Madrid and Seville in February ?
Sep 4th, 2015, 10:55 AM
#1
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Madrid and Seville in February ?
Hi all,
We are traveling with two young teens and are in the very preliminary stages of planning a trip to Madrid and Seville in February. This is the only time of year that we can go, although I'm hesitant about the weather. Cold temperatures and rainy days are to be expected, but will we be missing out on the beauty of the cities in the winter? (As an aside, last summer we were in Paris when it was unusually cool - low 60s, coats and sweaters needed, and lots of rain, but we still loved every minute of it.).
My feeling is that a trip to Europe in less than ideal weather is still better than no trip to Europe! Plus it's often more comfortable to walk around when it's not scorching hot. But I'm getting other feedback from friends who are encouraging us to wait until we can go during the spring or summer, which wouldn't be for several years. We're from NY so February here is bitter cold.
We would probably split time between Madrid and Seville - 4 nights in each- with day trips to Toledo and Córdoba. We try not to schedule a trip with too many museum visits, just to keep everyone happy. But we do enjoy exploring neighborhoods, soaking up the culture and trying new foods.
I'd love to get feedback from anyone who's been to Madrid or Seville in the winter. Thank you.
We are traveling with two young teens and are in the very preliminary stages of planning a trip to Madrid and Seville in February. This is the only time of year that we can go, although I'm hesitant about the weather. Cold temperatures and rainy days are to be expected, but will we be missing out on the beauty of the cities in the winter? (As an aside, last summer we were in Paris when it was unusually cool - low 60s, coats and sweaters needed, and lots of rain, but we still loved every minute of it.).
My feeling is that a trip to Europe in less than ideal weather is still better than no trip to Europe! Plus it's often more comfortable to walk around when it's not scorching hot. But I'm getting other feedback from friends who are encouraging us to wait until we can go during the spring or summer, which wouldn't be for several years. We're from NY so February here is bitter cold.
We would probably split time between Madrid and Seville - 4 nights in each- with day trips to Toledo and Córdoba. We try not to schedule a trip with too many museum visits, just to keep everyone happy. But we do enjoy exploring neighborhoods, soaking up the culture and trying new foods.
I'd love to get feedback from anyone who's been to Madrid or Seville in the winter. Thank you.
Sep 4th, 2015, 11:15 AM
#2
We have done the trip during the third week of February.
The time in Madrid was in the 60's during the day and then in the 50's in the evening.
Seville, was in the low 70's during the day and then cooling down to I think the low 60's.
Toledo and Cordoba are good day trips.
We drove to Seville with an overnight in Zafra.
Robert can give you a better explanation.
This trip was on my wife's winter vacation.
The time in Madrid was in the 60's during the day and then in the 50's in the evening.
Seville, was in the low 70's during the day and then cooling down to I think the low 60's.
Toledo and Cordoba are good day trips.
We drove to Seville with an overnight in Zafra.
Robert can give you a better explanation.
This trip was on my wife's winter vacation.
Sep 4th, 2015, 12:27 PM
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We enjoy the cooler weather in Madrid and the south at that time of year, but last March when we where in Sevilla and along the coast, it was very warm during the day and cool in the evening. Malaga was in the mid-70s, although we did have some light rain on a couple of days.
Madrid sits on a high plane (over 2100 ft) with the average temperature in Feburary being 7ºC, or 45ºF, and generally dry. Sevilla will be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 12ºC, with a high of around 17ºC, or 63ºF during the day. The average number of days for rain is around 6, but who knows what it will be like when you throw global warming into the mix.
This year it's been a cool and wet August in the north, in the Navarra Pyrenees, which follows a hotter then average July.
Tne only issue with visiting during the winter months is the shortened daylight hours.
Madrid sits on a high plane (over 2100 ft) with the average temperature in Feburary being 7ºC, or 45ºF, and generally dry. Sevilla will be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 12ºC, with a high of around 17ºC, or 63ºF during the day. The average number of days for rain is around 6, but who knows what it will be like when you throw global warming into the mix.
This year it's been a cool and wet August in the north, in the Navarra Pyrenees, which follows a hotter then average July.
Tne only issue with visiting during the winter months is the shortened daylight hours.
