Things to Do in Orlando in February

VerdictGood
Ranked#3 of 12
PricesModerate

February is Orlando's sweet spot for weather, and northern visitors have figured that out. Expect highs around 24°C (76°F) with lows dipping to 13°C (56°F) at night. The humidity sits at 76%, which feels mild compared to the suffocating summer months. You'll share the city with a lot of people escaping snow. Presidents' Day week in particular fills the theme parks to near-capacity, and hotel rates along International Drive reflect that demand. Universal Orlando kicks off its annual Mardi Gras celebration in mid-February, complete with parade floats, concert series, and bead-throwing that draws repeat visitors year after year.

That said, February in Orlando is not the bargain some expect from a "winter" destination. Theme park tickets hover at tier-3 or tier-4 pricing most weekends, and you'll wait 60-90 minutes for headliner rides at Magic Kingdom without a Lightning Lane reservation. The trade-off is legitimate. You get sunshine roughly 9 hours a day, rainfall that amounts to about 60mm across 8 scattered days, and mornings cool enough to actually enjoy walking between parks without heat exhaustion.

The real February advantage sits outside the parks entirely. Harry P. Leu Gardens peaks with its camellia collection. Wekiwa Springs holds a steady 22°C (72°F) water temperature for kayaking. The strawberry harvest in nearby Plant City hits full swing. If you can dodge Presidents' Day week, early February offers shorter lines, slightly lower hotel rates, and that same comfortable weather.

Why visit in February

Daytime temperatures stay between 22-26°C (72-79°F), comfortable enough for full park days without the brutal summer heat index that reaches 40°C+ by July
Rainfall averages only 60mm for the entire month, a fraction of the 225-338mm monthly totals during June through September
Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras celebration adds a legitimate nightlife and concert dimension that the city otherwise lacks
Florida strawberry season peaks in February. Plant City, 45 minutes west, hosts the Florida Strawberry Festival with 500,000+ attendees over 11 days
Harry P. Leu Gardens' camellia collection hits full bloom, with over 200 varieties flowering simultaneously across the 50-acre grounds

Worth knowing

Presidents' Day week (third Monday in February) brings the heaviest crowds of the month. Magic Kingdom can hit capacity by 11am
Hotel rates in the tourist corridor run 20-35% above Orlando's annual average, particularly on weekends
Evenings drop to 13°C (56°F) or lower. If you packed only shorts and tank tops expecting Florida heat, you'll be cold after sunset at outdoor attractions
Cold fronts occasionally push through, dropping daytime highs to 15°C (59°F) for 2-3 days at a stretch. These are unpredictable and can catch visitors off guard

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 24° / 13°C 60mm rain · 8 rainy days · 76% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.1h/day · 89% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Layer-friendly clothing. T-shirts and light pants for daytime, a fleece or light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned restaurants. Bring one pair of long pants and closed shoes for cooler days. A compact rain jacket handles the brief showers.

February sits in Orlando's dry season. Days typically warm to 24°C (76°F) under partly cloudy skies, with mornings starting around 13°C (56°F). Humidity holds at 76%, noticeable but far below the 85-90% of summer. Rain arrives in brief afternoon showers, averaging 60mm across about 8 days. Cold fronts from the Gulf occasionally break the pattern for 2-3 days. Wind averages 12-15 km/h from the north, which makes early mornings feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.

Seasonal caution

Occasional cold fronts can drop overnight temperatures to 4-7°C (39-45°F) for 1-2 nights, particularly in early February. Theme park visitors in shorts and flip-flops at rope drop will be uncomfortable until midday warming

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Orlando
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	20	10	52
Feb	24	13	60
Mar	27	15	73
Apr	28	17	91
May	31	21	128
Jun	32	23	240
Jul	32	24	225
Aug	32	24	263
Sep	30	23	338
Oct	28	19	108
Nov	25	16	83
Dec	23	13	59

Headline events

Citywide

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Mid-February through late March (starts second or third week of February)

Multi-week celebration with nightly parade floats, bead throws, Cajun food booths, and a concert series featuring nationally touring artists on the Music Plaza stage. Runs from mid-February through late March.

#UniversalMardiGras

Best things to do in February

Harry P. Leu Gardens camellia walk

nature

Over 200 camellia varieties bloom across Leu Gardens' 50 acres in February. The collection ranks among the largest in the southeastern U.S. The Mary Jane Leu Rose Garden also begins its spring flush by late February.

