February is a beautiful time of year in the sunshine state, making it a superb time of year to visit. The weather is very comfortable, sunny, and bright, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. This month brings some of the best conditions in all different aspects.
Plan your adventure this time of year and achieve cheaper rates and lower crowds compared to other seasons.
There are even some experiences that you can only enjoy during the month of February, so don’t miss out and read our guide with tips from a local below.
💡 Tip: For more Florida season tips, visit our guide to Florida in the winter. And if you are visiting later, visit our guide for Florida in March.
Weather
The weather in February is unpredictable when it comes to temperature. Will winter last late, or will spring come early? That is the big question.
Overall, February is one of the cooler months of the year and tends to be very dry with more winds. A great time of year to visit if you are trying to beat the heat and avoid high humidity and rainfall.
The average high temperature in February is ranging from 64°F to 75°F (18-24°C) in Florida. It is in the middle of the dry season with little rain and cooler weather. Rainfall is unlikely in February, with a monthly average of 2.0 to 3.1 inches.
Florida’s average highs in February (temperatures by city):
- Miami: 75°F (24°C)
- Tampa: 73°F (23°C)
- Orlando: 75°F (24°C)
- Jacksonville: 69°F (20°C)
- Destin: 64°F (18°C)
The temperatures aren’t drastically different from city to city, but temperatures increase the further south you travel.
Rainfall
February is the dry season and is usually one of the driest months of the year in Florida. This means that rain will be very unlikely on most days, and shouldn’t be a burden to visitors. This is a great month to enjoy outdoor activities, without having to worry about the weather ruining any plans.
Good to know: Florida can be unpredictable when it comes to weather, and we have seen rain showers in February in the past.
Wind & Fog: February has higher winds and higher fog levels than most other months. Morning hours from 6-9 am tend to be very foggy, while winds usually pick up in the late afternoons.
The average rainfall in February in Florida is 2.5-3.1 inches. On average, it rains for 7 days during the month of February and is more often rain in the northern regions and less in the south.
Heat/Humidity
Florida keeps a steady humidity level all year round, it is always present.
In February, the humidity in Florida is higher compared to the rest of the country, but very low for Florida itself. It ranges from 57 to 87%. The air tends to be a lot drier, so the humidity isn’t noticed as much.
The average humidity in February tends to be higher in the mornings around 7 am. Humidity is lowest in the northern regions around 4 pm, and southern regions around 1 pm.
Daily Weather Progression
The daily weather progression in February can fluctuate year to year, depending on how long winter lasts. On average, it tends to be cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the hottest hours with the most sun are from 12-3 pm.
Mornings tend to have a lot of fog. The temperatures are cooler but start to rise after 8 am.
Evenings: Evening hours cool off and have higher winds, especially in coastal towns/cities.
Here is a typical daily temperature progression in the south of Florida in Miami:
- 8 AM: 66°F
- 11 AM: 73°F
- 2 PM: 75°F
- 9 PM: 68°F
Water Temperature
The water temperatures are ranging from 61°F to 74°F in Florida during February. In most regions, it will be too chilly to swim. In particular, it’s too cold in the northern part. If going to the beach, swimming, and other water activities are a must for your trip, head south, where the ocean is warmer.
Tip: West Palm Beach has some of the warmest waters in the state with temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by Miami and Key West with water temperatures of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Waters in more northern regions like Pensacola, Jacksonville, or Destin, will see some of the coldest waters of the year. The panhandle region will have waters with a temperature of 61 degrees, with the northern Atlantic coast having water temperatures of 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Pack | What to Wear
Florida has a subtropical climate all year long, giving the impression that it is summer all the time. However, February is a bit colder and has more winds than most other months, especially in the northern regions.
In Florida, pack summer and spring clothes for your February trip. Women typically wear a jacket combined with long pants after the sun goes down. Men are often still comfortable wearing a t-shirt combined with jeans. However, layering is essential, as it can get chilly.
