Marbella in February (Activities, Weather and Local Tips!)
If you’re looking at travelling in Marbella in February, you probably ask yourself about the weather (Is it cold? Is it rainy?), the best activities to do at that time of year and the items you should pack in your suitcase.
As a native of Costa del Sol, I completely think that there’s never a bad time to visit Marbella. If you compare it with other European destinations, it’s a fantastic winter sun getaway with plenty of daylight and things to do around.
While it isn’t the best month, in my opinion, it’s also bliss for travellers who want to relax or have places to themselves. You won’t expect big crowds as happens during the peak season.
However, visiting Marbella at this time of the year also has its cons. For example, you’ll notice that many restaurants and bars are closed, and the rain probability is higher than in other months.
If you’ve set your mind to coming in February, I’m sharing everything you need to know below.
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Weather in Marbella in February
While blue and sunny skies as well as mild temperatures are the norm in Marbella, February is hit and miss compared to other months. A few cloudy and rainy days are expected.
Having lived in other places in Spain and abroad, the temperature is very pleasant in Marbella; nevertheless, there’s a big difference between day and night, so I would pack a coat for the evening or early mornings, but that’s also me, as a local, I feel like anything between 13 and 15 degrees is cold!
Here is a summary of the average temperature, rainfall and daylight hours:
- Maximum temperature: 18ºC (64.4ºF)
- Minimum temperature: 8ºC (46.4ºF)
- Rain days: 4
- Water temperature: 16ºC (61ºF)
- Humidity: 70% on average
- Sunshine hours: 7-8
Activities in Marbella in February
Treat your other half on Valentine’s Day
One of the things I love the most about Marbella is its culinary offer, which is perfect for special events like Valentine’s Day. While it’s amazing to eat at the local tapa bar, with prices many travellers would consider a bargain, I love a treat at a fancier restaurant on an anniversary or Valentine’s Day.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a nice meal, but if we aren’t taking the budget into consideration, you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are my top three favourite restaurants that have a beautiful décor, an intimate atmosphere and dishes that will wow you:
- Cascada Cocina & Bar. Located outside Marbella Centre on the road towards Ojen, this restaurant feels like a little oasis. I highly recommend this place for meat lovers.
- Tragabuches by Dani Garcia. If you haven’t heard of Dani Garcia, he’s one of the most well-known chefs in Spain, and he’s from Marbella, too. I love its tasting menu that showcases local products.
- Kanaloa. If you love a restaurant with a sea view, Kanaloa is the one. I’m not the one who recommends ordering paella in Southern Spain, as it’s way better in Valencia and the east of Spain, but Kanaloa serves the best in Marbella. I recommend ordering the seafood paella.
Other fantastic restaurants that I haven’t tried yet but would make great places to celebrate a special occasion like Valentine’s Day are Michelin-star SKINA and Leña.
Experience the Carnival
One of the biggest events in Southern Spain in February is the carnival! While Cadiz is the best place to join the carnival celebrations, Marbella also celebrates it.
You can expect competitions, parades and other fun activities to celebrate this event.
Celebrate Andalusia Day
El Día de Andalucía (Andalusia Day) is celebrated on the 28th of February. It’s an important day for us locals; we hold activities to commemorate the day when Andalusia began the process of becoming autonomous as a region.
Marbella, as well as other towns in Southern Spain, celebrate the day with special activities, including the flag-raising ceremony, concerts and dances.
I recommend checking the calendar on the Marbella website to discover the activities, as they might change and take place at different times and locations.
Walk on the beach promenade
Is Marbella weather in February good for spending time on the beach? As a local, I don’t see myself or other people from the area on the beach in Marbella. It’s too cold for a beach day, and let’s not mention the water temperature. If someone tells you can, they aren’t from here. That’s for sure.
But a walk on the beach promenade is perfect instead! I love walking early in the morning on a sunny day. It’s lovely and so relaxing.
Have churros con chocolate on a chilly day
Churros con chocolate is comfort food and the perfect breakfast or Spanish merienda (late afternoon snack) on a winter day. The slightly crunchy texture of the churros on the outside and soft on the inside, alongside the thick hot chocolate, is simply delightful.
