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Best national parks to visit in February
All 63 US national parks ranked by February camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Death Valley, Saguaro, Dry Tortugas, Joshua Tree, Big Bend.
#1Death Valley
California, Nevada
100 avg 74° / 49°F · 0.5 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#2Saguaro
Arizona
100 avg 69° / 45°F · 0.8 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#3Dry Tortugas
Florida
100 avg 76° / 66°F · 1.7 in
Entry: Not required · $15 per person
#4Joshua Tree
California
100 avg 67° / 44°F · 0.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#5Big Bend
Texas
100 avg 66° / 41°F · 0.4 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#6Biscayne
Florida
100 avg 78° / 57°F · 2.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#7Everglades
Florida
100 avg 81° / 56°F · 1.8 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#8Channel Islands
California
98 avg 65° / 48°F · 3.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#9Pinnacles
California
96 avg 64° / 36°F · 3.5 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#10Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico
96 avg 61° / 37°F · 0.4 in
Entry: Timed entry for the cavern · $15 per person
#11Congaree
South Carolina
94 avg 61° / 40°F · 3.3 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#12White Sands
New Mexico
92 avg 63° / 27°F · 0.4 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#13Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
91 avg 84° / 74°F · 1.9 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#14Zion
Utah
85 avg 58° / 34°F · 2.1 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#15Haleakalā
Hawaii
83 avg 60° / 43°F · 4.1 in
Entry: Sunrise reservation (3–7 am) · $30 per vehicle
Key dates in February
- Enchantments overnight permit lottery (2027 season) Expected
- Mount Whitney lottery application window Expected
- Angels Landing spring lottery (hikes Mar–May 2027) Expected
- Michigan winter Free Fishing Weekend Expected
2026 fee-free day in February: 16 February. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in February?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in February are Death Valley, Saguaro, Dry Tortugas, Joshua Tree, Big Bend.
Which national parks should I avoid in February?
For camping weather, Mesa Verde, Great Basin, North Cascades, Badlands, Wind Cave, National Park of American Samoa score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in February?
In 2026, yes: 16 February (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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