Good to know: The further south you go, the lower the winds, and higher the temperature. The south has early summer weather in February, while the north has much more of a springtime feel.
During the month of February, the clothing items in your suitcase should consist of:
- Shorts (mostly for men, or southern visitors)
- Leggings or Athletic pants
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Flannel or long-sleeved layering shirt (men and women)
- A sweater or sweatshirt
- Light jacket (for wind or evenings)
- Bathing suits/cover-up
- Swim trunks
Dressing for unpredictable weather in Florida can be tricky, and every day is a surprise. Be prepared for temperature changes.
Comfortable shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must, no matter where you go in February. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking. Especially in theme parks like Disney or Universal, it’s likely that you will be walking over 10 miles. Without comfortable walking shoes, you end up with blisters and hurting feet at the end of the day. Please don’t wear flip-flops in theme parks.
Jeans: If you are a person who likes to wear jeans frequently, this is the month to do it. The humidity is low enough to not become a burden, so tight clothing isn’t as hot as in the summer months.
Additional items to pack:
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack or fanny pack for day trips
- Comfy walking shoes (alternative: sandals with support)
- Beach bag
- Hat
- Water shoes (for water sports or boating)
- Water bottle for hydration
- Sunscreen
- Small portable fan
- Cooler
- Mickey Mouse ears for Disney.
Restaurant tip: When staying in Florida, we carry a sweater or light jacket throughout the day for dining out in indoor restaurants. Since the temperature outdoors is mainly warm, the air conditioners are often on full blast. If you get cold easily, this is a great tip to keep in mind.
Headache: When traveling in Florida we suggest always bringing some medicine for a headache. The Florida heat is no joke and if you aren’t used to a warm climate, this could really bring a damper to your vacation. While the humidity is not as intense in February compared to the summer months, it is still smart to be prepared.
Rates
The month of February tends to have lower rates for most accommodations, restaurants, and activities. This is a great time to visit if you’re traveling on a budget, or just looking for cheap rates in general. Keep in mind, while most regions follow this trend, cities with a higher number of snowbirds, like St. Pete for example, will likely see higher prices than the rest of the state.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can find hostels starting at around $30 a night. Staying in an Airbnb averages around $160 a night, hotels average $35-300 a night, and full home vacation rentals can be up to $500 per night.
Crowds
February is not particularly crowded in Florida. It’s one of the slowest months of the year for tourism. There will be fewer tourists in most places, and family vacations aren’t common this month due to kids being in school.
There won’t be any particular area that is taken over by tourists. Thus, this is a great time of the year to visit Florida if you are trying to have a great experience, while also avoiding the crowds.
However, depending on which region you’re visiting, the crowds will vary:
💡 Certain cities such as Orlando and Miami are always crowded. Also, keep in mind snowbird cities like St. Pete or Naples are going to have higher crowds because of more seasonal residents in the area.
Superbowl: The NFL Superbowl is usually the 2nd weekend in February. While this doesn’t necessarily increase tourists (unless the game is in Tampa), it will increase the number of people at bars and restaurants for the game. Expect high numbers of people and longer wait times this weekend.
Beach crowds: Always remember, it is Florida, so beaches are always going to be somewhat crowded when the weather is pleasant. In February, beaches in cities popular with snowbirds, such as Fort Myers or Naples, are going to see higher crowds this time of year. This is also the time when locals take advantage of being in Florida when most other states are still dealing with winter weather.
Places to Visit / Things to Do
Most visitors think about the major attractions in Orlando (Disney, Universal, Sea World) and the world-class beaches across the state.
However, beaches and theme parks aren’t the only way to enjoy Florida in February. There are so many options to immerse yourself in nature and the outdoors in the sunshine state during this month.
Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, or just admiring the scenery, Florida has something for everyone. Visitors can take part in various outdoor activities such as diving/snorkeling, exploring the Everglades, attending the Florida State Fair, watch spring training baseball games, and it’s one of the best times of the year for spotting manatees.
