Planning a trip to Barcelona this February? Or wondering what to do in Barcelona in February? In this post, I’ll share if I think February is a good time to visit Barcelona, what to expect from February weather in Barcelona, what to wear, where to stay and the best things to do in Barcelona in February, as well as everything else you might need to enjoy your Barcelona trip!
Is February a Good Time to Visit Barcelona?
There are very few bad times to visit Barcelona, and February can be a great time to come to the city. While it might not be suitable for beach activities, the temperatures are generally more pleasant than in many other European cities in winter.
Another huge advantage of visiting Barcelona in February instead of the peak summer season is the reduced crowds. While I’d still recommend booking the most popular attractions in advance, you can explore without the long lines and huge crowds you usually find during the summer months.
February also hosts the Carnival celebration in Barcelona, bringing colourful parades and street parties to the city, and to nearby Sitges. And, of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy all of the best things to do in Barcelona as you would at any other time of the year, apart from sunbathing!
From a budget perspective, travelling to Barcelona in February can be cheaper too. With lower demand for accommodations and flights during the off-peak season, you can find some good deals which make February a great time to visit Barcelona on a budget.
Know Before You Go to Barcelona
Before travelling to Barcelona, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
⭐ TOP 3 BARCELONA ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1: Sagrada Familia Skip the Line Ticket - a must-see in Barcelona!
2: Park Guell Admission Ticket - colourful mosaic terraces and gorgeous views
3: Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour - stunning Modernist Building & rooftop
🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN BARCELONA:
$$: Sercotel Hotel Rosellon - Incredible view of the Sagrada Familia from some rooms and the terrace
$$: H10 Madison 4* Sup - top location with rooftop pool & view of the Gothic Cathedral
$: Chic & Basic Lemon Boutique Hotel - great value hotel near Plaça Catalunya
❗BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS❗
Although Barcelona is a safe city, pickpockets are a problem here, particularly in popular tourist areas and on the metro. Use a theft-proof backpack and consider getting some hidden-pocket clothing to keep your belongings safe.
Find Deals to Book Your Trip
Pros & Cons of Visiting Barcelona in February
It’s not all good though, there are some pros and cons of visiting Barcelona in February, so it depends on what you are looking for from your trip, and how flexible you can be on your travel dates.
Pros of a February Barcelona Trip
Mild Winter Weather
Barcelona February weather is relatively mild. While it’s not as warm as the spring and summer months, the average high temperatures typically range from 13-16°C (55-61°F). It’s a pleasant time for outdoor activities, especially if you’re coming from a colder climate.
Fewer Tourists
February is not a peak tourist season in Barcelona and so is a relatively quiet time to visit Barcelona.
Aside from the UK half-term holiday when British tourist numbers might increase, in general you’ll encounter fewer crowds at major attractions, so you can enjoy a more relaxed and pleasant visit to places like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and the historic Gothic Quarter.
Lower Prices
Accommodation and flights are often more affordable in February compared to the summer months so if you want to visit Barcelona on a budget February is a great time to save some cash.
Cultural Events
Barcelona hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. In February, you might catch events such as the Santa Eulalia Festival, which includes parades and traditional celebrations so you can add a unique cultural experience to your visit.
Indoor Attractions
On days when the weather isn’t ideal for getting out and about, Barcelona has lots of indoor attractions, museums, art galleries, and historic buildings to visit, so you can still have a great time in Barcelona, whatever the weather.
Cons of Visiting Barcelona in February
Cooler Weather
As with any visit to Barcelona in winter, while the weather in February is relatively mild compared to Northern Europe, it can still get chilly, especially in the evenings. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and the chance of rain, so pack appropriately!
Shorter Daylight Hours
February sees shorter daylight hours than spring and summer, so you’ll have less time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Plan your itinerary accordingly, and be aware of early sunsets (varying between 6.05pm to 8.40pm).
Cooler Beach Weather
The sea temperature in February is relatively cold, so swimming or sunbathing at the beach is not a practical option during this time. If you’re looking for a winter beach vacation, Barcelona isn’t the best choice for that, although I still love going for a walk along the beach on a sunny day.
Christmas Celebrations Are Over
One of the pros of visiting Barcelona in January or December instead of February is that you still get all of the Christmas decorations and celebrations of Kings Day in the first week of January. By February, the festive season is long gone.
