United States in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for February
Average temperature across United States in February.
City Weather in February
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 5° | -3° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
| Los Angeles | 22° | 9° | 91 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Brooklyn | 5° | -4° | 78 mm | low | Cold |
| Chicago | 2° | -7° | 41 mm | low | Freezing |
| Queens | 5° | -3° | 77 mm | low | Cold |
| Houston | 19° | 8° | 78 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Phoenix, Arizona | 23° | 7° | 19 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northeast (New England & Mid‑Atlantic)
Late‑February still carries winter’s hold, with heavy lake‑effect snow possible around the Tug Hill Plateau and inland New York; cities may alternate between icy commutes and sudden thaws. Ski resorts in Vermont and the Berkshires are busy and conditions can be excellent, while Broadway and museum crowds are lighter if you don’t mind the chill. Travelers should keep an eye on road conditions for passes through the Catskills or White Mountains and pack microspikes if hiking is on the agenda.
Southeast (Carolinas, Georgia, southern Appalachians)
February tends to stay cool but increasingly pleasant along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts; early magnolia blooms appear in Savannah and Charleston adds charm without the summer humidity. Inland towns like Columbia and Charlotte are crisp and good for cultural sightseeing and off‑season restaurant reservations. If hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, check for short closures from frost but enjoy clearer skies and good visibility on panoramic overlooks.
Florida & Gulf Coast (Florida peninsula, Gulf beaches, Tampa Bay, New Orleans area)
February often brings similar mild, pleasant weather and reduced humidity; Miami Beach and the Keys are popular for sunseekers escaping northern winters. Outdoor festivals and events (e.g., Mardi Gras in nearby New Orleans if traveling west) add color, and snorkeling visibility in the Keys can be excellent. Crowds remain elevated compared with off‑season months farther inland, so prebook tours and consider early starts for Everglades trips.
Midwest & Great Lakes (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Great Lakes shoreline)
February stays wintry across the region with variable snow cover; northern Minnesota and Wisconsin can sit well below zero, while southern areas are only just below freezing. Cross‑country skiing and snowmobiling are in full swing up near Duluth and the Iron Range, and skiing around Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is reliable. Travelers should schedule extra transit time and carry snow‑ready footwear for icy sidewalks.
Great Plains & Central US (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, parts of Texas Panhandle)
February remains winter‑dominated though chances of milder spells increase late in the month; Oklahoma and the southern Plains sometimes see wintry mix events that make road travel tricky. This is still low season for tourism, with quieter lodging and lower prices in many small towns. If you’re chasing winter birding in riparian areas, expect fewer crowds but potentially muddy trails as thaws begin.
Rocky Mountains & Intermountain West (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana foothills)
February remains peak ski season with consistent snowfall and busy slopes; back‑country routes require avalanche knowledge or a guide. Towns like Telluride and Sun Valley are lively with festivals and restaurant life, but expect premium prices and crowded transfer days on holiday weekends. For non‑skiers, winter wildlife viewing in Yellowstone’s quiet thermal basins can be spectacular but access is limited to snowmobile or guided snowcoach tours.
Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada deserts, southern California inland)
February keeps mild desert conditions and is a favorite month for outdoor festivals and golf tournaments in Palm Springs and Scottsdale; Grand Canyon rims are cooler but accessible. Wildflower season in parts of Arizona and New Mexico can start early in warmer years, drawing photographers and hikers. Bring sun protection and a light jacket for canyon rims and mountain towns where evenings remain chilly.
Pacific Coast & Pacific Northwest (California coast, Oregon, Washington, coastal national parks)
February remains wet and cool up north with strong river flows in places like the Columbia Gorge; Southern California sees some of its best winter surf. Yosemite and Redwood groves get dramatic storms and swollen rivers, but many coastal trails are quieter and green. If planning coastal hikes or ferry trips to the San Juan Islands, expect muddy trails and check tide tables for exposed beaches.