Things to Do in United States in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in United States
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak winter sports season across the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Northeast - powder conditions are typically at their best with base depths of 150-250 cm (60-100 inches) at major resorts, and lift lines are manageable outside Presidents' Day weekend
- Southern destinations like Florida, Arizona, and Southern California offer genuine warmth - you're looking at 21-27°C (70-80°F) in places like Phoenix and Miami while much of the world is freezing, and hotel rates haven't hit spring break inflation yet
- Mardi Gras season brings New Orleans to life with parades running throughout the month, plus you'll catch NBA All-Star Weekend, Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco and NYC, and Valentine's Day events that Americans actually take seriously
- Shorter month means your dollar stretches further on monthly rentals, and you're hitting that sweet spot before spring break crowds arrive - domestic flight prices drop 15-25% compared to December-January holiday pricing
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability is real - the Midwest and Northeast can swing from -15°C (5°F) to 10°C (50°F) within days, polar vortex events shut down entire regions occasionally, and you might book California sunshine only to hit their wettest weeks of the year
- Presidents' Day weekend (third Monday, so February 17 in 2026) creates a massive domestic travel surge - ski resorts triple their prices, national parks in warm states get mobbed, and flight costs spike 40-60% that specific weekend
- Shortest month means less time to explore if you're on a monthly travel budget, and some seasonal attractions haven't opened yet - many coastal beach towns, mountain hiking trails, and outdoor festivals wait until March or April to fully operate
Best Activities in February
Rocky Mountain Skiing and Snowboarding
February delivers Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming resorts at peak performance. Base depths typically hit 180-240 cm (70-95 inches), and you're past the Christmas chaos but still getting consistent snowfall. Temperatures hover around -8 to 2°C (18-35°F) at summit - cold enough for quality snow, warm enough for comfortable riding. Weekdays are remarkably quiet except Presidents' Day week. The dry powder in places like Jackson Hole and Park City is legitimately different from what you'll find in wetter climates.
Florida Keys Island Hopping
While the rest of the country freezes, the Keys sit at 23-27°C (73-80°F) with minimal humidity compared to summer's swamp-like conditions. Water visibility for snorkeling peaks in winter months at 18-24 m (60-80 ft), and you're past snowbird arrival but before spring break madness. Manatees congregate in warm-water springs, making wildlife encounters more reliable. The overseas highway drive from Key Largo to Key West takes 3.5 hours without stops, but you'll want 3-4 days to actually enjoy it.
New Orleans French Quarter Walking and Food Experiences
February IS New Orleans - Mardi Gras parades run throughout the month with the main event falling on March 4 in 2026, but parades start two weeks prior. Temperatures sit at a comfortable 12-20°C (54-68°F), perfect for walking the Quarter without summer's brutal heat and humidity. You'll catch authentic Creole culture, second-line parades, and king cake season. The food scene is accessible year-round, but February adds festival energy. Rain happens about 8-10 days this month, usually brief afternoon showers.
Arizona Desert Hiking and National Park Exploration
February offers the goldilocks moment for desert hiking - daytime temperatures in Sedona and Phoenix range 15-21°C (60-70°F), while nights drop to 4-10°C (40-50°F). The Sonoran Desert blooms if winter rains were decent, though peak wildflowers wait until March. Grand Canyon South Rim averages -6 to 7°C (21-45°F) with possible snow adding dramatic contrast to red rocks. Crowds are manageable, trails are accessible without summer's dangerous heat, and photography lighting is exceptional with lower sun angles.
California Wine Country Tasting Tours
Napa and Sonoma in February mean fewer crowds, lower tasting fees, and actual conversations with winemakers instead of fighting through bachelorette parties. Temperatures run 8-16°C (46-60°F) - bring layers for morning fog that burns off by noon. Vines are dormant and brown, so if you need Instagram-worthy green rows, this isn't your month. But you'll taste reserve wines, get restaurant reservations that are impossible in summer, and pay 30-40% less for accommodations. Rain happens 8-10 days this month, usually overnight or early morning.
Miami and South Beach Art and Culture Scene
February catches Miami at 21-27°C (70-80°F) with lower humidity than summer's oppressive levels. You'll miss Art Basel's December crowds but catch a vibrant cultural scene without the chaos. Ocean temperature sits around 23°C (73°F) - swimmable for most people. The mix of Art Deco architecture, Cuban culture in Little Havana, and Wynwood's street art creates diverse experiences within 8 km (5 miles). Spring breakers haven't arrived yet, so South Beach is accessible to humans over 21 who don't consider body shots a food group.
February Events & Festivals
Mardi Gras Season in New Orleans
While Fat Tuesday falls on March 4 in 2026, major parades run throughout February with Krewe of Endymion, Bacchus, and others rolling on weekends. You'll catch authentic New Orleans culture with king cakes, second-line parades, and neighborhood celebrations. Parade routes are free to watch - stake out a spot on St. Charles Avenue 1-2 hours early. Hotel prices spike closer to actual Mardi Gras day, so mid-February offers parade atmosphere with more reasonable costs.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
February 10, 2026 marks the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse). San Francisco's Chinatown hosts elaborate celebrations including the famous night parade, typically the weekend after New Year. NYC's Chinatown and Flushing neighborhoods have firecracker ceremonies and street festivals. Los Angeles, Seattle, and Houston also host significant events. Expect authentic lion dances, traditional foods, and cultural performances - these are genuine community celebrations, not manufactured tourist events.
NBA All-Star Weekend
February 14-16, 2026 in Los Angeles brings basketball's biggest mid-season spectacle. Beyond the actual games, the city hosts celebrity events, sneaker conventions, and parties throughout downtown and Hollywood. Hotel prices in LA spike 40-60% that specific weekend, and traffic becomes even more nightmarish than usual. If you're not specifically attending for basketball, avoid LA this weekend entirely. If you are attending, book accommodations 2-3 months ahead minimum.