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Orlando in February is mild, mostly dry and packed with events: average highs reach the mid-70s, nights cool to the low 50s, and the month brings Universal Mardi Gras, the second half of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the DAYTONA 500 and the Silver Spurs Rodeo.
It’s one of the most comfortable months for the theme parks, but not a quiet one throughout. Presidents’ Day weekend, which in 2027 wraps around Valentine’s Day, and the school breaks that follow fill the parks and hotels in the middle of the month. This guide uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for Orlando International Airport and the official 2027 dates published so far (checked October 9, 2026). Events, park hours and hotel policies change, so confirm on the official pages before you book.
Quick answer: Expect average highs near 75°F, lows near 52°F and about 2 inches of rain over roughly six days. February 1–11 is the calmest stretch. Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13–15, 2027) includes Valentine’s Day on Sunday, February 14, and New York City public schools are off February 15–19. Universal Mardi Gras starts February 6, the DAYTONA 500 is February 21 and the Festival of the Arts runs through March 1. Pack layers, and pick a hotel with a heated pool if swimming matters.
Here’s the month in detail, from weather and crowds to events, pools and hotels.
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Orlando weather in February
February warms up steadily. At Orlando International Airport, NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals put the average high at 74.9°F and the average low at 52.4°F, about three degrees warmer than January. The daily normals climb through the month: a typical February 1 runs from about 51°F to 73°F, and a typical February 28 from about 54°F to 77°F.
Cold snaps are rarer than in January but still happen. On average 2.4 February nights drop to 40°F or colder, and about 10 to 50°F or colder. A freeze at the airport is rare (0.2 February nights on average), so a light jacket, not a winter coat, is usually enough.
| Measure | February normal | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | 74.9°F | Shorts weather most afternoons |
| Average low | 52.4°F | A jacket for mornings and nights |
| Rainfall | 2.04 in | Among the driest months of the year |
| Days with rain | 6.4 | About 1 day in 4 or 5 |
| Nights at 40°F or colder | 2.4 | Short cold snaps are possible |
| Snowfall | 0.0 in | Normal snowfall is zero |
Rain is rarely a problem. The daily normals give each February day only about a 21–23% chance of measurable rain, and the month’s total is lower than January’s 2.48 inches. Days get longer as the month goes on: the US Naval Observatory puts sunset in Orlando at 6:05 p.m. on February 1, 2027, 6:15 p.m. on February 14 and 6:25 p.m. on February 28, with sunrise moving from 7:13 to 6:52 a.m. Evenings still cool off fast after dark, right when the nighttime shows and the Mardi Gras parade start.
To see how February compares with the rest of the year, read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Orlando. If your dates slide earlier, our Orlando in January guide covers the cooler month before.
Orlando crowds in February, week by week
February 1–11: the quiet start
The first part of the month has no federal holiday and no big school breaks on the official calendars we checked. Universal Mardi Gras opens on Saturday, February 6, which adds evening visitors at Universal Studios Florida on event nights, and SeaWorld lists a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, February 9, as part of its Seven Seas Food Festival. If your dates are flexible, this is the stretch to aim for.
February 12–21: Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day and school breaks
This is the busy part of February. Washington’s Birthday, usually called Presidents’ Day, is a federal holiday on Monday, February 15, 2027, so February 13–15 is a three-day weekend. Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday, February 14, in the middle of that weekend, so book romantic dinners early. If it’s a couples’ trip, our list of romantic hotels in Orlando helps you pick a base.
The following week, New York City public schools are on Midwinter Recess (February 15–19), and Surrey County Council in England sets the same dates as February half term for its community schools. Toronto District School Board students get a four-day weekend: a PA day on Friday, February 12, then Family Day on February 15. The same weekend ends with Speedweeks at Daytona: the DAYTONA 500 is on Sunday, February 21, so Daytona Beach hotels fill up and I-4 traffic toward the coast can be heavy.
February 22–28: late February and the Princess Half
Once the mid-month breaks are over, crowds usually ease, but the month ends with the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend from February 25 to March 1. The half marathon itself starts at 5 a.m. on Sunday, February 28. Check runDisney for registration status; race weekend brings runners and their families to Disney-area hotels.
