Things to Do in Savannah in February

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Stay in Savannah in February

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February is the last quiet month in Savannah before St. Patrick's Day crowds arrive in March. Daytime temperatures reach about 19°C (67°F), and evenings settle near 9°C (48°F), cool enough for a proper jacket after sundown. The Savannah River carries a noticeable chill in the morning, but by midday the squares of the Historic District feel comfortable for walking. Live oaks hold their leaves year-round, so the canopy stays green, and early camellias tend to bloom by mid-February even as the azaleas wait another month.

The Savannah Book Festival anchors the cultural calendar, drawing a literate, low-key crowd to events around the downtown. December's holiday visitors have left and the spring rush hasn't arrived, so restaurant tables along Congress Street and Broughton Street open up without reservations. Forsyth Park's fountain area has room around it. The to-go cup rule, Savannah's open-container policy for the Historic District, makes evening walks along the riverfront feel unhurried.

Savannah's gray skies are the honest February trade-off. Overcast stretches can last 2 or 3 days in a row, and you'll want rain gear in your bag for showers that arrive without much warning. Tybee Island, 30 minutes east by car, is more windswept walk than beach day this time of year. But for visitors who want Lowcountry oyster season at its peak, shoulder-season rates, and a version of the city that the spring and summer crowds never see, February's quiet streets and cold-water oysters make a strong case.

Why visit in February

Temperatures in the upper teens Celsius keep outdoor sightseeing pleasant all day, a far cry from July's 32°C average high and the notorious summer humidity.
Accommodation rates drop to shoulder-season levels, noticeably below what the same rooms cost during the spring peak that begins in March.
Winter is peak oyster season on the Georgia coast, and February falls right in the middle of the cold-water harvest when the oysters are plumpest.
The Savannah Book Festival brings acclaimed authors for public talks and signings, drawing a literary crowd that feels distinct from the tourist scene.

Worth knowing

Overcast skies persist through much of February, and rain interrupts outdoor plans without much warning, limiting golden-hour photography in the squares.
Morning temperatures require a proper jacket, especially near the Savannah River where wind off the water amplifies the chill.
Tybee Island's Atlantic water hovers around 13°C (55°F), too cold for swimming, and most beach-oriented businesses reduce hours until spring.
Outdoor patio dining, a signature of Savannah's warmer months, is limited in February as several restaurants along the squares move service fully indoors.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 19° / 9°C 77mm rain · 8 rainy days · 75% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.4h/day · 89% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Layers to handle the wide daily temperature range, a medium-weight jacket for mornings, and a compact rain jacket for the short showers that tend to appear without much lead time.

February in Savannah brings mild winter days and cool nights. Afternoon warmth can feel pleasant in direct sun, but the coastal humidity stays noticeable even in winter, and frequent cloud cover means the air rarely dries out. Rain arrives in short bursts across about 8 days of the month, typically as quick showers rather than all-day events. Morning fog off the Savannah River is common near the waterfront and in the open squares.

Seasonal caution

Occasional cold fronts can push overnight lows below 0°C (32°F) once or twice during February, sometimes coating bridges and overpasses with black ice. These cold snaps rarely last more than 48 hours but catch unprepared visitors off guard.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Savannah
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	16	6	79
Feb	19	9	77
Mar	22	12	110
Apr	25	15	69
May	28	19	88
Jun	31	22	132
Jul	32	24	156
Aug	31	24	232
Sep	29	21	126
Oct	25	16	72
Nov	21	11	78
Dec	18	8	83

Holidays and festivals in February

Public holidays

Lincoln's Birthday(Lincoln's Birthday)12 February 2027
Presidents Day(Washington's Birthday)15 February 2027

Best things to do in February

Attend the Savannah Book Festival

culture

The festival features nationally recognized authors for readings, panels, and signings across multiple venues in the Historic District. Events range from intimate conversations with debut novelists to large-audience sessions with bestselling writers.

The festival runs annually in February, making it the month's signature cultural event.

Booking tipArrive 20-30 minutes early for popular author talks, as seating fills quickly and standing room goes fast.

Oyster roast on the coast

food

Outdoor oyster roasts are a Lowcountry winter tradition. Fresh oysters are shoveled onto metal grates over a wood fire, steamed under burlap until the shells pop. You eat them standing, with hot sauce and saltines. Community roasts in Thunderbolt, a fishing village about 10 minutes east of downtown on the Wilmington River, tend to feel more local than tourist-oriented events.

February sits in the heart of cold-water oyster season, when the harvest is plumpest and most flavorful.

Walking tour of the Historic District squares

sightseeing

Guided walks through the squares cover 2-3 hours and weave together Savannah's colonial, antebellum, and Civil War history. February's thinner crowds mean guides can linger at stops without blocking sidewalks or competing with other groups.

