Malta Short Let: Cozy Stay in Gzira
Sliema Area Modern Designer Finished 2 Bedrooms + Games Room. First floor with Maltese Balcony Large back Terrace with swinging sofa Fully Airconditioned + Full Kitchen 3 TVs, including 65” with backlight.
Book Now: Google Travel | Direct (Cheapest) | Booking.com | Airbnb

The Honest Winter-Sun Guide

The Mediterranean in February offers 14–20°C days, 5–7 hours of sunshine, and fewer crowds. The Canary Islands are warmest, but Malta balances mild weather, accessibility, and year-round attractions, making it a top winter-sun choice.

Dreaming of swapping gray winter skies for sunlit Mediterranean shores? This no-nonsense guide compares 7 top destinations on February weather, costs, and accessibility to help you choose the perfect escape in 3 minutes.

TL;DR: 7 Key Facts on February Mediterranean Travel

• Average highs: 14–20°C (57–68°F); Canaries lead at 20°C+, Malta hits 15–16°C reliably.
• Rain days: 8–12/month; drier in Cyprus (8 days) vs. wetter Crete (12 days).
• Sunshine hours: 5–7 daily; Malta and Sicily shine at 6+ hours.
• Flight times from London: 2.5–4.5 hours; Malta’s 3.5 hours is central, cheap (€50–€150 round-trip).
• Daily costs: €80–€150/person; off-season drops hotels 40–60%, meals €15–€25.
• Openings: 80–90% of major attractions/hotels; beaches quiet, cultural sites thrive.
• Top pick: Malta balances compact size, low rain variability, all-weather appeal.

February in the Mediterranean delivers mild days, blooming almond trees, and uncrowded ruins—not a tropical paradise, but a refreshing break. Expect layers for evenings, occasional showers, and 10–11 daylight hours. We compare 7 destinations—Malta, Sicily, Crete, Cyprus, Andalusia (Spain), Algarve (Portugal), Canary Islands (Spain)—using 2000–2024 weather data and tourism board insights. Plan your Malta escape with our complete February guide.

Quick Comparison: Top 3 February Destinations

Destination	Avg. High (°C/°F)	Avg. Rain Days/Month	Round-Trip Cost (London)	Key Appeal
Canary Islands	20/68	6	€150–€300	Warmest, beach-friendly
Cyprus	17/63	8	€100–€250	Mild, cultural sites
Malta	15/59	10	€50–€150	Balanced, compact, festive

Warmest Mediterranean Destinations in February

February’s Mediterranean brings 14–20°C highs, lows of 8–12°C, and sunshine 60–70% of days. Rain clusters (3–5 wet spells/month) vary by destination. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Destination	Avg. High (°C/°F)	Avg. Low (°C/°F)	Avg. Rain Days/Month	Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day	Avg. Sea Temp (°C/°F)
Canary Islands	20/68	15/59	6	7	20/68
Cyprus	17/63	9/48	8	6.5	17/63
Andalusia (Malaga)	17/63	9/48	7	6	16/61
Algarve (Faro)	16/61	9/48	8	6	15/59
Sicily (Palermo)	15/59	9/48	9	6	15/59
Malta	15/59	10/50	10	6	15/59
Crete (Heraklion)	15/59	9/48	12	5.5	15/59

Canary Islands top the heat chart—think poolside lounging in Gran Canaria—but feel less like classic Mediterranean. Cyprus and Andalusia offer reliable warmth for swimming (sea above 16°C). Crete and Sicily flirt with mountain snow, adding scenic drama but more rain. Malta delivers steady 15°C days and breezy afternoons, ideal for exploring without overheating. Pack smart for Malta’s weather and discover Malta’s historic Three Cities for a cultural dive into its storied past. #warmest-february-mediterranean

Why Malta is the Best Mediterranean Destination in February

Malta’s compact 27km island packs mild weather, uncrowded heritage, and seamless logistics. February’s 15°C highs let you stroll Valletta’s UNESCO streets without summer crowds; 10 rainy days rarely disrupt plans, thanks to indoor gems like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum or Mdina’s medieval alleys. Unlike Crete’s wetter days or Sicily’s ferry quirks, Malta’s €21 unlimited bus pass and English signage make it family- and senior-friendly, perfect for exploring sites like Fort St. Angelo.

