Malaga in February: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips

Are you planning a trip to Malaga in February? I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about my hometown in February.

There are a couple of reasons why you want to visit Malaga during this month. The first is the tranquil atmosphere. You can’t compare Malaga in summer versus Malaga in winter. You can find better flight and accommodation deals and forget about the crowds.

The only time Malaga gets busy in February is towards the end of the month because of the carnival celebration.

Whether you want to know about Malaga’s weather in February, things to do or events, this guide is for you.

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Weather in Malaga in February

“What is the weather in Malaga in February?” It’s cooler compared to other months, but you’ll still enjoy sunny and blue-sky days. It’s definitely a fantastic European winter sun destination.

Malaga has over 7 hours of sunshine, so you have plenty of time to do outdoor activities and soak up the sun. It isn’t the same in countries like the UK. Having lived there, I could feel the difference in daylight.

A thing to keep in mind is the change in day and night temperature. We can enjoy days when the thermometer marks 17 or 19 degrees Celsius in the afternoon but 10 degrees Celsius as soon as it gets dark. Plus, it’s chilly in the early morning.

Regarding rain, it isn’t one of the wettest months in Malaga, but there are higher chances of rain than from May to October.

This is why you want to pack smart and add a combination of winter and spring clothes.

Here’s an overview of Malaga weather in February:

• Maximum temperature: 17ºC (64ºF)
• Minimum temperature: 8ºC (47ºF)
• Average temperature: 13ºC (55ºF)
• Rain days: 5
• Water temperature: 16ºC (61ºF)

12 Things to do in Malaga in February

1. Visit Malaga’s main attractions

No matter what time of the year you come to Malaga, you can’t miss the city’s main attractions and explore the city.

February is a good month for sightseeing because it isn’t too busy or hot. I can assure you that visiting outdoor attractions in summer is a challenge.

So, which attractions a local would recommend visiting? For me, Alcazaba de Malaga is an unmissable historical building that should be on your Spain bucket list. This fortress palace, which dates back to Moorish time in Andalusia, is a gem.

Explore its lovely gardens, learn about its history, walk on the Alcazaba walls to take photos, admire the views, and enjoy coffee or tea at the cafe. Next to the Alcazaba, you can also see the Roman Theatre.

Other important historical buildings in Malaga include Gibralfaro Castle and Malaga Cathedral.

If you love a city view, I recommend you to visit Gibralfaro’s viewpoint. When I was a teenager, I remember visiting it, it wasn’t as popular as it is now, but you can’t beat the views of the bullring, port and the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Enjoy the winter sun at Muelle Uno

February is the second coldest month in Malaga, but that doesn’t mean it’s miserable or rains a lot.

The weather is often beautiful – blue skies, sunny and warm compared to countries like the UK. The lovely weather is perfect for walking through Malaga’s Port called Muelle Uno.

There are a couple of things to do in Muelle Uno, from taking a cruise to shopping and enjoying a meal.

Like many other locals, I avoid eating in this area because it tends to be more expensive and touristy than other parts, but it’s great for having a glass of sangria or your drink of choice on a terrace with a view.

If you want a top-notch experience, go to Trocadero restaurant, located at the end of Muelle Uno, when you walk toward the beach.

It’s a lovely place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion like Valentine’s Day.

3. Hit up the museums

Whether it’s cloudy and rainy or you love museums, the options are endless.

Picasso Museum Malaga is the most popular choice among travellers. I mean, who doesn’t want to see the masterpieces of this famous painter who was born in Malaga?

I’ve been to the Picasso Museum a few times, and I can assure you it’s a must-see for art lovers. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the different floors.

Centre Pompidou and Carmen Thyssen are other great art galleries in Malaga.

If you aren’t crazy about art, Malaga has all sorts of museums. Whether you like music, cars or wine, there’s a museum for you.

🎫 Book your tickets to visit Picasso Museum here

4. Taste the traditional winter dishes

You probably don’t hear much about Malaga gastronomy like myself, but it’s worth mentioning.

I love sharing my local food knowledge, and the traditional cuisine in Malaga is diverse.

Fish and seafood dishes are very popular in summer, and they’re still eaten the rest of the year.

But if you’d like to try Malaga winter dishes, I can recommend tasting stews.

For example, you can try Gazpachuelo, made with mayonnaise, white fish, prawns and potatoes, or Berza Malagueña, made with chickpeas, vegetables like pumpkin and green beans and meat.

They’re the perfect remedy for the coldest days in Malaga, which aren’t many!

5. Ride a bike on the beach promenade

One of the best ways to explore Malaga is on foot, but riding a bike is another.

Rent a bike and go along the beautiful beach promenade in La Malagueta. Depending on how you feel, you can actually reach Balnearios del Carmen.

An alternative is to do a tour by bike. You get to see beautiful places, including the beach, with a guide that tells you interesting facts about Malaga.

🚲 Check out this highly-rated bike tour in Malaga

6. Relax at the Arab Baths

Visiting the Arab Baths is something you can do all year round; however, it’s a fantastic activity to do during the winter months.

It’s the perfect plan for rainy days in Malaga, and it allows you to disconnect from everything.

I love Hammam Al Andalus Arab Baths because the interior is incredibly beautiful. It transports you to somewhere else while relaxing.

It’s a great activity in Malaga for couples. I visited it with my partner, and after switching the hot and cold baths, drinking Moroccan tea and a 15 minute massage, we felt like new.

🎫 Book your Arab Baths tickets with massage here

7. Do some shopping

I’m not a shopping person, but every woman in my family loves a day of shopping.

