England in February: Weather, Travel Tips and More
Although often considered to be one of the colder and bleaker times of the year, there is still plenty to excite travelers to England in February. Enjoy a romantic stroll around one of the many English Heritage properties in time for Valentine's Day, or soak up the excitement in Manchester’s Chinatown for the lunar new year on your February trip to England. Practice your best war cry at the York Viking Festival, the largest in Europe, and enjoy top-notch English comfort food at the perfect time of year to truly savor it!
- Catherine Schofield
- From USA
England Weather in February
The weather in England in February is some of the coldest of the year, particularly for coastal regions. Still, daytime temperatures rarely fall below freezing, with average day temperatures ranging between 4 and 7 degrees C. Night-time temperatures can drop below freezing, and early risers may experience frosty mornings.
Those visiting England in February should expect to see rain at some point during their stay, with the chance of some snow in the northern parts of the country. One thing to watch out for at this time of year is the wind chill, which can make temperatures seem a few degrees colder than they are.
If you would rather enjoy England in slightly warmer weather, check out our best time to visit England article.
Weather in England in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 9 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 47 | 49 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 59 | 52 | 49 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 49 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 56 | 50 | 43 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 30 | 22 | 22 | 26 | 45 | 36 | 38 | 26 | 29 | 34 | 37 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 8 | 9 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 47 | 49 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 40 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 30 | 22 |
Why Visit England in February?
Don’t let the stereotypical English weather stop you from being able to enjoy a great vacation in England in February! There is still a lot to see and do that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Better prices: As February is considered an off-season for tourism to England, you will likely find that your money will go for flights and hotels.
- Fewer crowds: Enjoy usually busy locations, such as a trip to London, and top sightseeing spots, like Windsor Castle, at a much quieter time if you visit England in February.
- The great outdoors: Go for an invigorating outdoor walk to revitalize and refresh your spirits in one of the many parks and woodlands dotted around the country. If you head to the coast, it is also the perfect time to go seal-watching, as the pups born in November and December start to explore.
- Festivals and events: Visit lively and exciting events such as the York Viking Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations, and the Coastival Arts Festival in Scarborough. Laugh out loud at the Leicester Comedy Festival, and entertain your inner petrol-head at the London Classic Car Show in the city’s Docklands.
Where to Go and What to Do
Despite this being the off-season, there is still plenty to see and do at this time of year. Head to the Viking Festival in York to learn all about how these Scandinavian invaders became an integral part of England’s history and culture. Take in the sights at the Kings Lynn Valentines Fair with an assortment of fairground rides and entertainment on offer. Make the most of your time in the area as the royal estate of Sandringham is only around the corner! Depending upon when the Lunar New Year falls, bring in the Chinese New Year with colorful events held in major cities around the country, including Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
Similarly, cities such as London, Bath, and Cambridge still hold their charm in the colder month of February, and you cannot forget to take advantage of off-peak visits to some of the country’s finest stately homes and historic castles, such as Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the setting for the hit TV drama Downton Abbey, Chatsworth House in the Peak District, and Hever Castle, the childhood home of ill-fated Tudor queen Anne Boleyn.
February 14th also happens to be Valentine’s Day, and for those looking for a romantic getaway, England does not disappoint! Visit some of the country’s top romantic destinations, including the city of Norwich, the Brecon Beacons, the chocolate-box village of Bibury near Cirencester, or even the birthplace of Romeo and Juliet playwright William Shakespeare in Stratford Upon Avon.
The middle of February in England also happens to be a school half term, with children being given a week off of school. This means that lots of attractions around the country will put on special half-term events and activities that are perfect for younger travelers to get stuck into.
What to Bring
A good waterproof coat is essential when traveling to England in February, as it will not only help with the cold but also protect you and your clothing should it rain. Expect to do a fair amount of walking, especially if you visit the English countryside so either a good pair of sneakers or walking boots won’t go amiss. Clothing that can be layered makes for a great strategy to fight against the wind chill, as they can either be taken off or put on depending upon whether you need extra warmth or need to cool down quickly and easily.
Although it is becoming more common for even small establishments and shops to have a card machine, remember to bring some cash with you just in case.
So, even if it may not be the most popular time of year, there are still countless reasons to visit and many things to do in England in February. Take in the bountiful and rugged nature, and explore the culture and key landmarks of this country while beating the crowds. Plan your perfect customized trip to England with the help of our experts.
