Visiting Barcelona in February
Valentine’s Day romance, Carnival craziness and calçotadas…
By Jessica Bowler 
Winter sunshine, Carnival celebrations, plenty of romantic activities for travelling couples, and the tradition of barbecuing strange shaped onions in the countryside… February is a fine time for visiting the Catalan capital.
Thinking about heading to Barcelona for Valentine’s Day? Or just hoping to take advantage of some of the cheap winter deals you can get? A February trip to Barcelona might not come complete with beach weather, but it does give you the chance to check out some of the city’s local festivities, such as the Santa Eulalia festival and ribald Carnival celebrations in Sitges, as well as the opportunity to go sightseeing without battling too many crowds.
The high season begins in March, so this is your last chance to enjoy top sights like La Sagrada Familia and the Casa Mila to yourself.
What’s the Weather Like in February?
The weather in February in Barcelona averages around a maximum of 15 ºC (about 60 ºF) during the daytime, dropping down to 9 ºC (about 48 ºF). There are around 5 rainy days on average in February, so with a bit of luck you won’t get wet during your visit – in fact this time of year often sees crisp blue skies and warm winter sunshine, warm enough for T-shirts at midday, even if it cools off considerably at night.
As for snow, statistically speaking this is the most likely month to see a few flakes, but with the average snowy days in February as only 0.2 don’t bet on it. You’re more likely to get a spring feeling.
In terms of what clothes to bring, versatility is key. During the day it might look like sunglasses and t-shirt are the order of the day, but be sure to have plenty of layers close by for when the sun starts to dip. If you plan on going to Montserrat (see below) bear in mind it’s a fair bit colder up there. A bit of lip balm might be a clever addition for the handbag/manbag.
Festivals & Things To Do
Even though the weather can get chilly, there’s still plenty going on during the wintery months. Here are our very favourite things to do in Barcelona in February!
1. See Breathtaking Montserrat
With a name literally meaning “serrated mountain”, these jagged peaks are undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights in Catalonia, and the number 1 day trip from Barcelona. Aside from the incredible natural beauty of Montserrat, there’s also the might medieval abbey, set high in the mountains, home to the 12th-century carving of Our Lady of Montserrat. For more on Montserrat, including what to see and do, and how to get there, read our feature length article. There are a number of highly-rated tours that leave daily, which are extremely convenient for travellers who prefer not to waste time on public transport. Best to check out the options on Get Your Guide.
2. Visit the Stunning Casa Mila!
Locals call Gaudí’s masterpieces “The Quarry” in reference to its stony outer structure, which is why you might also hear La Casa Mila referred to as La Pedrera. But a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, and this building is stunning either way. A guided tour gives you access to the interior courtyards, historically-preserved apartment and undulating rooftop with its sweeping views of downtown Barcelona. You can find out more about the highlights, opening times and buying tickets here. Or click the button below to reserve now.
More Gaudi…
Casa Mila is just one of the unmissable masterpieces that Gaudi brought to life in Barcelona. Others include…
I. La Sagrada Familia
Construction is still taking place on this epic basilica that bears no comparisons to any other church in the world. The details are so over the top, that really do have to see it to believe it. Tickets go fast!
II. Park Guell
A magical garden where time seems to stand still as you gaze over the city from Gaudi’s gorgeous, mosaic-tiled viewing terrace. The park’s colourful lizard has become an icon of the city. Reserve your place online.
III. Casa Batllo
Almost opposite the aforementioned Casa Mila, Casa Batllo is smaller, but more eye-catching than its cousin, with a wonderful coral façade and skeletal balconies that look like sharks’ heads. Best to reserve tickets in advance.
More on Gaudi’s legacy in Barcelona here.
Travel Tip: You can save time and money by buying a Barcelona Pass, that includes tickets to La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, plus the Tourist Bus (which joins the two). Or, if you want to see all of Gaudi consider the Go City All Inclusive or Explorer pass… see our comparison of the best value tourist cards here!
3. Snag Tickets for the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is one of the city’s most popular museums, which means it can get pretty chaotic in the high season. But February tends to be less busy, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy the museum without elbowing your way through crowds. There are over 4,000 of Picasso’s pieces here, from his early Blue Period to his signature Cubist works, so take some time to enjoy the artist at his best. Check our review with opening hours, guided tour options and tickets. If you fancy hiring an art expert to lead you around, there’s an excellent tour available on Get Your Guide.
4. Celebrate the Santa Eulàlia Festival
Each year, Barcelona celebrates its winter festival, Santa Eulàlia, whose holy day is on the 12th February. Though not as huge as the city’s many summer celebrations, this festival still provides a chance to see lots of the local traditions – think sardana dances, correfoc fire runs and castellers (human towers), and plenty of parades featuring giants, devils, dragons and other assorted beasts. Most of the action takes places in the old city centre, which makes it ideal for pairing with a sightseeing session. More info here. (Photo by Jordi Ferrer).
