Barcelona in February

February in Barcelona is perfect for those who enjoy relaxing city walks around historic architecture, with some fresh air and sunshine.

This city has much more to offer outside summer, as it's the perfect season to come celebrate the many festivities with locals and have fun at the many celebrations with nice music and costumes in Carnaval or a change of urban sightseeing with the Llum Festival.

Also, as it's not tourist season, one can get cheaper prices while still enjoying open businesses until late hours. 

Why Visit Barcelona in February?

Visiting Barcelona in February is a great way to experience the beautiful city as it's more affordable, has nicer weather compared to its northern neighbors, and offers festivities to celebrate with locals.

Barcelona's prices are affordable in February compared to other European cities, and the average temperature is 12°C (54°F). Making this city is ideal for sightseeing, wine tasting in rural towns, and fun celebrations.

Barcelona Weather in February

The average temperature in Barcelona can reach up to 15°C (59°F), with 10.5 hours of daylight and barely any rain. 

For more info, visit Barcelona Weather in February.

Events and Festivals in Barcelona in February

Barcelona in February is generally calmer than in other months. Still, it makes for a perfect time to travel  for this reason, as one can enjoy various festivities with fewer crowds and less cost.

1. Santa Eulàlia Festival

Dates: February 7-12
Location: Ciutat Vella

Santa Eulalia festival celebrates the patroness of Barcelona, Santa Eulalia. Many locals gather around Ciutat Vella to celebrate with their many activities like folk dances, making human towers(castellers) open doors and more.

2. Carnival (Carnestoltes)

Dates: 27 February - 3 March
Location: El born and all around Barcelona

Festive parades celebrate different moments of history with lots of music and costumes. Each parade has a day and a location to celebrate at.

3. Llum BCN Festival

Dates: February 7-9
Location: Poblenou

Llum BCN Festival celebrates the art of Storytelling through light. Providing a spectacle that transforms the urban scene.

4. Chinese New Year

Dates: January 25 - February 9
Location: Paseo de Lluís Companys and Arco de Triunfo

Chinese new year in Barcelona  is celebrated with many parades, music and dances for this new snake year, following with many gastronomical and cultural events throughout the festivity.

5. Barcelona Guitar Festival

Dates: January 17 - September 25
Location: Barcelona

Guitar BCN will be hosting up to 40 different concerts and festivals on those days to celebrate various types of music and artist.

What to Do in Barcelona in February

There are many things to do in Barcelona in February, from visiting landmarks like Sagrada Familia, museums like MNAC or just getting a hot chocolate with churros. Such are:

1. Visit Iconic Landmarks

Are you looking to escape the cold weather and go somewhere not too expensive or too far, in the middle of winter? 

Well, Barcelona in February is perfect for enjoying the landmarks and late hours in distinctively less crowded cities.

It is possible to enjoy the cozy 17°C (63°F) weather as you walk down old streets and see the beautiful gothic architecture, and diverse historical and cultural landmarks like:

• Sagrada Familia

• Barcelona Cathedral 

• Park Güell

2. Visit Museums

If you're exploring landmarks, we recommend visiting a museum or two, like MNAC and the Picasso Museum. They are usually not only cheaper or even free, but they are also another warm and engaging way to complete your exploration with some local culture.

3. Walk Through Blooming Parks

Some of the best spots to enjoy the changing season after grey winters are Parc del Laberint D’Horta, Ciutadella Park, and Park Güell. Here, one can sit, relax, and enjoy the beginning of blooming season in Barcelona among flowering almond trees, mimosas, and many other beautiful, colorful flowers.

4. Visit Montjuïc Hill

If you like exploring landmarks, it's worth going to Montjuic Hill. It's not only a landmark on its own, with a beautiful castle where the king used to live, that's now made into a museum with gorgeous gardens with stairs leading to many levels, from which you can sit and enjoy the view of the whole city, corner to corner, over a coffee. 

It's worth a visit if you are around, but remember to bring a jacket in February. The elevation might make it colder than expected. For this reason, the fountains are closed this month.

5. Day Trip to Sitges or Tarragona

If you are interested in more sightseeing activities, even if it is still a bit windy, you might want to visit the old Roman city ruins all over Tarragona and Sitges. Here you can take part in their Carnaval Celebrations, on the 27 of February for Sitges and 21 February to 4 of March in Tarragona.

It’s quite sunny and less crowded, making it a perfect time to participate in colorful, fun parades significantly bigger than those in Barcelona.

6. Get a Hot Chocolate and Churros

After a long walk and chilly air, there is no better remedy than to stop by any cafeteria or churro truck and enjoy a nice authentic Spanish churro with some hot chocolate to dip in.

You can find these anywhere all over Catalonia, but here are some nice well-known spots : 

• Viader, El Raval.

• Dulcinea, El Gòtic

7. Wine Tasting and Cava Tours

Another great experience you can't miss is going to rural Barcelona to taste local quality Cavas and wines and learn more about them.

8. Thermal Baths and Spas

After an extended tour of exploring and wine tasting, a nice way to relax and enjoy a comfortable day is to check out all the affordable baths and spas where you can heal your body and mind.

9. Celebrate Valentine’s Day

If you’re in Barcelona in February, do not forget to take advantage of this magical time and take your loved one on an unforgettable Valentine's Experience and see : 

• Laberint d’Horta

• Rent cruises and see sunsets 

• Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Catalonia

• Romantic dinners.

10. Enjoy Calçotada

Calçots are a type of bigger green onion that is very common in Catalan cuisine around these months. They gather over a grill to barbecue them and eat them at once with various sauces. It is an experience you can't miss if you're exploring Barcelona and its culture. Here are some places you can enjoy these at:

• Mussol Glories 

• Petit Hipica 

• El mirador de Can Cases 

• Can Cortada

11. Taste Winter Tapas

With all these activities and more, consider taking a break at any bar/restaurant and enjoy some Tapas. This well-known Spanish tradition consists of getting some drinks and side dishes that vary from simple olives, nuts, chips to more elaborate dishes of Spanish cuisine, such as:

• Tortilla de patatas (a thicker omelette filled with potatoes) 

• Croquetas (fried bechamel bites filled with meats like chicken, jamon, or shrimp)

• Pà amb Tomàquet (toasted or grilled bread with garlic and tomato spread, topped with olive oil).

What to Know Before Visiting Barcelona in February?

1. To even get to these places without a car, you need to buy some transportation passes:

   • Metro pass to travel around Barcelona with the L lines

   • Tram passes to travel to outside Barcelona towns and cities.

   One can buy these at the station itself, and the prices vary from approximately €11 to €50 depending on your selection of how many areas you want to travel to.

   
   For Barcelona and nearby, one or two is more than enough. So €15 approximately.

2. Traffic in Barcelona City can get messy, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to this and little parking space etc. 

3. Always have some cash and an ID with you.

4. Be aware of your belongings and bags at all times.

5. Be aware if your surroundings are safe if you're alone.
   For more safety tips, visit Safety in Barcelona.

What to Pack for Barcelona in February?

Pack some light clothes, warm coats and jackets. And never forget sunscreen for a February in Barcelona.

As the weather slowly warms up, we can enjoy sunny days. Nevertheless, it can still get windy, humid and chilly in the morning hours and late evenings. So pack various clothes and basic care for a more comfortable experience! 

For more tips about packing for Barcelona, read our guide.

Conclusion

Barcelona in February has its unique charm worth visiting, cozy days, calm, beautiful streets, and lots of local festivities make for wholesome travelling memories with loved ones.

 If you want to learn even more about how to experience this city best, have a look at our hidden gems article !

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