Things to Do in St. John's in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in St. John's
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Minimal tourist crowds - February sits firmly in the shoulder season after Christmas visitors have left but before spring break arrives. You'll actually get photos at Signal Hill without 40 people in the background, and restaurants downtown don't require advance reservations.
- Winter festival season is in full swing - Mardi Gras celebrations typically run through early-to-mid February with street parties on George Street, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival often schedules indoor venues this month. The cold weather gives locals an excuse to gather indoors, making pub culture especially vibrant.
- Dramatic coastal scenery - The North Atlantic in February is raw and powerful. Cape Spear and the East Coast Trail offer some of the most dramatic seascapes you'll see anywhere, with waves crashing against ice-covered rocks. If you're into moody photography, this is your month.
- Authentic local experience - February visitors see St. John's as locals live it, not the cruise ship version. You'll find yourself in coffee shops with university students, at brewery taprooms with regularians, and experiencing the city's genuine personality without the summer tourism veneer.
Considerations
- Genuinely cold and unpredictable weather - That -2°C to 12°C (28°F to 54°F) range tells the whole story. You might get a mild day where locals joke about wearing shorts, then wake up to freezing rain the next morning. The 70% humidity makes the cold feel more penetrating than the temperature suggests, and those 10 rainy days often mean mixed precipitation - rain, snow, freezing rain, sometimes all in one afternoon.
- Severely limited daylight hours - Sunset happens around 5:15pm in early February, extending only to about 5:45pm by month's end. This compresses your outdoor sightseeing window significantly, especially since the best light for coastal photography happens in those brief golden hours. If you're prone to seasonal mood issues, the short days can feel oppressive.
- Outdoor activities are weather-dependent and sometimes cancelled - The East Coast Trail sections can close due to ice, boat tours to Witless Bay aren't running yet, and even driving to nearby attractions like Petty Harbour requires checking road conditions. You need flexible plans and solid backup options, which isn't everyone's travel style.
Best Activities in February
Historic Downtown Walking Tours
February is actually ideal for exploring the colorful row houses of Jellybean Row and the downtown historic district because the bare trees don't obscure the architecture, and the low-angle winter light creates incredible contrast against the painted buildings. The cold keeps you moving at a good pace, and you'll appreciate ducking into warm spots like The Rooms museum or various coffee shops along Water Street. Most self-guided routes cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) and take 2-3 hours with stops.
Brewery and Distillery Tastings
St. John's has developed a serious craft beverage scene, and February is when locals lean into it hardest. Quidi Vidi Brewery, Bannerman Brewing, and Newfoundland Distillery Company offer tastings and tours that let you warm up while sampling local flavors. The taproom culture here is genuine - you'll meet locals, not just tourists. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and include 4-6 samples.
Cape Spear and Coastal Viewpoint Visits
Cape Spear - the easternmost point in North America - is absolutely spectacular in February if you can handle the elements. The lighthouse sits dramatically against winter seas, and you might spot humpback whales still lingering offshore or pack ice drifting south. The UV index of 8 is deceptively strong reflecting off snow and ice, and winds can gust to 60-80 km/h (37-50 mph). Plan for 30-45 minutes at the site itself, though the drive from downtown is only 15 km (9.3 miles) taking about 20 minutes in good conditions.
George Street Pub Crawl Experience
George Street claims to have the most bars and pubs per square foot in North America, and February is when you experience it like a local rather than a summer tourist. The street comes alive Thursday through Saturday nights, with live traditional music, rock bands, and DJ sets. The indoor focus of winter nightlife means packed, energetic venues rather than scattered patio crowds. Most venues have no cover or charge 5-10 CAD on live music nights.
The Rooms Museum and Art Gallery
When weather turns truly miserable - which happens several days each February - The Rooms is your best indoor refuge. This provincial museum offers deep context on Newfoundland history, Indigenous culture, and contemporary art. The building itself provides panoramic city views from its hilltop location. You'll need 2-3 hours minimum to see the permanent collections, longer if special exhibitions interest you. The cafe is legitimately good for warming up with soup and tea.
Traditional Newfoundland Kitchen Party Experience
Kitchen parties - informal gatherings with traditional music, storytelling, and local food - represent authentic Newfoundland culture. February is prime time for these indoor social events. While genuine kitchen parties happen in private homes, several venues and cultural organizations host public versions where visitors can experience the accordion music, folk songs, and community atmosphere. Events typically run 2-3 hours in the evening.
February Events & Festivals
Mardi Gras Festival on George Street
St. John's celebrates Mardi Gras with particular enthusiasm, typically running events through the first two weeks of February leading up to Shrove Tuesday. George Street hosts themed parties, costume contests, and special performances. It's worth noting that Newfoundland Mardi Gras traditions blend French Catholic heritage with local pub culture in ways you won't see elsewhere. Most events are free or low-cost cover charges.