Travel to Europe in early February

Might be rough--it all depends what you consider 'inclement weather'. We are traveling to Rome and Sorrento end of February into March, and those are both quite temperate areas comparatively to Chicago, with highs and lows in the 55/40 range. I'll take that, even if there's somewhat more rain than normal. At least it's not the white stuff.

I have heard southern Spain is even warmer, into the 60's that time of year, as are most places in and around the Mediterranean.

I'm traveling the 1st thru the 10th and visited Madrid in the past at this time of year and it was very nice. No crowds or lines. I am concerned about frigid, snowy climate which would make outdoor walking impractical.

I've traveled to Europe in every month of the year except for July and August, and always made the best of it. There was significant snow on the ground when we arrived in Paris at the end of March, and it snowed as we arrived in Vienna in late November. In the countryside, it was pretty frigid the week we spent in a small village in Champagne, and the same in late November in northern Burgundy. If you're in a city, weather will be less likely to impact you, since you can always get around. In the countryside, weather that will disrupt your travel (like heavy snow) is far less likely if you stay out of mountain areas. I would think parts of Spain would be a good choice.

I'm also looking for a destination around then. Suggestions: Portugal, southern Spain, Barcelona, Cote d'Azur, Italy (I've been in February and weather is mild in most of the country), Sicily (yeah I know it's Italy), Malta.

I will also add that because of snow, I had the great experience of taking the train through the Alps--from Lucerne up into the mountains then down to Milan--and we rode in and out of snow squalls for about an hour. Saw little Swiss villages, some above the snow line & totally white, and some below and a springlike green & vibrant. Amazing views.

Go as far south as you can..which means Malta or nearby island of Gozo (via a ferry from Malta).

Malta has more annual sunny days than anywhere else, but there's no guarantee it won't rain. There is lots to see in 5-7 days.

If you want to stay away from potential cold, cool, snow, rain, then you need to hang around the Med. The warmer waters will moderate the weather. Remember there are palm trees growing in Nice. It would not be as pleasant as southern Florida in the same time period but you should avoid the more extreme weather of northern Europe.

What's inclement to you? Hawaiians consider inclement anything under 60 F.

Anywhere along the Mediterranean shores should not be too inclement. Be aware than even in Mediterranean countries, it gets cold as you go up in altitude and as you go to the interior. There are ski resorts on top of Mt. Etna in Sicily and on the Sierra Nevada near Granada (Spain). Madrid and Milan, in the interior of their respective countries, get cold too in winter, in spite of the low altitude, but rarely below freezing (32 F=0 C).