Where to go in Europe in February
Plan for free
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
February brings longer days, bright winter skies, and some of the Mediterranean’s most pleasant cool-weather conditions. Southern Europe feels calm and lightly sunlit, while coastal towns begin to show early signs of spring. Islands like Madeira remain green and warm, Portugal and Spain offer beautiful cultural city breaks, and Italy’s southern regions feel peaceful and authentic. Meanwhile, alpine regions in France, Switzerland, and northern Italy reach peak winter beauty, offering excellent snow conditions and atmospheric mountain villages.
For travelers seeking culture, winter sunshine, or snowy adventure, February delivers an inspiring mix of comfort and authenticity. Our travel experts help you design a tailor-made journey shaped around your pace and travel style.
| Destination | Temperature | Water Temperature | Sunlight Hours | Rainy Days | ✈️ | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira | 57–66 °F | 66 °F | 5 | 11 | 7h + 2h | $$ |
| Cádiz (Carnival) | 50–63 °F | 60 °F | 6 | 6 | 8h | $$ |
| Lisbon & Arrábida Coast | 50–61 °F | 59 °F | 5 | 9 | 7h | $$ |
| Thessaloniki & Halkidiki | 45–57 °F | 57 °F | 4 | 7 | 9h | $$ |
| Apulia (Puglia) | 46–57 °F | 57 °F | 5 | 8 | 9h | $$ |
| French Alps (Chamonix & Megève) | 23–36 °F | N/A | 4 | 12 | 8h | $$$ |
| Iceland — South Coast & Northern Lights | 30–40 °F | 41 °F | 5 | 13 | 6h | $$$ |
| Valencia & Costa de Azahar | 48–64 °F | 57 °F | 6 | 5 | 8h | $$ |
| Tenerife | 61–70 °F | 68 °F | 6 | 6 | 10h | $$ |
| Gran Canaria | 60–70 °F | 68 °F | 6 | 5 | 10h | $$ |
| Cyprus | 50–63 °F | 62 °F | 5 | 7 | 11h | $$ |
| Malta | 52–61 °F | 62 °F | 5 | 11 | 10h | $$ |
Events, seasonal highlights & travel tips
Mild winter days across the Mediterranean;
Excellent hiking in Madeira and the Canary Islands;
Great-value cultural travel in Lisbon, Valencia, and Puglia;
Peak skiing season in the French Alps;
Strong northern-lights visibility in Iceland.
Travel tip: February is ideal for travelers seeking winter sunshine, culture, or snowy mountain landscapes — all with fewer crowds.
Best places to visit in Europe in February
Madeira, Portugal
February brings lush landscapes, crisp Atlantic light, and excellent visibility across Madeira’s rugged coastline. Levada trails wind through green valleys and terraced farms, while high-altitude viewpoints offer dramatic panoramas above cloud layers. Funchal feels lively but unhurried, with botanical gardens, markets full of winter produce, and scenic waterfront cafés. It’s a wonderful month for travelers who enjoy mild temperatures and nature-focused exploration.
🌡 57–66 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 11 days
Cádiz, Spain — Carnival Season
February is the best time to experience Cádiz during its famously spirited Carnival. The city comes alive with music, humor, and street performances, creating a playful and welcoming atmosphere unique in Spain. Outside festival moments, the old town offers breezy promenades, ancient fortifications, and bright Atlantic views. Nearby coastal towns and white villages make excellent day trips, offering mild weather and authentic local charm.
🌡 50–63 °F 🌊 60 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 6 days
Lisbon & Arrábida Coast, Portugal
Lisbon’s hills, riverfront terraces, and historic neighborhoods feel fresh and sunlit in February. Mild temperatures make it easy to explore Alfama’s alleys, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, or take a nostalgic ride on Tram 28. South of the city, the Arrábida Coast reveals turquoise bays, limestone cliffs, and scenic hiking routes that remain beautiful even in winter. Combined, they offer a rich blend of culture and natural scenery.