It doesn’t have to be a miserable or cold day to have churros con chocolate, but they go better with winter. My partner and I love churros at Churrería Marbella, but it only has outdoor seating, so when it’s raining, we go to San Ginés (you can also find it in Madrid and it’s considered the best in Spain) and Churrería Generalife (one of my favourites).
As a foodie, I couldn’t resist writing a guide all about churros in Marbella, in case you want to read more about it.
Explore the historic centre
Many people won’t agree with me and think that Estepona has the most beautiful old town on the Costa del Sol, but I prefer the cosiness and charm of Marbella Old Town.
Exploring the historic centre is a must-do activity regardless of the time of the year. Walk its narrow streets, take in the atmosphere at the lively Plaza de los Naranjos, visit the local churches and stop by the lovely independent boutiques and souvenir shops.
If you’re interested in learning about Marbella’s history, I would definitely check out my VoiceMap GPS audio tour, which offers insider information on the culture, secrets, and history of this part of Marbella.
Visit the museums
Marbella doesn’t have as many museums as Malaga, but I recommend visiting them if you are passionate about art. First, you have the Spanish Engravings Museum in the old town, and second, the Ralli Museum, which holds a wide collection of South American paintings and artwork.
Another must-see for art lovers is Avenida del Mar. This isn’t a museum but an avenue with an open-air gallery with sculptures from Salvador Dalí.
Enjoy a spa day
The beach is out of the cards, but a spa day is such a great alternative, even better for those rainy days.
Pamper yourself in a spa by booking a facial or any other treatment.
I don’t do many spa days, and the one I can talk about is the Rock Spa inside Hard Rock Marbella. It’s small, but it has the essentials you would find in any other spa.
If you want to save a bit of money, have a look at Groupon. They sometimes have good spa day deals there.
Watch a flamenco show
If Marbella is your first introduction to Andalucia, why not book a flamenco show? Flamenco is a traditional dance in Southern Spain, and I’d say that it’s more than a dance, it’s a culture.
I’ll be honest with you: you won’t watch the best flamenco show in Marbella, but it’s worth adding to your list, and if you go somewhere else, like Seville or Granada, you can book another one and compare.
Sticking to Marbella, check out Tablao Flamenco Marbella in the old town. The Farm restaurant also has flamenco shows, and whilst I’ve had lunch there, I can’t vouch for their shows as I haven’t attended one.
Discover Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus is completely different from the historic centre in Marbella. It’s the go-to place for all things luxury, from exclusive yachts and sophisticated boutiques showcasing well-known international brands such as Dolce & Gabbana to convertibles and fancy restaurants.
Walk around Puerto Banus to experience this side of Marbella and grab a drink in an outdoor terrace while people watching.
I don’t have many food recommendations here as I feel many restaurants are overpriced, but my partner and I like Pizzeria Picasso.
Immerse yourself in the local cuisine with a tapas tour
You can certainly try the local cuisine without a tapas tour, and in that case, you’ll want to check my guide to typical Andalusian dishes. You’ll be able to have many of these in Marbella.
However, if you’re a food connoisseur or love learning about the food culture, the tapas tour will be perfect for you. This highly rated tapa tour lasts 3 hours and takes you to charming bars and taverns in the old town.
Take a day trip to a nearby whitewashed village
Are you spending more than a day or two in Marbella? I would leave the city and take a day trip to one of the many beautiful towns, which are a short bus ride or a drive away.
There are plenty of good excursions from Marbella, and it’s difficult to pick one or a couple. It really comes down to your travel style and preferences.
If you love small villages with charm, visit Ojen or Mijas Pueblo. If you prefer a bigger town with more historical buildings and museums, you’ll love Ronda.
Note: If you haven’t been to Malaga before, I’d also plan a day trip there. While it’s the main city on the Costa del Sol, most of its main attractions can be visited in a day.
What to pack
Pack for the season, although you won’t need big coats, scarves, gloves or any winter accessories. The smartest way to pack for your trip to Marbella in February is to think in layers. However, a light coat is more than enough for the coldest days. Then, pack light long-sleeve clothing. Check the weather a few days before your trip, and you might want to add a few t-shirts.
My article on what to wear in Marbella includes more inspiration and outfit ideas.
Conclusion
While Marbella is quiet in February, you can still take in the tranquil atmosphere and engage in the few events taking place during this month.
If you’d like to connect with other travellers and me, join my Facebook group.
Enjoy your time in Marbella!
Cristina x
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