yestravel

Beginning to think about where to go next winter and was considering southern Spain. I have looked at the weather charts, but wanted some real life experience with the weather there in the winter months. Not looking for hot or even real warm weather. Temps in the 50's during the day would be fine. Haven't zeroed in on exactly what cities to visit but thinking Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Cordoba for starters. Any thoughts on the weather in Jan/Feb? thanks!

ribeirasacra

As you know doubt understand from your research weather is unpredictable. This last winter is has not been so good.
I expect you have seen weather history websites but these cannot predict the future.

yestravel

Yes, of course, I know weather is unpredictable. I have looked at various dates in various years to try and get an idea of what it has been like over past years. I asked here as I am just trying to get a sense from those that live there or have travelled there what it is like.

nytraveler

First, I think you need a map.

Barcelona is Northern Spain - not southern. And in the south the weather in the mountains can be very cold - since they have ski resorts.

Granted one of the warmer parts of europe in winter - but with weather there is no guarantee.

yestravel

Thank you for the unhelpful response, nytraveler. Why do people waste their time responding with nothing useful? Hopefully there is someone out there who can provide something helpful.

I am well aware that there is no guarantee with weather and that mountains can be cold, amazing --didn't know that either. I really don't need to be told these things. Sorry, I should not have included BCN as the south. I know exactly where it is having been there several times, but not in the winter. Don't need snarky comments that I need a map, thank you.

ribeirasacra

I have been In BCN during Xmas/NYE and it was nice and sunny. I have been to Seville (again over NYE) and it was wet and about 9 degs.
Hope that helps.

yestravel

Yes, that's helpful-thanks!

sandralist

The greatest site in southern Spain in my view is the Alhambra which I would not want to miss on a trip to Spain. It can be distinctly cold there in winter.

Have you been to Naples or Sicily? I suppose Lisbon dips below your target temps but if you haven't been it has a lot going for it.

yestravel

thanks! We're going to Portugal including Lisbon in May. We were just in Naples last Fall. Sicily is a possibility.

kimhe

The Andalucian coast has got some of the absolute best winter climate in Europe. Past seventeen years statistics for seaside Málaga in mid January says average highs at 62F, rainfall one in five days and 6 hours sun pr. day. The numbers for mid February is average highs 64, rainfall one in five days and 7 hours sun pr. day. (wetteronline.de)

I use to swim here in both December and January, but I'm from Norway...

General info about Andalucía. Three thousand years of Phoenician, Roman, Christian, Jewish, Moslem and Gitano history and culture all over. http://andalucia.com/

Take a look at small and seaside Nerja, some 30 miles east of Málaga city. Popular with tourists, but has retained much of its small town Andalucian charm, especially in the pictoresque Casco antiguo/Old town: http://www.nerjatoday.com/

Photo of Nerja: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/...de6a8146_o.jpg
Old town street in Nerja, plenty of apartments to rent here: http://www.minube.com/fotos/rincon/131879/629455

Seaside Calle Carabeo is the oldest in town and just excellent, on the top of the cliffs looking out over the many small beaches and the sea: http://www.holidaynerja.co.uk/calle_carabeo_nerja.htm

Or perhaps genuine and laid back big city Málaga itself: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm
Video presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqMQz18HDM

Robert2533

As already noted, predicting the weather can be a little tricky. Mediterranean cities are typically mild in January-February, but you can expect a little rain. The weather in Cadiz also tends to be milder since it faces the Atlantic, but this year there was rain for weeks in most of Andalucia, including Sevilla and Cordoba.

If I were you, I'd put off my winter trip until the last few weeks of winter, say early March, when you can still get frost at night in the higher elevations, but you can expect a bit more sun. We just returned from three weeks in the south and had only one day of rail. It was approaching 75F in Malaga a few days ago, but it has since dropped back into the 60s.

yestravel

Thanks for all the information. We really like to escape DC winters, so Jan/Feb is the timeframe we prefer.

ribeirasacra

Maybe this will convince you of some uncertainties about the weather.
http://www.world-weather-travellers-...ain.html#worst

yestravel

I looked at the site, thanks. Did I miss where it mentions weather in the winter? Yes, as I have posted above several time, I know weather is unpredictable.

sofarsogood

Andalucia may not always be warm and sunny in Jan/Feb but there won't be the extremes of DC.

If you want Spain and sunny warm weather at that time of the year then try the Canary Islands.

stokebailey

Judging from the week we just spent in Seville, early March, you'd like it there just fine, especially relative to DC. A Barcelona man we met said spring had just arrived there. Lots of wind one day, evening rain another, but otherwise glorious sunshine and the fragrance of orange blossoms.

The Canaries is an intriguing suggestion.

yestravel

Thanks, helpful info. The Canary Islands sounds like an interesting option or addition. Need to look into that.

progol

Hi, yestravel!
The Canary islands look very nice -- and you can pop over to Morocco if you feel the need for a change of pace. It's funny to think the Canary Islands are part of Spain, given their proximity to NW Africa.
Paule