Things to Do in Hvar in February

February Weather in Hvar

13°C (55°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Complete solitude at major attractions - you'll have Stari Grad Plain and fortress views entirely to yourself most days
Lavender field maintenance season offers behind-the-scenes access to family farms (February-March pruning period)
Wild asparagus foraging season begins - locals harvest from mid-February, and several farms offer guided foraging walks
Accommodation rates drop 60-70% from summer peaks - luxury villas available for €40-80/night instead of €300+

Considerations

Ferry connections reduced to 2-3 daily from Split (versus 15+ in summer), with weather cancellations possible
Most restaurants and beach clubs closed - only 6-8 restaurants remain open island-wide
Swimming uncomfortable for most - sea temperature around 14°C (57°F) requires wetsuit for extended time in water

Best Activities in February

Stari Grad Plain Heritage Walking Routes

February's cool temperatures (13°C/55°F highs) make this UNESCO site perfect for extended walking. Ancient Greek field boundaries are most visible when vegetation is low, and you'll encounter zero crowds on the 10 km (6.2 mile) main trail. Local guide Mate Carić leads winter heritage walks focusing on 2,400-year-old agricultural patterns.

Booking Tip: Contact Stari Grad tourist office directly (winter guides work by appointment only). Walks cost €25-35 per person, minimum 2 people. Book 3-5 days ahead as only two certified guides operate in winter.

Traditional Konoba Wine Cellars

February is pruning season, when family wineries are most welcoming to visitors. Temperatures stay perfect for cellar tours at 15-16°C (59-61°F) year-round. This is when winemakers have time to share techniques and offer barrel tastings of unreleased vintages. Plavac Mali harvest results are being evaluated now.

Booking Tip: Contact Zlatan Otok, Carić, or Tomac wineries directly. Winter tastings €15-25, include 5-6 wines plus local cheese. Many offer transportation from Jelsa or Stari Grad. Book minimum 2 days ahead.

Fortress Fortica Španola Sunrise Hikes

Cool February mornings (6°C/42°F at sunrise) make the 30-minute uphill climb comfortable. Sunrise at 7:15 AM offers spectacular views without summer heat or crowds. The 87m (285 ft) climb provides 360-degree views of Pakleni Islands and Brač. Perfect visibility on clear days extends 30 km (19 miles).

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity, no booking required. Bring headlamp for pre-sunrise start. Trail can be slippery after rain - check weather 24 hours ahead. Hot chocolate available at Loggia Cafe when you descend at 8 AM.

Wild Asparagus and Herb Foraging

February marks the start of wild asparagus season (divlji šparogi), a prized local delicacy. Cool, wet conditions create perfect foraging weather. Several family farms offer 2-3 hour guided walks through traditional stone-wall terraces, teaching identification of wild fennel, sage, and rosemary alongside asparagus.

Booking Tip: Contact farms in Velo Grablje or Brusje villages. Tours cost €30-45 including cooking demonstration. Weather dependent - best 2-3 days after rain. Book through local tourist offices as farms don't advertise online.

Lavender Field Behind-the-Scenes Access

February-March is pruning season when lavender farmers prepare for spring growth. Several farms in Velo Grablje welcome visitors to observe traditional maintenance techniques passed down through generations. Cool weather makes outdoor work comfortable, and farmers have time to explain cultivation methods.

Booking Tip: Contact Lavender associations in Velo Grablje directly. Visits typically free but bring small cash tip €5-10. Best mid-to-late February when pruning is most active. Call ahead - depends on weather and farmer availability.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Sv. Vlaha (St. Blaise) Festival

February 3rd patron saint celebration in Jelsa featuring traditional blessing of throats ceremony, local klapa singing groups, and communal fish stew (brudet) preparation. Locals gather at parish church at 11 AM followed by community lunch.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - stone paths become slippery when wet, essential for village walks and fortress climbs

Layered clothing system - mornings at 6°C (42°F) warm to 13°C (55°F) by afternoon, 7°C temperature swing daily

Compact rain jacket - showers brief but frequent, 10 rainy days typical in February

Thermal base layer - indoor heating limited in traditional stone buildings, konovas can be chilly

Quality headlamp - sunrise hikes start in darkness, streetlighting minimal in villages

Sturdy daypack - foraging tours and heritage walks require carrying water and found items

Warm sleepwear - stone buildings retain cold, nighttime temperatures drop to 6°C (42°F)

Slip-resistant footwear - marble streets in Hvar Town become skating rinks when wet

Portable phone charger - shorter days mean more navigation in darkness, limited charging opportunities on rural walks

Insider Knowledge

Ferry tickets from Split sell out quickly in bad weather - book return tickets immediately upon arrival, cancellations common with bura winds

Grocery shopping critical - Konzum in Hvar Town has limited winter hours (8 AM-7 PM), Sunday closures. Stock up on arrival day

Restaurant reservations essential - with only 6-8 open island-wide, popular spots like Dalmatino or Macondo book up even in winter

Local bus service suspended in winter - arrange airport transfers in advance, taxi from ferry to accommodations costs €15-25

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer ferry schedules apply - winter service runs only 2-3 times daily with weather-dependent cancellations

Booking accommodation in remote villages - many rural properties shut off water and heating, stick to Hvar Town or Stari Grad

Planning beach days - sea temperature at 14°C (57°F) requires serious cold water swimming experience and wetsuit