The Best Places to Visit in February in the USA in 2026!
BY Sibashree Feb 13, 2025
The month of February is definitely a magical time to explore the USA. As winter still holds the nation in its grasp. This particular time of the year provides a fascinating combination of scenic winter landscapes, exciting culture events, travel deals in the off-season, and the first sprouts of spring. Regardless of the preferences for sunshine and warm beaches, beautiful national parks, tranquil retreats, and exciting city breaks, February combines the perfect destinations for all kinds of travelers. Following is a detailed, informative, and relevant guide to the best places to visit in the USA for February 2026, including what to expect, activities to plan, climatic conditions, highlights, and tips to keep in mind for your travel plans. Why February is a Great Time to Travel Within the USA? It is positioned in the middle of the winter holiday period and the spring break travel peak with the activities illustrated below: Lower travel costs (airfare and accommodation prices often come down) Fewer crowds in tourist spots Seasonal events: Think Mardi Gras or the Chinese New Year Winter sports in optimal conditions Warm-weather vacations before the crowds build for spring break Depending on whether you are interested in snowshoeing in Alaska, visiting cities in the mild temperature zones of the South, or simply soaking up the rays on a beach. 1. New Orleans, Louisiana – Mardi Gras & Beyond It cannot go without mentioning Mardi Gras since New Orleans is practically a brand name for this festival. February is when it all comes together. Mardi Gras 2026 will take place on Tuesday, February 17. What to Do Parade Season (Krewe parades) – From Family-Friendly Routes to Grand Parades and Super Celebrations in the French Quarter – Live Jazz & Outdoor Parties Beignets and Coffee at Café du Monde Steamboat Natchez Cruise on the Mississippi Historic Garden District tours Weather Expect mild winter conditions: Average daytime highs: 60-70°F Chances of cooler nights Travel Tips Reserve a hotel stay well in advance (especially in the downtown/W Wearing comfortable shoes for parade marching Think about moving somewhere that is accessible by public transport links 2. Honolulu, Hawaii – Winter Sun & Island Culture February happens to be one of the best months to indulge in the weather, whale watching, and a milder atmosphere compared to the peak season of summer, ideal for both relaxation or activity-packed travel. What to Do Whale-watching tours in the Pacific Explore Waikiki Beach Hike Diamond Head Crater Road to Hana (Maui) or Na Pali Coast (Kauai) Luau experiences and snorkeling Weather Highest recorded temperatures: 78°-82 Warm sea temperatures Travel Tips Book a whale tour early; winter season offers the highest chances of spotting whales Show respect to the efforts of the locals to Try local plate lunches and shave ice 3. Park City, Utah – Ski Town at Its Finest Park City may very well be among the finest ski resorts in the U.S. The snow conditions in February are always excellent with plenty of fresh powder. What To Do Skiing or snowboarding at the Park City Mountain Resort Luxury Spas and After Ski Hot Tubs Historic Main Street shopping Snowmobile and snowshoeing tours Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Snowy Valleys Weather Cold and snowy winters. Highs: 30°F to 40°F (-1) Travel Tips Airport access from Salt Lake City (about 45 to 60 minutes) Book your lift tickets and equipment rentals in advance Sport or outdoor layered clothing 4. Savannah, Georgia - Southern Charm & Mild Climate Savannah is a beautiful historic city with mild winters. So, if you live in a cold area, Savannah will be a great option. What to Do Walking tours of Historic Districts River Street exploration Forsyth Park, and its beautiful fountains Haunted ghost tours Food experience (Lowcountry cuisine) Weather Mild and agreeable Highs: 60° to Travel Tips February may experience some rainfall; therefore, one needs to pack layers. Take guided tours for history, photography, or food 5. Aspen, Colorado – Classic Rocky Mountain Winter Aspen is famous for winter sports, luxury resorts, as well as alpine flair. Winter is marked by heavy snow with optimal conditions for all winter-related activities. What to Do Ski Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Snowcat tours Ice skating at Silver Circle Fine Dining & Apres-Ski Lounges Shopping in Aspen's fashionable downtown Weather Cold with lots of snow Highs: 30-40ºF (-1) Travel Tips Arrange for ski schools and ski tours in advance Think about lift tickets that encompass multiple mountains 6. Charleston, South Carolina – Historic Elegance Charleston has historical charm, pleasant temp and rich cultural offerings minus the summertime horde. What to Do Carriage tours of the Historic District Rainbow Row and waterfront park Plantation tours Culinary experiences (seafood and Southern cuisine) Art galleries and live music Weather Mild with spring notes Highs: 60–65ºF Travel Tips Early bookings for plantation visits sample local dishes such as shrimp and grits 7. Sedona, Arizona - Red Rocks & Spiritual Vibe Sedona’s red rock formations and clarity of the desert make for a warmer outdoor experience, which is ideal for both hiking and photography. What to Do Hiking at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Devil’s Bridge Jeep tours Stargazing Art galleries and local boutiques Wellness retreats Weather Cool and dry Highs: 55 to 60ºF Travel Tips Hikes at sunset provide wonderful lighting Expect temperature fluctuations 8. Key West, Florida - Tropical Escape Key West's peak months of the year weather-wise are in February, when the climate is warm, sunny, and ideal for water sports, yet it's neither humid nor stormy like the summer months. What to Do Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Sunset Sail on Mallory Square Visit Hemingway House Biking Seafood restaurants and lively bars Weather Highs: 75-80 Travel Tips