Sep 5th, 2015, 05:40 AM
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Madrid and Sevilla in February is a good idea, not much tourists, normally much fine weather, a great time of year to really explore two wonderful, very different and yet very Spanish cities.
Weather statistics for Madrid in February says average highs at 52-57F, one day with rainfall pr week and average 6 hours sun/day. http://www.wetteronline.de/klima-temperatur/madrid
Sevilla statistics in February, average highs 60-68F, one day+ with rainfall pr. week and average 7 hours sun pr. day.
http://www.wetteronline.de/klima-temperatur/sevilla
Great info about Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/index.htm
...and Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en
Weather statistics for Madrid in February says average highs at 52-57F, one day with rainfall pr week and average 6 hours sun/day. http://www.wetteronline.de/klima-temperatur/madrid
Sevilla statistics in February, average highs 60-68F, one day+ with rainfall pr. week and average 7 hours sun pr. day.
http://www.wetteronline.de/klima-temperatur/sevilla
Great info about Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/index.htm
...and Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en
Sep 5th, 2015, 06:20 AM
#5
I guess I'm a bit conflicted about the balance of time between the two cities/areas. There's no doubt that Madrid is a vibrant, diverse capital city, but it's very much a HUGE capital city. Four days - at least one of which would probably be spent mainly on logistics and catching up on sleep - will barely scratch the surface.
Just as an idea to mull, think about (a) reversing the order of things by starting in Andalusia first and ending in Madrid, and/or (b) spending the bulk of the time in Andalusia and saving Madrid for another time, maybe when the teens are older, more interested in history and politics, stuff like that. The Prado isn't going anywhere.
A couple of years ago we spent a week or so in late February in southwestern Andalusia, near Tarifa and Cadiz, maybe 90 min. or 2 hours by car from Seville. The weather was stunning - high 70s by day, 50s at night; the water was blue, the kite surfers numbering in the thousands at Tarifa. Oranges in the street trees, the Baelo Claudia Roman ruins deserted, the various village squares getting ready for Carnival - http://www.andalucia.com/festival/carnivals.htm - ... just a cool time of year.
You could get a car and drive around (not needed or useful in Seville or Cordoba, priceless to visit white villages and beaches) or you could stay outside the big cities (numerous rural hotels) and commute in... many choices.
It's a different sort of experience than the one you're planning, but in February I think this is one of the best destinations in Europe for a varied and rewarding visit.
A couple of snapshots -
Baelo Claudia - http://gardyloo.us/20120225_19s.JPG
Vejer de la Frontera - http://gardyloo.us/20120226_37s.JPG
<i>Bruja</i> ready for Carnival - http://gardyloo.us/20120227_71s.JPG
Kite surfers at Tarifa - http://gardyloo.us/20120228_17s.JPG
Just as an idea to mull, think about (a) reversing the order of things by starting in Andalusia first and ending in Madrid, and/or (b) spending the bulk of the time in Andalusia and saving Madrid for another time, maybe when the teens are older, more interested in history and politics, stuff like that. The Prado isn't going anywhere.
A couple of years ago we spent a week or so in late February in southwestern Andalusia, near Tarifa and Cadiz, maybe 90 min. or 2 hours by car from Seville. The weather was stunning - high 70s by day, 50s at night; the water was blue, the kite surfers numbering in the thousands at Tarifa. Oranges in the street trees, the Baelo Claudia Roman ruins deserted, the various village squares getting ready for Carnival - http://www.andalucia.com/festival/carnivals.htm - ... just a cool time of year.
You could get a car and drive around (not needed or useful in Seville or Cordoba, priceless to visit white villages and beaches) or you could stay outside the big cities (numerous rural hotels) and commute in... many choices.
It's a different sort of experience than the one you're planning, but in February I think this is one of the best destinations in Europe for a varied and rewarding visit.
A couple of snapshots -
Baelo Claudia - http://gardyloo.us/20120225_19s.JPG
Vejer de la Frontera - http://gardyloo.us/20120226_37s.JPG
<i>Bruja</i> ready for Carnival - http://gardyloo.us/20120227_71s.JPG
Kite surfers at Tarifa - http://gardyloo.us/20120228_17s.JPG
Sep 5th, 2015, 12:06 PM
#6
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Thank you everyone for your advice. That time of year actually sounds perfect for us. I'm no longer hesitating!
