Madrid in February: What's the weather like?

Though February is still winter in Madrid, the cold temperatures begin to rise as the city slowly shifts to early spring. In addition, low-season February is one of the quieter months to visit Spain’s culture-rich capital, except when the city’s spectacular carnival falls in February, in which case, you’re in for a treat! Tempted to visit? Read on for detail on the weather in Madrid in February, along with tips on how to plan your perfect trip.

Is February a good time to visit Madrid?

If you’re looking for a culture-packed vacation in Europe and prefer cooler weather, smaller crowds — and smaller travel costs — low-season February is good time to visit Madrid.

Though it’s still winter, the weather in Madrid in February is less cold and wet than many other parts of Europe.

In addition, the city has plenty of indoor attractions, cozy cafes and cultural events to warm you up, not least when carnival falls in February. Just be sure to check dates before visiting — this extravaganza sometimes takes place in March.

In general, visiting Madrid in February means you’ll experience shorter lines at top attractions, and will have your pick of places to stay — with the exception of carnival time.

All of which adds up to a vacation that invites more authentic, immersive exploration, with art and design events showcasing cultural innovation — more on those below.

Still making up your mind about where to go? 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 Madrid in February sees an average low temperature range of 34°F to 39°F (1°C to 4°C), rising to average highs of 52°F to 58°F (11°C to 14°C).

As such, it’s still one of the coldest months of the year, but less chilly than January.

February also sees more daylight than January, with 5-6 hours of sunlight a day compared with 4-5 hours.

For wider context, April sees around 7-8 hours a day, while the sizzling, sun-drenched summer months enjoy up to 11 hours

Also similar to January, February sees low-to-moderate rainfall, amounting to around 1.0 to 1.4 inches (25 to 35 mm) across the month.

For comparison, November — the wettest month of the year — sees 2.0-2.4 inches (50-60 mm), while July, the driest month, sees a mere 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5 to 15 mm).

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

And, if you’re not set on Spain, discover some of the best places to travel in February, and read up on the best winter destinations in eastern Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

February sits in Madrid’s low season for tourism, so crowds are minimal, even at major attractions like the Prado Museum and Royal Palace. The same is true if you travel a little further afield to enjoy day trips to UNESCO-designated Toledo, and Segovia.

This makes it an ideal time to explore the city — and beyond— without the long lines and packed streets you’ll encounter during the peak season summer months.

Travel costs in February are generally lower, too, so you can expect to pay less for flights and accommodation.

Many hotels and restaurants also offer winter discounts, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers. 

Talking of which, if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want to find out about fab free things to do in Madrid.

Traveling beyond Madrid? Read up on Barcelona's best things to do for free, and discover the best places to visit in Europe on a budget.

What to do in Madrid in February

Considering the winter weather, small low season crowds, and some notable festivals and events, here are a few of the best things to do in Madrid in February.

Discover Madrid’s top attractions in less-crowded conditions

Kicking off with the obvious, given that February is a quiet month for tourism, it’s the ideal month to enjoy deeper dives of the city’s celebrated museums, galleries and historic attractions.

For example, with fewer tourists getting in the way, you can take your time admiring masterpieces by the likes of Goya, Velázquez and El Greco in the must-visit Prado Museum.

Into modern art? The Reina Sofía Museum is also an absolute must-visit. Housing works by Dalí, Miró and Picasso — including the Guernica — it’s in inspirational way to spend a wintry afternoon.

The Royal Palace of Madrid is another iconic attraction that’s perfect to visit in February, with low visitor numbers making exploration of its opulent interiors and gardens all the more rewarding.

Celebrate Carnival 

Celebrated in Madrid in February or March, Madrid’s Carnaval heralds colorful parades, street performances and costume parties across the city, especially in neighborhoods like Malasaña and Lavapiés.

Experience Madrid Design Festival 

Held in mid-February, Madrid Design Festival showcases all forms of cutting-edge design from around the world, with exhibitions, talks and workshops held across the city.

Dig into Madrid’s food scene

Madrid’s indoor markets like Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón are great places to escape the cold while sampling tasty Spanish food, from seafood, to artisanal cheeses and wine.

Come the colder evenings, Madrid’s tapas bars offer a warm atmosphere alongside opportunities to tuck into the likes of patatas bravas, croquetas and jamón ibérico. 

Popular areas include La Latina, Chueca and Malasaña.

Editor’s tip: love Spanish food and drink? Without wishing to lure you from Madrid, our customisable Culinary Experience in Seville itinerary has a tempting focus on food.

Explore scenic Segovia and Toledo on day trips

While UNESCO-designated Toledo — the ancient capital of Spain — is known for its temples and El Greco artwork, Segovia hosts the awe-inspiring Alcázar Castle, an iconic Ancient Roman aqueduct, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace, and a glorious Gothic cathedral.

Given that both destinations attract staggering numbers of day trippers though the summer months, visiting in winter makes for a more relaxed, comfortable experience that’s every bit as scenic.

Plan your trip to Madrid in February

Decided to visit Madrid in February for a culture-packed pre-spring break? Here are some tips to 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.

For example, our customisable five-day Made for Madrid itinerary will see you explore the city’s culture and cuisine in authentic style.

If you're short on time but don’t want to scrimp on experiences, check out our handy day-by-day-itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid.

We also suggest taking a look 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, Retiro!), or want to be close to night life (in which case consider bedding down in Malasaña), you’d be wise to read up on the best places to stay in Madrid.

Lastly, for advice on what to see and do in Madrid — and where to eat, sleep, drink and shop — get hold of a copy of The Pocket Rough Guide to Madrid.