Preliminary reservations for a boat ride Pack reef-safe sunscreen 9. San Diego, California – Mild Weather & Outdoor Life The warm climate, beaches, and attractions of San Diego make this one of the favorite off-season destinations in the southwest. What to Do Museums and gardens of Balboa Park La Jolla Cove Kayaking Nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego Zoo Coronado Island Weather Daily high temperatures: 65°-70 Travel Tips The beach water might be chilly. Wear a thin wetsuit. Local breweries and food establishments 10. Anchorage, Alaska – Northern Lights & Winter Wilderness February is among the best months in Alaska when one can spot aurora borealis, thanks to its prolonged nights and clear atmosphere. What to Do Northern Lights tours Dog Sledding Snowmobiling on frozen lakes Winter festivals Wildlife tourism Weather Very cold, snowing Highs: 10–25°F (-12) Travel Tips Dress in base layers and insulated outerwear Arrange book aurora tours with expert guides 11. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Snow Sports & Scenic Views Winter sport terrain around Lake Tahoe is legendary for deep snow and a great combination of chill and epic skiing. What to Do Skiing & Snowboard Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing Ice Skating Casino nightlife at the Nevada side Lake trips in winter Weather Snowy and cold Highs: 30-40°F (-1) Travel tips Check the weather to see if you can travel by road through the mountain passes 12. Miami, Florida – Warm Weather and City Life Miami’s ideal winter climate and rich nighttime entertainment options make it one of the favorite destinations of tourists preferring sunny weather, culture, and beaches. What to Do South Beach Art Deco Historic District Little Havana Everglades day trip Ocean Drive dining Weather Days: 24-27°C Travel Tips If you are looking for a less crowded experience, you may consider going earlier in the day for the following: Visiting the museums and Rent a boat to visit Biscayne Bay Visit Ernest Hem 13. Joshua Tree, California – Desert Adventure & Stargazing Joshua Tree is just right for wintering in a desert environment - warm days and cool evenings. What to Do Hiking and Bouldering Star Gazing Photography at Hidden Valley Local arts and music events Discover unusual desert plants Weather Weather Highs: 60–65ºF Nights: It could be cool Travel Tips Layers for temperature fluctuations Booking of camping sites, if required 14. Tucson, Arizona - Outdoor Culture & Bloom Previews Tucson has desert treks, rich culture, and early spring bloom activity – ideal for nature enthusiasts and food aficionados alike. What to Do Saguaro National Park hiking Mission San Xavier del Bac Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Food tours with local cuisine Downtown arts district Weather Highs: 65-70ºF Travel Tips February is good weather before the heat of spring arrives Discover early morning best times for wildlife observations 15. Austin, Texas – Festivals, Food & Live Music Austin’s vibrant and musical culture comes alive during the month of February. What to Do Live music venues Shopping South Congress Experiences for BBQ & Tex-Mex food Outdoor Spaces in Zilker Park Museums and art galleries Weather Highs: 65-70ºF Travel Tips Check local event calendars for concerts, festivals, etc. Go on a food truck crawl 16. Big Bend National Park, Texas - Desert Magnificence For outdoor enthusiasts, the area presents exciting scenery for hiking and exploring the desert or river scenery, with temperatures in the mild winter months. What to Do Hiking Santa Elena Canyon River rafting (subject to weather conditions) Primitive camping under desert skies Stargazing in Dark Sky land Hot springs near the Rio Grande Weather Highs: 60-65ºF Nights may be cool Travel Tips Plan for tough terrain journeying Conditions before going to the backcountry Seasonal Events and Festivals in February 2026 Here are a few seasonal events and festivals in USA during February. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, LA Parades, floats, music, and cultural events for weeks on end. Chinese New Year Festivities Big festivals in cities such as: San Francisco (largest Chinatown in Asia, outside of Asia anyways) New York City Los Angeles Winter Carnival – St. Paul/Minneapolis MN Outdoor snow sculptures, parades, and winter celebration events. South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Miami, FL One of the country’s leading culinary events. Holiday Packages Valentine’s Cities in the U.S. also feature special experiences. Ranging from candlelit dinners in Savannah, GA, to beachside stays in Key West. Winter Blues Arts Festivals In smaller towns and artistic communities. There are often winter-themed parties or gallery openings. February Travel Tips for 2026 Here are a few traveling tips if you wanna visit the USA in February of 2026; Pack for Variable Weather Warm Clothing for Cold Places Sunscreen for warm climates Waterproofing gear in case of traveling through a snow-filled region Watch for Off-Season Deals There are discounts from airlines and hotels available in February Book as early as possible for peak events such as Mardi Gras Consider Transportation Needs Destinations in the mountains may need 4 days. Even in warm environments, there could still be a need for renting cars in order to travel. Balance Indoor & Outdoor Activities Museums, art galleries, food tours is ideal during cooler times Remain excellent in slight or sunny warm weather Traveling In The USA Picking Your Ideal February Vacation Spot February is a month of contrast when winter is at its peak in some parts of the world and warm breezes kiss the faces of others. It all depends on what kind of holiday you like: All of the above destinations have something very unique to offer in the month of February. Whether you are looking for snow to ski on, a festive beat at a Mardi Gras celebration. A warm sun on a beach, February is always a month to cherish when it comes to experiences to be had in the USA.