Peak camellia bloom occurs in February, with 200+ varieties at their fullest. By March the blooms fade noticeably.

Booking tipWeekday mornings before 10am are the quietest. The gardens open at 9am daily.

Wekiwa Springs kayaking

outdoors

Wekiwa Springs State Park sits 30 minutes north of downtown Orlando. The spring-fed water holds a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round, and February's mild air temperature makes paddling comfortable without the summer crowds that pack the launch by 9am.

February's cooler air keeps summer-level crowds away, and the 22°C spring water feels warmer than the air on cool mornings.

Booking tipArrive before 10am on weekends. The park closes its gates once the parking lot fills, which happens by midday on sunny Saturdays.

Universal Mardi Gras parade and concerts

entertainment

Nightly parades with elaborate floats roll through Universal Studios Florida, followed by concerts on the Music Plaza stage. The Cajun food booths along the New York backlot serve jambalaya, beignets, and crawfish. Beads fly freely.

The celebration launches in mid-February and the opening weeks tend to have shorter wait times than the March stretch closer to Fat Tuesday.

Booking tipThe parade route fills up fast near the front gate. Staking out a spot near the San Francisco area gives better bead-catching angles with less congestion.

Florida Strawberry Festival day trip

day_trip

Plant City, about 45 minutes west on I-4, hosts the Florida Strawberry Festival over 11 days in late February into early March. The festival draws over 500,000 visitors for strawberry shortcake, livestock shows, country music headliners, and midway rides spread across the fairgrounds.

February is peak Florida strawberry harvest. The festival dates are anchored to this window every year.

Booking tipGo on a weekday if possible. Weekend parking lots fill early and the shortcake lines stretch long. Check the festival's concert lineup ahead of time, as headliner nights draw the biggest crowds.

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve hike

nature

This 440-acre preserve on the west side of Orlando has 4 miles of trails through pine flatwoods, cypress swamp, and scrub habitat. February's mild temperatures make the exposed flatwoods sections comfortable. You might spot gopher tortoises, barred owls, and early wildflower blooms along the Fallen Log Crossing trail.

Cool, dry conditions make this the best window for hiking Orlando's exposed flatwoods trails. Summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms make the same hike miserable by June.

Booking tipThe preserve has limited parking and closes when full. Weekday mornings are your safest bet. No bikes or dogs allowed on trails.

Lake Eola Swan Boats

outdoors

The iconic swan-shaped pedal boats circle Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. February's weather makes the 30-minute paddle pleasant rather than sweat-soaked. The Sunday farmers market on the lake's north shore runs 10am to 4pm, so you can combine the two.

February's 24°C highs and low humidity make the open-water pedal boats comfortable. By May the direct sun on the lake becomes oppressive.

Booking tipSunday mornings combine well with the Lake Eola Farmers Market. Boats are first-come, first-served and the queue builds after noon.

Winter Garden Heritage Museum and West Orange Trail

outdoors

The West Orange Trail runs 22 miles from Killarney Station near downtown Orlando through Winter Garden and into Apopka. February temperatures are ideal for the full ride. Winter Garden's downtown, at the trail's midpoint, has the Garden Theatre, local cafes, and the Heritage Museum.

February's dry weather and mild temperatures make the full 22-mile trail rideable without heat concerns. Bike rental shops along the route stay less crowded than during spring break.

Booking tipBike rental shops in Winter Garden sit right on the trail. Weekday availability is rarely an issue.

What to eat in February

In season: fruit

Florida strawberries
Plant City, 45 minutes west of Orlando, produces the bulk of the U.S. winter strawberry crop. February is peak harvest. You'll find them at every farmers market and roadside stand in the region, smaller and more intensely flavored than California varieties.
Florida citrus
Navel oranges, Ruby Red grapefruit, and Honeybell tangelos are all in season through February. The groves around Clermont and Mount Dora sell bags direct. The flavor difference from supermarket citrus shipped cross-country is noticeable.

On menus now

Stone crab claws
Florida stone crab season runs October 15 through May 15, and February claws tend to be large and well-filled. Served cold with mustard sauce at seafood restaurants along Restaurant Row in Dr. Phillips.

