Things to Do in Richmond in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Richmond
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter restaurant week runs through early February - prix fixe menus at top restaurants for 30-40% less than regular pricing, typically $35-45 per person at places that normally run $70-90
- James River trails are actually walkable without the summer swamp conditions - mud dries out between rain events, and you can cover the 8 km (5 mile) North Bank Trail loop without sinking boots
- Valentine's Day timing means theater and music venues stack their February calendars - Richmond Symphony, Altria Theater, and smaller venues like The National book premium shows, with tickets still available if you book 3-4 weeks out
- Craft beer scene is in full swing without summer tourist crowds - brewery patios use fire pits and heaters, making the 10°C (50°F) afternoons comfortable, and you can actually get a table at Scott's Addition spots on weekends
Considerations
- Temperature swings are legitimately unpredictable - you might see 15°C (59°F) one day and 0°C (32°F) the next, which makes packing annoying and outdoor planning a bit of a gamble
- Those 10 rainy days tend to cluster rather than spread evenly - you could hit a 3-4 day stretch of grey drizzle that makes outdoor plans frustrating, especially since rain here is cold rain, not warm tropical showers
- Daylight is still winter-short until late February - sunset around 5:45pm early in the month means evening outdoor activities are limited, and that golden hour light photographers want happens during normal work hours
Best Activities in February
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Extended Visits
February weather makes this the ideal month for the VMFA - it is one of the top 10 comprehensive art museums in the US and completely free for permanent collections. The variable weather outside means you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours inside without feeling like you are wasting good weather. The Faberge egg collection alone justifies an hour, and the contemporary wing stays warm when it is 2°C (36°F) outside. Crowds are genuinely thin on weekday mornings - you will have galleries nearly to yourself.
James River Park System Hiking
February is actually one of the better months for the James River trails - the summer humidity is gone, bugs are non-existent, and the trails are firm between rain events. Texas Beach and Belle Isle get you river views without the summer crowds. The water is obviously too cold for swimming at 7-10°C (45-50°F), but the trails themselves are excellent. Aim for afternoon hikes when temperatures peak around 10-12°C (50-54°F). That UV index of 8 is real even in winter - you will feel it on exposed trail sections.
Historic District Walking Tours
February temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 hour walking tours through Monument Avenue, Church Hill, and Shockoe Bottom. You are not dealing with July heat at 32°C (90°F) or summer thunderstorms. The 10-12°C (50-54°F) afternoons are perfect walking weather if you layer properly. Church Hill's cobblestone streets and 18th-century homes look particularly atmospheric in winter light. St. John's Church where Patrick Henry gave the liberty or death speech is less crowded now - summer tour groups have not arrived yet.
Brewery Trail Visits in Scott's Addition
Richmond has become a legitimate craft beer destination, and February is perfect for the brewery scene - outdoor patios use fire pits and heaters, making 8-10°C (46-50°F) evenings comfortable, and you avoid the summer crowds. Scott's Addition neighborhood packs 15+ breweries within a 1.6 km (1 mile) radius. The vibe is locals-heavy in February, not tourist groups. Most breweries do flights for $12-16, full pours $6-8. The Answer Brewpub, Veil, and Triple Crossing are the standouts, but honestly you can walk to 5-6 in an afternoon.
Carytown Shopping and Dining Afternoons
Carytown's 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch of independent shops and restaurants is perfect for February's variable weather - you can duck in and out of stores when weather shifts, and the afternoon window from 12-4pm usually gives you the best temperatures around 10-12°C (50-54°F). Vintage shops, record stores, and local boutiques line Cary Street. It is genuinely local, not a manufactured tourist district. Galaxy Diner for milkshakes, Carytown Cupcakes, and various restaurants offer indoor warmth between browsing.
Canal Walk and Riverfront District
The 2.1 km (1.3 mile) Canal Walk along the historic Haxall Canal is much more pleasant in February than summer - you get the industrial history and river views without the heat and humidity. Brown's Island connects to the walk and hosts occasional winter events. The cobblestone sections and pedestrian bridges show off Richmond's 19th-century flour milling history. Combine this with the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar for a solid half-day. February's lower water levels actually expose more of the canal infrastructure.
February Events & Festivals
Richmond Restaurant Week
Typically runs late January through early February - this is the real deal, not a tourist gimmick. 50+ restaurants offer three-course prix fixe menus at $25, $35, or $45 depending on tier. You are getting into places like L'Opossum, Lemaire, and The Roosevelt that normally run $70-90 per person. Reservations fill up fast for prime weekend slots, so book when the participating list drops in mid-January.
Valentine's Day Theater and Concert Programming
Richmond venues stack their February calendars around Valentine's weekend - Richmond Symphony typically schedules a romantic classics program at Altria Theater, The National books tribute acts or comedy shows, and smaller venues like The Tin Pan run special dinner-and-show packages. It is not a single event but a concentration of premium programming. Tickets run $45-120 depending on venue and seats.