Are you wondering what’s the best time to visit Marbella in Southern Spain?
Even though this pretty destination on Costa del Sol is famed for its abundant sunshine, not all months of the year benefit from the gorgeous weather.
In this article, you will find more than average temperatures and weather forecast – you will find detailed practical insights you can only learn from a local resident.
I’ve been living next to Marbella since 2020, so I’m pretty familiar with what winter and February weather looks like.
To put it short, February is the coldest month of the year, with many days of rain and low tourism activity.
Is February a good month to visit Marbella?
It may be, if you’re after good bargains on hotels or accommodation prices, and don’t mind the occasional shower chances. Even with the temperatures and rain, Marbella has a much higher daily average temperature compared to the rest of Europe (and much of Spain).
Let’s get into the details!
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Is February a Good Month to Visit Marbella?
The short answer: it depends.
February could be the worst month to visit Marbella, if you’re coming for the sunshine and stable weather conditions.
The weather is very unpredictable, it’s very rainy, windy and cloudy.
By the sea, it will feel much colder too. Does it mean you should skip Marbella in favour of the summer months?
Not necessarily.
There is a big advantage to traveling to Marbella in February. It’s the prices – as it is considered low season, you will get great bargains on hotels and things like local tours.
If you’re looking for a break from the snow and freezing temperatures, then you will be pleased to hear that Marbella is still much warmer compared to the rest of Europe, and has still plenty of sunny days even in February.
Practical Tip
Marbella Weather in February: Overview
You’re probably wondering how is the weather in Marbella in February and how it compares to the rest of the year.
Here are some monthly averages for this time of the year, compiled from historical data.
- Average High Temperatures: 16C (61F)
- Average Low Temperatures: 7C (45F)
- Sea Temperature: 16C (61F)
- Rainy Days: 5 days
- Humidity: 60%
- Sunshine Hours: 7 hours
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Average Temperatures in Marbella
The month of February brings daytime temperatures around 61 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 16 degrees Celsius.
Low average daily temperatures drop to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius.
Remember that night temperature is much lower, so you will feel the difference especially early in the mornings. In the chart below you can compare the average highs and lows throughout the year.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Average Rainfall in Marbella
While February is not the rainiest month (the top spot goes to November), there is still a high chance of rain.
February has about 5 rainy days on average or 75 mm of rain in total.
The weather patterns also change year on year, last winter was pretty dry with not much rain around. In the chart below you see the amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Here is a look at the average rainfall in mm throughout the year:
And here are the average rainy days for each month of the year:
Best Things to Do in Marbella When it Rains
While Marbella doesn’t offer a huge number of indoor activities like museums, there are still a few good options to choose from.
Here are a few ideas for rainy-day activities:
- Visit Iglesia de la Encarnación Church in the old town
- Enjoy some retail therapy at La Cañada shopping center
- Hide from the rain in the best tapas restaurants
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings
- Escape the rain by booking a day trip to places like Ronda, Granada or even Gibraltar
- Visit the Ralli Museum
- Book a Yoga Class
- Book a Cooking Class
- Enjoy a tapas tasting tour
- Stay in your hotel with a good book
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Average Sea Temperature in Marbella
At 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Сelsius), the Mediterranean sea around Marbella is too cold to swim in throughout February.
However, from sunset walks to photo opportunities, it’s easy to find other ways to enjoy the beach. Below is a graph showing sea water temperature throughout the year.
Boat Trips in February
You may be surprised but there are plenty of boat tours and trips available even in February.
What you need to be careful though, is booking one that comes with free cancellation, as the weather conditions may change.
I can recommend a sunset sailing cruise from Puerto Banus, or a sailing and dolphin watching cruise with drinks. Both of these come with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip, and should be running also in the winter months.
If you don’t see it on the site, just pop in your travel dates to the calendar and you will be offered alternatives.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Sunshine Hours in Marbella
In February, Marbella’s winter is still in full swing, meaning the month sees no more than 7 hours of sunshine daily and plenty of blue skies.
Though it’s not a full day of sun, 7 hours is still enough to brighten up a day out on the town, a beach walk or an excursion outside of Marbella. Below you can see how many days of sunshine can you expect throughout the year.
Can You Get Sunburn in February?
Of course, you can! Packing a good sun-protecting lotion is a must when you’re visiting in February.
On that note, here is what the average UV index looks like in Marbella throughout the year.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Humidity Levels in Marbella
In February, humidity levels in Marbella stay moderate for winter time, meaning they hover around 70%.
This likely won’t impact the quality of your stay. As you can see from the chart below, the highest relative humidity can be expected in December and January.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Wind Speed in Marbella
Wind is the last weather condition that will influence how cold it feels. I can tell you first hand, it can make a massive difference even on a sunny day, especially if you’re near the coastline.
Here is what the wind conditions look like in Marbella throughout the year. You can see that in February, you can expect winds around 13 km/h, some of the strongest winds of the whole year.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
What to Expect for Marbella in February
Though February isn’t too far off from spring, it’s still too early to see tourists return to Marbella in huge numbers.
Tourist activity stalls during the winter months, meaning the region’s beaches and hotels tend to feel quieter. If you’re craving nightlife, dancing, and nightly events, this may not be ideal for you.
However, if you’re looking to have the Costa del Sol to yourself, February may be a great month for your trip.