Weather in Barcelona in February
In February, Barcelona experiences winter weather with average temperatures ranging from approximately 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
Similar to January, February is a month with a fair amount of rainfall, although it tends to be less in February than in January. You should still plan for some rainy days, and I’d recommend bringing along a waterproof jacket or an umbrella to be prepared for rain in Barcelona.
It’s not all bad though, and there are an average of 14 to 17 sunny days in February, which is a lot more than the UK for example! Barcelona may experience some winds during February, but they are generally not extreme, contributing to a relatively stable and predictable climate during this time of the year.
However, keep in mind that weather conditions can vary from year to year, especially with climate change making it harder to predict. It is always a good idea to check a reliable weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate and up-to-date information, although even those can change quickly!
What to Wear in Barcelona in February
Here are some tips for what to bring and what to wear in Barcelona in February, or you can check out my full Barcelona packing list here:
Layers of Clothing
While February weather in Barcelona is quite mild, layers are a must – especially once the sun goes down. Depending on the temperature during the day you could get away with warm tights and skirts or trousers such as jeans, with a sweater and a jacket.
I always pack gloves, a scarf and a hat for colder days and nights, and waterproof jacket is a good idea for the occasional rainy days, or at least a decent umbrella! I love my Travel Scarf with a hidden pocket, perfect for keeping valuables out of reach of pickpockets.
Swimwear
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, either for a swim in your hotel pool or to treat yourself to a spa session if the weather is grim outdoors!
Sun Protection
Even in February, it is still sensible to protect your skin from the sun, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF for those sunny days.
Comfortable Footwear
Barcelona is a lovely city to walk around, so pack comfortable shoes and a pair of boots for evenings out. Make sure to have shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestones.
Unless you plan on going out to very fancy places, high-heeled shoes aren’t necessary, a simple pair of boots (with a heel or flat) will be enough for most restaurants and bars. Even a smart pair of trainers will do the job in most places.
Slippers / Thick Socks
It might seem like an unnecessary inclusion to your Barcelona packing list, but bringing some slippers or warm socks for when you are back at your accommodation is a good idea. Because it gets so hot in the summer in Barcelona, many hotels and apartments don’t have carpet, and during the winter months the tiles are cold to walk on!
Travel Essentials
Don’t forget Barcelona travel essentials like a theft-proof backpack for carrying your belongings, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste, a portable power bank and a universal adapter to charge your electronic devices.
eSIM for Spain
Before you travel to Spain, check if your phone contract includes roaming in Spain, and if you have any data allowance to use while you are travelling. To avoid excess charges for roaming data use, an eSIM is a cheap and useful way to make sure you stay connected, as long as your phone is eSIM compatible.
Airalo is super easy to set up and sends you email notifications when your eSIM is about to expire so you can top up easily if needed. Their eSIMs for Spain start from $4.50 for 1GB of data which lasts for 7 days.
Travel Documents
Remember to bring your passport, travel insurance, identification, and any other necessary documents. Additionally, have a copy of your hotel reservations, emergency contact numbers, and a map or guidebook for navigating the city.
5 Top Tips for Visiting Barcelona in February
- Pack layers to take off and put on as the temperature changes throughout the day.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to top up at water fountains around the city.
- If the weather is poor, make the most of indoor attractions and museums in Barcelona to keep warm and dry.
- Plan your travel dates to include Barcelona’s festive events like Carnival and the Festival of Santa Eulalia
- Dive into Barcelona’s culinary scene and explore local markets, try traditional Catalan dishes, and visit cosy cafes.
What to do in Barcelona in February
The best thing about visiting Barcelona in February is that you can pretty much do anything you would do at any other time of the year – just with an extra jacket! Because the weather in Barcelona stays pretty mild most of the year, there are very few activities that are off-limits.
Book in Advance for Barcelona’s Top Attractions
While February is quieter than peak times over the summer, I would still recommend booking tickets for the top Barcelona attractions in advance to guarantee you can visit at your preferred time.
I use GetYourGuide to book skip-the-line entry tickets and tours in Barcelona – some recommended tours and activities in Barcelona you need to book include:
- Sagrada Familia Entry Ticket
- Sagrada Familia Tour
- Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum
- Park Guell
- Casa Batllo
- La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
February Events & Festivals in Barcelona
Llum BCN
Date: 2nd – 4th February 2024
Llum BCN is a lighting arts festival organized by Barcelona City Council which takes place in early February. Llum BCN brings together exhibitions and displays by creators from all areas of the visual arts, including contemporary art, design, architecture, technology and lighting design.