Cool temperatures and fewer visitors make for relaxed and leisurely walking. March and April tours contend with much larger groups.

Booking tipMorning tours tend to run smaller than afternoon sessions. Book directly with the tour operator rather than through third-party platforms.

Visit Bonaventure Cemetery

sightseeing

The 1846 cemetery spreads across 100 acres (40 hectares) on a bluff above the Wilmington River. Spanish moss drapes the live oaks, and Victorian-era monuments include work by notable sculptors. The winter light, low and angled through the canopy, creates the atmosphere that made this cemetery famous.

February's low sun angle and frequent morning mist create dramatic photography conditions that summer's overhead light cannot match.

Booking tipGuided tours run on weekends. Book Saturday morning slots a few days in advance.

Day trip to Fort Pulaski National Monument

history

The fort, construction begun in 1829 on Cockspur Island about 24 km (15 miles) east of downtown, saw the first large-scale test of rifled cannon against masonry fortification during an 1862 Civil War battle. The walls still show the damage. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail circles the fortification and the surrounding salt marshes.

Cool weather makes the outdoor trails and ramparts pleasant to explore, unlike summer when heat and biting insects discourage lingering.

Ghost tour of the Historic District

entertainment

Evening walking tours through the squares cover Savannah's reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Guides stop at locations tied to documented hauntings near the Mercer House and the Marshall House hotel, among others.

February's early sunsets, around 18:00, and frequent evening fog create atmospheric conditions that summer's late daylight cannot replicate.

Booking tipFriday and Saturday evening tours sell out regularly. Book 3-4 days ahead for weekend slots.

Spot early camellia blooms in the squares

nature

Savannah's squares and private gardens begin showing camellia blooms by mid-February, weeks before the azaleas arrive. Pink and white flowers appear along paths in several of the Historic District's squares and in the gardens of older homes in the Victorian District.

Camellias are winter bloomers in the Lowcountry, and mid-to-late February catches them near their peak before azalea season begins in March.

What to eat in February

In season: fruit

Satsuma oranges
Coastal Georgia's citrus season runs through February. The small, loose-skinned fruit is sweeter than most grocery-store oranges and tends to appear at farmers markets and local grocers.

On menus now

She-crab soup
A Lowcountry classic built on blue crab roe, cream, and a splash of dry sherry. Cooler weather is when restaurants tend to feature it most prominently, and February sits right in that window.

In markets

Georgia coast oysters
February falls in the heart of the cold-water harvest. Sapelo Island and Wassaw Sound oysters are plump and briny, showing up raw on the half shell and roasted over open fire at outdoor gatherings along the coast.
Collard greens
Frost sweetens the leaves, and February's cool nights keep them tender. You'll find them braised with smoked ham hock on nearly every Southern menu in the city.
Georgia pecans
The state leads the country in pecan production, and the fall harvest means fresh nuts are still widely available through February. Look for candied and spiced versions at City Market.

Regular events in February

Savannah Book FestivalFree

One of the largest book festivals in the southeastern United States, featuring author talks, signings, and panels across venues in the Historic District.

Presidents' Day weekend (mid-February)

First Saturday on the RiverFree

Monthly street festival on River Street with live music, food vendors, and local artisan booths along the cobblestone riverfront.

First Saturday of February

Super Museum SundayFree

Annual event where participating Savannah museums offer free admission for the day, including the Telfair Museums and several smaller galleries.

First Sunday of February

Presidents' DayFree

Federal holiday on the third Monday of February. City offices and the post office close, but museums, restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses remain open.

Third Monday of February

Best places this February

Forsyth Park
park
Savannah's signature 12-hectare (30-acre) park, dating to 1840, anchors the southern end of the Historic District. The ornate fountain is the city's most photographed landmark. In February, the surrounding garden beds begin to show early color, and the park is quiet enough for a slow morning walk.
Historic District
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
landmark
The 1873 cathedral on Lafayette Square is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia. The twin spires and French Gothic Revival interior, including stained glass windows imported from Austria and France, are worth seeing regardless of the weather outside.
Historic District
Telfair Museums
museum
The oldest public art museum in the South, founded in 1886 and housed across two buildings. The Jepson Center and the Telfair Academy offer a solid rainy-day option with collections spanning American Impressionism to contemporary sculpture.
Historic District
SCAD Museum of Art
museum
Opened in 2002 by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this museum features rotating contemporary exhibitions from SCAD students, faculty, and international artists. February's thin crowds mean you can often explore the galleries in near-solitude.
Historic District
Mercer House
historic house
The 1868 Italianate mansion on Monterey Square gained fame through the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. February tours tend to be less crowded, and the docents have time for longer conversations about the house's complicated history.
Historic District
Congregation Mickve Israel
landmark
Founded in 1733, this is the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. The Gothic Revival synagogue on Monterey Square houses a museum with colonial-era Torah scrolls and artifacts from the original Sephardic settlers.
Historic District
Starland District
neighborhood
South of Forsyth Park, this neighborhood has become Savannah's creative corridor. Independent galleries, record shops, coffee roasters, and restaurants draw more locals than tourists. February's slower pace means you can browse and talk to shop owners without the spring rush.
Starland District

