While the rest of Europe shivers through the dregs of winter, Malaga offers a tantalizing glimpse of the spring to come. February in this Andalusian gem delivers a meteorological sweet spot—mild enough to ditch the heavy coats, yet quiet enough to avoid the tourist throngs that descend later in the year. Having spent several Februaries wandering Malaga’s sun-dappled streets (often while receiving pitiful texts from friends back home about sleet and frozen pipes), I’m delighted to share the unvarnished truth about what you can expect from this underrated month on the Costa del Sol.
Malaga Temperatures in February: The Daily Reality
Let’s cut straight to the chase—February in Malaga won’t have you sweating through your holiday wardrobe, but it will likely have you feeling rather smug about your escape from British winter. Daytime temperatures typically hover between a civilized 17-19°C, with particularly sunny days occasionally nudging the mercury up to a positively balmy 20-21°C.
The first time I visited in February, I remember sitting in Plaza de la Constitución in just a light jumper, watching locals bundled up as though braving an Arctic expedition. Your perception of “cold” becomes hilariously relative after a British winter. What the Malagueños consider “quite chilly” will feel to you like the first glorious day of spring.
Evenings, however, demand a bit more sartorial consideration, with temperatures typically dropping to 9-11°C after sunset. Not freezing by any stretch, but certainly cool enough to warrant that extra layer you’ll have been carrying around all day.
Morning to Evening: The Temperature Journey
February days in Malaga follow a predictable pattern worth planning around. Early mornings (8-10am) usually register a brisk 10-12°C—refreshing rather than bone-chilling, but not quite warm enough for breakfast on the terrace unless you’re particularly hardy or well-caffeinated.
By midday, the generous Andalusian sun works its magic, pushing temperatures to their daily peak of 17-19°C between 1-4pm. This creates a delightful afternoon window where lightweight clothing is perfectly comfortable and outdoor cafés fill with sun-seekers.
As the sun begins its descent around 5pm (February sunset times hover around 6:30pm, a welcome change from the UK’s depressingly early dusk), temperatures begin their evening decline. By 8pm, you’ll definitely be reaching for that jacket or cardigan as the mercury settles into its overnight range.
Sea Temperatures: Brave Souls Only
For those harboring fantasies of February swimming, I’m duty-bound to deliver some sobering news. February sea temperatures around Malaga hover at a bracing 15-16°C—not quite polar plunge territory, but certainly invigorating enough to elicit some colorful language upon entry.
That said, on every February visit I’ve made, I’ve spotted hardy northern Europeans (easily identified by their unique combination of pale skin and unwarranted confidence) taking the plunge. The locals, meanwhile, observe this spectacle with expressions ranging from amusement to genuine concern for the swimmers’ mental wellbeing.
What to Pack for February in Malaga
Packing for February requires a bit more thought than summer’s simple “chuck in some shorts and hope for the best” approach. The key is layering—that magical clothing concept that allows you to adapt to temperature variations without requiring a mid-day shopping expedition.
My tried-and-tested February packing list includes:
- Lightweight trousers (jeans can feel too heavy during peak afternoon warmth)
- Short-sleeved tops for layering
- Light jumpers or cardigans for morning and evening
- One proper warm layer (a fleece or light jacket)
- A waterproof jacket (more on rain shortly)
- Comfortable walking shoes that can handle the occasional puddle
- One slightly smarter outfit for evening meals
- Sunglasses (absolutely essential—the winter sun sits low and can be surprisingly intense)
Do bring sunscreen—February sun may feel gentle, but it still contains enough UV to turn unprepared skin interesting shades of pink. My fluorescent nose after a February walking tour stands as embarrassing testament to this oversight.
Rainfall Realities: When to Expect Showers
February does rank among Malaga’s wetter months, with an average of 5-6 rainy days. Before you cancel your plans in horror, understand that “rainy day” in Malaga bears little resemblance to Britain’s speciality of constant, soul-destroying drizzle.
More typically, you’ll experience brief but dramatic downpours that arrive with impressive theatricality and depart almost as quickly. These showers tend to cluster in the late afternoon, making mornings your safest bet for outdoor activities.
During my last February visit, I developed a rhythm of museums after 4pm followed by early evening tapas once the brief showers had cleared. On the one day when rain proved more persistent, I joined locals in the Mercado Atarazanas, where the combination of incredible food stalls and shelter from the elements creates a perfect wet-weather refuge. I also like the peace and quiet of the cathedral.
Where to Go in Malaga in February
February’s comfortable temperatures and reduced crowds create ideal conditions for proper sightseeing without the summer sweat and shuffle.
The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle (€5.50 combined ticket) are particularly delightful in February. The uphill climb to Gibralfaro, which can be a sweaty ordeal in summer months, becomes a pleasant stroll in February’s gentle warmth. At the top, clearer winter air offers spectacular views across the city and Mediterranean beyond—perfect for those all-important social media updates that will irritate friends back home.
For museum enthusiasts, the Picasso Museum (€12) and Carmen Thyssen Museum (€10) offer world-class collections with the February bonus of actually being able to stand and contemplate the artwork rather than being swept along by human tide. If you are a gamer, then the Video Gaming Museum might be an ideal option.
The city’s botanical gardens (Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción, €5.20) take on a different but equally charming character in February, with early-blooming species and crisp, clear light that photographers rave about.
Day Trips Perfect for February Temperatures
February’s comfortable temperatures make it ideal for day trips that would be stifling in summer. The whitewashed mountain town of Ronda sits about 1.5 hours from Malaga by train (€23.60 return) and offers dramatic gorge views without the intense summer heat that can make exploring its steep streets punishing.
I always check on Omio for bus and train tickets, as well as timetables.
