Things to Do in Cadiz in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Cadiz
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature for 6-8 hour walking tours of historic center without overheating - locals emerge for extended outdoor activities
- Carnival season (February 15-25, 2025) transforms the city into Spain's most authentic street party with 100+ neighborhood performances daily
- Hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to summer peak, with oceanfront rooms available from €45-75/night instead of €120-180
- Atlantic storms create dramatic 8-10m (26-33 ft) waves perfect for surfing at nearby Playa de la Cortadura, while inner bay remains calm for swimming
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires carrying both sunscreen and rain jacket - conditions change 3-4 times per day during Atlantic storm systems
- Many beach chiringuitos and coastal restaurants close weekdays until March, limiting dining options along waterfront areas
- Daylight ends at 6:30pm, cutting short afternoon exploration time compared to summer's 9pm sunsets
Best Activities in February
Historic Quarter Walking Routes
February's 16°C (62°F) highs make 4-6 hour explorations of Cadiz's 3,000-year-old streets comfortable without summer's exhausting heat. The narrow medieval alleys provide natural wind protection during occasional Atlantic gusts. Local gaditanos (Cadiz residents) use February for their own neighborhood discoveries before tourist season.
Carnival Preparation Workshops
February 2025's Carnival (Feb 15-25) offers unique access to neighborhood comparsa rehearsals and costume workshops. This is when locals perfect their satirical songs and elaborate outfits. Unlike crowded performance days, workshop participation gives authentic cultural immersion impossible during peak celebration.
Atlantic Coast Surfing Lessons
February's Atlantic storms generate consistent 2-4m (6-13 ft) swells at Playa de la Cortadura, just 6km (3.7 miles) from city center. Water temperature stays 14-16°C (57-61°F) - cold but manageable with wetsuits. Winter swells offer more consistent waves than summer's flat conditions.
Sherry Triangle Day Trips
February means pruning season in Jerez, Sanlucar, and El Puerto - when bodegas offer exclusive vineyard access normally restricted during harvest. Cool temperatures make 8-hour cycling tours through Marco de Jerez region comfortable. This is when new vintage tastings begin.
Donana National Park Wildlife Viewing
February marks peak bird migration season at Donana, 90 minutes from Cadiz. Over 300 species including flamingos, imperial eagles, and lynx are most active in cooler morning temperatures. February's reduced tourism means better wildlife sighting opportunities and smaller group sizes.
Traditional Flamenco Classes
February's cooler evenings draw locals to neighborhood penas (flamenco clubs) for informal performances and classes. This is when serious students practice before spring festival season. Authentic flamenco schools offer intensive workshops unavailable during tourist-heavy months.
February Events & Festivals
Carnaval de Cadiz 2025
Spain's most satirical carnival runs February 15-25, 2025. Unlike other Spanish carnivals, Cadiz focuses on witty musical performances called chirigotas and comparsas that mock current events and politicians. Over 100 neighborhood groups perform daily in Teatro Falla and street venues throughout historic quarter.
Semana Gastronómica del Atún
February tuna season brings this annual gastronomy week when restaurants create special bluefin tuna menus showcasing Cadiz's ancient fishing traditions. Local chefs prepare traditional almadraba-caught tuna in ways unavailable rest of year - from simple grilled loins to complex traditional stews.