Gardyloo- I was thinking of beginning in Seville and then heading to Madrid (via train). Your suggestions sound great. I'll do some more research. Visiting the beaches would be a hit with the family.
Gardyloo- I was thinking of beginning in Seville and then heading to Madrid (via train). Your suggestions sound great. I'll do some more research. Visiting the beaches would be a hit with the family.
Sep 5th, 2015, 01:01 PM
#7
we were in Madrid for 3 days in February a few years ago and I thought that it was perfect for sightseeing - cool enough to wander around without getting too hot, warm enough for the odd lunch/drink outdoors.
and far fewer people than at other times of the year.
I doubt that it matters which order you put Madrid and Seville in when your trip is so short.
and far fewer people than at other times of the year.
I doubt that it matters which order you put Madrid and Seville in when your trip is so short.
Sep 5th, 2015, 02:07 PM
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I think the time is fine, 4 days in each. I'd end in Madrid but that's just my preference -- to end in the city that is easiest to fly home from. May be different depending where you are coming from. Otherwise, I guess it's just personal feelings about if you want the big city first or last.
I would just say that these high temps people are quoting cannot be guaranteed. I was in both Seville and Madrid at end of March one year and it was colder than what people are quoting here. Especially at night, mainly, in Seville is was down to at least 45 at night, and rained a lot. Daytime was fine, and sunny at times. In fact, this chart here is quoting mid-40s for Seville in February at night, and mid-60s in daytime https://weatherspark.com/averages/32...ndalucia-Spain
I would just say that these high temps people are quoting cannot be guaranteed. I was in both Seville and Madrid at end of March one year and it was colder than what people are quoting here. Especially at night, mainly, in Seville is was down to at least 45 at night, and rained a lot. Daytime was fine, and sunny at times. In fact, this chart here is quoting mid-40s for Seville in February at night, and mid-60s in daytime https://weatherspark.com/averages/32...ndalucia-Spain
Sep 5th, 2015, 02:56 PM
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If you're finishing up in Madrid, then I have a couple of excellent restaurants you need to check out, and make reservations.
The first is Albora (www.restaurantealbora.com) with Robert Downey Jr's double slicing the perfect jamon.
Another would be La Catapa, at Menorca, 14.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tabern...79368415443021
For something completely different, try Poncelet Cheese Bar at Calle José Abascal, 61 (www.ponceletcheesebar.es). They've opened one in Barcelona.
The first is Albora (www.restaurantealbora.com) with Robert Downey Jr's double slicing the perfect jamon.
Another would be La Catapa, at Menorca, 14.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tabern...79368415443021
For something completely different, try Poncelet Cheese Bar at Calle José Abascal, 61 (www.ponceletcheesebar.es). They've opened one in Barcelona.
Sep 7th, 2015, 07:05 AM
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Again, thanks for everyone's input.
I know that there is no guarantee on the weather but was wondering if anyone would say "definitely don't go in February because you'll miss out on ..." And since I haven't heard that, we'll be moving forward with planning.
Personally I'd rather have it cooler than too hot when you're doing a lot of walking around.
Robert2533: thank you for the restaurant recommendations. Those are always appreciated!
I know that there is no guarantee on the weather but was wondering if anyone would say "definitely don't go in February because you'll miss out on ..." And since I haven't heard that, we'll be moving forward with planning.
Personally I'd rather have it cooler than too hot when you're doing a lot of walking around.
Robert2533: thank you for the restaurant recommendations. Those are always appreciated!
Sep 7th, 2015, 07:11 AM
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My daughter and I spent spring break week in Seville last year, late Feb- early March. The weather was great; when I arrived after a week in London I took off my black tights and put on the sandals, only to realize that the Sevillanas were still wearing closed shoes and stockings.
We had a rooftop terrace and it was very warm there, and it was pretty hot for our day trip to Italica (recommended). One evening it rained a bit.
We had a rooftop terrace and it was very warm there, and it was pretty hot for our day trip to Italica (recommended). One evening it rained a bit.
