Things to Do in Virginia Beach in February

February Weather in Virginia Beach

53°C (128°F) High Temp

35°C (95°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Off-season hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak - oceanfront rooms available for $89-129/night versus $200+ in July
Zero beach crowds on weekdays - you'll have 35 km (22 miles) of shoreline mostly to yourself, especially at Sandbridge and North End
Perfect winter storm watching season - Atlantic produces dramatic wave action and spectacular sunrises without summer haze
Indoor attractions run extended winter hours with no wait times - Virginia Aquarium, Military Aviation Museum, and Chrysler Museum offer intimate experiences

Considerations

Ocean temperature averages 7°C (45°F) - swimming requires wetsuit or extreme cold tolerance, most beach activities shift to walking and photography
Many boardwalk restaurants and seasonal attractions close entirely January-March, limiting dining options to about 30% of summer availability
Unpredictable weather swings from 1°C (34°F) to 18°C (65°F) within 24 hours - requires layered packing and flexible daily plans

Best Activities in February

Winter Beach Photography and Storm Watching

February delivers the Atlantic's most dramatic winter storms with 3-4 m (10-13 ft) waves and spectacular cloud formations. Early morning at First Landing State Park offers fog-shrouded cypress swamps meeting ocean storms. The boardwalk's 5 km (3.1 mi) stretch provides unobstructed sunrise shots without summer crowds.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for beach access. Rent photography equipment from local camera shops for $25-45/day. Check weather apps for storm timing - arrive 2 hours before predicted high winds for best dramatic lighting.

Indoor Aquarium and Museum Tours

Virginia Aquarium operates winter hours (10am-5pm) with 75% fewer visitors than summer. The 800,000-gallon aquarium tunnel and sea turtle hospital tours run every 30 minutes versus hourly waits in peak season. Military Aviation Museum maintains climate-controlled hangars perfect for February weather.

Booking Tip: Book aquarium tickets online 3-5 days ahead for $28-32 adults, $23-26 children. Museum combo passes save 20% when visiting multiple locations. Winter guided tours available Tuesday-Thursday only.

Historic Norfolk and Portsmouth Exploration

February's cool weather makes the 2.5 km (1.5 mi) downtown Norfolk walking tours comfortable. The Chrysler Museum, Battleship Wisconsin, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard offer extensive indoor exploration. The Elizabeth River Ferry runs heated cabins for harbor tours.

Booking Tip: Norfolk museums offer winter passes for $35-50 covering 4 attractions. Self-guided historic walking routes available free through Visit Norfolk app. Ferry runs reduced winter schedule - check current times before planning.

First Landing State Park Winter Hiking

February provides ideal conditions for the park's 32 km (20 miles) of trails without summer heat and humidity. The Bald Cypress Trail boardwalk offers rare winter bird migrations and bare-branch photography. Trail conditions are driest in February before spring mud season.

Booking Tip: Park entry $5 per vehicle, no reservations needed. Rent trail maps at visitor center for $3. Guided nature walks available weekends only in winter - call ahead to confirm schedule. Wear layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings.

Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Triangle Tours

Winter crowds drop to 20% of summer levels at Williamsburg, 64 km (40 miles) from Virginia Beach. Costumed interpreters run intimate small-group demonstrations in heated buildings. Jamestown Settlement offers indoor galleries and climate-controlled ship replicas.

Booking Tip: Multi-day passes cost $75-89 adults versus $95+ in peak season. Book 7-10 days ahead for winter discounts. Many outdoor demonstrations move indoors February-March. Allow full day for round-trip travel plus 6-8 hours exploring.

Local Brewery and Wine Tasting Tours

Virginia Beach's 12 craft breweries offer cozy taproom experiences perfect for February weather. Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail provides heated tasting rooms 30-45 minutes inland. Winter releases include seasonal stouts and aged wines not available other months.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours typically $15-25 including tastings. Book designated driver services or brewery shuttle tours for $45-65 per person. Wine trail packages cost $35-55 covering 3-4 locations. Most venues require advance reservations in winter due to reduced hours.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Restaurant Week Virginia Beach

Annual dining event featuring 40+ participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus at $20-35. Showcases off-season dining options and gives access to normally crowded establishments. Indoor dining focus perfect for February weather.

Late February

Virginia Beach Winter Wildlife Festival

Guided birdwatching tours, photography workshops, and indoor nature presentations. Features winter migratory species only visible January-March. Includes heated indoor exhibits and hot beverage stations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Windproof jacket rated for 50+ mph gusts - February storms bring sustained winds that cut through regular rain jackets

Insulated waterproof boots - boardwalk gets soaked during storms and morning frost makes surfaces slippery until 10am

Thermal base layers for early morning/evening - temperature drops 15-20°F after sunset on clear days

Compact umbrella specifically wind-resistant - cheap umbrellas fail instantly in coastal February winds

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ - winter sun reflection off wet sand and water creates intense glare despite cool temperatures

Moisture-wicking socks and extra pairs - wet boardwalk conditions mean feet stay damp most of the day

Packable down vest - perfect middle layer for Virginia Beach's 20°F daily temperature swings

Waterproof phone case - storm watching and beach photography expose devices to salt spray and rain

Hand warmers for outdoor activities - essential for comfortable photography sessions lasting more than 30 minutes

Lip balm with SPF - combination of wind, salt air, and sun causes rapid chapping that locals recognize as 'February face'

Insider Knowledge

Local grocery stores (Harris Teeter, Food Lion) stock up on storm supplies mid-week - shop Tuesday/Wednesday before weekend visitors arrive and shelves empty

Oceanfront metered parking becomes free November-March, saving $15-25/day compared to summer rates - look for green-capped meters along Atlantic Avenue

The 31st Street Park offers identical ocean views to busy boardwalk areas but with private beach access and free parking year-round

Norfolk International Airport often has better flight deals than Richmond for February travel - 30-minute drive versus 3.5 hours but can save $200+ on airfare

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting summer boardwalk atmosphere - 70% of seasonal shops, restaurants, and attractions close entirely December through March, leaving limited dining and entertainment options

Underestimating weather volatility - packing only for average temperatures instead of the 35°F daily swings that require everything from t-shirts to winter coats

Planning beach days like summer visits - ocean is too cold for swimming, beach activities focus on walking, photography, and storm watching rather than sunbathing and water sports