Jacksonville in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Jacksonville

69°C (156°F) High Temp

46°C (114°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect outdoor weather with daily highs of 69°C (156°F) - ideal for beach activities, river walks, and golf without the oppressive summer heat
Minimal rainfall at just 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) means outdoor plans rarely get disrupted, though brief afternoon showers provide cooling relief
Post-holiday season brings 40% lower accommodation rates compared to December/January peak pricing, with oceanfront hotels dropping from $300+ to $180-220 nightly
Manatee viewing season peaks in February - Crystal Springs and Blue Spring State Park see 200+ West Indian manatees gathering in warm-water refuges during cooler mornings

Considerations

Spring training baseball creates accommodation bottlenecks - hotel rates spike 60% during Grapefruit League games (late February through March), book by December for reasonable rates
Afternoon humidity at 70% can feel oppressive for visitors from dry climates, especially during 2-4pm peak heat hours
Popular fishing spots get crowded as Northeast snowbirds arrive - expect 50% more boats at Mayport Inlet and Talbot Island pier areas

Best Activities in February

Kayak Tours Through Timucuan Ecological Preserve

February's mild mornings (46°C/114°F starts) and minimal rainfall make this the perfect month for paddling through 46,000 acres of salt marshes and tidal creeks. Manatees are most active in early morning hours, and you'll spot dolphins, herons, and occasionally bald eagles. The preserve's protected waters stay calm, ideal for beginners.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Half-day tours typically run $45-75 per person. Choose early morning departures (8am-9am) to avoid afternoon humidity and catch peak wildlife activity. Look for operators providing dry bags and basic instruction.

Amelia Island Beach Horseback Riding

February offers the most comfortable beach riding conditions - firm sand from winter tides, cool morning temperatures, and virtually no summer crowds. Low tide exposes 8 km (5 miles) of rideable shoreline. The moderate 70% humidity won't exhaust horses or riders like summer months.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead, especially for sunset rides. Beach rides cost $75-120 per hour depending on group size. Morning rides (9am-11am) offer best conditions and wildlife spotting. Operators must have state permits for beach access.

St. Johns River Fishing Charters

February marks peak season for trophy bass fishing as fish prepare for spring spawning. Water temperatures in the 60s°F (15-20°C) create ideal conditions. The river's 500 km (310 mile) system offers diverse fishing from downtown Jacksonville to Palatka. Minimal rainfall means consistent water levels.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend charters. Half-day trips run $350-500 for up to 4 people, full-day $600-850. Early morning departures (6am-7am) yield best results. Licensed captains provide all equipment and cleaning services.

Historic Downtown Walking Food Tours

February's comfortable walking weather (highs of 69°C/156°F) makes covering 3-4 km (2 miles) of downtown districts pleasant. Local restaurants feature seasonal specials using Florida citrus at peak ripeness. Brief afternoon showers rarely disrupt 3-hour tour schedules.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours book solid 7-10 days ahead. Tours cost $55-85 per person including 6-8 tastings. Afternoon tours (2pm-5pm) hit happy hour specials. Look for tours covering Riverside, Brooklyn, and Downtown core neighborhoods.

Catamaran Sailing to Fort George Island

February's variable conditions create perfect learning winds (8-15 knots typical) without summer thunderstorm risks. The 20 km (12 mile) round trip showcases Jacksonville's maritime history while avoiding peak manatee zones. Clear skies offer excellent photography conditions of the city skyline.

Booking Tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend sails. Half-day charters cost $80-120 per person on shared boats, private charters $400-600 for up to 6 people. Afternoon departures (1pm-2pm) catch optimal wind conditions. Operators should provide safety equipment and basic sailing instruction.

Kingsley Plantation Cultural Tours

February's mild temperatures make the 1.6 km (1 mile) walking tour of Florida's oldest plantation ruins comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. The site's exposed location on this destination Island benefits from cool ocean breezes. Ranger-led programs run more frequently during snowbird season.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for self-guided tours, but ranger programs fill quickly - check schedule 1 week ahead. Entry is free, guided tours $10-15 per person. Morning tours (10am-11am) offer best lighting for photography and cooler conditions.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Annual maritime tradition where decorated boats cruise the St. Johns River downtown waterfront. Best viewing from Northbank Riverwalk or Southbank. Local restaurants extend hours with river-view specials.

Late February

Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Premier vintage automobile show featuring 300+ classic cars on the golf course at The Golf Club of Amelia Island. Three-day event includes auctions, car rallies, and awards ceremony. Advance tickets required.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 15-20 minutes but can be heavy

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns exposed skin in 15 minutes, reapply every 2 hours on water

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, brings discomfort during midday heat

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - downtown brick streets and beach boardwalks can be slippery when wet

Light sweater or fleece for early mornings - temperatures start at 46°C (114°F), 20+ degree swing by afternoon

Polarized sunglasses - essential for water activities and driving toward ocean on east-west roads

Insect repellent with DEET - marsh areas and nature preserves have active mosquitoes year-round

Waterproof phone case - necessary for kayaking, fishing, and beach activities

Baseball cap or wide-brim hat - provides neck protection during 6+ hour outdoor activities

Quick-dry shorts or pants - versatile for both water activities and air-conditioned restaurants

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by December 15th to avoid spring training price surge - rates double when Grapefruit League starts late February

Visit manatee viewing spots between 8am-10am when water temperatures are coolest and manatees most active in warm-water refuges

Locals eat lunch between 11:30am-1pm to avoid tourist crowds and afternoon heat - restaurants offer better service during this window

Free parking downtown becomes nearly impossible after 10am on weekends - arrive early or use JTA Skyway ($0.50) from remote lots

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon humidity - tourists often schedule too many walking activities between 2pm-4pm when heat index peaks

Not booking fishing charters early enough - February is peak season for bass fishing, weekend spots fill 2-3 weeks ahead

Wearing cotton clothing for water activities - takes hours to dry in 70% humidity, synthetic materials essential for comfort