Weather Lowdown
February is the third-coldest month of the year in Andalucia, behind January and December. Daytime temperatures reach a maximum of 17°C (62°F), and the temperature typically falls to 7°C (44°F) overnight, though it is usually warmer at night near the coast than inland. On average, there are 6 days with rain, with an average total of about 60mm per month, though the west and the mountainous areas are more likely to be wet at frequent intervals than the low-lying parts of the east of the region.
Sunshine is nonetheless quite reliable, particularly near the Mediterranean coastline, and the sun typically shines for an average of six hours per day. During February, snow is common in the mountainous Sierra Nevada area, which offers good skiing opportunities on the highest ground, but is very rare near sea level. Sea temperature in February tend to be around 16°C (60°F), a bit chilly for even the most avid swimmers.
Andalucia skies are mostly clear 43% of the time, with wind speeds ranging from calm to moderate breezes, mostly coming from due west. During February, snow is common in the mountainous Sierra Nevada area, which offers good skiing opportunities on the highest ground, but is very rare near sea level.
Over the course of February, temperatures rise slightly. Around February 1, averages are at 9°C (48°F), with highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 1°C (33°F). By the end of February, averages are at 9°C (48°F), highs at 16°C (59°F) and lows at 3°C (37°F).
Where to Stay
Hotel Vereda Real
For accommodation that is both high quality and affordable, you are best off heading to Seville. The Hotel Vereda Real (Centra Gines a Valencina) is situated on the fringes of Seville itself in the Aljarafe Sevillano region and offers cosy, wood-furnished accommodations. The hotel offers parking or free transfer service to Seville's city centre.
Countryside Hotels
If you prefer the countryside, at Vejer de la Frontera you'll find good accommodation at Casa Cinco and Casa Montecote.
Casa Cinco
Casa Cinco (Calle de las Canalejas) is an traditional cortijo, or farmhouse, that offers eight stylish rooms among its unspoilt gardens of olive and orange trees. Rooms have an eclectic and rustic flavour with luxurious beds. Be sure to sample exquisite wines and country seafood dishes from the kitchen's daily menu.
Casa Montecote
Casa Montecote (La Muela 200) is an ecological resort in the small pueblo blanco of La Muela. The rustic atmosphere blends in neatly with the countryside setting. The hotel offers seven apartments, each with its own private terrace, outdoor kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom with showers. The apartments can accommodate 2-4 guests. In addition, the property also houses a swimming pool, sun loungers, organic garden, Finnish sauna, and laundry services.
Hit the Beach
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park
Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park is the region's largest marine reserve, home to several breathtaking beaches. Here you'll find Playa de los Muertos, Las Negras, Playa el Playazo, Playa de Monsul and Genoveses.
Eating & Drinking Out
Dulcimena Coffee & Go
Sip away a languid afternoon at Granada's Dulcimena Coffee & Go (Calle Molinos 19), which makes some of the best cookies and lattes in Spain.
Restaurante Palangreros
Restaurante Palangreros (C/ Palangreros, 22) has been serving patrons in Fuengirola for more than 20 years. Their Mediterranean cuisine is made from quality ingredients: pork sirloin skewer, fried aubergines with honey, swordfish with ratatouille, crayfish paella, and more.
Things to Do
Cadiz Carnival
Most of the major towns and cities of Andalucia have regular carnivals during February, centred around Shrove Tuesday, which include bonfires, competitions to see which neighbourhood can create the biggest bonfire, and food and songs. The Cadiz Carnival, held at Cadiz near the south-west Mediterranean coast, is well worth a look.
Fiesta del Mosto y de Aceituno del Aliarafe
Further to the east, the annual Fiesta del Mosto y de Aceituno del Aliarafe takes place in Umbrete, a village to the west of Seville, which offers plenty of local food and drink.
Museo de Bellas Artes
There is plenty of entertainment on offer within Seville, including the Museo de Bellas Artes, a fine arts museum exhibiting a large amount of local paintings. The impressive Cathedral de Sevilla is also well worth visiting.
Axarquea Region
For those interested in a countryside break in the Malaga area, the Axarqua region has plenty of stunning mountainous scenery and largely unspoilt villages, in spite of attracting increasing amounts of tourism in recent years.