Your packing checklist

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Medium-weight jacketMorning wind off the Savannah River makes the air feel colder than the reading, especially along Bay Street and the waterfront. You'll wear this every morning in February. Shop
Compact rain jacketFebruary rain tends to arrive as brief showers rather than all-day downpours, but getting caught without one on River Street's open cobblestones is miserable. Shop
Layerable topsThe temperature swing between a foggy 9 AM walk and a sunny 2 PM afternoon can be 10°C (18°F) or more. You'll peel layers through the day. Shop
Shoes with grip solesRiver Street's ballast-stone surface and the Historic District's brick sidewalks get slippery in February rain. Smooth-soled shoes are a recipe for a fall. Shop
Compact umbrellaFebruary showers often pass in 15-20 minutes, so a small umbrella you can stash in a daypack works better than hauling a bulky raincoat all day. Shop
Scarf or light beanieMorning fog at the waterfront and in open spaces like Bonaventure Cemetery amplifies the chill. Ears and neck feel it first. Shop
SunglassesFebruary's low sun angle creates sharp glare when walking east-west along the grid streets, particularly on Bay Street in the late afternoon. Shop
Light sweater for eveningsRestaurants and shops along Broughton Street run warm inside, but the walk between them after sundown calls for something on top. Shop

Insider tips

The walk along Factors Walk and the Bay Street bluff gives better Savannah River views than River Street itself, without the tourist-shop gauntlet. Locals tend to prefer it, especially on quieter February evenings.
Saturday mornings at the Forsyth Farmers Market are the best time to find fresh local oysters and Georgia-grown satsumas before the vendors sell out by midday.
Most Savannah Book Festival events are free and open to the public, including the headline author talks. Visitors often assume they need tickets and skip them entirely.
If you want a break from the Historic District, walk through Ardsley Park south of Midtown. The 1910s-era bungalows and magnolia-lined streets are quiet in February and give you a sense of how Savannah lives outside the tourist zone.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing only for warm weather because Savannah is in the South. February mornings near the river are cold enough for a proper jacket, and the wind makes it worse. Shorts and sandals will leave you miserable before 10 AM.
Planning a full beach day at Tybee Island without checking the season. Most rental operations and beach services are closed for winter, and there's little to do beyond walking the shoreline.
Booking a hotel for Valentine's Day weekend or Presidents' Day weekend without checking rates first. February is generally shoulder season, but those two weekends can see rate spikes at the more popular Historic District properties.
Underestimating walking distances in the Historic District. The square grid covers roughly 2.5 square miles (4 km²), and a full day of wandering adds up quickly on your legs.

Practical tips for February

Book restaurants in the Historic District for Valentine's Day weekend early, as couples fill the more intimate spots along Jones Street and the nearby squares. The Savannah Visitor Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard opens daily and is worth a stop for updated event schedules. Most museums keep standard winter hours through February, typically closing by 17:00. The free DOT shuttle runs a shorter winter route, so confirm current stops before relying on it for transportation between the Historic District and the riverfront. Layering is essential for February logistics. Morning fog along the Savannah River can drop perceived temperatures well below the thermometer reading, but by early afternoon on a clear day, a single layer is often enough.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Savannah?

February is a solid choice for visitors who prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds to the spring and summer peak seasons. The weather is comfortable for walking, and the city's major attractions are open with shorter lines than you'll find from March through May. The main trade-off is frequent overcast skies and occasional rain. If you want guaranteed warm sunshine, October or April are more reliable.

What is the weather like in Savannah in February?

Mild winter weather with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons. You'll want a jacket for early outings and might shed layers by midday. Rain shows up every few days, typically as short showers rather than all-day events. Morning fog near the Savannah River is common. The occasional cold front can bring genuinely cold air for a night or two, so checking the forecast before packing is worthwhile.

Is Savannah crowded in February?

No. February is one of the quietest months in Savannah. The holiday visitors are gone and the St. Patrick's Day surge hasn't started. You'll find shorter lines at popular landmarks and more availability at restaurants that typically need reservations in peak season. Presidents' Day weekend sees a small bump from the Book Festival, but nothing close to spring levels.

Can you swim at Tybee Island in February?

Not comfortably. The Atlantic water temperature in February is too cold for recreational swimming, and most beach-service operations reduce hours until spring. Tybee Island is still worth the drive for a winter beach walk, the lighthouse, and the quieter atmosphere, but pack for wind rather than sun.