Haleakalā
Humpback whale season on Maui.
10 prime · 13 good · February
Best National Parks to Visit in February
February keeps the desert and tropical parks at their best, and it brings a few special events: Yosemite's 'firefall' at Horsetail Fall in mid-to-late February, wildflowers starting in the low deserts, and snowy hoodoos at Bryce Canyon's winter festival.
Top picks for February: Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Virgin Islands. Presidents' Day weekend is busy everywhere; go midweek if you can.
Prime in February (10)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
Peak travel season.
Joshua Tree
Cool and clear, with chilly nights that can dip below freezing.
Death Valley
The best time to visit.
Virgin Islands
Peak season, with dry, breezy weather and the highest prices.
Biscayne
Dry season and the best weather.
Everglades
Dry season and the best time.
Pinnacles
Cool and green after the rains.
Big Bend
Peak season, with mild desert days and cold nights in the Chisos Mountains.
Saguaro
Peak season, with sunny days in the 60s and 70s.
Season opens in February
Joshua Tree Opens
Pinnacles Opens
Also good in February (13)
Channel Islands
Gray whales migrate past from December to April.
Congaree
Mild and bug-free.
Mammoth Cave
The cave stays around 54°F year-round.
Voyageurs
Ice roads open across Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake (conditions permitting).
Bryce Canyon
Snow on the orange hoodoos is unforgettable.
Carlsbad Caverns
Underground, it's 56°F year-round, so the cave is always comfortable.
Gateway Arch
Fewer crowds for the tram ride.
Hot Springs
Soaking weather.
White Sands
Cool, clear and calm, the best time for hikes across the dunes.
Yellowstone
A snow-covered wonderland reached by snowcoach or guided snowmobile from mid-December to mid-March.
Zion
Mild and quiet, with highs often in the 50s.
Dry Tortugas
Comfortable temperatures, but cold fronts can bring rough seas and choppy crossings.
Yosemite
Snow-dusted granite and few crowds.
February by region
| Region | Good or prime in February |
|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | Nothing rated good |
| California | Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Pinnacles, Channel Islands, Yosemite |
| Southwest | Big Bend, Saguaro, Bryce Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Zion |
| Rocky Mountains & Plains | Yellowstone |
| Great Lakes & Northeast | Voyageurs |
| Southeast | Biscayne, Everglades, Congaree, Mammoth Cave, Gateway Arch, Hot Springs, Dry Tortugas |
| Alaska | Nothing rated good |
| Hawaiʻi & Islands | Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Virgin Islands |
Skip these in February
North Cascades, Glacier, Isle Royale, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, Wrangell–St. Elias. These parks are largely closed, snowbound or dangerously hot in February.
February questions
What are the best national parks to visit in February?
The top-rated national parks for February are Haleakalā National Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Virgin Islands National Park. In total, 10 parks are rated prime and 13 more are rated good this month.
Which national parks are least crowded in February?
Most parks in season this month are busy. Go midweek and start early.
Which national parks should I avoid in February?
North Cascades, Glacier, Isle Royale, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley are rated poor in February, usually because of closures, snow or extreme heat.
Is February a good time to visit national parks?
February keeps the desert and tropical parks at their best, and it brings a few special events: Yosemite's 'firefall' at Horsetail Fall in mid-to-late February, wildflowers starting in the low deserts, and snowy hoodoos at Bryce Canyon's winter festival.. Presidents' Day weekend is busy everywhere; go midweek if you can.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.