Alicante in February: Weather, Carnival & Is It Worth It

February in Alicante feels like the first nudge of spring. Highs are around 17-18°C, it's the driest of the winter months with about three rainy days, and by the end of the month the sun doesn't set until nearly 19:00. Add Carnival and the almond blossom inland, and it's a cracking month for a short break.

Quick facts

• Average high / low: 17.6°C / 7.1°C (AEMET normals for the Alicante city station, 1981-2010)
• Sea temperature: about 14.2°C on average, roughly 13°C to 15.5°C, the coldest of the winter months
• Rainy days: about 3 days with 1mm or more, around 22mm in total
• Sunshine: about 180 hours, which works out at over 6 hours a day
• Daylight: just over 10 hours on 1 February, over 11 hours by the 28th. Sunset goes from about 18:20 to 18:50
• Carnival: dates TBD. Carnival Tuesday is 9 February 2027, so based on last year expect the big Sábado Ramblero party on Saturday 6 February. Not confirmed yet
• Crowds: quiet, apart from Carnival weekend in the centre
• Prices: low-season hotel rates in my experience, a good time for a cheap week

Is Alicante warm in February?

By day, often yes. A sunny February afternoon on a sheltered terrace can feel like a British May. Mornings and evenings are still cold, with lows around 7°C, so you'll be in a coat by 19:00.

The thing to watch in February is wind. In 2026 several Carnival events were cancelled or postponed because of AEMET wind warnings. A windy day by the sea feels a lot colder than the number on your phone, so have a warm layer with you even if it's sunny.

Figures are AEMET's long-term normals for Alicante city (AEMET climate data). Any given February can differ.

Can you swim in the sea in February?

Not comfortably. The sea is at its coldest of the winter now, averaging about 14.2°C in February according to seatemperature.org. Wetsuit swimmers and paddleboarders are out on calm days. For everyone else it's a month for beach walks, especially along the long, flat front at Playa de San Juan.

What to wear and pack

• A warm jacket for evenings and windy days. A windproof one is ideal.
• Layers: T-shirt, long sleeves, a jumper you can tie round your waist at lunch.
• Trousers, and comfortable shoes for the old town and the castle hill.
• Sunglasses and sun cream. The sun has real strength again by late February.
• Something silly if you're coming for Carnival. Fancy dress is half the point.

Is Alicante open in February? What's closed

Everything you'd want in the city is open. Shops, bars, restaurants, markets and museums run normal hours.

• Santa Bárbara Castle: free to walk in, €2.70 for the lift (official castle site). Alicante's tourist office lists winter hours of 10:00 to 18:00 until 27 February, and it closes in strong wind, so check on the day.
• Beach kiosks: some beach bars keep short winter hours. Don't plan lunch around them.
• Day trips: the coastal tram runs all year. Our Altea by tram guide explains how.

What's on in February 2027

Carnival

Carnival Tuesday falls on 9 February in 2027, so Alicante's Carnival lands early in the month. The 2027 dates and programme are TBD (nothing published at the time of writing, October 2026). Based on last year, expect roughly ten days of events around Carnival Tuesday. In 2026 it ran from 12 to 22 February, organised by the Carnival committee La Meka with the council, and the shape was (all days and times are from 2026, TBD for 2027):

• Thursday (Dijous de Gras): a correfocs, a fire-running parade with fireworks, from 21:30.
• Friday: the Carnival proclamation in Plaza del Carmen (cancelled in 2026 because of wind).
• Saturday, the Sábado Ramblero: the big one. The Rambla de Méndez Núñez fills with people in fancy dress, with a children's carnival from 17:00, a batucada at 19:00, then DJs and a live orchestra from 22:00 to 04:00. In 2026 it was moved to the following Friday because of wind.
• Tuesday: the procession and burning of the Pelele in Plaza del Carmen, from 20:00.
• Wednesday: the Burial of the Sardine, from 23:30 in Plaza del Carmen.

Dates TBD. If 2027 follows the same pattern, expect the Pelele on Tuesday 9 February, the Sábado Ramblero on Saturday 6 February and the Burial of the Sardine on Wednesday 10 February. Treat those as a best guess until the programme is out. Alicante Turismo posts it on its Carnival page.

Almond blossom

Inland, the almond trees flower in February and into March. The Guadalest valley, about an hour north of Alicante, is the classic spot, with terraces of pink and white blossom under the mountains. The valley's microclimate stretches the flowering over several weeks, but each tree only holds its blossom for a short while, so go when locals say it's out rather than on a fixed date. The walk from Guadalest to Callosa d'en Sarrià is over 10km if you want to make a day of it.

Best things to do in February

• Dress up for the Sábado Ramblero. It's the best night of the month in the city, and it's free.
• Drive up to Guadalest for the blossom. Pick a calm, sunny weekday and have lunch in the valley.
• Watch the sunset later. By late February it's nearly 19:00. Have a drink on the seafront, then dinner in the centre.
• Do a wine bar night. Syrah Wine Bar is a good start, and our wine and cocktail bars guide has more.
• Eat by the beach in San Juan. Our Playa de San Juan food and drink guide covers where to go.
• Go out late. Carnival or not, our Alicante nightlife guide has you covered.

Is it busy? Prices

February is low season. Outside Carnival weekend you'll find good hotel deals, easy restaurant tables and empty beaches. Carnival Saturday on the Rambla is packed, so book somewhere central if that's why you're coming. Long-stay winter visitors are still around, which keeps the expat bars ticking over.

From Ireland, Ryanair's winter 2026-27 schedule includes a twice-weekly Cork to Alicante service, and Dublin had Aer Lingus and Ryanair flights through last winter. Check the airline timetables for February dates.

FAQ

Is Alicante warm in February?

Warm-ish by day and cold at night. AEMET's averages are a high of 17.6°C and a low of 7.1°C, with over 6 hours of sun a day.

When is Carnival in Alicante in 2027?

The dates are TBD. Carnival Tuesday is 9 February 2027, so based on last year expect the big Rambla party on Saturday 6 February and the main events in the first half of February. That's a best guess until the programme is out. Check Alicante Turismo for the 2027 programme.

Can you swim in Alicante in February?

Only in a wetsuit or if you're hardy. The sea averages about 14.2°C, the coldest of the winter.

Where can you see almond blossom near Alicante?

The Guadalest valley is the best-known spot, about an hour north. Blossom usually runs from February into March.

Is February a good time to visit Alicante?

Yes, for a cheap, sunny break with longer days than December or January. Just bring a windproof jacket.

Go for Carnival if you can. It's a good laugh.

Planning the rest of the winter? See December · January