With mild weather and lively events on deck, February is the perfect month for a trip to Galveston. Sunny days in the 60s are ideal for spending time outdoors enjoying the island’s beaches, historic downtown, and coastal trails.
Whether you come for quiet days on the sand before the spring crowds arrive or to join in the festivities and parades of the Mardi Gras season, late winter is full of fun in Galveston.
When you’re ready to start planning your February Galveston getaway, book your stay at a Sand ‘N Sea vacation rental with accommodations that offer fantastic water views and all the comforts of home for a cozy winter escape.
Keep reading to start planning your February Gulf Coast vacation!
February Weather in Galveston
February weather in Galveston is usually mild and sunny. On average, the high temps are typically in the mid-60s, with lows around 50. The end of the month sees temperatures start to trend toward the 70s.
For most of the month, the weather is comparable to what you would expect from a January trip to Galveston.
The average temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is still too cold to be comfortable for swimming in February, but the weather is great for spending time outdoors riding bikes, hiking, and walking around The Strand.
Best Things To Do in February in Galveston
Beaches, hiking trails, history museums, shopping — there is so much to do in Galveston, no matter the season.
On a warm February afternoon, head to the sandy Gulf side for sun-soaked fun or to the state park for bike rides. Victorian mansion tours and family-friendly museums and aquariums offer the perfect indoor escape on colder days.
1. Sightsee in The Strand Historic District
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto
With cool daytime temps in the February forecast, this time of year is perfect for strolling the streets of Downtown Galveston and The Strand. This fun district near the harbor and cruise ports is full of Victorian buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants.
While many of the souvenir sellers, boutiques, festive bars, and restaurants are located along the street known as The Strand, the surrounding blocks add coffee shops, bookstores, and galleries.
- The Strand: The main thoroughfare for gift stores, cocktail bars, and antique shops.
- The Postoffice District: Peruse galleries and sip coffee in the art district along Postoffice Street.
- Pier 21: Dine on fresh-caught seafood and visit the historic 1877 Tall Ship Elissa.
2. Visit Galveston’s Museums
Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky
Galveston has some great museums and historic sites, ranging from Victorian mansions to warships to train depots. While you may not envision spending time indoors on a beach vacation, it can be a great thing to do on chilly or rainy days or when you want to avoid the busy streets during February’s Mardi Gras festivities!
- The Bryan Museum: Some 12,000 years of Texas history is preserved in the old Galveston Orphans Home.
- Galveston Railroad Museum: Visit a train yard with old freight cars and locomotives, plus a 1930s depot with exhibits.
- Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace: This pair of 1890s homes in the East End Historic District offer tours of the Victorian interiors.
- 1877 Tall Ship Elissa: This floating museum at the Galveston Historic Seaport tells the story of early immigrants to Galveston.
- Galveston Naval Museum: This museum in Seawolf Park houses a submarine and destroyer escort from the World War II era.
3. Explore Galveston Island State Park
Photo Credit: Warren Price Photography
Hiking and biking at Galveston Island State Park is the perfect outdoorsy winter activity. The weather is typically warm enough in February to enjoy the trails here, which include four miles of boardwalks and natural paths. If you’d rather take to the water, there are also paddling trails and kayak rentals.
The park stretches from the Galveston Bay side of the island to the Gulf of Mexico, with scenery of sandy beach shores and marshes and ponds.
4. Picnic on the beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
The water temperatures in February are a bit too chilly for swimming (unless you’re into cold plunges), but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sandy shoreline. Galveston Island has more than 30 miles of beachfront on the Gulf, and warm winter days are the perfect time to pack a blanket and picnic basket for a day of sandcastle building, beach volleyball, and more.
Some of the most popular areas are East Beach, Stewart Beach, and Babes Beach.
5. Visit the Moody Gardens Pyramids
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
Moody Gardens is one of the top attractions in Galveston, with a golf course, aquarium, museum, and riverboat rides open in winter. The trio of glass pyramids is a must-see — head to the ‘rainforest’ to watch for river otters and exotic birds, the Aquarium to see sharks, tropical fish, and other sea life, or the Discovery Museum for changing exhibits.
The Moody Garden pyramids and 3D and 4D Theaters make the perfect indoor escape on a chilly winter day.
February Events in Galveston
With winter wrapping up, spring break just around the corner, and Mardi Gras events bringing lively crowds, February in Galveston is a special time. Come early in the month if you want a crowd-free experience, or toward the end to join the parties and revelry of carnival season.
1. Mardi Gras! Galveston
Photo Credit: Roberto Galan
Mardi Gras! Galveston is one of the most popular events on the island and runs for several weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday (the dates change every year but usually include a few weeks of February). The celebration here has been going on for more than a century and includes over 20 parade krewes, concerts, parties, and more.
It’s best to check the schedule in advance to find out which weekends different events fall on so that you can plan accordingly and reserve tickets and balcony spots. Mardi Gras is such a fun and festive time to visit the island, but you’ll definitely want to plan ahead and reserve your vacation rental since it’s a popular time to visit.
2. Fiesta Gras
Held during one of the Mardi Gras! Galveston weekends, Fiesta Gras celebrates the island’s Hispanic heritage. During the one-day event on a February weekend, attendees can see a couple of parades, enjoy live music, and find special dishes at the food vendors. Grab your tickets in advance to attend.
3. Jolly Jester Jaunt
Part of the Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrations, the Jester Jaunt 5K, is a fun run in late February. Participants dress up in festive garb like tutus, hats, and colorful tights to jog along some of the parade routes. It’s a fun way to join in the Mardi Gras action and get festival admission and swag.
Packing for February in Galveston
February in Galveston can be chilly or winter warm, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast before you load up the suitcase and head to the island. Layers are great for February, with a light jacket or sweater to throw on for breezy evenings.
- Festive Mardi Gras outfits
- Light jacket
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Walking shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Activewear for outdoor adventures
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
Visiting Galveston in February
Whether you come for Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, or just a quick weekend escape, February in Galveston is the perfect time to soak up the end of the winter season on the island. When it comes to where to stay in Galveston, these vacation rental homes on the beach and bay offer beautiful views and easy access to all the February activities and events.
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