Sep 7th, 2015, 07:38 AM
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I might also suggest that you leave Madrid for another trip. That would leave you time to rent a car from Seville, stop in perhaps Ronda, and then have a couple of nights in Granada. The Flamenco in the caves, the Albaycín, and even the Alhambra would be interesting for the teens, I would think....AND you'll have a better chance for good weather! You could then fly home from Granada...In my experience flight costs are about the same...just a thought!
Sep 7th, 2015, 08:31 AM
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It can be rather cool in Granada in February with an average daily high of 8ºC, 2ºC at night. They will be skiing in the Sierra Nevada until late May if the snowfall is normal this winter. Ronda can be cood, wet and windy in February.
Sevilla, by contrast, will be warmer and drier, with a average daily high of around 13ºC and a low at night of 6 or 7ºC.
Sevilla, by contrast, will be warmer and drier, with a average daily high of around 13ºC and a low at night of 6 or 7ºC.
Dec 12th, 2015, 03:10 AM
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I lived in Madrid and now I am living in Seville and I can tell you you chose very well the cities to visit. These cities are amazing.
Well, of course it is a bit colder here in Spain too in February but not so bad. Seville is a bit warmer than Madrid but in Madrid there are more buildings and more people in the center so you can not feel so cold than for ex in Eastern Europe.
First when I arrived to Madrid I did a Free Tour there. It was amazing, they showed me around Madrid and I learnt a lot about its history and legend. I did the tour with this company: MADRIDE TRAVEL. I write you here their webpage too in case you are interested: www.madride.net
Since some months they have tours in Seville too I went there too when I arrived to Seville.
I loved these tours. They are fantastic. They offer you a funny, cool and amazing tour and you can decide about the price of the tour.
The food is amazing too in Madrid and in Seville too.
Typical food in Madrid: calamary sandwich, cocido madrileno, churros...
Cool restaurants in Madrid: La Pomarada, La Cueva del Gato, Rosi la Loca, El Tigre...
Typical food in Seville: every kind of tapas: fried fish, gazpacho, snails...
Cool restaurants in Seville: Los Coloniales, Bodega de Santa Cruz, La Bola...
Well, of course it is a bit colder here in Spain too in February but not so bad. Seville is a bit warmer than Madrid but in Madrid there are more buildings and more people in the center so you can not feel so cold than for ex in Eastern Europe.
First when I arrived to Madrid I did a Free Tour there. It was amazing, they showed me around Madrid and I learnt a lot about its history and legend. I did the tour with this company: MADRIDE TRAVEL. I write you here their webpage too in case you are interested: www.madride.net
Since some months they have tours in Seville too I went there too when I arrived to Seville.
I loved these tours. They are fantastic. They offer you a funny, cool and amazing tour and you can decide about the price of the tour.
The food is amazing too in Madrid and in Seville too.
Typical food in Madrid: calamary sandwich, cocido madrileno, churros...
Cool restaurants in Madrid: La Pomarada, La Cueva del Gato, Rosi la Loca, El Tigre...
Typical food in Seville: every kind of tapas: fried fish, gazpacho, snails...
Cool restaurants in Seville: Los Coloniales, Bodega de Santa Cruz, La Bola...
Dec 12th, 2015, 03:42 AM
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It "takes" at least 8 days to see either Madrid and surrounding or Seville and nearby cities so you have to either chose one or the other or be content to only see half of what's in the area. And while the weather might be OK in February for either, the weather in summer is NOT good for Andalucia which becomes just about the hottest place in Europe. So if you think you might be doing another trip to Spain in a warmer month in the next few years, I would spend all your time in Andalucia on this February trip and save Madrid, Toledo, Segovia for next time. It's hot in Madrid in summer but nothing a New Yorker can't handle, while I was repeatedly cautioned NOT to go to Seville in mid summer. I enjoyed Madrid, etc. in July and loved Seville in March.
If you read enough posts here you get the impression that people either love or hate Madrid, more towards the hate camp. I was neither - I really enjoyed Madrid but never felt the need to go back. I did really love both Segovia and Toledo which make great day trips from Madrid. In fact, I did 3 days in each of those and was really happy I did.
Seville was wonderful and four days there would be great. But there are other cities in Andalucia such as Cordoba and Granada and Rhonda which are well worth visiting. You could spend the whole 8 days and have a fabulous trip without including Madrid. Lots of choices.
