Barcelona in February: What's the weather like?

Though sitting in winter, Barcelona's weather in February is pretty mild, with moderate rainfall. At the same time, February sees the capital of Catalunya host some fabulous festivals during a low-season month that has much appeal for culture-minded vacationers. Like the sound of that? Read on for detail on the weather in Barcelona in February, along with tips on how to plan your ideal winter vacation.

Is February a good time to visit Barcelona?

Though February is still winter, the weather in Barcelona in February remains relatively mild compared to much of Europe. 

Indeed, temperatures are beginning to rise, and rainfall is moderate, which means you can look forward to enjoying outdoor spaces like Park Güell and Montjuïc.

February is also a low season month for tourism in Barcelona, which can make for a more authentic vacation, not least if you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine, and into Catalan culture and history.

On that subject, February also sees Barcelona host spectacular events, including Carnival — more on that below.

Still making up your mind? While there are plenty of tempting reasons to visit Barcelona, you might want to weigh up whether to visit Madrid or Barcelona first. 

Alternatively, if you fancy experiencing five of Spain’s most remarkable cities — Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia — without the hassle of planning, take a look at our customisable Iconic Cities of Spain trip before talking to our local experts to kickstart curating your dream trip.

Sunshine, average temperatures and rainfall in February

Sitting in winter, the weather in Barcelona in February sees an average low temperature range of 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C), rising to average highs of 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C).

Barcelona’s days begin to lengthen in February, resulting in around 5-6 hours of sunshine a day

For context, January and December see around 4-5 hours a day, with July stacking up 9-10 hours.

When it comes to rain, the good news is February sees moderate levels amounting to an average of 1.4 to 1.8 inches (35 to 45 mm) across the month.

For comparison, November typically experiences around 2.3 to 3.0 inches (60 to 75 mm), while July — the driest month — sees around 0.6 inches (15 mm).

So, while rain is possible in February, it usually comes in short bursts, and you’ll get to enjoy plenty of clear, sunny days.

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the weather in Spain in February, and the best time to go to Spain.

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting in a low season for tourism, visiting Barcelona in February means you can expect small crowds and shorter lines at popular attractions like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. 

At the same time, travel costs will almost certainly be lower in February in comparison with the upcoming spring shoulder season, and a whole lot cheaper than they are in the peak summer period.

As a result, offering opportunities to bag lower prices on flights and accommodation, February is a good time for budget-conscious travelers to visit Barcelona.

An exception to this is the period around Carnival, when you’ll want to book early, and be prepared for price rises in the most popular hotels.

Traveling on a budget? Read up on Barca’s best things to do for FREE! 

If you’re traveling beyond Barcelona, find out about fab free things to do in Madrid, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Barcelona in February

Considering the relatively mild weather, low season crowds, and a few fabulous festivals and events, here are some of the best things to do in Barcelona in February.

Embrace Carnival fever

Held in late-February — it begins on Fat Thursday and ends on the following Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) — Barcelona’s Carnaval is packed with costumed parades and lively parties.

It’s also worth knowing that the nearby charming town of Sitges hosts one of Spain’s most celebrated Carnival celebrations in February. 

So, if you’re traveling to the region at this time of year, be sure to include Sitges in your itinerary.

Experience Santa Eulàlia Festival

Mid-February sees one of Barcelona’s patron saints — Santa Eulàlia —  honored with parades and concerts.

It’s one of the city’s biggest winter festivals, with human towers (castellers), giant puppets and fire runs (correfoc) adding up to a spectacular affair.

Be dazzled by the Barcelona Llum Festival 

Held annually in early/mid-February, the Llum Festival sees buildings and public spaces across Barcelona illuminated by arty light displays.

In addition, illuminated installations transform areas of the city into glowing works of art, creating a magical atmosphere that enlivens leisurely evening strolls.

Uncover culture and cuisine in crowd-free conditions

Top attractions like Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and La Rambla will be pretty crowd-free in February, inviting you to linger longer.

The same is also true of notable galleries like the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). 

Not only do these cultural hotspots present incredible art, but they also provide warmth and shelter on cooler, showery days!

Beyond art and architecture, another cultural highlight of Barcelona is its Catalan cuisine, with February’s cooler weather well-suited for hearty dishes like escudella i carn d’olla — a Catalan meat and vegetable stew.

We also recommend checking out the best tapas bars in Barcelona, and spending time in La Boqueria market.

Editors tip: if you’re into Spanish food, our culinary experience in Seville has been curated to keep foodies well and truly sated.

Hit the beach

Hear us out. While it’ll be too cold to swim, Barcelona’s beaches boast a beautifully calm, crowd-free vibe in February.

Such conditions invite leisurely morning strolls that’ll set you up for sightseeing excursions, or else round off your day in scenically serene style.

Plan your trip to Barcelona in February

Fancy visiting Barcelona in February? Read on for a few tips that’ll help you plan your perfect trip.

First up, if you’re not actually keen on the process of planning, why not check out our customisable Spain itineraries?

With a local expert on hand to curate your perfect itinerary, book every last detail, and provide support while you’re away, you’ll get to skip the stress of planning, leaving you with more time to focus on what really matters. Namely, counting down the days to your vacation.

Secondly, dive into our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding where to go and how long you need, to how to get there, and where to stay.

On that subject, a key part of planning any trip is figuring out where to stay according to your tastes and budget. 

So, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly district (hello, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Poble Sec), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Barcelona.

Lastly, for in-depth expert advice on what to see and do in Barcelona — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Rough Guide to Barcelona, with a handy pocket guide available for shorter trips.