🌡 50–61 °F 🌊 59 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 9 days
Thessaloniki & Halkidiki, Greece
Northern Greece is mild and atmospheric in February. Thessaloniki blends Byzantine history with a relaxed seaside promenade, local food markets, and excellent museums. The surrounding region of Halkidiki offers quiet beaches, pine forests, and crystal-clear water with soft winter light. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting Greek culture without the summer rush.
🌡 45–57 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 4 hours 🌧 7 days
Apulia (Puglia), Italy
Puglia reveals a peaceful, authentic side in February. Whitewashed towns like Ostuni and Locorotondo sit under clear winter skies, and the region’s Adriatic coastline invites scenic drives without crowds. Mild temperatures make it comfortable to explore baroque architecture, olive groves, and coastal paths. Local cuisine — from fresh pasta to rich olive oils — adds warmth and depth to winter travel.
🌡 46–57 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 8 days
French Alps — Chamonix & Megève
February is peak season in the French Alps, with excellent snow conditions and some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Chamonix offers views of Mont Blanc, scenic cable cars, and world-class skiing, while Megève provides a gentler atmosphere with alpine charm, traditional chalets, and cozy cafés. Travelers can enjoy winter hiking, spa hotels, and panoramic viewpoints ideal for non-skiers as well.
🌡 23–36 °F ❄️ Frequent snow ☀️ 4–5 hours
Iceland — South Coast & Northern Lights
February offers a beautiful balance of winter landscapes and growing daylight in Iceland. Ice caves reach their peak quality, waterfalls freeze into shimmering formations, and black-sand beaches contrast sharply with snowy cliffs. Long evenings provide excellent northern-lights viewing, while geothermal lagoons offer warm, relaxing breaks between scenic drives.
🌡 30–40 °F 🌊 41 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧/❄️ 13 days
Valencia & Costa de Azahar, Spain
Valencia enjoys bright winter days perfect for exploring its historic center, futuristic architecture, and local food markets. The nearby Costa de Azahar offers quiet beaches, citrus groves, and small seaside towns with a relaxed, authentic feel. It’s a wonderful option for travelers wanting mild weather and Spanish culture without the busier cities.
🌡 48–64 °F 🌊 57 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 5 days
February experiences to plan your trip around
“February is Carnival season — one of Europe’s most colorful and atmospheric celebrations. Venice offers iconic masked balls and grand canal parades, Nice holds France’s largest floral parade, and Tenerife hosts one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations with concerts, costumes, and lively street parties. A spectacular cultural moment across southern Europe.”
Carnival
Venice, Nice, Tenerife, and many regions across Europe
“A series of community runs, outdoor concerts, food fairs, and coastal events build up to the marathon — a vibrant period with a welcoming, local atmosphere ideal for active travelers.”
Cyprus – Limassol Marathon Cultural Events
Late February
“Athens hosts winter film festivals featuring international documentaries, shorts, and discussions with filmmakers. A great pairing with mild weather and quieter archaeological sites.”
Athens – Documentary & Short Film Festival
February
1/3
3 steps to adventure
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
Warmest places in Europe in February
Tenerife, Canary Islands
February brings warm afternoons, calm seas, and volcanic landscapes ideal for sailing, beach time, and exploring Teide’s surreal scenery.
🌡 61–70 °F 🌊 68 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 6 days
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria continues to offer Europe’s most spring-like conditions. Expect golden dunes, protected beaches, and mild, consistent sunshine on the island’s south coast.
🌡 60–70 °F 🌊 68 °F ☀️ 6 hours 🌧 5 days
Madeira, Portugal
Bright, green, and full of early-season flowers, Madeira is perfect for hiking, panoramic viewpoints, and scenic coastal drives in February.
🌡 57–66 °F 🌊 66 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 11 days
Cyprus
Mild coastal weather, quiet archaeological sites, and early blossoms across inland villages make Cyprus ideal for relaxed winter exploration.
🌡 50–63 °F 🌊 62 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 7 days
Malta
Golden sandstone cities, cliffside trails, and sheltered coastal inlets feel gentle and atmospheric in February.
🌡 52–61 °F 🌊 62 °F ☀️ 5 hours 🌧 11 days
