Things to Do in San Jose in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in San Jose
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Lowest hotel rates of the year - expect 30-40% discounts compared to summer peak season, with luxury properties dropping rates significantly to attract winter visitors
- Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions like the Tech Interactive and Santana Row - you'll have museums and cultural sites nearly to yourself on weekdays
- Perfect conditions for Silicon Valley tech campus tours - clear skies 70% of the time with comfortable walking temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F) during midday hours
- Peak season for whale watching from nearby Half Moon Bay and Monterey - gray whales migrate through February with 90% success rate on tours, just 45 km (28 miles) from downtown
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - February brings 10 rainy days with sudden downpours that can last 2-4 hours, disrupting outdoor plans without proper timing
- Early sunsets at 5:45pm limit evening outdoor activities - plan accordingly as temperatures drop rapidly after 4pm to 6-8°C (43-46°F)
- Many outdoor venues and rooftop bars operate reduced hours or close entirely due to cold evenings - the vibrant outdoor dining scene that defines San Jose summer is largely dormant
Best Activities in February
Silicon Valley Tech Campus Tours
February offers ideal conditions for exploring the campuses that define modern technology. With minimal crowds and crisp, clear mornings, you can walk or bike through Apple Park, Google's campus areas, and the Computer History Museum without summer heat or tour bus congestion. The 10-15°C (50-59°F) midday temperatures are perfect for the 5-8 km (3-5 mile) routes most tours cover. Weekdays see fewer visitors, and many public spaces around campuses are accessible. The clear winter air also means better photography conditions with the Santa Cruz Mountains visible in the background.
Monterey Bay and Carmel Day Trips
Just 120 km (75 miles) south, Monterey Bay in February is prime whale watching season with gray whale migration peaking. The cooler temperatures make the famous 17-Mile Drive more comfortable than summer crowds, and February rates at Monterey Bay Aquarium see 25-30% fewer visitors. Morning fog usually clears by 11am, revealing dramatic coastal views. The drive takes 90 minutes from San Jose, making it a perfect day trip. Carmel-by-the-Sea galleries and shops are open with zero wait times, and beach walks are spectacular without summer crowds.
San Jose Museum and Cultural District Exploration
February's rainy days make this the ideal month to deeply explore San Jose's underrated museum scene. The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum are climate-controlled havens during afternoon showers. Weekday visitor numbers drop 60% compared to summer, meaning hands-on exhibits at The Tech are actually available. The museums cluster within 2 km (1.2 miles) of each other downtown, perfect for walking between during dry morning hours. Local students are in session, so weekend mornings offer the quietest experience.
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting
The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, just 30 km (19 miles) west, offers February wine tasting without summer crowds or heat. Tasting rooms are cozy with fireplaces, and winemakers often have time for extended conversations during the quiet season. The mountain roads are scenic after rain clears, with green hillsides and occasional snow-dusted peaks visible. Most wineries operate weekend hours only in February, creating an intimate experience. Temperatures at elevation run 2-4°C (4-7°F) cooler than San Jose valley floor, so dress warmly.
Japanese Friendship Garden and Kelley Park Walking
February brings early plum blossoms to the Japanese Friendship Garden, typically blooming mid-to-late February before the tourist season begins. The 2.4-hectare (6-acre) garden is spectacular after morning rain when paths glisten and the koi pond reflects clearing skies. Adjacent Kelley Park offers 64 hectares (158 acres) of walking trails through redwood groves - muddy but magical after rain. The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo within Kelley Park sees minimal crowds on weekday mornings. Plan visits between 10am-2pm when temperatures peak at 13-15°C (55-59°F) and rain is least likely.
Bay Area Urban Food Tours
February is peak season for indoor food experiences as locals seek comfort food and warm venues. San Jose's diverse neighborhoods - Japantown, Little Portugal, Vietnamese corridor on Story Road - offer authentic food scenes without tourist crowds. The cooler weather makes walking between venues comfortable, and restaurants have immediate seating unlike summer waits. Pho, ramen, and Portuguese soups are at their seasonal peak. Food halls like San Pedro Square Market provide covered options during rain. The lack of conferences and conventions in February means even downtown restaurants have availability.
February Events & Festivals
Lunar New Year Celebrations in Japantown
San Jose's historic Japantown hosts Lunar New Year festivities typically in late January extending into early February, depending on the lunar calendar. Expect lion dances, traditional performances, and special restaurant menus. The indoor venues along North 5th and 6th Streets provide perfect weather protection while experiencing authentic cultural celebrations. Local Vietnamese and Chinese communities also host events throughout the first two weeks of February.
Cinequest Film Festival
One of the most prestigious film festivals in Northern California, Cinequest typically runs late February into early March with venues throughout downtown San Jose. Perfect indoor entertainment during rainy February days, featuring independent films, VR experiences, and filmmaker Q&A sessions. Venues cluster within walking distance, and February timing means you can catch premieres before wider releases.