February is the month of the deepest, most settled snow – the snowpack built through January reaches maximum depth at Auli and on the high meadows, ski conditions peak, and the mid-hills begin hinting at spring. Crowds are thinner than December’s holiday rush, which makes February the connoisseur’s winter month.
Weather in February
| Band | Daytime | Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plains | 10-24°C | 6-10°C | Pleasant, clear afternoons |
| Mid-hills (~2,000 m) | 10-14°C | 0-2°C | Occasional snow; crisp air |
| High Himalaya (2,800 m+) | -1 to 5°C | -9 to -4°C | Deepest, most settled snowpack |
What is open and closed in February
- Char Dham temples: closed (reopen late April).
- Valley of Flowers: closed (reopens 1 June).
- Jim Corbett: all zones open; late-winter sightings remain excellent.
- Rafting in Rishikesh: open.
- Auli: peak ski conditions – the month serious skiers pick.
Best for
- Skiing at its best: Auli
- Snow meadows with thinner crowds: Chopta
- Clear winter panoramas: Mukteshwar
- Corbett’s cold-season wildlife: Jim Corbett
Think twice if
- You are sensitive to cold – high-altitude nights still run to -8°C; pack for it (winter packing list).
- You want flowers – spring arrives here only in late February at the lowest mid-hill slopes.
Events and dates
Valentine’s week brings a demand bump at couple-friendly hill resorts (book early for Mussoorie and Nainital). Maha Shivaratri falls in this window most years – temple towns see festival crowds on the day.
Part of our best time to visit Uttarakhand guide.