If you love shopping, I can assure you Malaga has plenty of shops to keep you entertained.

Calle Larios is the best shopping street in Malaga. You will find popular stores like Stradivarius, Women’s Secret and Blanco.

However, that isn’t the only shopping spot in the city; you have El Corte Inglés and Larios shopping centres, a 15 to 20 minute walk from Larios Street.

Another shopping complex worth mentioning is Plaza Mayor, located a short distance from Malaga Airport.

It’s my favourite because it has everything you need, from several clothing shops and a cinema to restaurants and bars.

8. Attend the carnival

Malaga’s carnival isn’t as big as the one in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Cadiz, but it’s still worth experiencing. If you visit Malaga in February, you won’t want to miss this event.

The carnival of Malaga usually takes place in the last weeks of February. You can expect all sorts of activities, from parades and fancy dress competitions to chirigotas.

Music bands sing chirigotas, which are songs about politics, religion and other current issues. It generally lasts 6 days, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy this event.

It’s a lively experience, and I love that many people wear funny and colourful costumes, including famous film characters. However, if you’d like to attend the carnival, don’t worry too much about the fancy dress, just have fun!

9. Attend a candlelight concert

Have you ever attended a candlelight concert? If not, you can do this during your time in Malaga.

Candlelight concerts are magical – the lit candles, music and atmosphere. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

They also take place in beautiful settings like the Carmen Thyssen Museum or the Unicaja Maria Cristina Concert Hall.

10. Go bird watching

Did you know there is a bird-watching spot only 15 minute drive from Malaga city centre?

La Desembocadura del Guadalhorce is a unique place for birds. You can find over 250 different species of birds, so if you love these animals, add this fantastic activity to your Malaga itinerary.

Many birds make their way from Africa to Malaga every year, and if you’re lucky, you can see even flamingos, although they’re the most difficult birds to see in the area.

Other animals live in this area besides small birds — for example, rabbits, foxes and reptiles. I’ve walked through this path and love the tranquil atmosphere while seeing a few birds. I didn’t see as many as I expected, but the key is patience!

11. Go on a hike to Sierra de las Nieves

If you visit Malaga in winter, you’ll want to check out hiking trails like the ones in Sierra de las Nieves.

It’s a paradise for anyone who loves the mountains and adventure. You can spend a day in Las Nieves mountain range because there are many activities to do, from hiking and horseriding to canyoning.

February is a fantastic month for hiking in the area, as you have the chance to see the almond trees blossom at the end of the month.

During your hike, keep your eyes open for mountain goats and birds of prey.

Local’s tip: Another fantastic hike you want to check out is Caminito del Rey in Ardales. It’s the most unique hiking trail in Malaga.

12. Day trip to the Alhambra Palace

One of the best excursions from Malaga is the Alhambra Palace, located in the province of Granada, Andalucia.

The Alhambra Palace and Gardens are incredibly beautiful, and you can spend more than 4 hours exploring the different parts of this complex.

The palace is rich in history; you can find the Moorish influence in Granada on every corner. The Nasrid architecture is detailed and to admire.

You can explore the Alhambra Palace on your own, but it’s the type of building that is better to discover with a local guide.

I’ve visited the Alhambra two or three times, and I wished I had a guided tour to learn more about the history behind this building. It’s on my list for my next visit to Granada.

🎫 Check out availability and rates for this Malaga to Alhambra palace excursion

Traditional Events in Malaga in February

Are there any traditional events in Malaga in February? Well, we can include Día de Andalucía on the list.

Día de Andalucía is on the 28th of February and commemorates the day in which Andalusia became an official and independent region.

It’s a bank holiday, so there aren’t many things going on. I only remember celebrations of this day at school. We used to make green and white flags, eat traditional products like bread with olive oil and sing the regional anthem.

However, a town near Malaga called El Burgo celebrates “Sopa de los Siete Ramales” on Andalusia’s Day. It’s a lively event in which locals prepare the town’s traditional dish, a soup made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, asparagus, potatoes, bread and garlic.

You can also expect live concerts, dances and a craft market.

If you’re an active traveller, you might want to go to the marathon in Torremolinos at the beginning of the month.

Frequently asked questions about Malaga in February

Conclusion about February in Malaga

Besides Carnaval de Málaga, the city is quiet during February; after all, it’s low season. This means you can enjoy a quieter experience and are more likely to find better flight and accommodation deals.

Although February is one of the coldest months, it is relatively mild compared to Nordic countries, so it makes it a pleasant winter city break for those who love and look for sunny destinations.

Overall, February is a good time to visit Malaga if you don’t like crowds, and there are many amazing places to explore in the province of Malaga, so you’re spoilt for choice!

If you have any questions about Malaga, drop me an email. 

Enjoy your trip to Malaga!

Cristina x

Save this ultimate guide about February in Malaga for later

Things to do before visiting Málaga, Southern Spain

• Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
• Are you looking for the best hotels in Malaga? Take a look at this guide.
• Check out tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
• Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
• Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
• Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!

Read more about Malaga

• Malaga in October: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
• Malaga in December: Weather, Things to Do and Local Tips
• How To Spend Christmas In Malaga Like a Local
• The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s in Malaga
• 14 Reasons Why You Will Love Visiting Malaga in Winter
• The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• Best Malaga Winery Tours and Experiences
• Where To Stay in Malaga: Best Hotels and Areas
• Towns in Malaga You Will Love
• Malaga Travel Budget Calculator and Expert Tips

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