recommend trying a tapas cooking class instead. Paella is more of a Valencia thing than a Barcelona thing, which you can easily take a day trip or weekend trip to get to.
Cooking classes can also be a great way to meet other travelers if you’re traveling solo and share the experience together.
Book Barcelona's best tapas cooking class ►
8. Sip Wine in the Penedes Wine Region
If you're a wine lover heading to Barcelona, make sure you don't miss the Penedés wine region, situated just south of the city near Sitges. The area is most famous for producing cava, a delicious and refreshing white sparkling wine that has become a staple in Spain.
You can easily spend an entire day exploring the vineyards, trying different varieties of wine, and learning about the winemaking process.
If you're lucky, you might even get the chance to visit one of the underground cellars that house some of the region's finest wines.
Plan a day of sips to the Penedes Region ►
9. Grab the Barcelona Museum Pass
Grab the Barcelona Museum Pass to the most out of your cultural trip.
This pass gives you access to six famous museums in the area, including the Fundació Joan Miró, Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, and Picasso Museum.
Not only do you save some money with the pass, but you also get to explore as much history as possible.
One of the best perks of the Barcelona Museum Pass is the skip-the-line entry to some of the most popular museums in the city. Plus, the pass is good for one year, so there's no need to rush and try to see everything in one day.
Learn more about the Barcelona Museum Pass ►
Is Barcelona safe?
Yes – Barcelona is safe as Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe. Locals are friendly and welcoming towards visitors. Many locals speak English making it easy to get around as an American.
The US State Department has labeled Spain Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution for citizens traveling to Spain, considering it safe but visitors should still be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Whether you’re a solo female traveler visiting or summer visitor from the UK, Barcelona is absolutely a safe destination!
Getting Around Barcelona
Getting around Barcelona is super easy. The city is incredibly walkable and well-connected with metros, busses, and taxi options throughout.
Grab a T-casual card if you plan to take the metro system throughout the course of your trip. It’s good for 10 trips and will safe you little bit of money.
Taxis are safe and easy to hail as well.
You can learn everything you need to know in my complete guide: How to Get Around Barcelona.
FAQs: Visiting Barcelona in Winter Months
How should I dress in Barcelona in February?
You'll want to pack "spring clothes" for Barcelona in February. Outfits with jeans, light sweaters, and layers will work best during this time of year.
The weather may be warmer during the day but you'll want a light jacket in the evenings. There may also be spring showers, so I'd recommend a rain coat as well!
Is Barcelona worth it in winter?
Barcelona is absolutely worth visiting in the winter! It comes with an array of activities such as museum trips, Christmas festivities, and foodie options. Winter is perfect for sightseeing without the hot and humid weather.
However, if you're just looking for hot days and beach weather, you'll want to steer clear of Barcelona in the winter.
Is Madrid or Barcelona better in winter?
If you want warmer weather, Barcelona is better than Madrid in the winter. But, if you want more seasonal weather with the potential for snow, then you'll want to head to Madrid!
Barcelona and Madrid are both great options in the winter, it just depends what weather you'd prefer.
Barcelona in February Isn’t for You If…
…you want to go to the beach! Most importantly, many people visiting Barcelona expect a tropical paradise with year-round warm weather. This simply isn’t the case.
Barcelona does get cold in the winter, February included. If you’re worried about getting that “summer, wild clubbing, days at the beach” Barcelona experience, February is not the time to go.
Lastly, if you prefer hot weather to cold weather, try out Barcelona from June-August instead.
What to Pack for Barcelona in February
February is colder than most visitors prepare for. Here are things to pack when it comes to traveling around Barcelona, particularly in February. I travel a ton, so I've got this down to a science now!
If you’re not already accustomed, layers will become your best friend.
- light sweaters
- long sleeves
- tank tops
- jackets for evenings
- comfortable shoes
- sunglasses
- hats for sun protection
- sunscreen.
And here are a few extra travel packing tips that I don't go anywhere without.
BEST BELT BAG FOR BARCELONA
I'm all about style, practicality, and affordability. Pickpockets can be a real problem in Barcelona, so keeping your belongings secured in front of you is super important.
Don't just take it from me - this belt back has high ratings and comes in EVERY color. Grab a few to match every outfit, if you want!
BEST LUGGAGE SET FOR BARCELONA
Coolife not only has some of the best-rated luggage on Amazon, but also the most variety in colors, pieces, and sets.
You'll likely want to check a bag going to Barcelona, but if you're traveling around Europe, you'll need small carry ons. Budget airlines like Ryan Air and Vuelling have smaller overhead space than you might be used to on airlines in America.
BACKPACKING IN BARCELONA
There's no question that Osprey has made a name for itself when it comes to backpacking - I recently got one myself! I had a hard time finding which one was right for me.
Lucky for you, they have a nifty "Who is This Pack For" quiz on there Amazon Storefront to help you find the perfect pack. Osprey's are expensive, but they'll last you a lifetime!
LIGHTWEIGHT SUNSCREEN
Because just like the Caribbean, the sun hits different in Barcelona! Protect your skin. And if you're traveling carry-on only, remember that Europe (specifically London) has pesky liquid requirements to keep in mind.
PACKING CUBES
As an avid traveler, I need to squeeze A LOT into a little. Packing cubes are surprisingly space saving - and a great way to organize. I have these packing cubes - they've lasted a long time and are versatile enough to get me through every trip.
SAND PROOF/QUICK DRY TOWEL
Going to the beach? Don't forget your towel! And definitely don't get stuck waiting for it to dry. These quick dry towels keep away the worst part of the beach (sand) and make it easy to store them when you're back in your hotel. Plus, they're super compact and light weight.
WHITE SNEAKERS
Do yourself a favor - don't show up to Barcelona without some cute white sneakers. Leave the heels at home. Walking around Barcelona isn't for the faint of heart. Keep your feet happy and go for stylish comfort.
EUROPEAN PLUG ADAPTER
These are lifesavers when traveling in Europe - 2 ports on each + 2 USB ports. They're hefty and they've lasted me a few years already, so I know they're good quality. Plus, they've got almost 10,000 great ratings on Amazon, so I'm not alone.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY WITH THE BEST VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your internet connection and privacy while hiding your online identity...and gives you access to your favorite streaming services on the road...
Unsecured connections to public WiFi can result in loss of personal data and even credit card information.
NordVPN is fast, secure, and affordable. Really, you should use it everywhere, not just when you're traveling!
E-SIM CARD
SIM cards can be a nightmare, I get it. Airalo makes it easy to add a SIM card right to your phone - one less thing you have to worry about when you get to Europe. You can purchase a card for Spain, Europe, or Global.
Just make sure your phone is compatible before you buy! You can check in the settings of your phone.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Barcelona in February
In conclusion, Barcelona in February offers a unique, less-touristy experience that allows travelers to immerse themselves fully in the culture and beauty of the city. With a plethora of activities from food and wine tours to museum visits, it ensures an enriching travel experience despite the evening chill in the air!
Remember, however, that the weather is not conducive to beach activities, so if that's a key part of your travel plans, consider visiting in the summer months. Regardless, Barcelona's charm is not weather-dependent, and it remains an awesome destination all year round.