Equally appealing is Granada and the Alhambra, about 90 minutes by bus (€24 return, plus €14 for Alhambra tickets). February visitor numbers are so reduced that you might actually secure same-week tickets to the Nasrid Palaces—a near impossibility during peak months.
For something closer, the charming towns of Mijas or Nerja both make perfect February day trips, offering whitewashed streets and coastal views without the summertime crush of tour groups. There are plenty of trips away from Malaga if you fancy a change of scenery.
February Events in Malaga
February may lack the headline festivals that punctuate other months, but it does offer some distinctive local celebrations that provide glimpses into authentic Malagueño culture.
Early February sometimes catches the tail end of Carnival celebrations, particularly if Easter falls late that year. While not as famous as Cadiz or Tenerife’s celebrations, Malaga’s carnival brings colorful parades and performances to the historic center, with the main events typically happening around the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
February 28th marks Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía), celebrating the region’s autonomy. While not as visually spectacular as some Spanish festivals, it brings a surge of regional pride, special menus in restaurants, and occasional free entry to museums and monuments. Many restaurants offer special set menus featuring traditional Andalusian cuisine for around €25-30.
February Dining: Seasonal Specialities
February’s cooler temperatures bring heartier dishes to Malaga’s menus—a welcome change from summer’s lighter fare. Look for callos (tripe stew, more delicious than it sounds), fabada (bean and chorizo stew), and various game dishes that rarely appear on summer menus.
Many restaurants offer winter menús del día at reduced prices (typically €10-15), making February an excellent time to sample higher-end establishments without the accompanying financial regret.
The seafood remains exceptional year-round, but February brings particularly good urta (sea bream), which reaches its prime during winter months. The beachfront chiringuitos in Pedregalejo, many of which remain open year-round, offer this local speciality grilled over open flames for around €18-22 per portion.
Best February Accommodation in Malaga
February delivers genuine bargains on the accommodation front, with prices typically 30-40% lower than summer peaks. This creates the perfect opportunity to upgrade your usual standard without upgrading your budget.
The historic center offers particular value in February, with boutique hotels like Room Mate Valeria or Molina Lario offering rooms from €70-90 per night, compared to €140+ in summer. These central locations become especially valuable during February’s occasionally unpredictable weather, as you’re never far from either shelter or sunshine.
For longer stays, apartment rentals in the historic center or trendy Soho district offer excellent value in February, with weekly rates often negotiable to even more attractive levels. A decent one-bedroom apartment typically costs €45-55 per night, with weekly rates dropping to around €300-350.
Winter Heating: An Important Consideration
One critical consideration for February accommodation is heating—something that may seem unnecessary in sunny Spain but becomes surprisingly relevant during February evenings. Many older buildings in Malaga rely on portable heaters rather than central heating, which can make evenings chilly.
When booking, explicitly check heating arrangements, particularly for apartment rentals. My first February stay in a charming but inadequately heated apartment in the old town had me wearing every item of clothing I’d packed to bed—not quite the romantic holiday scenario I’d envisioned.
Getting Around Malaga in February
Malaga’s public transport system operates year-round with minimal seasonal adjustments in February. The airport express bus (€4) runs every 20 minutes, while the main city bus lines operate approximately every 10-12 minutes throughout the day.
February’s comfortable temperatures make walking a genuine pleasure rather than the endurance test it can become in summer months. The flat, pedestrianized historic center can be crossed in 15-20 minutes, with February providing ideal conditions for unhurried exploration.
For venturing further afield, February offers excellent car hire rates—often as low as €15-20 per day for a compact vehicle. Parking in central Malaga remains challenging year-round, but the underground car parks (€15-20 per day) have plenty of space in February.
February Beach Possibilities: Expectations vs. Reality
While February isn’t prime beach season, Malaga’s expansive shores take on a different character that has its own appeal. The beaches transform into perfect walking territories, with the winter sun creating a peaceful atmosphere miles away from summer’s frenetic energy.
On particularly sunny February days, when temperatures reach their highest, you’ll spot locals and visitors alike sitting on the sand—typically more clothed than their summer counterparts but enjoying the sunshine nonetheless. The beachfront promenades buzz with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, offering a glimpse of local life rarely seen during tourist-heavy months.
Many beach restaurants remain open year-round, offering the pleasure of seaside dining without the accompanying crowds. A leisurely lunch at a Pedregalejo chiringuito, watching winter waves while enjoying fresh seafood, ranks among February’s distinctive pleasures.
Malaga Temperatures in February: Final Thoughts
February in Malaga requires managing expectations—it’s not about scorching beaches and late-night fiestas but rather about experiencing this ancient city at its most authentic and accessible. I’ve been here as well as Fuerteventura and even decades ago Mallorca in February. All were much better than the UK!
The February visitor enjoys Malaga at its most relaxed pace, with space to appreciate details that get lost in the summer rush. Museums allow contemplation rather than congestion. Restaurants serve food when locals eat, not when tourists expect it. Historical sites can be photographed without a dozen strangers inadvertently appearing in every shot.
For those seeking an escape from Britain’s particularly grim February weather, Malaga offers a balanced proposition: temperatures mild enough to leave heavy coats behind, prices gentle enough to extend your stay, and crowds thin enough to experience the city on your own terms.
Yes, you’ll need layers for morning and evening. Yes, you might encounter the occasional rain shower. But you’ll also experience a city that doesn’t feel like it’s performing for tourists—a city going about its everyday business with the quiet confidence that comes from 3,000 years of history.
The February temperatures in Malaga won’t deliver tropical heat, but they will offer a welcome respite from winter’s grip—a gentle reminder that spring isn’t far away, best enjoyed with a glass of local wine in a sun-dappled plaza. And really, isn’t that worth packing a cardigan for?
