Visiting the USA in February: Weather, Events & Travel Tips
February is still firmly winter across most of the US, but it carries a few major cultural events that make it worth the cold — Mardi Gras in New Orleans being the biggest draw. Ski resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Vermont are running at full capacity. The Southwest and Florida remain mild and make strong cases as winter sun destinations. Prices drop across the board after Valentine’s Day weekend.
Weather by Region
| Region | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | 40°F | 28°F | 4°C | -2°C | ~3 in | Snow remains common; ice risk |
| South (New Orleans, Atlanta) | 60°F | 42°F | 16°C | 6°C | ~4.5 in | Mild; New Orleans humid even in winter |
| Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) | 34°F | 19°F | 1°C | -7°C | ~1 in snow | Cold and grey; Chicago wind relentless |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Tucson) | 68°F | 46°F | 20°C | 8°C | ~0.7 in | Peak desert hiking season |
| West Coast (LA, San Francisco) | 66°F / 57°F | 50°F / 46°F | 19°C / 14°C | 10°C / 8°C | ~3 in (SF) | Rainy in SF; dry and mild in LA |
February is the single best month to hike in the Sonoran Desert around Phoenix and Tucson — temperatures are manageable, wildflowers haven’t arrived yet (that’s March), and the trails are less crowded than spring. The Midwest and Northeast remain a tough sell unless you’re skiing or attending a specific event.
Major Events in February
Mardi Gras — New Orleans, Louisiana The date shifts each year (Fat Tuesday is 47 days before Easter). In 2026, Fat Tuesday falls on February 17. Parades run across multiple weekends leading up to it along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Krewe du Vieux kicks things off in the Marigny around two weeks out. General parade viewing is free from the street — bring a bag to catch beads and throws. Grandstand tickets along the parade route run $30–$80. Hotels in the French Quarter and Garden District double or triple in price during parade weekends; book months ahead or stay in Metairie and take the streetcar.
Super Bowl The Super Bowl moves cities annually — check the NFL schedule for the current year’s host. In 2026, Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Tickets on the secondary market typically start around $500 for upper deck seats and run to $10,000+ for premium positions. Even if you’re not attending, host cities run large fan experience events (NFL Experience) with cheaper or free access.
Valentine’s Day (February 14) Not an event as such, but hotels in major cities — New York, San Francisco, Chicago — run promotions and also surge in price. If you’re not celebrating, fly on February 14 itself for cheaper fares and quieter airports.
NBA All-Star Weekend Location rotates annually; the event typically falls mid-February. The full weekend includes the Celebrity Game, Skills Competition, Three-Point Contest, and the All-Star Game itself. Arena tickets for the main game start around $200. Fan events outside the arena are often free or low cost.
Presidents’ Day Weekend (Third Monday of February) A federal holiday weekend that drives domestic travel — expect hotel and flight prices to spike for the Friday–Monday window. Major ski resorts (Vail, Park City, Stowe) are especially busy. If you’re planning to ski, book accommodation weeks ahead.
Where to Stay
New Orleans (Mardi Gras): The Hotel Peter & Paul (2317 Burgundy St, Marigny) is a converted 19th-century church complex — roughly $200–$300/night outside peak parade weekends, $400+ during Mardi Gras proper. Budget option: India House Hostel (124 S Lopez St) from $30/night dorm; book months ahead for Mardi Gras.
Phoenix / Scottsdale: February is peak season in the Valley of the Sun — rates reflect it. The Kimpton Palomar Phoenix (2 E Jefferson St) runs $200–$280/night. More affordable: the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown (100 N 1st St) from $160/night.
Denver (ski base): The Maven Hotel (1850 Wazee St) in Union Square is a solid mid-range option from $150/night. From Denver, Vail is 1.5 hours west on I-70, Breckenridge is 1.5 hours, and Keystone is just over an hour.
Miami: February is high season — expect $200–$350/night for a decent South Beach hotel. The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club (1732 Collins Ave) is reliably mid-range. Budget travelers should look at North Beach or the neighborhoods north of 63rd Street.
Where to Eat
New Orleans: Commanders Palace (1403 Washington Ave, Garden District) for white-tablecloth Creole cuisine. Lunch is the better value — three-course prix fixe around $60. Dinner mains run $45–$70. For casual: Parkway Bakery & Tavern (538 Hagan Ave) serves one of the city’s best roast beef po’boys for around $14.
Miami: Versailles Restaurant (3555 SW 8th St, Little Havana) is an institution for Cuban food. The ropa vieja and lechón run around $18–$24. The Cuban sandwich at lunch is $12. Loud, busy, and genuinely excellent.
Denver: Rioja (1431 Larimer St, LoDo) for contemporary American-Mediterranean food. Mains around $28–$42. Pasta is made in-house. Make a reservation.
Phoenix: Chino Bandido (15414 N Cave Creek Rd) is a genuinely strange but excellent fusion of Chinese and Mexican food. Cash only, drive-through style, and everything is around $10–$14. It has been operating since 1990.
February Packing List
- Waterproof winter coat (Northeast, Midwest, ski trips)
- Ski/snowboard layers if heading to mountain resorts: base layer, mid layer, ski jacket, salopettes
- Ski gloves and a helmet (rentable at most resorts, but bring your own if you have one)
- Light jacket for Southwest and Florida evenings — temperatures drop after sunset
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for icy pavements in northern cities
- Sunscreen — desert and ski-resort UV is high year-round
- Lip balm and hand lotion — low-humidity winter air is dehydrating, especially indoors with heating
- Festive outfit for Mardi Gras if attending — purple, gold, and green are the traditional colors
- A bag or tote for catching parade throws in New Orleans
Practical Notes
February is the month ski resorts in the US are statistically most likely to have their best conditions — snowpack is usually at its deepest by mid-February, and temperatures are cold enough to preserve it. Vail, Park City, and Mammoth Mountain are the most reliably snow-sure. Book ski accommodation for Presidents’ Day weekend at least six to eight weeks out.
Flights to New Orleans spike sharply during Mardi Gras parade weekends. If you’re flying in, mid-week arrival is meaningfully cheaper than a Friday. The parade schedule is published by the city of New Orleans well in advance — plan around the parades you actually want to see.
For warm-weather seekers, Florida in February is busy: Orlando theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios) are at moderate capacity, and South Florida beaches draw a large domestic crowd. Key West is particularly busy and priced accordingly through February.