You’ve seen the photos. Endless blue skies, palm trees, and people sipping Aperol Spritz in sunglasses while the rest of Europe is shivering under a grey blanket of sleet. It looks like summer. But honestly, if you pack nothing but shorts and flip-flops for a trip to the Costa del Sol in February, you’re going to have a very chilly wake-up call.
Malaga in February is a bit of a trickster.
The weather is famously "spring-like," but that’s a broad term. One minute you’re sweating in the sun on Larios Street, and the next, a cloud drifts over or the wind kicks up from the Mediterranean, and you're wishing you’d brought a proper coat.
The Reality of Malaga in February Weather
Let’s talk numbers first. Usually, you’re looking at daytime highs of around 17°C to 18°C. On a really lucky day, the mercury can hit 22°C ($71.6°F$). That’s T-shirt weather. It’s glorious.
But here is the catch.
As soon as that sun dips behind the mountains or sets at 7:00 PM, the temperature plummets. It’ll drop to 9°C or 10°C ($48°F$ to $50°F$) fast. If you’re sitting outside for tapas, that "refreshing breeze" becomes a biting wind. You need layers. You need a jacket.
Is it going to rain?
Probably not much. Malaga averages about five or six rainy days in February. When it does rain, it’s usually a short, sharp burst rather than the week-long drizzle you get in London or Seattle. Data from local stations like the one at Malaga Airport shows about 50mm to 60mm of total rainfall for the month. It’s enough to keep the hills green, but rarely enough to ruin a holiday.
Actually, the wind is a bigger factor than the rain. The Poniente (from the west) and Levante (from the east) winds can make the air feel significantly cooler than the thermometer says.
Swimming: Expectation vs. Reality
Can you swim? Well, the sea temperature sits at a "bracing" 15°C or 16°C.
Locals won’t go near the water. They’ll be on the sand in puffer jackets watching the northern Europeans jump in for a "refreshing" dip that lasts approximately 45 seconds before they emerge blue-lipped and shivering. Unless you have a wetsuit, the Mediterranean in February is strictly for looking, not touching.
That said, the beaches are perfect for walking. Playa de la Malagueta is wide, quiet, and the chiringuitos (beach bars) are open. There is something deeply satisfying about eating grilled sardines (espetos) in the sun while knowing your friends back home are shoveling snow.
The Secret Season: Almond Blossoms and Carnival
Most people miss the best part of February because they’re too focused on the beach. This is the month of the "Pink Snow."
In the hills around Malaga—places like Guaro, Almogía, and the Guadalhorce Valley—thousands of almond trees burst into bloom. It’s a sea of white and pink petals. If you hike the Sierra de las Nieves during the first two weeks of February, it’s arguably more beautiful than anything you’ll see in the height of summer.
Then there’s the Malaga Carnival 2026.
It’s scheduled to run from February 7th to February 15th. This isn’t a corporate, polished event; it’s loud, messy, and satirical. You’ll see "murga" groups singing funny songs about politics in the Plaza de la Constitución. The whole thing ends with the "Entierro del Boquerón"—the Burial of the Anchovy—at Malagueta beach. Yes, they parade a giant fake fish through the streets and then burn it. It’s weird. It’s wonderful.
What to Actually Pack
If you want to blend in and stay comfortable, follow the "Three-Layer Rule."
- The Base: A light T-shirt or long-sleeve cotton top.
- The Middle: A sweater or a denim jacket.
- The Outer: A light down jacket or a trench coat.
You’ll be constantly taking these off and putting them back on as you move from the sunny side of the street to the shade. Also, bring "proper" shoes. Sandals are fine for the beach, but for walking the cobblestones of the Soho district or climbing up to the Gibralfaro Castle, you want sneakers or boots.
Why February Might Be the Best Time to Visit
Honestly, the lack of crowds is the real selling point.
In August, you can’t move in the city center. In February, you can actually get a table at El Pimpi without a reservation if you time it right. You can walk through the Picasso Museum without being elbowed by tour groups.
The light is also different. It’s crisp and clear. Photographers love this time of year because the haze of the summer heat is gone, leaving the Alcazaba fortress looking sharp against a deep indigo sky.
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Actionable Tips for Your February Trip
- Book a South-Facing Room: Central heating isn't always great in older Spanish apartments. A room that gets the afternoon sun will stay much warmer at night.
- Visit the Botanical Gardens: The Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción is stunning in February. The tropical plants are lush, and it’s a great wind-break on breezy days.
- Check the Carnival Schedule: Most events are free. Look for the "Battle of the Flowers" on Calle Larios—it’s a chaotic mess of confetti and fun.
- Hike the Caminito del Rey: This famous walkway is much easier to tackle when it’s 17°C than when it’s 35°C. Just check the weather; they close the path if the winds are too high.
- Eat Seasonal: Look for ajoblanco (cold almond soup) and local citrus. The oranges in the Malaga province are at their peak right now.
Forget the "winter" label. Malaga in February is essentially an early spring. It requires a bit of planning with your wardrobe, but the reward is a peaceful, authentic version of Andalusia that most tourists never get to see.