During the three-day festival, the Poblenou neighbourhood and the surroundings of Plaça de les Glòries became a focal point for the city’s cultural activities. Over 220,000 people enjoyed the lighting installations designed by internationally renowned artists, along with projects from the city’s top architecture and design schools.
Santa Eulàlia Festival
Date: Takes place over 3 days around February 12th, the Santa Eulàlia feast day. February 8th to 12th 2024.
The Santa Eulàlia Festival in Barcelona honours the city’s co-patron saint, Santa Eulàlia, and is a fun celebration with a special focus on activities for families and children. The festival is marked by lively parades and processions, with traditional Catalan elements like Gegants i Capgrossos (Giants and Big-Heads) and the breathtaking Castells (Human Towers).
Other festival events include the Correfoc, a thrilling “fire run” with participants dressed as devils who dance through the streets spraying fireworks, as well as live music, exhibitions, and lots of family-friendly activities. There are also “Open Days” when museums and the City Hall open their doors to the public for free entry.
Carnival (Carnaval)
Date: February 8th to 14th, 2024. The dates for Carnival vary each year as they are based on the Christian liturgical calendar. It typically takes place in late February/early March.
Barcelona’s Carnival is a lively and colourful celebration featuring parades, street parties, and vibrant costumes. It marks the period before Lent, a time of feasting and revelry.
The main Carnival parade, known as the Rua de Carnestoltes, winds through the city centre, featuring elaborate floats and participants in festive attire. The Gràcia neighbourhood is particularly known for its lively Carnival celebrations.
Sitges Carnival
Date: February 8th to 14th, 2024
Sitges is a lovely seaside town about 30 minutes south of Barcelona on the train, renowned for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. The residents go all out for Carnival, and it’s a fantastic time to party with the locals at one of the best places in Europe to celebrate Carnival.
Look out for street parades, including a children’s parade, and lots going on in and around the town centre. If you plan to stay overnight in Sitges make sure you book accommodation in advance – with around 300,000 visitors expected it will be busy!
BCN Negra Literature Festival
Date: 5th – 11th February 2024
BCNegra is a festival celebrating crime novels and has lots of free activities revolving around fictional crime, including talks, exhibitions, film screenings, plays and performances. Most events are in Catalan.
The Best Things to Do in Barcelona in February
Visit Some of Gaudí’s Iconic Architecture
You can’t come to Barcelona and not see some of Gaudí’s works. The famous Catalan architect has left his mark all around the city, and even if you don’t plan to visit any of his buildings you will come across them somewhere!
His unique designs were at the forefront of Modernist Architecture in Barcelona and it is well worth visiting at least a couple of Gaudi’s houses in Barcelona, as well as La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is Barcelona’s most famous landmark and the emblem of the city, despite still being unfinished some 140 years after construction began!
Just admiring this magnificent cathedral from the outside is an experience, but I’d highly recommend paying to go inside La Sagrada Familia as it is one of the best things to do in Barcelona at any time of year and such an incredible building.
Visiting Barcelona in February means there will be fewer crowds and queues to contend with, but I would still recommend buying your tickets in advance to guarantee your preferred entry time.
If you are interested in learning more about Gaudí and his designs I’d also recommend taking a guided tour as you will learn a lot and see things you never would have spotted yourself. After the tour, you will have as much time as you like to wander around.
My other personal favourite is Park Güell, which was originally designed to be a kind of housing estate in the hills above Barcelona. It is now a park with a magical mosaic dragon, fairytale buildings and a mosaic terrace with fabulous views of the city.
While you can visit Park Guell in the rain, you’ll get a better view of the city on a clear day, so check the Barcelona weather forecast before you go!
You could also pay a visit to La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens and Palau Guell, all of which are houses designed by Gaudi, and which have indoor and outdoor areas to explore. You can admire them from the outside or buy tickets to go indoors to fully appreciate them.
There are also dedicated Gaudi tours which will take you to several of these places in one easy package.
Visit the Museums in Barcelona
Barcelona has some fabulous museums that you can make the most of when the weather is too cold or too wet to be outdoors. Some of the best museums in Barcelona include the Picasso Museum, the MNAC National Art Museum of Catalonia, The Maritime Museum and plenty more besides.
