February 2026 Calendar With Federal Holidays

Your Essential Guide to February 2026: Calendar & Federal Holidays (USA)

Ever feel like you’re playing calendar roulette, trying to figure out which days are truly days off, and which are just ‘observances’? When you’re looking for the February 2026 calendar with federal holidays, you’re not just looking for dates; you’re looking for clarity, for planning power, and for peace of mind. You want to know when the banks are closed, when the post office takes a break, and when you can expect a long weekend. You’ve come to the right place.

February, often seen as a short and chilly month, actually holds one significant federal holiday for Americans, along with a host of other important dates that shape our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a federal employee, a small business owner, a parent juggling school schedules, or just someone who wants to make the most of their time, understanding the calendar is crucial. I’ve broken down February 2026 to give you everything you need to plan effectively, avoid surprises, and leverage every opportunity.

February 2026 at a Glance: Your Quick Calendar View

Let’s kick things off with a straightforward look at February 2026. This month begins on a Sunday and, as a non-leap year, comprises 28 days, ending on a Saturday. While it’s the shortest month, it packs a punch with its lone federal holiday and many cultural touchstones.

Below is your easy-to-read February 2026 calendar grid, marking weekends and the pivotal federal holiday:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16 (Presidents’ Day)	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28

Diving Deep: Federal Holidays in February 2026

When we talk about ‘federal holidays,’ we’re talking about specific days designated by the U.S. government that grant most federal employees a paid day off. These holidays also mean that non-essential federal government offices are closed, and services like mail delivery and banking are often impacted. For February 2026, there is one federal holiday that fits this description.

February 2026 Federal Holidays & Their Impact

Here’s the definitive list of federal holidays for February 2026, along with what you can expect:

Date	Day of Week	Holiday Name	Observed By (Generally)	Key Implications
February 16, 2026	Monday	Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)	Federal Employees, Banks, Post Offices, Schools (some)	No mail delivery, most banks closed, federal offices closed, stock market closed. Many schools and some private businesses also close.

Presidents’ Day: A Deeper Look

Presidents’ Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is observed on the third Monday in February. In 2026, this falls on February 16th. This holiday originally commemorated George Washington’s birthday (February 22nd), but over time, it evolved to honor all U.S. presidents. It’s often associated with celebrating the lives and achievements of both Washington and Abraham Lincoln (whose birthday is February 12th).

What does this mean for you?

• Government Services: Expect federal government offices to be closed. This includes DMV offices in many states.
• Postal Service: There will be no regular mail delivery, and post offices will be closed.
• Banking: Most banks and credit unions will be closed. Plan your financial transactions accordingly.
• Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will be closed.
• Schools: Many public and private schools observe Presidents’ Day, resulting in a day off for students and staff. Check your local school district calendar.
• Retail: Don’t expect widespread retail closures. In fact, it’s a popular time for sales, especially for cars and home goods, often marketed as “Presidents’ Day sales.”

Unofficial Observances Often Confused with Federal Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in the myriad of special days listed on various calendars. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between a *federal holiday and other national observances or commemorative days* that do not typically result in a day off from work or school for the general population (or even federal employees).

• Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th): While Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is a historically significant date and observed in some states (like California, Illinois, and New York) with state holidays, it is not a federal holiday. Federal services and banks will operate normally.
• Valentine’s Day (February 14th): This popular cultural holiday, dedicated to love and affection, is purely an observance and definitely not a federal holiday.
• Groundhog Day (February 2nd): A whimsical tradition focused on predicting spring, Groundhog Day is an observance and not a federal holiday.
• Darwin Day (February 12th): Celebrated to commemorate the birth of naturalist Charles Darwin, this is an international observance for the scientific community, not a federal holiday.

Understanding this distinction is vital for accurate planning, especially when it comes to work, banking, and mail services.

Beyond the Calendar: Planning Your February 2026

A calendar is just a grid of dates until you apply it to your life. Knowing when federal holidays fall can significantly impact your personal and professional plans. Let’s look at how you can leverage this information for a smoother February.

Work & Business Planning

For employees and business owners, Presidents’ Day can be either a welcome break or a logistical challenge. If you work in a federal capacity, enjoy your long weekend! If you’re in the private sector, your company’s policy dictates whether you get the day off.

