Ultimate Guide to Malaga in February (Activities, Weather and 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 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 avoid the crowds, except at Christmas.
The only time Malaga gets busy in February is towards the end of the month because of the carnival celebrations.
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 than in other months, but you’ll still enjoy sunny, blue-sky days. It’s definitely a fantastic European winter sun destination.
Malaga gets over 7 hours of sunshine, so you have plenty of time for outdoor activities and soaking 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 temperatures. 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, mornings are chilly.
Regarding rain, it isn’t one of the wettest months in Malaga, but you’re more likely to get rain than from May to October.
That is why you’ll want to pack smart and bring a mix of winter and spring clothes. You can find more guidance and inspiration in my Malaga packing list.
Here’s an overview of Malaga weather in February:
- Maximum temperature: 17ºC (64ºF)
- Minimum temperature: 8ºC (47ºF)
- Average temperature: 13ºC (55ºF)
- Rainy 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 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 would a local recommend visiting? For me, the Alcazaba de Malaga is an unmissable historical building that should be on your Spain bucket list. This fortress palace, which dates back to Moorish times in Andalusia, is a gem.
Explore its lovely gardens, learn about its history, walk the Alcazaba walls for photos, take in 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 visiting 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 that it rains a lot.
The weather is often beautiful – blue skies, sunny and warm compared to other European countries. 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. However, I prefer the Museo Casa Natal Picasso, which is where the painter lived in his early life.
Centre Pompidou and Carmen Thyssen are other great art galleries in Malaga. But 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.
4. Taste the traditional winter dishes
You probably don’t hear much about Malaga gastronomy as I do, 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 people still eat them year-round. 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!
🥘 Do you want to learn some dishes and recreate them at home? This can be a great activity on a rainy day in Malaga! Check out this highly-rated cooking lesson.
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 who tells you interesting facts about Malaga.
6. Relax at the Arab Baths
You can visit the Arab Baths any time of year; however, it’s a fantastic activity 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 somewhere else while you relax.
It’s a great activity in Malaga for couples. I visited it with my husband, and after switching between the hot and cold baths, drinking Moroccan tea and getting a 15-minute massage, we felt like new.
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.
But that isn’t the only shopping spot in the city; El Corte Inglés and the Larios shopping centres are 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; 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 a 15-minute drive from Malaga city centre?
La Desembocadura del Guadalhorce is a unique place for birds. You can find over 250 different bird species, 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 even see 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 this path and love the tranquil atmosphere, even if I only see 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 the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range because there are plenty of activities, from hiking and horse riding 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.
On your hike, keep an eye out 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 worth admiring.
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 wish I’d taken a guided tour to learn more about the history behind it. 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 on which Andalusia became an official and independent region.
It’s a bank holiday, so there aren’t many things going on. I only remember the 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 Day. It’s a lively event where 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
What is Malaga like in February?
February is a good month to visit Malaga. It is usually quiet except when the carnival takes place.
How warm is Malaga in February?
The maximum temperature in Malaga in February is 17/18ºC, while the minimum is 8ºC.
Can you swim in Malaga in February?
It’s cold to swim in the sea in Malaga in February, but it’s possible to see some tourists sunbathing on the hottest days.
What to wear in Malaga in February?
February is one of the coldest months in Malaga, so you will want to pack long-sleeve clothes and a coat.
What are other good places to visit near Malaga in winter?
Marbella is a fantastic place to visit in winter as it’s much quieter than in summer, but you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the coastline and explore its picturesque old town. However, if you prefer mountainside towns, head to Mijas Pueblo or Ronda.
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 want tailored tips and more advice on visiting Malaga, book a call with me.
Enjoy your trip to Malaga!
Cristina x
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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!
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- The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s in Malaga
- Top 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