Events in Orlando in February 2027
These are the dates published on official pages at the time of writing.
| Dates | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Through Mar 1 | EPCOT Festival of the Arts | Included with EPCOT admission |
| Feb 6 – Mar 27 | Universal Mardi Gras | Universal Studios Florida; parade and concerts on selected nights |
| Select dates from Jan 29 | SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival | Mardi Gras celebration Feb 9 |
| Sat, Feb 13 | The Clash at Daytona | Opens Speedweeks |
| Feb 13–15 | Presidents’ Day weekend | Valentine’s Day on Sunday |
| Feb 18–21 | Silver Spurs Rodeo | Kissimmee; tickets from November |
| Fri, Feb 19 | Spring training starts in Lakeland | Phillies at Tigers |
| Sun, Feb 21 | DAYTONA 500 | About 60–70 miles from the parks |
| Feb 25 – Mar 1 | Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend | Half marathon Sun, Feb 28 |
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Disney lists the 2027 festival, presented by Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, from January 15 through March 1, 2027, so it runs for all of February. It’s included with valid EPCOT admission, though Disney notes that a park reservation may be required depending on your ticket type. The 2027 lineup hadn’t been published at the time of writing. Highlights of the 2026 edition included the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, concert dining packages with guaranteed seats, an exhibit called Once Upon A Stage: The Magic of DISNEY ON BROADWAY and Animation Academy drawing classes.
February suits the festival: walking around World Showcase is far more pleasant at 75°F than in summer heat. Disney says to check back this winter for 2027 details.
Universal Mardi Gras
Universal Mardi Gras runs from February 6 to March 27, 2027 at Universal Studios Florida. Universal says it’s included with a theme park ticket, and that blockout dates apply for Annual Pass holders. Expect a parade with floats, some inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions, international food for purchase and live concerts at the Music Plaza Stage on selected nights. Universal hadn’t named the 2027 concert lineup at the time of writing, so check the event calendar for parade and concert nights before you pick a park day.
DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks
NASCAR’s 2027 schedule starts Speedweeks with the Clash on Saturday, February 13, followed by DAYTONA 500 qualifying on Wednesday, February 17, the Duel on Thursday, February 18, and the DAYTONA 500 itself on Sunday, February 21, 2027. The Speedway is in Daytona Beach, about 60 miles by road from the Universal area and about 70 from the Disney Springs area, so most fans either stay near the track or drive out early on race day.
If the race is the reason for your trip, our guide to hotels near Daytona International Speedway compares walkable picks, parking and the drive from Orlando.
Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee
The 158th Silver Spurs Rodeo is scheduled from Thursday, February 18 (7:30 p.m.) through Sunday, February 21 (2 p.m.), 2027 at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. The organizers promise all seven traditional rodeo events. Tickets were due to go on sale in November 2026. By road, the arena is about 13 miles from the Disney Springs area.
Spring training in Lakeland
The Detroit Tigers train at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, about 38 to 44 miles by road from Disney Springs and Universal. MLB’s 2027 spring schedule opens on Friday, February 19, when the Phillies visit the Tigers in Lakeland. Schedules are subject to change.
What is not in February
A few events people expect in February fall in March in 2027. The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City runs March 4–14, 2027, and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts March 10. For March dates, school calendars and crowd waves, read our spring break in Orlando guide.
Can you swim in Orlando in February?
Yes, in heated water. Afternoons in the mid-70s are pleasant on a pool deck, but an unheated pool still feels cold, and the air drops into the 50s after sunset. Bring a cover-up for the walk back to your room.
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach: Disney says the pool and water areas are heated to about 81°F, and Melt-Away Bay is a heated, one-acre wave pool.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: temporarily closed for refurbishment, with no reopening date announced at the time of writing; Disney recommends Blizzard Beach in the meantime.
- Universal Volcano Bay: closed for maintenance from October 26, 2026, with a planned reopening on or before April 1, 2027, so it isn’t an option in February.
- Aquatica Orlando: check SeaWorld’s park hours calendar for February operating days before you plan around it.
- Hotel pools: trust only a hotel’s own statement about heating. If the website doesn’t say, ask before you book.
If you want a pool that works on the coolest days, see our list of Orlando hotels with indoor pools. For seasons, heating and tickets at every park, see the Orlando water parks guide.
Where to stay in Orlando in February
Match the base to the reason for your trip:
- Festival of the Arts, the Princess Half or Disney days: stay on or next to Disney property, ideally at a hotel with Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry.
- Universal Mardi Gras: stay where you can walk back after the evening parade and concerts.
- Daytona 500: stay near the Speedway or the beach, not in Orlando, if race day is the main event.
