Things to Do in Tangier in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Tangier
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild temperatures make walking the Medina actually comfortable - you can explore the souks for hours without overheating, and the 17°C (62°F) highs mean you're layering rather than melting. The labyrinth of alleyways stays pleasantly cool even midday.
- Tourist crowds drop significantly after January's European winter break rush. You'll find shorter lines at popular spots like the Kasbah Museum and can actually negotiate in the souks without competing with cruise ship groups. Hotels typically drop rates 20-30% compared to peak season.
- February brings Tangier's greenest landscapes - the winter rains leave the surrounding hills lush and the Perdicaris Park becomes genuinely beautiful for hiking. The countryside between Tangier and Chefchaouen looks completely different than the brown summer months.
- Clear visibility across the Strait of Gibraltar on sunny days - you'll get those postcard views of Spain from Cap Spartel and the Kasbah. The cooler air means less haze, and you can actually see the Spanish coastline 14km (8.7 miles) away most mornings before afternoon clouds roll in.
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days can hit anytime, and when it rains in Tangier, the Medina's steep streets become slippery marble obstacle courses. Some days you'll get brief showers, other days it's steady drizzle from morning to evening. The drainage in the old city hasn't improved much since the 1950s.
- Atlantic wind can be brutal, especially along the Corniche and at Cap Spartel. The 9°C (48°F) lows feel colder when you're getting hit with coastal gusts. Beach activities are mostly off the table - locals don't swim in February, and neither should you unless you're particularly hardy.
- Some restaurants and guesthouses in the Medina close for renovations during this slower period. It's worth confirming your restaurant pick is actually open before trekking across town, and booking accommodations that confirm they're operating in February rather than taking their annual maintenance break.
Best Activities in February
Medina Walking Tours and Kasbah Exploration
February's cooler temperatures make this the ideal time to properly explore Tangier's Medina without the summer heat exhaustion. The maze of souks, the American Legation Museum, and the Kasbah district require hours of uphill walking on uneven surfaces - much more manageable at 17°C (62°F) than July's 30°C (86°F). The narrow alleyways stay comfortable even during midday, and you'll actually want to linger in the spice markets rather than rushing through. Morning tours work best before potential afternoon rain, typically starting around 9-10am. The lower tourist numbers mean you can take your time photographing doorways and tilework without crowds in every shot.
Day Trips to Chefchaouen
The drive to Morocco's blue city takes roughly 2.5 hours through countryside that's actually green in February - a completely different landscape than the dusty summer route. Chefchaouen sits at 600m (1,968 ft) elevation, so expect it to be 3-4°C cooler than Tangier and potentially wetter. That said, the blue-painted streets photograph beautifully under February's softer light, and you'll avoid the summer crowds that make getting clean photos nearly impossible. The mountain air feels crisp rather than cold during midday. Pack layers and a rain jacket, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Most visitors do this as a full-day trip, leaving Tangier around 8am and returning by 7pm.
Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves Coastal Route
The dramatic coastline west of Tangier becomes genuinely impressive in February when Atlantic waves crash against the cliffs with real force. Cap Spartel lighthouse sits where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, and the views across to Spain are clearest on cool February mornings before afternoon haze. The Hercules Caves, while touristy, offer shelter if weather turns. The coastal road itself is the real attraction - wild, windswept, and empty of the summer beach crowds. Expect strong winds, especially afternoon, so this isn't a relaxing beach day but rather dramatic coastal scenery. The area works best as a half-day trip, ideally morning for clearer views, taking 3-4 hours total including stops.
Traditional Hammam Experiences
February's damp chill makes hammam visits particularly appealing - you'll actually appreciate the steam and heat rather than finding it overwhelming. Traditional hammams in the Medina offer the authentic experience where locals go weekly, typically costing 50-100 MAD for the basic service. The ritual of steam rooms, exfoliation, and massage makes perfect sense when it's drizzling outside and you've spent the day walking cold Medina streets. Hammams work as either a midday break or evening warmup. The experience takes 1.5-2 hours including changing time. Tourist-oriented spa hammams cost 300-600 MAD but offer more privacy and English-speaking staff if the local version feels intimidating.
Tangier Food Market Tours and Cooking Classes
February brings excellent produce to Tangier's markets - winter citrus is at peak, and the cooler weather means fish stays fresher at market stalls. The Grand Socco market and surrounding food vendors offer genuine local life, and cooking classes typically include market visits to select ingredients. You'll learn to make tagines and Moroccan salads using seasonal vegetables, and the cooking itself becomes more appealing when it's cool outside rather than adding heat to an already hot day. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including market time and eating what you've prepared. The smaller tourist numbers in February mean more personalized attention in cooking classes.
Perdicaris Park and Rmilat Forest Hiking
The hills surrounding Tangier turn genuinely green in February after winter rains, making this the best time for hiking areas that look brown and dusty in summer. Perdicaris Park, about 6km (3.7 miles) west of the city center, offers marked trails through Mediterranean forest with views over the Strait of Gibraltar. The trails range from easy 2km (1.2 mile) loops to more challenging 8km (5 mile) routes gaining 200m (656 ft) elevation. February temperatures make uphill hiking comfortable rather than sweaty, though trails can be muddy after rain. The park sees few tourists in February - you'll mostly encounter local families on weekends. Plan for 2-4 hours depending on route choice.
February Events & Festivals
Almond Blossom Season in Surrounding Countryside
Late February typically brings almond blossoms to the hills around Tangier and along the route toward Tetouan. It's not a formal festival but rather a natural phenomenon that locals celebrate with family picnics in the countryside. If you're doing day trips or hiking in late February, you'll likely encounter the white and pink blossoms covering hillsides. Worth timing a countryside drive or Chefchaouen trip for late month if this interests you.