Festivals
Florida is the host of various festivals during the month of February including the following:
- Florida Strawberry Festival
- Florida State Fair, Tampa
- Epcot International Art Fest
Florida also will be filled with multiple events to celebrate Valentine’s day, as well as even Mardi Gras, in some places
Florida Beaches
The coastline of Florida is a vacation hotspot all year round because of the gorgeous beaches. February is a superb time to plan a beach trip due to being able to enjoy the coastline without the exhaustion from the humidity and chance of rain.
The Florida Keys will be pretty busy this time of year but has warm weather, waters, and some of the best diving spots in the state.
Dry Tortuga National Park is also located at the bottom of the keys, the most southern national park in the country and one of the best spots for snorkeling!
Treasure Coast such as West Palm Beach will have some of the warmest water temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Miami Beach/South Beach will be the top destination for visitors looking to escape the winter weather and enjoy the warmer temperature.
Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay are on the opposite side of the Gulf coast and will have cooler waters of 61-64 degrees Fahrenheit, but it has some of the best conditions for kitesurfing and manatee spotting!
Orlando
The average high temperatures in Orlando hover around 75°F (23.8°C). Orlando weather is mostly dry with little rainfall.
Crowds: Orlando sees lower crowds in February due to the lack of family vacations this time of year. However, keep in mind that there is no quiet time anymore in the big theme parks (Disney World, Universal). Depending on the time of year, they are either fewer crowds, medium crowds, or crazy.
Universal Studios | Orlando
Universal Studios is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. Kids are still in school, and most family vacations aren’t scheduled till summertime. The parks will not be overly crowded, and the only event this month is the Mardi Gras celebration.
- Tip: Hotels in Universal Studio Resort (stay there to save time)
Is the park-to-park ticket worth it? The park-to-park ticket allows you to roam between the three parks (see below) on the same day. You definitely should get it if you are a Harry Potter fan, as you can only ride the Hogwarts Express with this ticket.
Additionally, some visitors always get the park-to-park ticket as they love to move around, particularly if it’s too busy in one park. It just gives you more flexibility.
Skip-the-line-ticket: The crowds in February are usually low enough to do Universal Studios without the express/skip-the-line ticket.
Three parks: Universal Studios is not just one park. There are a total of three Universal parks, each with its own theme and unique attractions:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Volcano Bay Water Park
Walt Disney World | Orlando (Nearby)
Disney World is Florida’s most prominent attraction, and February has some of the lowest rates of the year for resorts, restaurants, and ticket pricing. The parks won’t be too crowded in February (crowds could increase on event weeks and weekends, but nothing too drastic).
Epcot hosts the International Art Festival, and Magic Kingdom hosts the Princess half Marathon this month.
While Disney World features multiple attractions, including water parks and golf courses, its main attractions are the four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
- Epcot
Tickets: For a hassle-free experience, get the base tickets in advance: Walt Disney World Orlando – Admission Base Tickets 2-7 days (mobile voucher or printed voucher)
How many days? 5-7 days are recommended for the best Disney World experience. If you only have two or three days, visit Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom or Epcot. Magic Kingdom is the best park as its rides and attractions have more magic than anything else.
In general, plan 1-2 days for each of the four parks in Disney World Orlando. Park experts recommend two days for each park, except Animal Kingdom, which can be easily done within a day.
SeaWorld | Orlando
When visiting SeaWorld in Orlando, you get the fantastic chance to see penguins, otters, dolphins, and other amazing sea creatures up close. The park won’t be too crowded in February, and there will be no events impacting crowds heavily on some days.
5 tips for a perfect SeaWorld visit in May:
- Make reservations in advance: While it’s not jam-packed in February, it’s still not fun waiting in a long line. Save time and money by purchasing (mobile or printed voucher) tickets in advance: Park Admission Ticket Reservation
- Pack a light sweater: A sweater helps if you get cold easily; February has cooler weather and more wind.
