Mobile in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Mobile

18°C (64°F) High Temp

7°C (45°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Off-season pricing - hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to spring/summer, with excellent availability at premium properties downtown and on the Eastern Shore
Mardi Gras season reaches peak excitement - Mobile invented Mardi Gras in America (1703) and February features the most spectacular parades with crowds 70% smaller than United States
Ideal weather for indoor cultural exploration - cool temperatures make museum-hopping comfortable while avoiding summer's oppressive 32°C (90°F) heat and humidity
Fresh Gulf oyster season at absolute prime - February marks peak harvest time when local oysters are plumpest and restaurants offer special seasonal menus

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns disrupt outdoor plans - afternoon showers can last 45-90 minutes and occur on 10+ days, making beach activities and outdoor festivals challenging
Cool temperatures limit water activities - Mobile Bay averages 13°C (55°F) in February, too cold for swimming or most water sports without wetsuits
Some seasonal attractions operate reduced hours or close entirely - several historic home tours and outdoor markets scale back operations during winter months

Best Activities in February

Historic Downtown Mobile Walking Tours

February's cool 18°C (64°F) highs make it perfect for exploring Mobile's antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets. The humidity drops to comfortable levels, and you'll avoid summer's brutal heat while touring the Historic Districts. Plus, many historic homes offer special winter programming with smaller groups and more personalized attention.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round, but guided tours typically cost $15-25 per person. Book historic home tours 3-5 days ahead as some operate limited winter schedules. Check current availability in the booking section below for weather-guaranteed indoor/outdoor combination tours.

Gulf Coast Culinary Experiences

February is peak oyster season when Mobile Bay oysters are at their absolute best - firm, briny, and perfectly sized. Restaurant week events often occur in February with special prix fixe menus. The weather is ideal for food tours combining indoor tastings with short outdoor walks between venues.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run $45-75 per person and book up during Mardi Gras season. Reserve 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Look for operators offering indoor backup venues for rainy days. See current culinary tour options in the booking widget below.

Mardi Gras Parade Experiences

February is peak Mardi Gras season in Mobile - the birthplace of American Mardi Gras. Unlike United States, Mobile's celebrations remain authentically local with better viewing spots and family-friendly atmospheres. Cool February weather makes standing for 2-3 hour parades comfortable, and locals are more welcoming to visitors during this less commercialized celebration.

Booking Tip: Parade viewing is free, but premium seating packages cost $25-60 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for popular parade dates. Look for packages including indoor warming stations and restroom access. Current Mardi Gras experiences available in booking section below.

Museum and Cultural Center Tours

February's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural attractions ideal. The National African American Archives, this destination, and Historic Battle House offer climate-controlled environments perfect for rainy days. Winter exhibits often feature special collections, and you'll encounter smaller crowds for more intimate experiences.

Booking Tip: Individual museum admissions range $8-15, but many offer February discount packages. Combination passes typically cost $25-40 and include 3-4 venues. Purchase day-of or reserve online. Check booking widget below for current cultural tour packages combining multiple venues.

Eastern Shore Day Trips

February's mild weather is perfect for exploring Mobile's Eastern Shore - Spanish Fort, Daphne, and Point Clear areas. The 24 km (15-mile) drive offers scenic Mobile Bay views without summer's heat. Many antique shops, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants operate more intimate winter hours, creating a cozy small-town atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Self-drive trips are most flexible, but guided tours cost $35-55 per person including transportation. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend departures. Look for tours including indoor venues as weather backup. See current Eastern Shore tour options in booking section below.

Historic Fort and Military Site Tours

Cool February temperatures make outdoor historical exploration at Fort Morgan and Historic Blakeley State Park comfortable. You can walk the 1.6 km (1-mile) fort perimeter without summer's exhausting heat, and winter crowds are minimal. Many sites offer special living history programs during February weekends.

Booking Tip: Fort admissions typically cost $7-12 per adult, with guided tours adding $5-8. State park entry fees are $5 per vehicle. Book guided tours 2-3 days ahead for weekend availability. Check booking widget for current historical tour packages combining multiple sites.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February, culminating Fat Tuesday

Mobile Mardi Gras Parades

Mobile's Mardi Gras season peaks in February with 15+ major parades featuring elaborate floats and throws. As the birthplace of American Mardi Gras, Mobile offers an authentic, less commercialized experience than United States with better access and family-friendly atmospheres.

Mid February

Mobile Bay Oyster Festival

Annual celebration of Mobile Bay's famous oysters during peak harvest season. Features oyster shucking contests, cooking demonstrations, and local seafood vendors showcasing February's prime oyster quality.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - February averages 89mm (3.5 inches) rainfall over 10 days with sudden afternoon showers lasting 45-90 minutes

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 7°C (45°F) mornings to 18°C (64°F) afternoons, requiring easy add/remove layers

Waterproof walking shoes - downtown's historic brick streets and potential puddles make water-resistant footwear essential

Compact umbrella - more convenient than rain jacket for short museum-to-restaurant dashes during frequent light showers

Light sweater or fleece - indoor venues often over-air-condition, and evening temperatures can drop quickly near the water

Casual dress clothes - many restaurants and Mardi Gras events maintain dress codes year-round, though February allows for more coverage

Small backpack or crossbody bag - keep hands free for Mardi Gras throws while protecting electronics from unexpected rain

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - even with UV index of 3, reflection off Mobile Bay water increases exposure during clear periods

Phone charger/power bank - you'll take many photos during Mardi Gras parades and historic tours, draining battery faster in cool weather

Cash in small bills - many local vendors, parking meters, and tip situations don't accept cards, especially during festival season

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on the west side of Mobile during Mardi Gras weekends - eastern routes get blocked by parade traffic for hours, while locals use Airport Boulevard and western neighborhoods to bypass congestion entirely

Time restaurant reservations for 5:30-6:30pm in February - many establishments close early on parade nights, and popular seafood spots fill up by 7pm with locals celebrating oyster season

Download the official Mobile Mardi Gras app before visiting - it provides real-time parade routes, street closures, and parking updates that even GPS services don't reflect during festival season

Shop for groceries and essentials before Friday if visiting during Mardi Gras weekend - many stores close early or entirely during major parade days, and what remains open charges premium prices near parade routes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Mardi Gras impact on the entire city - even non-participating visitors face street closures, restaurant closures, and limited parking throughout February, requiring significant planning flexibility

Assuming all outdoor activities will be cancelled due to rain - February showers are often brief and intense, clearing quickly, while many tourists abandon perfectly good afternoon plans after morning drizzle

Booking accommodations solely based on price without considering parade route proximity - budget hotels near major parade routes become unusable due to noise and crowds from 4am setup through midnight cleanup