• Staffing: If your business aligns with federal holidays, ensure you have adequate staffing for the preceding and following days, especially if employees take extra time off for a longer break.
• Deadlines: Factor in Presidents’ Day when setting or reviewing deadlines that involve banking, mail, or federal agencies. A Monday closure means less time in the work week.
• Client Expectations: Communicate clearly with clients about your operating hours and any potential service interruptions around the holiday.

Financial Planning & Banking

The closure of banks and the stock market on Presidents’ Day means you need to be proactive with your finances:

• Transactions: Plan any critical bank transfers, bill payments, or cheque deposits before the holiday weekend to avoid delays.
• Stock Market: If you’re an investor, remember that markets are closed. No trading will occur on February 16th.
• Paychecks: While direct deposits usually process on time, if your payday typically falls on a Monday that is a holiday, you might receive it on the preceding Friday. Confirm with your employer.

Travel & Leisure Considerations

A three-day weekend is an excellent opportunity for a quick getaway, but it comes with its own considerations:

• Crowds: Expect increased traffic and larger crowds at popular tourist destinations, airports, and major roadways.
• Bookings: If you’re planning to travel, book flights, accommodations, and rental cars well in advance to secure better prices and availability.
• Family Time: If schools are closed, it’s a perfect chance for family activities or short trips. Consider local events or attractions that might be running special holiday programming.

Educational & Community Impact

For families with children in school, Presidents’ Day is often a welcome break. Beyond that, February is a month of significant cultural and historical observances:

• School Schedules: Double-check your school district’s calendar for specific closures on Presidents’ Day.
• Local Events: Many communities host events commemorating Black History Month or Presidents’ Day. Look for opportunities to engage and learn.
• Libraries & Museums: While federal museums may close on Presidents’ Day, many local libraries and private museums remain open, sometimes with special programming.

Key Dates & Observances Throughout February 2026 (Beyond Federal)

Beyond the single federal holiday, February is rich with other important dates and cultural observances. While these don’t typically mean a day off, they hold significant meaning and are often celebrated or acknowledged across the country. Here’s a look at some notable dates for February 2026:

Date	Day of Week	Observance	Significance / What It Is
February 1-28	Throughout month	Black History Month	Dedicated to celebrating the achievements and recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
February 2	Monday	Groundhog Day	Tradition where a groundhog’s emergence from its burrow predicts an early spring or extended winter.
February 12	Thursday	Lincoln’s Birthday	Commemorates the birth of Abraham Lincoln; observed as a state holiday in some areas, but not federal.
February 14	Saturday	Valentine’s Day	A popular day to express love and affection, often with gifts and romantic gestures.
February 18	Wednesday	Ash Wednesday	The first day of Lent in Western Christianity, marked by repentance and spiritual reflection.

Preparing for 2026: Why Planning Ahead Matters

Being prepared isn’t just about knowing the dates; it’s about anticipating the ripple effects. The seemingly small detail of a federal holiday can influence everything from your work schedule to your travel plans, and even your financial transactions. By understanding the February 2026 calendar and its federal holidays now, you’re empowering yourself to make informed decisions, mitigate potential disruptions, and truly maximize your time.

Don’t let February’s brevity fool you. With just one federal holiday and a host of other significant dates, it’s a month that demands attention to detail. Use this guide to confidently navigate your month, knowing exactly what to expect and how to plan around it. Here’s to a well-organized and productive February 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the only federal holiday in February 2026?

The only federal holiday in February 2026 is Presidents’ Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, observed on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Will banks and post offices be closed on Presidents’ Day 2026?

Yes, most banks and post offices across the United States will be closed on Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026. This means no mail delivery and banking transactions will be delayed until the next business day.

Is Lincoln’s Birthday a federal holiday in February 2026?

No, Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th) is not a federal holiday. While some states observe it as a state holiday, federal offices, banks, and the postal service will operate normally nationwide on this day.

Are schools closed on Presidents’ Day 2026?

Many public and private schools observe Presidents’ Day, so there’s a good chance students will have a day off on February 16, 2026. However, it’s always best to check your specific school district’s calendar for confirmation.

What other important observances happen in February 2026?

Beyond Presidents’ Day, February 2026 includes Black History Month (all month), Groundhog Day (Feb 2), Valentine’s Day (Feb 14), and Ash Wednesday (Feb 18). These are not federal holidays but are widely recognized.

How does Presidents’ Day affect financial markets?

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will be closed on Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026. This means there will be no trading in the U.S. stock market on this federal holiday.