United States, North America

Austin in February

Mostly pleasant patio days with the odd blue norther. Cedar pollen fades by late month. A solid low-price pick.

Quiet valueHighs near 66F (19C), cold snaps possible

Austin Texas skyline, United States — AustinPhoto: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Austin. Mostly pleasant patio days with the odd blue norther. Cedar pollen fades by late month. A solid low-price pick.

Weather: Highs near 66F (19C), cold snaps possible
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Austin

February is mostly pleasant in Austin, with highs near 66F (19C) and plenty of sunny patio days. Every so often a blue norther blows through and drops the temperature fast for a day or two. Cedar pollen fades by late month. Crowds are still light and prices stay low, which makes this one of the best value months of the year.

This month suits couples, food lovers, and homeschool families who want the museums and the Capitol without crowds. It is too cool for swimming holes for most people, and the wildflowers have not started. If swimming and blooms matter, April and May are the months to pick.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Austin this month.

Patio weather at low prices

Mild, sunny afternoons are perfect for barbecue and breakfast tacos outdoors, at rates far below spring.

Hill Country day trips

Cool days are good for hiking Enchanted Rock or Pedernales Falls before the heat arrives. Go on a clear, dry day.

A cold swim at Barton Springs

The spring-fed pool stays near 68F (20C) all year. On a warm afternoon, it feels bracing and fun.

What to pack for February

A warm layer for sudden cold fronts
Allergy medicine for early in the month
Sturdy shoes for Hill Country trails
A swimsuit if you are brave enough for the springs

Our timing tip

Get to the famous barbecue spots before the pit opens on a weekday, when winter lines are at their shortest.

Book Austin for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Austin
Opens a hotel search for Austin in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Austin
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Austin
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Austin for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Austin

Full guide

Barton Springs Pool

Go at opening on a weekday for the quiet swim. Check the city schedule for weekly cleaning closures and reduced winter hours before you drive over.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Congress Avenue Bridge bat flight

Roughly March through October, the Mexican free-tailed bats pour out at dusk. Watch from the bridge, the lawn by the Statesman site, or a boat on Lady Bird Lake. Late summer brings the biggest flights.

Tickets and tours →

Texas State Capitol

Taller than the US Capitol and free to tour, with guided tours daily. The grounds are a shaded escape downtown and a good first stop with kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Bullock Texas State History Museum

The best one-stop primer on Texas, a block from the Capitol. A reliable air-conditioned half day in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Peak bloom runs March through May. The spring plant sale and the bluebonnet fields make April the showpiece month.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake

Rent a kayak or paddleboard, walk the 10-mile Butler Trail loop, and picnic on the Great Lawn. Before 9am in summer is the only sane window.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the SXSW, ACL, F1, and UT football calendars before you book anything. A random weekend in October can cost double the weekend before it.
Stay midweek. Austin fills with weekend visitors and bachelor and bachelorette parties Thursday through Saturday; Sunday through Wednesday hotel rates drop hard.
Barbecue lines: arrive before the pit opens on a weekday, or order ahead where it is offered. Many famous spots sell out of brisket by early afternoon.
For bluebonnets, go on a weekday morning and drive past the famous roadside spots; fields a few miles farther out are just as good and nearly empty.

Know before you go

ACL Fest closes a large part of Zilker Park for weeks around the festival for setup and recovery, and Barton Springs parking and access are affected. Check city notices if a swim is on your October list.
Barton Springs Pool closes for regular cleaning and occasional flood debris; a big rain upstream can shut it for days. Always check the pool page the morning you go.
Hamilton Pool and many Hill Country swimming spots close swimming after heavy rain or for bacteria counts, sometimes for long stretches. Reservations do not guarantee a swim.
Central Texas sits in Flash Flood Alley. Spring and fall storms can flood low-water crossings in minutes. Never drive into water over a road; turn around.

Austin in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Austin?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Austin. Mostly pleasant patio days with the odd blue norther. Cedar pollen fades by late month. A solid low-price pick.

What is the weather like in Austin in February?

Highs near 66F (19C), cold snaps possible.

Is Austin crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Austin; most sights can be done without long waits.