If you read enough posts here you get the impression that people either love or hate Madrid, more towards the hate camp. I was neither - I really enjoyed Madrid but never felt the need to go back. I did really love both Segovia and Toledo which make great day trips from Madrid. In fact, I did 3 days in each of those and was really happy I did.
Seville was wonderful and four days there would be great. But there are other cities in Andalucia such as Cordoba and Granada and Rhonda which are well worth visiting. You could spend the whole 8 days and have a fabulous trip without including Madrid. Lots of choices.
Dec 12th, 2015, 07:03 AM
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<It "takes" at least 8 days to see either Madrid and surrounding or Seville and nearby cities>
Very much disagree, four days in each could give you an excellent taste of two fabulous and very different cities, the majestic capital Madrid and the undisputed queen of the cities in the South, Sevilla.
These sites are good general intros:
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/
<enjoy exploring neighborhoods, soaking up the culture and trying new foods>
The Santa Cruz district in Sevilla is of course famous, but I would also very much recommend the Triana and Alameda/Macarena disitricts.
Triana: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/triana.htm
Alameda/Macarena: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...macarena-spain
Central Madrid is made up of vibrant and very different small districts, like a myriad of small towns, each with its own character and feel. But perhaps also spend a day or night in Chamberi, it's central but with another and more peaceful rhytm to it: http://www.spotahome.com/blog/2014/07/22/chamberi.html
http://moving2madrid.com/neighbourhood-chamberi/
And summer in Madrid is normally almost just as hot as inland Andalucia, and with average summer highs at 91F in July and August, Madrid is normally some degrees hotter than coastal Andalucia (wetteronline.de).
Very much disagree, four days in each could give you an excellent taste of two fabulous and very different cities, the majestic capital Madrid and the undisputed queen of the cities in the South, Sevilla.
These sites are good general intros:
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/
<enjoy exploring neighborhoods, soaking up the culture and trying new foods>
The Santa Cruz district in Sevilla is of course famous, but I would also very much recommend the Triana and Alameda/Macarena disitricts.
Triana: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/triana.htm
Alameda/Macarena: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...macarena-spain
Central Madrid is made up of vibrant and very different small districts, like a myriad of small towns, each with its own character and feel. But perhaps also spend a day or night in Chamberi, it's central but with another and more peaceful rhytm to it: http://www.spotahome.com/blog/2014/07/22/chamberi.html
http://moving2madrid.com/neighbourhood-chamberi/
And summer in Madrid is normally almost just as hot as inland Andalucia, and with average summer highs at 91F in July and August, Madrid is normally some degrees hotter than coastal Andalucia (wetteronline.de).
Dec 12th, 2015, 09:16 AM
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I said "and surrounding areas". I think it makes sense to see Segovia and Toledo - two places that I - and quite a few others - enjoyed even more than Madrid itself - while visiting Madrid. Same for Andalucia. Granada, Cordoba and Rhonda are all close to and easily combined with Seville.
I was saying I thought it made sense (logistical, financial, time wise) to do either Madrid/Toledo/Segovia on one trip - perfect for 8 days. OR Seville/Granda/Cordoba also perfect for eight days.
Of course four days in each would be a nice trip too. But then IF you wanted to see those other places, a future trip would work better if you did the Andalucia area in winter and the Madrid, etc. area another time of the year.
I was saying I thought it made sense (logistical, financial, time wise) to do either Madrid/Toledo/Segovia on one trip - perfect for 8 days. OR Seville/Granda/Cordoba also perfect for eight days.
Of course four days in each would be a nice trip too. But then IF you wanted to see those other places, a future trip would work better if you did the Andalucia area in winter and the Madrid, etc. area another time of the year.
Dec 12th, 2015, 10:47 AM
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I think the OP's original idea of Madrid and Sevilla with daytrips to Toledo and Cordoba is spot on. Very short travel time and also fabulous cities.
This video will put you in the Cordoba mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk
This video will put you in the Cordoba mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk
Dec 18th, 2015, 03:24 PM
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I agree with isabel on this one -- but then, I don't like "tasting" itineraries, I prefer to minimize travel time, and I don't like to make a plan that will mean I have to retrace steps to see the things I skipped the first time. JMO; others see it differently.
