Things to Do in Sanjose in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Sanjose

35°C (95°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect tech conference season - February hosts major Silicon Valley events including RSA Conference and DeveloperWeek, with ideal 24°C (75°F) morning temperatures for walking between venues
  • Cherry blossom season in surrounding hills begins late February - Almaden Quicksilver Park's early bloomers start appearing with clear mountain views due to lower pollution from winter rains
  • Optimal hiking weather before spring crowds arrive - trails like Coyote Creek are accessible with moderate 35°C (95°F) afternoon highs and morning fog lifting by 9am
  • Restaurant Week season extends through February with 30% fewer tourists than March, meaning easier reservations at Santana Row establishments and shorter waits at farmers markets

Considerations

  • February rain arrives unpredictably - 10 rainy days but no clear pattern, making outdoor event planning difficult with afternoon showers lasting 45-90 minutes
  • Tourist shoulder season means some seasonal businesses have reduced hours - several downtown food trucks operate weekend-only schedules until March
  • Hotel rates spike during tech conferences (typically February 12-28) with downtown properties increasing 40-60% above January pricing

Best Activities in February

Winchester Mystery House Tours

February offers perfect indoor backup activity during unpredictable rain days, plus shorter lines with 35% fewer visitors than spring months. The mansion's unheated rooms feel comfortable in February's moderate temperatures, unlike summer's 38°C+ (100°F+) days when tours become uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Book specialty evening flashlight tours 2-3 weeks ahead as they sell out faster in winter months. Standard tours typically cost $39-65 depending on length. Book through official channels for current availability and seasonal tour options.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting

February marks pruning season when vintners have more time for personal tastings, and clear post-rain days offer spectacular valley views from mountain wineries. Cooler 24°C (75°F) morning temperatures make the 45-minute drive through winding mountain roads more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book weekend tastings 10-14 days ahead as February is popular with locals avoiding summer heat. Most tastings cost $25-45 per person. Many wineries offer February-only barrel tastings of upcoming releases.

Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours

February coincides with companies' annual planning cycles, making this the best month for public campus tours and visitor center experiences. Moderate temperatures are perfect for walking between outdoor installations like the Android statues at Google or Apple Park's visitor areas.

Booking Tip: Reserve campus tours 3-4 weeks ahead as tech conferences fill up group slots. Self-guided campus visits are free, guided experiences typically cost $15-35. Check company websites for current tour availability and security requirements.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Day Trips

February offers whale migration viewing combined with aquarium visits, plus 40-minute drive times are more comfortable in moderate weather. Gray whales peak their southward migration, and the aquarium's outdoor Great Tide Pool area is pleasant without summer's intense sun.

Booking Tip: Combine aquarium admission ($40-50) with whale watching tours ($45-75) for full-day experiences. Book combo packages 2 weeks ahead. February has the most reliable whale sightings but bring layers for ocean breezes.

San Francisco Day Trips

February provides clear days between storms for optimal Golden Gate Bridge views and Alcatraz visits. The 80 km (50 mile) drive north is most scenic after rain clears the air, and tourist attractions have manageable crowds before spring break season.

Booking Tip: Book Alcatraz tickets 2-3 weeks ahead as February weekend slots fill quickly. Day trip costs vary widely - budget $25-40 for bridge areas, $40-65 for Alcatraz including audio tours. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Gilroy Gardens Spring Preparation Tours

February showcases the circus trees in their dormant sculptural form before spring leaves obscure their unique architecture. Garden walks are comfortable in 24°C (75°F) temperatures, and horticulture tours explain pruning techniques used on the famous shaped trees.

Booking Tip: February offers special behind-the-scenes garden tours not available during busy summer months. Adult admission typically $35-50 with seasonal discounts. Book specialty horticultural tours 1-2 weeks ahead through the park's educational programs.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

DeveloperWeek San Jose

Silicon Valley's largest developer conference brings 8,000+ tech professionals to downtown San Jose with expo halls, workshops, and networking events. Street food vendors triple during the event and downtown restaurants extend hours.

Early to Mid February

Lunar New Year Festival at History Park

Traditional lion dances, food vendors, and cultural performances celebrate the Lunar New Year in San Jose's Vietnamese and Chinese communities. Features hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and authentic regional foods not found year-round.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Packable rain jacket - February storms arrive within 30 minutes and last 45-90 minutes with no clear daily pattern
Layering system for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - 24°C (75°F) foggy mornings to 35°C (95°F) sunny afternoons
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off wet pavement after rain
Comfortable walking shoes with grip - downtown sidewalks become slippery during frequent light rain
Light cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which feels oppressive by afternoon
Compact umbrella - more useful than rain jacket for brief afternoon showers while walking between venues
Portable phone charger - tech conference season means heavy navigation and social media use drain batteries faster
Light sweater for air-conditioned venues - hotels and conference centers over-compensate for outdoor humidity
Closed-toe shoes for hiking trails - muddy conditions persist 24-48 hours after rain in hill areas
Reusable water bottle - February heat builds throughout day and venue water stations may have lines during events

Insider Knowledge

Tech conference hotel blocks release unsold rooms 21 days before events - wait until late January for better downtown rates if you're flexible
February farmers markets shift to winter vegetables locals love - try Asian pears and citrus varieties not available other months, plus vendors give more samples in slower season
VTA light rail runs extended hours during major conferences but still stops at midnight - plan evening transportation from downtown accordingly
Local restaurants participate in 'Dine Downtown San Jose' promotion throughout February with prix fixe menus 25-30% below regular pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming consistent weather patterns - February rain comes in random afternoon bursts, not predictable daily schedules like tropical destinations
Booking accommodation only near conference venues - staying in Santana Row or Japantown areas offers better restaurant access with easy light rail connections
Overdressing for morning temperatures - layers are essential as 11°C (20°F) temperature swings happen daily throughout February

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