candj83

I'm thinking about taking advantage of the crazy good flight deals going on today for a cheap trip to Spain this February, in and out of Madrid. It sounds like it could be cold, but we're from Kansas, where our lows dip well below freezing on a regular basis on the winter. DH can't take off for more than a week. Two flight options:

February 19 through February 28.

February 26 through March 9

Thinking we would focus on Andalusia. Are there any glaring reasons that we shouldn't visit in February/March? I briefly looked through my Spain guidebooks and none of them really talk about visiting Spain during this timeframe.

Robert2533

I would wait until later in March next year when Semana Santa, Holy Week, takes place, but the weather should be fine in late February-early March.

candj83

If we wait for later dates, it would cost an additional $800-$1000. Those are the dates that are on sale that work with the travel times available. Of course, the flights are more complicated, with two layovers instead of one. If we stick to the dates listed, we can both fly for a total of $1250 out of Kansas. That's why we're tempted!

Pegontheroad

I was in Spain--mainly Madrid and Andalusia--in January, and it was much warmer than where I come from--eastern Washington state. I wouldn't hesitate.

I've been to Spain twice during Holy Week/Semana Santa. It was fabulous. I think it's a little late for your purposes though.

joannyc

I was in southern Spain in February a number of years ago. It was so hot that we had to buy shorts to sit on the beach in Marbella.

Bedar

Which airline is having the sale ?

kimhe

Andalucia in February/March could be excellent. Have been here in both December, January, February and March. Normally much sun and nice weather and the tourist hordes are long away. Great time of year to get a real feel for this fabulous region. http://andalucia.com/

Festivals in in Andalucia in February and March, usually a display of local food, wine, song, music, dance and fiesta spirit: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-feb.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-mar.htm

southeuropetravel1

You should be just fine in Feb…check out this link for weather patterns in Andalucia.

http://www.holiday-weather.com/andal...s/#temperature

Laura

candj83

Now I'm getting excited! Sounds like the weather should be crisp but nice. I've never been to Europe in the "off-season" but I imagine visiting places like the Alhambra will be nice with fewer crowds.

Laura, great link for weather!

Kimhe, thanks for the helpful links. I ran across something about an orange culinary festival during this time in Seville, too, but couldn't find much info.

Bedar, for me, it's United. I read the airlines are competing so that's why it's cheap. I used the Google flight search engine.

We can fly into Seville and out of Madrid for $1400 ($150 more). We'd arrive Seville at roughly the same time (12pm) either by direct flight or train from Madrid. Would you recommend flying directly in or training from Madrid?

kimhe

The train is very comfortable, but flying is not much more expensive and you won't have the stress to get into town and the Atocha train station.

traveller1959

After an overnight flight with a short sleep and jet lag you do not want the hassle of a train trip. Fly into Sevilla!

Again, weather in Andalusia will be beautiful (short sleeves), but in Madrid it might be pretty chilly. Due to its elevation, Madrid has huge differences between summer and winter temps.

Mimar

We were in Madrid this last March, late March. It was very cold, not freezing but with a strong cold wind. All the locals were wearing their winter jackets. We put on all our layers, and my husband had to buy a warm hat, which was hard to find with only spring and summer clothes on display. So you might throw in an extra layer for Madrid.

We also spent some time in the mountains of Andalusia, where it was colder than in the cities.

Bedar

You probably will fly into Madrid on United and to Seville on another airline, Air Nostrum or other. In spite of having been hung up in Madrid in June before getting our next flight, I'd recommend flying.

Christina

I've been in Seville at the end of March when the weather wasn't beautiful and you had to wear more than shirt sleeves. It was quite cool at night, I worn jeans, boots and a rainproof jacket at night (and not just a thin shell). It was down to 40 probably and rained a lot for quite a few days. So you never know. Ditto for Madrid, of course, and that was March, not February. It won't be below freezing, I'm sure.

Here are some historical monthly averages in Seville, down to lower 40s in February at night, lower 60s in day time
https://weatherspark.com/averages/32...ndalucia-Spain

stokebailey

Seville was wonderful for us late Feb-early March. Perfect weather: cool at night, warm to hot during the day. And the air was filled with the fragrance of orange blossoms.

BumbleB6

I second the idea of flying into Sevilla, if that is your first destination.
A few years ago, we flew into Malaga, then immediately boarded a train to Sevilla, according to plan... It went smoothly, but - we were so tired and jet-lagged when we arrived in Malaga. In hindsight, it would've been better, and only a few more dollars, really, to just fly into Sevilla.
By the time we got to Sevilla in late afternoon, it was all I could do to just stand up.

Btw, I was also in Madrid this past March, the last week - and I thought the weather was great! Warm enough to wear just a light jacket and scarf, and sunny. There was one day, the day we arrived where it was truly chilly. the rest of the time was mid-60s to mid-70s. We are from the Chicago area, and it felt really warm and spring-like to us! So - it depends on where you're from and what you're used to in March, I guess.

Mimar

We arrived in Madrid om Mar. 24 this year and it was cold. The weather warmed up after a few days. Bumble, maybe you wouldn't have noticed the wind. (P.S. we're from Seattle, not Chicago-cold and not as cold as Madrid was.)

kimhe

Just for fun, weather statistics for Malaga by the Med for February 26 through March 9: Average highs 64-68F, two days with rainfall and average 7 hours sun pr. day. (wetteronline.de)

"Malaga: Spain's best kept secret": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
Great tips about Malaga city in The Guardian a few weeks ago: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...rs-restaurants
NYT, "Malaga, Spain's self-appointed new arts hub": http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/25/ar...-hub.html?_r=0
"The emerging fine food scene in Malaga and around":
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-tapas

Can't wait to go back here in a couple of weeks.

candj83

I am excited...we will cross our fingers for mild weather and if it's chilly we will bundle up. Looking forward to visiting Europe at a different time of year and Spain for the first time, for both of us.

DH is in process of getting the time approved. I did a farelock for flights in and out of Madrid before I knew about Seville flights; unfortunately the deal is gone so we're stuck flying into Madrid to still get the cheap flights. Not the end of the world. Might still fly from Madrid to Seville if the price is right?

I love hearing you all have had a good time during the season we will be going. Looking forward to a new adventure! Thanks for helping us know to go!!