Barcelona Money Saving Tip
If you plan to visit several museums, then check out the Barcelona Card which includes free entry to over 25 museums and attractions including the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Museum of the History of Barcelona, as well as free access to public transport. >>> Get More info hereIf you get to the MNAC quite late in the day you can also enjoy the sunset at Montjuic and watch the Magic Fountain Show in front of the museum at night. The Magic Fountain is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona, although it was closed for most of 2023 due to drought conditions, so hopefully, there will have been enough rain by February to allow them to work again!
Try Some Catalan Food
For me, one of the best ways to experience a city is through its food. And the food in Barcelona is exceptional if you know where to look! Joining a food tour means you will have a local guide you around the best places to eat in Barcelona, or try your hand at a paella cooking class to learn how to make this classic Spanish dish.
There are hundreds of tapas bars in Barcelona where you can try Spanish and Catalan specialities like a Bomba (a large potato croquette stuffed with minced meat) and pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato).
For Basque-style pintxos (tasty snacks) that cost €1 or €2, head to Carrer del Blai in Poble Sec. The whole street is full of pintxo bars where you can have a few pintxos and a glass of wine or beer, then move on to the next.
Chocolate and churros are a great way to warm up and get your sugar fix, and there is nothing better than dipping a long donut into a delicious cup of thick hot chocolate! Head to Carrer Petrixol near La Rambla for sit-down cafes where you can enjoy a cup, or grab some street food churros at Churrería Manuel San Román on Carrer dels Banys Nous.
Attend a Calçotada
A Calçotada is a special foodie experience to enjoy in January, February and early spring. Calçots are a Catalan delicacy and are essentially a cross between a leek and a spring onion. They are grilled over an open flame until black, then wrapped in newspaper to cook through until soft.
The result is a delicately flavoured vegetable which, once separated from the charred outer layer, is dipped in thick romesco sauce and devoured. It’s hard to describe the joy you can get from pulling a sweet onion from its blackened shell and dangling it over your mouth.
Calçots are best enjoyed as part of a larger barbecue, with butifarra sausage and white beans as a traditional main course, usually accompanied by copious amounts of red wine (or cava in my case)! During calçot season you can find community Calçotadas to attend, or many restaurants have them on the menu which isn’t as much fun as eating them outdoors but is still a great opportunity to try them.
Alternatively, buy some calçots at a local market and barbecue them yourself. We went to a fabulous winery in Sant Sadurni which provides the barbecue and wood for the fire, and a bottle of cava per person for €12 per person. Bring your own calçots and other BBQ food to cook and you’ll have a great time!
Visit the FC Barcelona Museum or Watch a Football Game
For football fans, Camp Nou is the top thing to do in Barcelona, and a must-visit for anyone with a love of the “beautiful game. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, with a seating capacity of 99,354, and The FC Barcelona Museum is Europe’s most visited museum.
PLANNING TO VISIT CAMP NOU?
Camp Nou is currently undergoing construction work so the stadium tours are not running but the FC Barcelona museum is open, with an option to view the stadium from a Construction Viewpoint. While work is going on, Barça will play their home games at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. They were originally estimated to return to the Camp Nou Stadium in Spring 2025, although they are now expected to play the rest of the matches in the 24/25 season at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Tickets for matches are available here which shows you the venue where matches are played, and you can book a museum visit here.If you’re lucky with timings you can get tickets to see Barça in action at one of their home matches, which take place every other weekend during the football season, including February. While Camp Nou is undergoing renovations, home matches take place at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
Check fixture dates and buy tickets to see a match on the official FC Barcelona website here. Bear in mind it can get cold on the stands, so wrap up warm!
If you don’t manage to watch a match, a visit to the FC Barcelona museum is one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona. The visit includes:
- Immerse yourself in Barça’s history and feel the field’s magic firsthand
- Be captivated by the 360º audiovisuals at Camp Nou
- Engage with the legends through interactive showcases
- Get an exclusive glimpse into the future home of FC Barcelona at Espai Barça
Watch a Concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana
This stunningly beautiful concert hall was designed by the Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and is well worth a visit. You can take a tour or visit independently with an audio guide during the day, but come back in the evening to enjoy a live music performance.
There is a varied programme throughout the year, including classical music concerts, opera, and tributes to more modern artists like Dire Straits for example. It is a special experience to see the Palau as it was designed as a concert venue.
