United States, North America
San Francisco in February
Lunar New Year festivities and one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside Asia. Hills start turning green.
The straight answer
February is a quiet, good-value month to visit San Francisco. Lunar New Year festivities and one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside Asia. Hills start turning green.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 60F (16C), rainy spells
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What February is like in San Francisco
February is cool, with highs near 60F (16C) and rainy spells mixed with sunny breaks. The winter rains start turning the hills green. Crowds are light and prices are among the lowest of the year. Lunar New Year usually brings one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside Asia, winding through downtown and Chinatown at night.
It suits travelers on a budget, food lovers and families who want Lunar New Year festivities. Bring rain gear and keep plans flexible. If you want dry, warm days for biking the bridge and hiking the coast, come in September or October instead.
Make the most of February
What is especially good about San Francisco this month.
Chinese New Year Parade
One of the largest Lunar New Year parades outside Asia, lit up at night through downtown and Chinatown. The date follows the lunar calendar.
Green hills
Winter rain turns the hills of the Presidio and Marin green, a good backdrop for bridge photos on a clear day.
California Academy of Sciences
The aquarium, planetarium and rainforest dome make an easy plan for a rainy day, especially with kids.
What to pack for February
- A rain jacket with a hood
- A warm layer for chilly evenings
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Find a spot along the parade route an hour or more early, since the Chinese New Year crowds are large.
Book San Francisco for February.
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- Hotels for February
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San FranciscoOpens a hotel search for San Francisco in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in San FranciscoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in San FranciscoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Francisco for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in February
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
January or February, following the lunar calendar
One of the largest Lunar New Year parades outside Asia, winding through downtown and Chinatown at night.
Things to do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across from the south end. The best photo spots are Battery Spencer on the Marin side and Baker Beach. Fog often clears midday.
Alcatraz Island
Tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer and on weekends. The first morning ferry and the night tour are the least crowded.
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
The Academy has an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome under one living roof. A great rainy or foggy day plan.
Exploratorium
Hands-on science museum on Pier 15. Thursday evenings are adults-only After Dark nights.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Go Saturday morning for the farmers market, the best in the city. Weekdays are calmer.
Cable cars
The Powell lines have long waits at the turnarounds. Board a few stops up, or ride the California Street line with shorter lines.
Beat the crowds
- Book Alcatraz as soon as your dates are set. In summer, same-week tickets are rare.
- Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street before 9am. By noon they are packed.
- Stay outside Union Square: Hayes Valley, the Mission, or near the Presidio give you calmer mornings and better food.
- For sunshine in summer, go east or north. The Mission and the East Bay are often sunny when the western neighborhoods are socked in.
Know before you go
- Nearly everything runs year-round. Winter storms can close coastal trails and delay ferries for a day or two.
- Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations. Arriving without one means turning around.
- Wildfire smoke from inland California can reduce air quality in late summer and fall. It varies year to year, so check air-quality forecasts before outdoor plans.
- Large conventions (Moscone Center) can push hotel prices sharply higher for a week at a time. Check the convention calendar when comparing dates.
San Francisco in February, quick answers
Is February a good time to visit San Francisco?
February is a quiet, good-value month to visit San Francisco. Lunar New Year festivities and one of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside Asia. Hills start turning green.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in February?
Cool, highs near 60F (16C), rainy spells.
Is San Francisco crowded in February?
February is one of the quieter months in San Francisco; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in San Francisco in February?
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade (january or february, following the lunar calendar).
Keep planning San Francisco.
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