- Arrive early at the shows: As the number of daily shows is limited, they often fill up quickly. In particular, the dolphin show, Dolphin Adventures, and Shamu’s close-up, Orca Encounter. Try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before showtime, especially on weekends.
- Check the weather forecast: Check the forecast in the morning and prepare for your visit. February is in the dry season, so rain shouldn’t be an issue this time of year.
- Bring rain gear: You can get wet easily during one of the water rides or in the splash zone of the shows. We recommend bringing some rain gear or wearing clothes that dry quickly.
Kennedy Space Center | Orlando (Nearby)
The Kennedy Space Center is worth visiting and is only a 50-minute-drive from Orlando. You can either buy the admission ticket (mobile or printed voucher) solo or one where you don’t have to worry about driving as it includes transport from and to Orlando (via GetYourGuide – safe booking)
February is an ideal time to visit the Space Center as it is not as crowded as in the summer months. In particular, the shorter waiting lines make it even more enjoyable. However, try to avoid weekends if possible. Crowds tend to be higher on weekends due to kids being out of school, but still lower than average.
Must-see attractions:
- Watch a rocket launch
- See a real space shuttle
- Go behind the gates (NASA restricted areas)
- Take the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center
Guided tour: You can explore everything on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended since the area is overwhelming in its size and scope.
Tampa
In February, the average high temperature in Tampa is 74°F (23.3°C). It tends to be very foggy and cooler in the morning hours before 9 am.
Tampa Bay’s Sun Coast offers some of Florida’s best beaches, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. They tend to have higher crowds this time of year due to the high number of snowbirds in the area.
Fun Facts: The region surrounding Tampa Bay has some of the best kitesurfing opportunities in February due to the higher winds the area gets. This region also has some of the best opportunities and most manatee sightings on the gulf coast.
Tampa is host to the Florida State Fair every year this month; don’t forget to stop by and experience all the food, games, and fun!
February Special: This month is the best time of year to go watching or swim with Manatees; as they gather on the Gulf coast due to the cooler water temperatures. They are found in various other places in the world, but in Florida, visitors can legally swim with them in the Crystal River. Check out our guide to swim with the manatees in Florida.
Besides hitting the beaches, Tampa has some great activities to offer for the whole family. Our tips:
Busch Gardens: Tampa’s huge theme park features intriguing wildlife with more than 2000 animals from around the world, huge roller coasters, live shows, restaurants, and games. Spend a full day at Busch Gardens. Ticket reservations (mobile voucher or printed): Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket & Multi-Park Options
Florida Aquarium: The Florida Aquarium is located on the southeastern edge of downtown Tampa. It’s truly fascinating and has a huge collection of marine life, with 14,000 animals, including stingrays, moray eels, and turtles. Consider 2-3 hours for your visit. If you plan to visit when it’s busier on a weekend, get a skip-the-line ticket: The Florida Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entrance
Sarasota
Sarasota is a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast south of Tampa that was originally the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Average high-temperature progression during February in Sarasota:
- Early May: 71°F (21.6°C)
- Mid-May: 72 (22.2°C)
- Late May: 75 (23.8°C)
Early Morning: It’s 10-15°F degrees cooler in the morning, with heavy fog till about 9 am.
Sarasota is a vibrant place with plenty of great things to do in February. From the white sandy beaches to golfing and shopping or nightlife activities.
The Mote Marine Laboratory, which is ideal for small children, and the historical Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are two of Sarasota’s main attractions.
Tours by bike or bus are a fantastic way to experience the city, but you can also do it on your own.
Must-see/recommended:
- Ringling Museum: Perfect for when the beaches are too crowded in the afternoon.
Tip: To discover the main attractions as well as the hidden neighborhoods, book a Sarasota sightseeing tour. It covers the historic downtown neighborhoods of Gillespie Park, Burns Court, Laurel Park, St. Armands Circle, and the Rosemary Design District.
