Things to Do in Cadiz in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Cadiz
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Carnival season transforms the entire city - February 2026 brings one of Spain's most elaborate Carnivals (typically second or third week), with street performances, satirical murals called chirigotas, and neighborhood parties that locals actually attend, not just tourist shows. The whole city participates, which means you're experiencing something genuinely cultural rather than staged.
- Comfortable walking weather without summer's brutal heat - daytime temps around 17°C (62°F) mean you can explore the old town's narrow streets for hours without wilting. The UV index of 8 is strong but manageable with basic sun protection, and those 10 rainy days are usually brief Atlantic squalls that clear quickly rather than day-long washouts.
- Significantly lower accommodation costs compared to summer peak - February sits firmly in shoulder season, with hotel rates typically 40-60% below July-August pricing. You'll find availability at the better boutique hotels in the old quarter that are completely booked months ahead in high season, and restaurants don't require advance reservations.
- Atlantic conditions are surprisingly decent for beach activities - while the water temperature hovers around 15°C (59°F) and swimming isn't appealing for most visitors, the beaches are perfect for long walks, the light is spectacular for photography, and February often brings clean surf conditions that attract the local surfing community to Playa de la Victoria and Cortadura Beach.
Considerations
- Weather variability means you need to pack for multiple scenarios - that 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 62°F) range sounds manageable until you factor in Atlantic wind, which can make evening temperatures feel considerably colder. You'll see locals in winter coats while tourists shiver in light jackets they brought for what they imagined would be warm Spanish weather.
- Some beach chiringuitos and seasonal restaurants remain closed - the full summer beach scene hasn't kicked in yet, so expect reduced hours at beachfront establishments and some coastal restaurants still in winter mode. This particularly affects La Caleta area where several popular spots don't open until March or operate weekend-only schedules.
- Daylight hours are shorter than you might expect - sunset around 6:45pm in early February means your sightseeing window is compressed compared to summer's 9:30pm sunsets. This matters in Cadiz where so much of the appeal is wandering the waterfront and old town streets, and evening strolls get chilly quickly after dark.
Best Activities in February
Carnival performances and street celebrations
Cadiz Carnival typically peaks in mid-February and is genuinely worth planning your trip around - this isn't Barcelona's tourist-focused version but rather a deeply local tradition where neighborhood groups spend months preparing satirical musical performances called chirigotas. The weather in February is actually ideal for this since you'll be standing in packed plazas watching outdoor performances, and 17°C (62°F) days mean you're comfortable in the crowds without overheating. The main competition performances happen in the Gran Teatro Falla, but the real magic is the illegal street performances after midnight when groups perform without official permission.
Old town walking and food market tours
February weather is perfect for exploring Cadiz's compact old quarter on foot - you can easily walk the entire historic center in a day without the exhaustion that comes with summer heat. The Mercado Central de Abastos operates at full capacity in February with excellent seasonal produce, and the surrounding tapas bars in the Barrio del Pópulo serve winter specialties like urta a la roteña (local fish stew) that disappear from menus in summer. The 70% humidity sounds uncomfortable but actually feels pleasant at these temperatures, and those occasional rain showers rarely last more than 30-40 minutes.
Surfing and surf lessons at La Victoria and Cortadura beaches
February brings some of the year's most consistent Atlantic swells, and the local surf community is active despite water temperatures around 15°C (59°F). La Victoria beach, which runs for 3 km (1.9 miles) along the new town, gets decent waves suitable for beginners to intermediates, while Cortadura further south handles bigger swells. You'll need a 4/3mm or 5/3mm wetsuit which rental shops provide, and the air temperature around 17°C (62°F) means you're not freezing when you come out of the water. The beaches are nearly empty compared to summer chaos.
Day trips to Jerez for sherry bodega tours
Jerez de la Frontera sits just 35 km (22 miles) inland and is the heart of sherry production - February is an excellent time to visit the historic bodegas because tourist numbers are minimal and the cooler weather makes walking between wineries pleasant. The traditional sherry houses like Tio Pepe, Lustau, and Sandeman offer tours that include barrel room visits and tastings, and February timing means you're seeing actual production rather than just tourist demonstrations. The train from Cadiz takes 40 minutes and costs around 6-8 euros each way.
Photography walks along the waterfront and Caleta beach
February light in Cadiz is spectacular for photography - the lower sun angle creates dramatic shadows in the old town's narrow streets, and the Atlantic weather brings interesting cloud formations that make for much more compelling images than summer's flat blue skies. La Caleta beach, the small horseshoe bay between two castles, is particularly photogenic in winter light, and the Alameda Apodaca waterfront promenade offers Atlantic views without summer crowds blocking your shots. That UV index of 8 means strong light even in winter, perfect for vibrant colors.
Visits to Tavira Tower and cathedral rooftop for city views
The Torre Tavira camera obscura and cathedral rooftop viewing platform are indoor-outdoor activities perfect for February's variable weather - you can duck inside if rain hits but still get expansive city views when conditions clear. The camera obscura demonstration showing live projected images of the city is particularly interesting when cloud patterns create dramatic lighting. February's clearer winter air (compared to summer haze) means better visibility across the bay to Puerto de Santa Maria and the salt marshes.
February Events & Festivals
Carnaval de Cádiz 2026
One of Spain's most significant Carnival celebrations, featuring weeks of satirical musical theater competitions called chirigotas, comparsas, and coros. Groups spend the entire year writing and rehearsing elaborate performances that satirize politics, current events, and local issues. The official competition runs in the Gran Teatro Falla with preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, but the street carnival is equally important - costumed groups perform illegally throughout the old town, neighborhood parties run all night, and the entire city essentially shuts down for celebration. This is genuinely participatory culture rather than a spectator event.
Erizada season at local restaurants
Not a formal event but a seasonal food tradition - February is prime season for erizada, sea urchin harvested from local waters and served raw or in rice dishes at traditional seafood restaurants. This is when locals go out specifically to eat erizada, and restaurants advertise when they have fresh supply. The season typically runs January through March, with February being the peak. You'll find it at traditional spots in the Barrio de la Viña, the old fishermen's neighborhood.