Weather in United States in February

February climate overview

Daytime highs across United States in February run from 4.5°C (New York) to 24.2°C (Hawaii). Even in Hawaii only 26% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 11.4°C; the coldest 10% of nights in New York fall to -12°C or below.

Rainfall in February

Expect around 7 rainy days (1 mm or more) in February, with Las Vegas the driest (5 days) and New York the wettest (9 days). The wettest February at Hawaii between 1991 and 2020 was 1994 with 127 mm; the driest was 2000 with 1 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 18.8°C around United States in February - warmest at Hawaii (24.2°C). That is bracing: fine for a dip, cool for long swims.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.3 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

February against the rest of the year in United States

February is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in United States. It is 1.2°C warmer than January and 2.4°C warmer in March. The hottest month here is July (31°C) and the coolest January (18°C).

Which part of United States in February?

• Most sunshine: Hawaii, 6.2 h a day.
• Driest: Las Vegas, about 5 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Hawaii, 24°C.
• Hottest: Hawaii, 24°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): New York, 5°C.

What to pack for United States in February

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 11°C; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear if you do not mind a bracing 19°C sea.

Similar weather elsewhere in February

Within 1.5°C of United States's February daytime average: Gran Canaria (21°C, sea 19°C), La Gomera (20°C, sea 19°C), Tenerife (20°C, sea 19°C), Hong Kong (20°C, sea 19°C), Marrakech (19°C). See the full ranking for February.

For warmth, choose Hawaii or Florida

Hawaii and Miami are the clearest choices if you want warm days without relying on intense heat. Both average 24°C by day, with sea temperatures to match, making swimming a reasonable part of your plans. Hawaii stays warmer after dark at 21°C, compared with Miami at 19°C. Florida overall averages 23°C by day and 16°C at night, so a light evening layer makes sense. Orlando has a bigger day-to-night change, from 22°C to 12°C: pack for mild afternoons and noticeably cooler evenings rather than constant beach weather. The catch is that warmth does not mean uninterrupted sunshine. These destinations each average 7 rainy days, so leave some flexibility for showers rather than building every day around being outdoors.

Las Vegas is mild; New York needs winter clothing

Las Vegas suits travellers who prefer mild afternoons to beach heat. Its daytime average of 16°C allows for outdoor plans with layers, but nights drop to 5°C, making a proper jacket useful after dark. It also has fewer rainy days than the warmer destinations, averaging 5. New York is a very different proposition: days average 4°C and nights -4°C, so warm clothing is central to the trip, not a backup. Plan outdoor stretches around opportunities to warm up indoors. With 8 rainy days on average, weather flexibility matters here too. Choose New York for a winter city break, not as an alternative to Florida's warmth.