5. Be Dazzled by the Lights at LlumBCN
Alongside the Santa Eulàlia festival, every February Barcelona puts on a display of light art called LlumBCN. Around the city, buildings and monuments get lit up with dazzling artistic projections. The cleverly-placed lights bring the city’s façades to life and highlight pieces of its history and culture. The event is usually held in the Poblenou district and you can check the officail website for more info. The dates for 2024 are the 2nd to 4th of Feb.
6. Get Romantic for Valentine’s Day
Although Catalonia’s own version of St. Valentine’s Day, Dia del Sant Jordi, doesn’t take place until April, February 14th is still a perfect day to celebrate your amor in Barcelona. You might start with a romantic stroll by the sea, before a relaxing spa session, or a visit to the picturesque Laberint d’Horta park. For something unforgettable, take a drive in a Ferrari, or sail above Catalonia in a hot air balloon! For a complete list of romantic things to do in Barcelona head here, or check our St. Valentine’s Day page in our Events calendar.
7. Book a Photo Shoot
Ever wished your holiday snaps looked a bit more professional? The team at Shutter Kings Barcelona will help you out by taking the scintillating shots of you in picture-perfect locations. This could be a thoughtful gift for your someone special this Valentine’s Day, and a great way to celebrate your relationship. Or it could be a fun way to make sure your family photos will be ones to treasure for years to come (and not ones with somebody’s thumb covering up half the shot).
8. Take a Private Wine Tour
Catalonia is famous for its excellent wine, and this private tour takes you to two exclusive boutique wineries accompanied by an expert sommelier and guide. You’ll learn all about the history of wine and Cava in the area – as well as get to try plenty, of course! The tour includes luxury private transport to and from the nearby Penedes wine region, with hotel pick up, as well as a three-course authentic Catalan lunch at a regional restaurant. You can also upgrade to visit three wineries if you prefer!
9. Sail Into the Sunset
One more suggestion for lovebirds would be this romantic jaunt out on the Mediterranean sea, just as the sun sets over Barcelona. This private boat trip is a great way to mark a special occasion, and includes a bottle of Cava so you can toast your luck with splendid views back over the city skyline. The price is reasonable at €350 for a 3 hour cruise, although if that is a little out of your budget check the shared sailing experiences on this page, for many more options.
10. Stroll Down Las Ramblas
The Ramblas is another Barcelona sight that’s often better enjoyed in the low season that at the height of summer. Starting in Plaça Catalunya, it winds its way all the way down to the Mediterranean over a leisurely kilometre or so. Along the way, you’ll find flower and newspaper stalls, artists painting portraits, La Boqueria market and the occasional street performer. If you get chilly, there are plenty of cafés to get a little something warm. A word to the wise though – even though February is the low season, it’s best to avoid the restaurants right on the Ramblas, which are almost uniformly absurdly overpriced and poor quality. Check our restaurant guide instead.
11. Work Up an Appetite for a Calçotada
In Catalonia, February is prime time for the local tradition of the calçotada, the celebration of all things onion. Well, actually, it’s just one particular type of onion – the calçot (pronounced “cal-sot”). This long, thin onion is a bit like a leek, and it make locals go crazy in the winter months. They enjoy piles of them barbecued and dipped into a tasty sauce called romesco. The best way to enjoy them is at an outdoor barbecue, but you can also try them at traditional Catalan restaurants. Just keep your eye out for signs advertising them on the menu.
12. Party at the Infamous Sitges Carnival
To finish the month on a high note, hop on a train to Sitges, a pretty beach town about half-an-hour south of Barcelona. Late February heralds its notorious Carnival celebrations, a week of pure, unbridled debauchery by the sea. Dress up in your fanciest of fancy dress (the more over the top, the better) and enjoy parades, concerts, and general mayhem. In 2024, the dates are 8-14th of February. Check out our event page with details on the best parties and parades, and how to get there.
Party Option: Young travellers wanting to head down to Sitges from Barcelona, can sign up with Stoke Travel who organise a yearly booze bus to Sitges. They leave on the 13th February, returning in the early hours of the 14th. These guys know how to party!
13. Attend the Mobile World Congress
One of the most exciting professional events on the calendar in Barcelona is the Mobile World Congress, held annually at the Fira de Barcelona. The event brings together thought leaders and industry experts from around the world to talk all things tech. There’s also the 4YFN startup event, where there’s plenty of innovation and experimentation to be seen. Find out more information and how to register for a pass on the official website.
www.mwcbarcelona.com
Team Activities!
If you’re coming to MWC Barcelona with your colleagues and looking for a team building or reward activity to enjoy together, check out our feature length article. From treasure hunts and paella cooking classes to supercar driving and VIP packages at FC Barcelona, we can help out!
Keep Reading!
Will you be spending more time in Barcelona? Check out our tips for what to do in the city in March too. And we’ve got more suggestions in our Events calendar!
We’ve also got guides for all the essentials – accommodation, sights to see, and places to eat and drink.
About the Author
Jessica was born in England and grew up in California before moving to Seville to study Spanish. She now lives here in Barcelona, where she works in communications, studies for her masters and still finds time to update her award-winning blog Barcelona Blonde – as well as being a regular contributor to Barcelona Life!