Street food peaks

Gator tail
Not strictly seasonal, but the cooler February weather makes the fried-gator stands at Old Town in Kissimmee and various food trucks more appealing. Tastes somewhere between chicken and fish, with a chewy texture.

Festival food

King cake
Universal's Mardi Gras celebration brings legit king cake to the park's French Quarter Courtyard area. The brioche-style ring with cream cheese filling and purple-gold-green sugar shows up at several Orlando bakeries through Carnival season.

Regular events in February

Florida Strawberry Festival

Eleven-day agricultural fair in Plant City featuring strawberry shortcake, livestock exhibitions, midway rides, and nationally touring country and pop music headliners.

Late February through early March

Orlando Wetlands FestivalFree

Annual celebration at the Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, FL, about 25 miles east of downtown. Guided bird walks, live raptor demonstrations, and kayak tours through 1,650 acres of constructed wetlands that serve as a water treatment marsh.

Third Saturday of February

Mount Dora Arts FestivalFree

One of Florida's top-ranked outdoor art festivals, drawing 300+ artists to the streets of Mount Dora, a lakeside town 40 minutes northwest of Orlando. Painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography line the oak-shaded streets.

First full weekend of February

Seasons 52 Orlando Restaurant Week

Multiple Orlando restaurants participate in winter restaurant week promotions, typically offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Concentrated along Restaurant Row in the Dr. Phillips and Sand Lake Road corridor.

Varies, usually mid-to-late February

Best places this February

Harry P. Leu Gardens
nature
50-acre botanical garden in the Audubon Park neighborhood with the southeastern U.S.'s largest camellia collection. The butterfly garden and tropical stream garden are also at their February best.
Audubon Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
nature
Spring-fed swimming and kayak launch 30 minutes north of downtown. The 22°C water stays clear year-round, and February's lighter crowds mean you can actually find parking before noon.
Apopka
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
nature
440 acres of pine flatwoods, cypress swamp, and scrub on Orlando's west side. Four miles of trails, no entry fee, and February's mild weather makes it the best time to explore.
Dr. Phillips
Lake Eola Park
park
Downtown Orlando's centerpiece. The 0.9-mile lakeside walking path, swan boats, and Sunday farmers market all benefit from February's dry, cool conditions.
Downtown Orlando
Old Town Kissimmee
entertainment
Open-air shopping and entertainment district on US-192 near the Disney parks. Saturday night classic car cruise draws hundreds of vintage vehicles. The gator bites and turkey legs from the food stalls hit differently in cool February air.
Kissimmee
Winter Garden downtown and West Orange Trail
town
Charming small-town main street at the midpoint of the 22-mile West Orange Trail. The Garden Theatre shows independent films, and the Saturday morning farmers market fills Plant Street.
Winter Garden
Mount Dora
town
Lakeside town 40 minutes northwest of Orlando with antique shops, the Lakeside Inn (Florida's oldest continuously operating hotel, open since 1883), and the February arts festival. Worth a half-day trip.
Mount Dora

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 8 packed

Light jacket or fleeceFebruary evenings drop to 13°C (56°F) and air-conditioned restaurants keep interiors cold. You'll reach for this more than you expect.Shop
Comfortable walking shoesTheme park days mean 15,000-25,000 steps on concrete. Sandals won't cut it, especially on cooler mornings.Shop
Compact rain jacketFebruary averages 8 rain days, usually brief afternoon showers. An umbrella works too, but a packable jacket stows easier in a park bag.Shop
Sunscreen SPF 30+The UV index in Central Florida stays moderate even in February. A full park day means 6-8 hours of exposure.Shop
Reusable water bottleAll four Walt Disney World parks and both Universal parks have free water stations. Staying hydrated saves you from buying overpriced bottled water.Shop
Long pants (at least one pair)For cold-front days when highs stay around 15°C (59°F), or for evening dining where shorts feel underdressed.Shop
Layerable topsMornings at rope drop can be 13°C. By 2pm it's 24°C. Peeling off a layer beats sweating through a heavy shirt.Shop
Portable phone chargerLightning Lane reservations, mobile food orders, and park maps all drain your phone. A 10,000mAh battery gets you through a full park day.Shop

