Southern Europe in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for February
Average temperature across Southern Europe in February.
Country Weather in February
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 13° | 4° | 67 mm | low | Cold |
| Spain | 12° | 3° | 33 mm | low | Cold |
| Greece | 13° | 6° | 50 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Portugal | 16° | 9° | 86 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Cyprus | 16° | 6° | 53 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Malta | moderate | ||||
| Andorra | 7° | -2° | 56 mm | low | Cold |
| San Marino | 10° | 1° | 56 mm | low | Cold |
| Vatican City | 13° | 4° | 63 mm | low | Cold |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Iberian Peninsula (Spain & Portugal)
Late winter still brings a fair share of Atlantic storms to Galicia, northern Portugal and the Cantabrian coast, with blustery winds and heavy rain; Lisbon and the Algarve begin to see more sun as storms shift. Central Spain remains crisp at night but daytime sun can feel pleasantly warm for city walks; this is a good time for quieter museum visits in Madrid or Coimbra. Gardens in southern Andalusia start to green up, and crowds are low so hotel rates are friendlier.
Southern France & the Riviera (Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc)
Late winter still brings the mistral and occasional unsettled Atlantic weather to the Languedoc and Côte d’Azur, though sunny interludes are common and daytime temperatures often sit in the low double digits. The hills and Provençal countryside start to show the first crocus and almond buds, making scenic drives pleasant; skiing in the southern Alps is in full swing for ski-goers. Expect brisk evenings - layers and windproof jackets are smart packing choices.
Italian Peninsula, Sicily & Sardinia (Italy)
Late winter remains a patchwork: Venice and the Po Valley can be foggy and cold, Rome grows brighter with more sunny days, and Sicily experiences mild, often sunny spells that make Palermo and Catania pleasant. Carnival season peaks in February, notably Venice’s masked events, which attract crowds despite chilly weather. Pack layers and a waterproof for sudden showers, and be ready for lively street events where you might need advance tickets.
Adriatic & Balkan Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Late winter produces occasional rainy spells and strong bora winds on the northern Adriatic (Istria, Rijeka), which can be gusty and chill you quickly; southern Dalmatia tends to be milder and sunnier. Many island ferries and tourist facilities remain closed, although larger towns still offer restaurants and cultural sites. Pack windproof clothing if you plan coastal walks and allow extra time for weather-affected ferries.
Greece & the Aegean (Greece mainland, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete)
Late winter still carries unpredictable rain showers across the Aegean and mainland, and strong northerly Meltemi winds can gust early, especially in the Cyclades, making ferry crossings choppy. Athens warms into milder daytime temperatures by March and Crete enjoys pleasant, sunlit days ideal for walking. Carnival events and local festivals pop up on the mainland; travelers should carry layers and expect some reduced ferry services on smaller islands.
Malta & Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean islands)
Late winter in February brings more variable weather but increasingly sunny interludes across both islands; wildflowers bloom in the Maltese countryside and coastal walks are pleasant. Nicosia can be cooler in the evenings, while Limassol and Larnaca enjoy mild daytime temperatures. Ferry and flight schedules are steady; this is a low-season time for cheaper rates and quieter attractions.