Check the official programme for details, and buy tickets online for your chosen performance. Popular events may sell out, so book in advance if you can, or turn up on the day and you might get lucky.
Take a Day Trip from Barcelona
February is also a great time to get out of the city and explore more of Catalonia on a day trip from Barcelona. While it’s not the best time to explore the beaches of the Costa Brava, a visit to the Monastery at Montserrat, the medieval city of Girona or wine tasting in the Penedes is fabulous at any time of the year.
It’s best to do these day trips on a dry day if you can, so you can walk around or do some hiking in Montserrat without getting soaked! That said, if you don’t have much time to spare in your itinerary as long as you are dressed for the weather you will be fine. Bear in mind that Montserrat is often colder than Barcelona and can be windy, so wrap up warm!
Go Skiing
If you’re into winter sports, you could also hit the slopes and head to the mountains and ski resorts near Barcelona. La Molina, La Masella and Port del Comte ski resorts are only 2 hours by car or train from Barcelona and would make fantastic day trips or weekend trips from Barcelona.
Where to Stay in Barcelona in February
There is no bad place to stay during February in Barcelona; with fewer tourists in town you have your pick of the neighbourhoods in Barcelona without being overrun, and you can get some great deals on hotels and accommodation compared to the peak summer season.
The Gothic Quarter & El Born
These two neighbouring districts are my favourite areas to wander around and enjoy the Old Town of Barcelona. They are both easy to explore on foot, and you are close to many of the city’s top attractions such as La Rambla, the Gothic Cathedral, El Palau de la Música Catalana and the Picasso Museum.
These areas can be horribly busy in summer, so February is a great time to stay here and enjoy the atmosphere without hoards of tourists. Wander the streets, admire the Gothic architecture and find some cute boutiques, bars and restaurants.
The Best Places to Stay in the Gothic Quarter
- The 5* Mercer Hotel has modern chic décor which blends beautifully with original beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls. There is an interior courtyard where you can have breakfast beneath orange trees, and a rooftop pool and terrace with a bar. Guests love the helpful staff, comfortable beds and the location. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
- The H10 Madison hotel has stunning views of the Gothic Cathedral from the rooftop terrace which also has a plunge pool. The hotel is in a restored early 20th-century building with elegant architecture and high ceilings. It gets rave reviews for the friendly staff and excellent location – book a Classic Catedral Room to get views of the Cathedral from your window. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN THE GOTHIC QUARTER
- K+K Hotel Picasso El Born is on Passeig Picasso, opposite Ciutadella Park, and has stylish rooms with contemporary décor and air-conditioning, some of which have balconies and views of the city and park. There is a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a café, and a lobby bar that customises unique cocktails as well as a restaurant on site. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
- chic&basic Habana Hoose is a great value hotel close to the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral in El Born. It has funky décor which blends Scottish and Cuban influences, which sounds weird but it works! All rooms have air-con and private bathrooms, there is breakfast available in the morning and a restaurant serving Catalan and Italian cuisine. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Eixample
Eixample is also home to the Sagrada Familia, and there is nothing like waking up to a view of this magnificent cathedral. Closer to Passeig de Gracia you’ll find some of the top hotels in Barcelona, with rooftop bars and high-end restaurants to indulge your tastebuds.
The Best Place to Stay in Eixample Near Passeig de Gracia
- Ohla Eixample is a chic boutique hotel located in Barcelona’s Eixample District, just a 10-minute walk from La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. It features a year-round rooftop pool with city views, a gym and a Michelin-starred restaurant serving traditional dishes from the Ebro Region. The hotel also has a Lobby Bar and a Sky Bar. Breakfast is included in the room rate and includes local products as well as international favourites. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The Best Place to Stay Near La Sagrada Familia
- Sercotel Hotel Rossello is one of the only hotels in Barcelona with a view of La Sagrada Familia, but make sure you book a superior room with a “Landmark View” as not all rooms overlook the basilica. There is also a rooftop terrace with a bar and panoramic views of Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia, where you can enjoy a drink and some tapas or just gaze at the cathedral. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
BROWSE MORE HOTELS IN EIXAMPLE
Final Thoughts on Visiting Barcelona in February
I hope this has convinced you to travel to Barcelona in February, and while it might be too cold to hit the beach there are still plenty of things to keep you busy. Do you have more suggestions for fabulous things to do in February in Barcelona? I’d love to hear them, this is just a sample of all the February Barcelona activities you could do!