Insider tips

The first two weeks of February, before Presidents' Day week, tend to have noticeably shorter theme park wait times. If your schedule is flexible, target February 1-12 for the best crowd-to-weather ratio.
Universal's Mardi Gras parade runs nightly, but the first few nights after launch tend to feel less rehearsed. By the second week the performers hit their stride and the bead supply is more generous.
The Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola every Sunday is where locals actually shop. The citrus vendors sell direct-from-grove Valencia oranges and Honeybell tangelos that taste nothing like grocery store fruit.
Wekiwa Springs State Park closes its gate when the parking lot fills. On sunny weekends that can happen by 10:30am. Get there by 9am or go on a weekday.
Plant City's strawberry stands along State Road 60 sell fresh-picked berries for a fraction of grocery store prices. They're smaller than the California berries you're used to, with more concentrated sweetness.
Restaurant Row along Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips has better food at lower prices than most tourist-corridor spots on International Drive. Locals eat here, not on I-Drive.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing only warm-weather clothes. February nights are genuinely cool, and at least one cold front per month drops daytime highs to 15°C. Visitors from the northeast often overestimate Florida's winter warmth.
Skipping Lightning Lane purchases for Presidents' Day week. Walk-up standby lines for headliner rides at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios regularly exceed 90 minutes during the holiday stretch.
Driving to Plant City for the Strawberry Festival on a Saturday without a plan. Weekend traffic on I-4 westbound backs up, and on-site parking fills early. Weekday visits are dramatically smoother.
Assuming February is low season. Orlando's February hotel occupancy rates consistently run above 80%. This is not a budget travel window, and last-minute bookings will find limited availability at higher rates.
Ignoring the area outside the theme parks. February's weather is ideal for Wekiwa Springs, Leu Gardens, the West Orange Trail, and Mount Dora. Spending every day inside a park means missing what makes this month distinctive.

Practical tips for February

Book theme park tickets and Lightning Lane reservations at least 2 weeks ahead for February, and 4-6 weeks ahead if your trip overlaps Presidents' Day week. Disney's park reservation system means you can't walk up to whichever park you feel like visiting. Check the reservation calendar before buying tickets. For dining, make reservations 60 days in advance for popular Disney restaurants like Be Our Guest or Space 220. Rent a car if you plan to visit Plant City, Wekiwa Springs, Mount Dora, or Winter Garden. Rideshare costs from the tourist corridor to these spots add up fast. I-4 traffic between Disney and Universal is worst between 4-7pm. If you're splitting park days between the two resorts, leave before 3pm or after 7pm. Sunscreen matters even on overcast February days. Central Florida's latitude means UV exposure is higher than it feels.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Orlando's theme parks?

February is one of the better months for theme parks, with daytime temperatures around 24°C (76°F) and manageable humidity. The main trade-off is crowds during Presidents' Day week, when wait times spike and hotel rates climb 20-35% above average. If you visit outside that holiday window, you'll get shorter lines and the same pleasant weather.

How cold does Orlando get in February?

Average lows sit around 13°C (56°F), which is comfortable for most visitors. Cold fronts can temporarily drop overnight lows to 4-7°C (39-45°F) for a night or two, and daytime highs during those fronts may only reach 15°C (59°F). These episodes typically last 2-3 days before the warmth returns. Pack layers.

Can you swim in Orlando in February?

Most resort pools are heated to around 20-22°C (68-72°F), which feels cool to many swimmers. You can get in, but it's not the comfortable pool weather of May through October. Wekiwa Springs holds a constant 22°C (72°F) and the spring water actually feels warmer than the air on cool February mornings.

What is there to do in Orlando in February besides theme parks?

February opens up outdoor activities that summer heat shuts down. Harry P. Leu Gardens has 200+ camellia varieties in bloom. Wekiwa Springs is ideal for kayaking at 22°C water temperature. The West Orange Trail offers 22 miles of cycling through Winter Garden. The Florida Strawberry Festival runs 11 days in nearby Plant City. Mount Dora hosts its annual arts festival the first weekend of the month.

Is February expensive in Orlando?

Moderately. Hotel rates run 20-35% above Orlando's annual average, with Presidents' Day week commanding the steepest premiums. Weekday rates are noticeably lower than weekends. Theme park tickets use demand-based pricing, and most February weekends fall into tier-3 or tier-4 pricing. January after New Year's or September offer similar experiences at lower cost.