February weather: cool, dry and ever brighter
| Madrid-Retiro normals | February |
|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 12.0 °C |
| Average minimum temperature | 3.7 °C |
| Average temperature | 7.9 °C |
Source: AEMET, climatological normals 1981-2010, Madrid-Retiro station. These are historical averages, not a forecast. Sunny days feel mild at midday, but in the shade or after dark the cold returns. For the whole season, see Madrid in winter.
Crowds and prices in February
February is a quiet month for tourism, outside carnival weekends and big trade-fair weeks. Queues at the Prado and the Reina Sofía are short on weekdays; still book a slot for weekends. To estimate the cost of your trip, see the Madrid travel budget. There is no national or regional public holiday in February: everything opens at the usual hours, except that some museums close on Mondays.
What's on in February 2027
Madrid Fusión: 1 to 3 February
The 25th Madrid Fusión Alimentos de España runs from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 February 2027 at IFEMA (halls 12 and 14). It is a professional cooking congress: entry requires a paid accreditation, so it is not a general-public visit. To taste Madrid cooking without the fair, see where to eat in Madrid.
Madrid Carnival: 6 to 10 February
Carnival runs from Saturday 6 to Wednesday 10 February 2027, with the Matadero as its main venue. According to esmadrid.com the programme includes a grand parade on Saturday 6 (Puente de Toledo), the manteo del pelele and a parade of giants and cabezudos on Sunday 7, murga and chirigota performances, and workshops for children. Activities are free. A sweet tradition, the "ruta de la sardina de carnaval", offers chocolate sardines at around a hundred restaurants and bakeries. The detailed programme is published shortly before: check times and places.
Entierro de la Sardina: Wednesday 10 February
On Ash Wednesday, 10 February 2027, a burlesque funeral procession buries a giant sardine by the Manzanares, towards the Casa de Campo. It marks the end of carnival and the start of Lent. See also the popular festivals of Madrid.
Valentine's Day
14 February falls on a Sunday in 2027. Popular restaurants fill up: book early, and see romantic Madrid for other ideas. For 14 February, see also Valentine’s Day in Madrid.
What to wear in February
- A warm coat and a scarf for the morning and evening.
- Layers you can take off at midday in the sun.
- A pocket umbrella: it rains on a few days of the month on average.
- Closed shoes for park walks.
Best things to do in February
- Art museums: Prado (€15 general admission, price checked in October 2026), Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía. One big museum per half-day is a good rhythm; see the Paseo del Arte.
- The Retiro at midday: the Retiro Park is quiet and bright on weekdays.
- Matadero and Madrid Río: the Matadero hosts exhibitions and shows all year, and Madrid Río suits winter walking.
- Hot chocolate: a break at the San Ginés chocolatería.
- In the evening: tapas, theatre or flamenco; see Madrid at night.
- A rainy day: what to do in Madrid when it rains.
February 2027 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 February | Madrid Fusión (25th edition) | Professional congress, IFEMA |
| 6 to 10 February | Madrid Carnival | Free, Matadero and parades |
| Wednesday 10 February | Entierro de la Sardina | Ash Wednesday |
| Sunday 14 February | Valentine's Day | Book restaurants |
| All month | 12 °C afternoons, 3.7 °C nights | No public holiday |
Going further
February follows what to do in Madrid in January and precedes what to do in Madrid in March. To compare all the seasons, read the best time to visit Madrid.