- Pool time on cool days: pick a hotel that states its pools are heated, or one with an indoor pool.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace: heated pools next to Disney Springs
This Hilton at 1900 East Buena Vista Drive is one of the non-Disney hotels on Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry list, and its FAQ says guests get 30 minutes of early entry at all four theme parks every day (you still need a valid ticket and a park reservation for that park and date). The FAQ also says its pools are heated to between 82 and 85°F and open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the resort lists a heated outdoor pool and a spiraling float lagoon with beach-style entry between its Tower and Island Building.
Disney Springs is about a 5–7 minute walk over a pedestrian bridge, according to the hotel. Hourly shuttles serve all four Disney theme parks, with reservations required in both directions, up to 72 hours ahead. By road, EPCOT’s main parking lot is about 4.5 miles away. More detail is in our full Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace review.
- Good to know: at the time of writing, the FAQ listed a daily resort charge of $41 plus tax (covering internet, the Disney parks shuttle and float lagoon access, among other items), self-parking at $38 and valet at $48 per night plus tax, and check-in at 4 p.m. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
Check your February dates for Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace on Booking.com
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando: walk to Mardi Gras
This DoubleTree at 5780 Major Boulevard sits just outside Universal. By our walking route, the Universal Studios Florida entrance area is about 1 mile away, roughly a 22-minute walk along sidewalks, which makes it easy to stay for the evening parade and concerts without driving. Hilton’s hotel page (archived April 2026) describes an outdoor, heated junior Olympic-size pool with a splash pad, a children’s pool and a hot tub, open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The hotel isn’t a Universal hotel, so it doesn’t include Early Park Admission. Universal’s vacation site listed it as a partner hotel with Bonus Benefits, including scheduled transportation, at last check.
- Good to know: Hilton’s archived page listed self-parking at $34 a day and valet at $44, plus tax, and a minimum check-in age of 21. Confirm current charges before you book. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
See available rooms at DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
What to pack for Orlando in February
- Layers: T-shirts and shorts for 75°F afternoons, plus a long-sleeve top and a light jacket or fleece for 50s mornings and evenings.
- Long pants for nights: handy for parades, fireworks and outdoor concerts after sunset.
- A rain layer: a light rain jacket or poncho for the roughly six rainy days in a typical February.
- Swimsuit and cover-up: for heated pools, plus something warm for the walk back.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: February sun is strong enough to burn on a long park day.
Next month: see Orlando in March, the EPCOT festivals calendar and hotels with heated pools.
Frequently asked questions
Is February a good time to visit Orlando?
Yes, for most travelers. February is mild and dry, with average highs near 75°F and about six days with measurable rain. The first ten days are the calmest, while Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13–15, 2027) and the school breaks that follow are busier. You also get Universal Mardi Gras and the EPCOT Festival of the Arts at the same time.
How cold does Orlando get in February?
NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Orlando International Airport put the average February low at 52.4°F and the average high at 74.9°F. On average, 2.4 February nights drop to 40°F or colder, and a February freeze is rare. Normal snowfall is zero, but pack a warm layer for evenings and the occasional cold front.
Can you swim in Orlando in February?
Yes, in heated pools. Disney says Blizzard Beach’s pools are heated to about 81°F, and Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace says its pools are kept at 82–85°F. Typhoon Lagoon is temporarily closed, and Universal’s Volcano Bay is closed for maintenance until on or before April 1, 2027. Ask your hotel whether its pools are heated before you book.
Is Disney World crowded in February?
It depends on the week. Early February has no holidays and tends to be calmer. Presidents’ Day weekend (February 13–15, 2027) and the following week, when New York City public schools and some UK schools are on break, are busier. The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 25 to March 1) adds runners and their families at the end of the month.
What events are in Orlando in February 2027?
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs all month (through March 1), Universal Mardi Gras starts February 6 and SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival runs on select dates. Nearby, the DAYTONA 500 is February 21, the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee runs February 18–21 and spring training games start in Lakeland on February 19.
When is Presidents’ Day weekend 2027?
Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, is Monday, February 15, 2027, so the long weekend runs Saturday, February 13 through Monday, February 15. Valentine’s Day falls on the Sunday. Expect busier parks, fuller restaurants and higher hotel demand that weekend, and book dining reservations and hotels early.
Bottom line
Orlando in February offers some of the year’s best park weather, little rain and a busy events calendar. For calmer parks, aim for February 1–11 or the last days of the month, avoid Presidents’ Day weekend if you can, pack layers for cool evenings and book a hotel with heated pools or an easy walk to the evening events you care about.
Compare rates for Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace for your February dates
Sources checked in October 2026: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 climate normals, Orlando International Airport, Disney: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Universal Orlando: Universal Mardi Gras, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace FAQ