Pros: 6+ sunshine hours for cliff hikes; Carnival (Feb 28, 2025) brings free, vibrant parades; film-site vibes (Gladiator, Game of Thrones). Cons: Breezy evenings call for a jacket; swimming’s refreshing but chilly. Compared to Cyprus’s divided regions or Algarve’s surf focus, Malta blends history, beaches, and cuisine effortlessly. It’s the perfect middle ground for a restorative escape, steeped in the legacy of the Knights of Malta. Stay in Gzira for a central, affordable February base. #why-malta-february

10 Rare February Malta Insights

Malta in February hides unique experiences rarely found in standard guides. These local tips—sourced from guides and offbeat traveler insights—offer adventurers, culture buffs, and foodies something special.

1. Almond blossom peak: Early February paints Gozo’s hills pink-white, best seen on Ta’ Pinu trails—perfect for quiet hikes and photos.
2. Carnival’s hidden floats: Marsa’s local garages open for free pre-Carnival float viewings; ask at Valletta’s tourism office for times.
3. Winter diving clarity: February’s 15°C seas at Cirkewwa boast 30m visibility—better than summer’s 25m—with no crowds. Explore Malta’s scuba diving.
4. Festa season prep: Village churches like Mosta’s start spring festa decorations; watch artisans craft quietly.
5. Off-season wine tastings: Small vineyards like Meridiana in Ta’ Qali offer intimate €15 tastings, overlooked by most guides. Discover Malta’s wine heritage.
6. Rabbit stew : Cooler February nights spike make a fenkata (rabbit stew) at Mgarr’s cozy tavernas a good choice!
7. Bird migration kickoff: Early migratory birds (e.g., shearwaters) flock to Dingli Cliffs, a birder’s delight.
8. Reduced ferry waits: Gozo-Comino ferries run every 45 mins vs. summer’s hourly, with 20% fewer passengers. Visit Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
9. Local craft markets: Sliema’s weekend markets sell handmade lace and glass—low season means better haggling. Explore Sliema’s attractions.

Insights from Travelers: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Mediterranean February Travel

February’s Mediterranean offers serene exploration, variable weather, and rare challenges—here’s what travelers say on cruise forums, blogs, and social platforms about cruises (Barcelona, Dubrovnik), Canary Islands, Italy, Greece, and more. While these span the region, Malta’s nuances add cozy charm. #insights-february-travel

The Good: Serene Exploration and Off-Season Charms

• Mild Weather: 50s–60s°F (10–16°C) make wandering ports like Barcelona or Palermo crowd-free; Canaries hit 20°C for balmy hikes.
• Fewer Crowds, Better Deals: Quieter ports and 50% off cruises (e.g., Celebrity Infinity’s Greece from $998) mean no lines at Andalusia’s Alhambra.
• Festivals and Vibes: Carnival energizes Venice, Limassol, and Malta with parades; Sardinia’s trails and Elba’s walks feel serene. Discover Malta’s 2025 festivals.
• Availability: 80–95% of sites, like Sicily’s Etna cable cars or Malta’s forts, stay open for cultural dives.

The Bad: Variable Weather and Subtle Chills

While challenges exist, Malta’s quirks turn into cozy adventures.

• Rain and Winds: 8–12 rainy days hit Crete or Algarve; Cyprus is drier, pushing travelers to Paphos ruins. Malta’s 10 rainy days inspire warm cafe visits.
• Cool Evenings and Seas: Nights dip to 8–12°C in Sicily; 15–17°C seas in Algarve are brisk. Malta’s breezy evenings pair with harborside pastizzi snacks.
• Quiet Beaches: Amalfi or Greek isles slow water activities; focus shifts to Heraklion stews. Malta’s beaches invite serene walks at Paradise Bay.
• Rougher Seas: Western cruise routes (Bay of Biscay) may rock; MSC Grandiosa stabilizes. Malta’s Gozo ferries stay smooth.

The Ugly: Rare Outliers and Prep Hurdles

Tough moments have silver linings, and Malta’s challenges spark unique experiences.

• Harsh Spells: Freak snow dusts Athens or Sicily’s interior, creating rare Acropolis photos. Malta’s rainy days lead to cozy fenkata meals.
• Unpredictability: Greece or Sardinia’s weather surprises; flexible plans shine. Malta mixes hikes with museum hops at Ġgantija Temples.
• Chilly Interiors: Andalusian villas feel raw; most hotels stay toasty. Malta’s stone homes invite cozy evenings with local wine.
• Festival Closures: Rare Crete tavernas shut; Venice Carnival spikes. Malta’s Carnival is free and accessible with open eateries.

