Things to Do in Cascais in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Cascais
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Empty beaches and attractions - February sits squarely in low season, meaning you'll have Guincho Beach and the coastal trails largely to yourself. The famous Boca do Inferno viewpoint, which gets mobbed in summer, might have just a handful of visitors on a Tuesday morning.
- Dramatically lower accommodation costs - Hotels drop rates by 40-60% compared to peak summer months. That boutique guesthouse charging 180 euros in August? Expect 80-100 euros in February. Worth noting that many properties offer extended-stay discounts if you're staying a week or more.
- Perfect conditions for serious walking and cycling - The 8-15°C (47-60°F) range is actually ideal for covering distance without overheating. The coastal path from Cascais to Cabo da Roca (about 14 km/8.7 miles) becomes genuinely enjoyable rather than a sweaty endurance test. UV index of 8 means you need sun protection, but you won't be wilting by 11am.
- Local life fully visible - With fewer tourists around, you'll see how Cascais actually functions. The fish market on weekday mornings, neighborhood cafes filled with Portuguese conversations, locals doing their Saturday shopping at the Cascais Villa shopping center. February gives you the real rhythm of the town rather than the summer tourist version.
Considerations
- Ocean swimming is genuinely cold - Atlantic water temperatures sit around 14-15°C (57-59°F) in February. Locals don't swim much this month, and honestly, unless you're accustomed to cold water, you probably won't either. The beaches are beautiful for walking, but pack your wetsuit if you're serious about getting in.
- Unpredictable rain patterns despite low total rainfall - That 0.0mm average is misleading. You'll likely get 10 days with some precipitation, though it tends to be brief. The issue is timing uncertainty - you might plan a coastal walk and get caught in a 30-minute downpour. Locals just work around it, but it requires flexibility in your daily planning.
- Some seasonal businesses stay closed - Certain beach clubs, ice cream shops, and tourist-focused restaurants simply shut down January through March. The town doesn't feel dead by any means, but if you're expecting every waterfront cafe to be open, you'll find some shuttered. That said, all the serious restaurants and local spots operate year-round.
Best Activities in February
Sintra Palace and Garden Tours
February is actually perfect for Sintra, just 30 minutes inland. The cooler temperatures make climbing up to Pena Palace or exploring the Quinta da Regaleira gardens far more pleasant than summer's heat. The 8-15°C (47-60°F) range means you can spend hours wandering without exhaustion. Crowds are minimal - you might wait 5 minutes for photos at popular spots versus 45 minutes in July. The surrounding forest trails are lush from winter rain but not muddy, and morning fog often creates atmospheric conditions around the palaces.
Coastal Cycling Routes
The dedicated bike path running from Cascais to Guincho Beach (9 km/5.6 miles) is spectacular in February. You'll have cool morning temperatures perfect for exertion, minimal wind compared to summer's relentless gusts, and the path is rarely crowded. The route hugs dramatic cliffs with Atlantic views the entire way. Locals actually prefer cycling this time of year - you'll see serious cyclists training in the mornings. The path is completely paved and flat until the final approach to Guincho.
Lisbon Day Trips
February is ideal for exploring Lisbon, just 30 minutes away by train. The city is less crowded, museums and attractions have shorter queues, and the 8-15°C (47-60°F) temperatures make walking the hilly neighborhoods comfortable. The famous Tram 28 actually has seats available. Alfama and Bairro Alto districts are perfect for wandering without summer's oppressive heat. Indoor attractions like the Gulbenkian Museum or Oceanarium become particularly appealing on those occasional rainy afternoons.
Surfing Lessons and Sessions
Guincho Beach and Carcavelos Beach both have consistent winter swells that actually make February excellent for surfing, particularly for beginners and intermediates. Water is cold at 14-15°C (57-59°F), but wetsuits handle that. The advantage is fewer people in the water and more patient instructors with time to actually teach. Waves tend to be cleaner in winter months with less onshore wind. Locals surf year-round, and you'll see dedicated surfers out most mornings.
Cabo da Roca Hiking
The westernmost point of continental Europe is stunning in February. The 14 km (8.7 miles) coastal trail from Cascais to Cabo da Roca offers dramatic cliff views, and the cooler temperatures make this a genuinely pleasant full-day hike rather than a survival march. You'll encounter maybe a dozen other hikers on the entire route. The trail is well-marked but rugged in sections, with about 400m (1,312 ft) of cumulative elevation gain. February's variable weather means you might get dramatic cloud formations and occasional sun breaks creating spectacular lighting.
Wine Tasting in Colares Region
The Colares wine region, just 15 minutes from Cascais, produces unique wines from ungrafted vines growing in sandy soil. February is perfect for winery visits - you'll have personal attention from winemakers, cool comfortable temperatures for touring cellars and vineyards, and the winter landscape has its own stark beauty. The region specializes in Ramisco red wines that pair excellently with Portuguese cuisine. Most wineries operate by appointment only, making this feel exclusive even though it's quite accessible.
February Events & Festivals
Carnival Celebrations
Portuguese Carnival typically falls in late February or early March, and Cascais has modest but genuine celebrations. Expect parades with elaborate costumes, street parties in the historic center, and traditional malassadas (fried dough pastries) sold everywhere. It's not Rio-level spectacle, but locals take it seriously with neighborhood groups preparing costumes for months. The celebrations peak on Carnival Tuesday with parades usually starting around 3pm in the town center.