Another spot you shouldn’t miss: The Unconditional Surrender Statue, which recreates the famous World War II photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse after returning home.
Everglades
In February, the Everglades have an average high of 76°F (24.4°C) and an average low of 64°F (17.7°C). February is usually one of the busiest months of the year for the Everglades.
The weather is comfortable and dry, with no mosquitoes. There will also be the most tour opportunities this month.
Please read our complete Everglades guide and find out why February is a wonderful time to visit.
The dry season is in full swing, and this brings less rain and lower water levels. This makes wildlife spotting more common and easier. It also brings more opportunities for hiking and biking in the area.
Visiting during the morning hours will be the best time of day to avoid high crowds.
Crystal River | Manatee Viewing & Swimming
If you haven’t been to Three Sisters Springs in Florida (Google Maps Location) to swim with manatees, you’re missing out! If you are not into snorkeling, it’s also possible to watch them from the viewing area.
While they are present in Florida from November to March/late April, the highest number of manatees can be seen from December to February. Thus, February is peak season and one of the best times to see manatees in the Crystal River area. It’s stunning to view these gentle giants in large numbers. Once, we saw over 100 on one day in February!
Miami
In February, the average temperature in Miami is 75°F (23.8°C). This is a great month to visit as there will be loads of things to see and experience. There are NBA games, Art Festivals, and of course warm and white sandy beaches.
Crowds: It’s not super busy, but keep in mind that Miami has a steady number of visitors throughout the entire year due to its southern location and popularity.
💡 We have enjoyed visiting Miami many times this time of year and always have warm weather and sunny skies. Expect higher winds in the evening hours due to the time of year and the close proximity of the ocean. Tip: Read our full guide about Miami in February.
Activities: Keep in mind that there is more to experience than Miami Beach and South Beach. Our tips:
- Everglades National Park: Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show (starts in Gator Park)
- Miami: 45-Minute Sightseeing Speedboat Tour (mobile tickets): A thrilling ride through Miami with the best sights
- Miami: South Beach 30-Minute Plane Tour: Experience amazing views of South Miami with a terrific pilot
- Miami: City Cruise to Millionaire’s Homes & Venetian Islands (our tip!)
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys is hands down one of the best places to visit when exploring Florida. Expect higher crowds this time of year due to the number of dive sites surrounding the area. February is one of the best months for diving in the Keys.
In February the average temperature for the Keys is 77°F (25°C) and enjoys the most sunshine in Florida, perfect for sunsets on the beach.
The Florida Keys cater to various types of travelers and there is something for everyone. This area is great for sportsmen, beach lovers, foodies, and history buffs of all ages.
Activities around the Keys
- Key West: One of our favorites in all of Florida. It’s warm and ideal for living the island life at its best!
- Key Largo: Famous for being the Dive Capital of the world and being the site for the biggest artificial reef. Make sure to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during your visit.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: The most southern National Park in the country, is the perfect place to learn about history. Take a tour to the island and learn about legends of sunken treasures, pirates, and ghostly civil war stories. Divers will also love this place because it has some of the least disturbed reefs in the whole country.
- Snorkeling: There are countless world-class snorkeling spots all over the Florida Keys. You can take boat tours to various locations, or just walk right in the water and explore at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
- Seven Mile Bridge: This is amongst the longest bridges in the world, connecting the Florida Keys islands. It was also featured in various television dramas such as Burn Notice. Drive down over the water for some of the most spectacular views of a lifetime!
- Bahia Honda State Park: Bahia Honda State Park offers visitors an award-winning beach, a historic bridge, snorkeling tours, kayak adventures, and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.Keep in mind, this park will close if it gets too crowded, to protect the environment and assure visitors enjoy their time. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset.
Conclusion
February is the best time of the year to visit Florida if you are on a budget. Most regions of the state will have lower rates and crowds compared to the upcoming most. Enjoy the warm weather without the humidity, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy the various outdoor activities before it gets too hot. February is sure to leave you with great memories of the sunshine state.