Costs and Flight Times

Off-season slashes prices 40–60%, but flights vary. From London, expect €50–€200 round-trip; add €20–€50 from Paris/Berlin. Daily budgets: €80–€150/person (hotels €60–€100/night, meals €20–€30, transport €10–€20).

Destination	Avg. Flight Time (London)	Round-Trip Cost (Feb 2025)	Avg. Daily Cost	Hotel Savings vs. Summer
Canary Islands	4–4.5 hrs	€150–€300	€100–€150	50%
Cyprus	4.5 hrs	€100–€250	€90–€140	45%
Andalusia	2.5–3 hrs	€50–€100	€80–€120	40%
Algarve	3 hrs	€60–€120	€80–€130	40%
Sicily	3 hrs	€70–€150	€85–€135	50%
Malta	3.5 hrs	€50–€150 (BA/Ryanair)	€80–€120	60%
Crete	4 hrs	€80–€180	€85–€130	55%

Est. from Skyscanner, Google Flights, Rome2Rio for Feb 2025; book early.

Malta excels: €50 flights from London, €37 from Athens, €2 island-wide buses. Sicily’s affordable but ferries add €20–€40. Canaries’ warmth doubles flight times/costs. Budget tip: With 80% hotel occupancy, book sea-view rooms early. See what to pack for Malta’s February weather or explore Manoel Island’s historic charm. #mediterranean-february-costs

What’s Open and Running in the Mediterranean in February

Winter’s low season keeps ~80–95% of attractions open; beaches quiet, some tavernas close. Focus on culture over clubs. Malta keeps ~90% of sites and restaurants open year-round, boosted by Carnival.

• Canaries: 95% open; beaches, Teide hikes, Loro Park zoo daily. Hotels: 90% full-service.
• Cyprus: 90%; Paphos ruins, Troodos ski, Limassol Carnival (Feb-Mar). Meze spots year-round.
• Andalusia: 85%; Alhambra (book ahead), Malaga Picasso Museum, tapas bars buzzing. Coastal hotels trim pools, spas run.
• Algarve: 80%; Lagos cliffs, Faro old town; surf schools active. Fewer beach cafes, seafood shacks persist.
• Sicily: 85%; Palermo markets, Etna cable car (weather-permitting), Aeolian ferries reduced. Wineries host tastings.
• Malta: 90%; Valletta forts, Gozo temples, Blue Lagoon boats (weekends). Hotels/restaurants open; Carnival boosts eateries.
• Crete: 80%; Knossos Palace, Chania harbor; Samaria Gorge hikes mild. Heraklion tavernas serve stews.

Pro move: Choose indoor/outdoor hybrids like Malta’s hypogeum (always open) over Crete’s rain-prone gorges. Explore 25 unforgettable things to do in Malta in February or uncover Malta’s myths and legends. #whats-open-february

Why Malta Wins: The Best Mediterranean Destination in February

For February’s variable weather, Malta delivers—mild temps without the Canaries’ long flights, compact exploration trumping Sicily’s sprawl, and costs beating Cyprus. Enjoy sunlit clifftop sunsets, rain-proof history, and Carnival’s festive energy. See pros and cons in Malta’s February breakdown, plan a 5-day February itinerary, or learn 30 fascinating facts about Malta. Thinking of escaping winter? Start with our complete guide to visiting Malta in February—the compact, sunlit island that turns February into an unforgettable Mediterranean escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mediterranean destination is warmest in February?
The Canary Islands reach 20°C highs, perfect for sunbathing. Cyprus follows at 17°C, offering a classic Mediterranean vibe. Last updated: 2025-10-20.

Can you swim in the Mediterranean in February?
Sea temperatures range from 15–20°C. Brief dips are possible in the Canaries or Cyprus, but wetsuits are recommended elsewhere for comfort. Last updated: 2025-10-20.

Is Malta a good choice for a February trip?
Absolutely—expect mild 15°C days, uncrowded UNESCO sites, and vibrant Carnival festivities. It’s a balanced pick for winter travel. Last updated: 2025-10-20.

How rainy is the Mediterranean in February?
Expect 8–12 rainy days per month. Cyprus and Andalusia are drier, while Crete sees more rain. Pack layers for flexibility. Last updated: 2025-10-20.

What’s the cheapest flight to the Mediterranean in February?
From London, flights to Malta or Andalusia start at €50 round-trip, averaging €100–€150. Book early with Ryanair or British Airways. Last updated: 2025-10-20.

By ManicMalta.com. First published: 2025-10-20. Last updated: 2025-10-20.