While fewer tourists do mean there is less going on, Marbella remains lively in the winter, as it has plenty of year-round residents and plenty of things to do.
Prices are low, meaning you can enjoy hotel, dining, and shopping you may not be able to afford in the peak season. You will likely be able to save money by visiting Marbella in February.
Be aware of the possibility of sudden weather changes during your trip.
Heavy rainfall and coastal storms are both possible, so keep an eye out for weather forecasts. If there is a long stretch of bad weather on the horizon, consider planning around it.
If you’re already in Marbella when bad weather hits, wait it out inside while following local news and forecasts. Prepare a list of local indoor activities in advance so that you can refer to it if the weather is too unpleasant to spend time outside.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN fEBRUARY
Planning Your Trip to Marbella in February
Now that you know the weather, here are some practical tips that will help you plan your trip.
What to Wear in Marbella in February
When planning a Marbella getaway, it’s a good idea to pack some necessities, especially in February. February’s cool, wintry weather should inform what goes in your suitcase.
A compact umbrella and packable rain jacket are a handy combination to have on hand just in case. Consider bringing shoes that are somewhat water-resistant so that you can keep exploring even if it’s drizzling.
Be sure to bring a selection of layers in case the weather gets too cold for comfort.
These include sweaters, thick socks, long sleeve shirts, and even leggings that you can wear under your pants. Even though the temperatures in the middle of the day can be pleasant, the nights and early mornings are pretty chilly.
If you plan on exploring outdoors, bring comfortable footwear.
If you’re renting an apartment, I also recommend bringing a pair of slippers. The properties here do not have carpets and the floors are very cold.
Which Airport for Marbella?
To get to Marbella, you will fly to Malaga Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). From there, it’s about 40 minutes drive by car, but you can also take a local bus or taxi. There are no trains to Marbella available from the airport (Marbella doesn’t have a train station).
Puerto Banus is technically part of Marbella, but it’s further away, so expect to pay more than average prices for your taxi journey.
Airport Transport
Events in Marbella in February 2024
Local events are a great way to meet people and learn about Spanish culture. Though February is far from peak season in Marbella, there is always something going on.
Marbella’s Carnival is one of its most anticipated events each year. Dates vary, but the celebration usually takes place in February or March. If it happens to fall during your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to watch Marbella light up with live music, games, performances, and so much more.
The Grand Parade is the highlight of the party, bringing the town together to watch the festivities.
Popular Tours in Marbella in February 2024
If the weather allows it, you will certainly enjoy a guided tour to Caminito del Rey, which comes with hotel pick up. It’s the most popular natural attraction in the Malaga district, and even if you’re scared of heights I promise you will love it (just like I did!).
Other popular options for day tours include trips to the iconic Gibraltar, with tickets to the Nature Reserve, so you can say hello to the local monkeys.
If you want to discover some gems of Southern Spain, consider this trip to Ronda, seeing the famous Alhambra in Granada (with palace tickets included) or even escaping to the African continent and booking a day trip to Morroco.
Local tours in Marbella that are popular this time of the year are a walking tour of Marbella old town, and this tapas and wine tasting tour.
Where to Stay in Marbella in February
For luxury stays, the area around the Golden Mile and Puerto Banus is a good choice, with upscale hotels offering premium amenities.
Luxury Marbella Hotels:
Mid-range options can be found the town center, providing easy access to Marbella’s attractions without breaking the bank.
Mid Range Marbella Hotels:
If you’re on a tight budget, you might find good smaller hotels in the Old Town, where affordable hostels and guesthouses are nestled among charming streets.
Cheap Marbella Hotels:
Marbella Weather in February: Frequent Questions
Here are some frequent questions about visiting Marbella in February.
If you didn’t find your answer here, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to help.
How warm is Marbella in February?
Marbella is comfortably cool in February. Though it’s not especially warm, it’s not extremely cold, either- highs reach 61 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 16 degrees Celsius.
What is the weather like in Marbella in late February?
In late February, Marbella’s weather may warm up slightly, as spring is just around the corner. Temperatures will remain cool and crisp, but you may see more sunshine.
Can you swim in Marbella in February?
With sea temperatures at 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Сelsius), swimming is generally not advised in Marbella in February.
Is Marbella good in winter?
Marbella is a year-round destination. While it does slow down significantly in the winter, it still offers plenty to do, as do neighboring Costa del Sol regions. One of the main benefits of Marabella’s winters are its low, off-season prices.
What to wear in Marbella in February?
When visiting Marbella in winter, you’ll want to layer up. This means packing sweaters, light jackets, long sleeve shirts, and even a pair of leggings to slip on underneath your pants. The weather can be quite cool in the morning and evening, so you’ll want to bundle up, with the option of taking something off later.
MARBELLA WEATHER IN FEBRUARY
Key Takeaways
February is one of the coldest and most rainy months of the year, but it does offer plenty of sunshine and relatively pleasant temperatures if you compare Marbella to the rest of Europe.
While it’s certainly not the weather for sunbathing, you may enjoy your visit if you prefer fewer tourists or are looking for some winter sun bargains.
Not sure about February?
Check out my weather guides for other months of the year:
- Marbella Weather in January
- Marbella Weather in September
- Marbella in December
- Marbella Weather in November
- Marbella Weather in October
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