February 2026 Calendar With Holidays

February 2026 Calendar & US Holidays: Your Ultimate Planning Guide

February is often seen as a short, chilly month, but don’t let its fewer days fool you. For 2026, February is packed with opportunities for rest, reflection, and celebration. Whether you’re planning a mini-vacation, organizing your work schedule, or simply want to stay on top of important dates, understanding February 2026’s calendar and holidays is essential. You’re about to get the definitive resource for navigating this month, from federal holidays to cultural observances and even some fun, quirky days. Let’s make February 2026 your most organized month yet!

Your Quick-Look February 2026 Calendar

February 2026 kicks off on a Sunday, offering a straightforward start to the shortest month. With 28 days, it’s not a leap year, so no extra day this time. This compact month includes one crucial federal holiday, several significant cultural observances, and opportunities to appreciate the world around us. Here’s a snapshot to help you visualize your month:

The month begins on Sunday, February 1st, and concludes on Saturday, February 28th. Weekends will fall on:

• February 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th

This layout means you have four full weekends, plus a significant mid-month federal holiday for a potential three-day break.

US Federal Holidays in February 2026: Plan Your Long Weekend

Federal holidays are your golden tickets to extended weekends and crucial planning opportunities. In February 2026, we have one such holiday, providing a perfect chance to recharge or travel. Understanding its timing helps you strategically plan time off, appointments, and even potential travel.

Date	Day of Week	Holiday Name	Significance
February 16, 2026	Monday	Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday)	Honors U.S. Presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Most federal offices, banks, and schools are closed.

Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday): Monday, February 16, 2026

Originally established to celebrate George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, Presidents’ Day evolved to honor all U.S. presidents and is now officially celebrated on the third Monday in February. For 2026, this falls on Monday, February 16th.

• Impact: Many government offices, post offices, and banks will be closed. Public schools often have the day off, and some private businesses may also observe it. This makes it a prime opportunity for a three-day weekend.
• Maximize Your Long Weekend: Consider a short road trip, tackling home projects, or simply enjoying a day of relaxation with family and friends. Booking accommodations or travel in advance is always wise if you plan to get away, as others will have the same idea!

Key Observances & Cultural Dates in February 2026

Beyond federal holidays, February is rich with significant observances that reflect cultural traditions, historical milestones, and important causes. While not necessarily days off work, these dates are pivotal for community engagement, personal reflection, and understanding our shared human experience.

Date	Day of Week	Observance Name	Significance / How to Observe
February 1 – February 28	All Month	Black History Month	Dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans and recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
February 2, 2026	Monday	Groundhog Day	A popular tradition where a groundhog predicts the arrival of spring based on whether it sees its shadow.
February 14, 2026	Saturday	Valentine’s Day	A day to celebrate love and affection, often with gifts, cards, and romantic gestures.
February 18, 2026	Wednesday	Ash Wednesday	Marks the first day of Lent for Christians, a period of fasting and prayer.

Groundhog Day: Monday, February 2, 2026

Forget complex meteorological forecasts; on Groundhog Day, we turn to a furry rodent for our spring prediction! Each year on February 2nd, Americans eagerly await the appearance of a groundhog from its burrow. The tradition states that if the groundhog sees its shadow, it will retreat into its burrow, signaling six more weeks of winter. If it doesn’t see its shadow, an early spring is on its way. The most famous prognosticator is Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, whose annual appearance draws crowds and media attention. It’s a charming, lighthearted way to break up the winter doldrums.

Valentine’s Day: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Love is in the air on Saturday, February 14th, as Valentine’s Day arrives. This day is dedicated to celebrating romantic love, friendship, and admiration. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and other tokens of affection. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or simply enjoying some self-love, Valentine’s Day in 2026 offers a perfect Saturday to celebrate those closest to your heart.

Black History Month: All February 2026

Throughout the entire month of February, the United States observes Black History Month. This crucial observance is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans and recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It’s a time for education, reflection, and honoring the often-overlooked stories and struggles that have shaped the nation. You can participate by:

• Learning about influential African American figures.
• Supporting Black-owned businesses and artists.
• Attending local events, lectures, or museum exhibits that highlight Black history.
• Engaging in discussions that promote understanding and equality.

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

For many Christians, Wednesday, February 18th, marks Ash Wednesday, the solemn beginning of the Lenten season. This day traditionally involves receiving ashes on the forehead as a symbol of penitence and mortality. Ash Wednesday initiates a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. If you observe Lent, this date is a significant marker for your spiritual calendar.

February 2026 Moon Phases: Navigate the Lunar Cycle

For stargazers, planners, or those simply attuned to the natural rhythms, tracking the moon phases can be a fascinating addition to your monthly calendar. Here’s when each major lunar phase will occur in February 2026:

Phase	Date	Approximate Time (ET)
Full Moon	February 1, 2026	11:00 PM
Last Quarter Moon	February 9, 2026	4:00 AM
New Moon	February 17, 2026	1:00 PM
First Quarter Moon	February 24, 2026	7:00 PM

Remember, the times listed are approximate and can vary slightly depending on your exact geographical location within the Eastern Time (ET) zone. Knowing these phases can be helpful for planning outdoor activities, photography, or simply appreciating the celestial display.

Fun & Noteworthy Days in February 2026 (Beyond the Essentials)

February isn’t just about federal breaks and solemn observances; it’s also sprinkled with a delightful array of national days and awareness campaigns that can add a little spice to your month. While not official holidays, these dates provide fun opportunities to celebrate, learn, or simply enjoy unique traditions.

Date	Day of Week	Event / Awareness Day	Brief Description
February 4, 2026	Wednesday	World Cancer Day	Raises awareness and encourages prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.
February 9, 2026	Monday	National Pizza Day	Celebrate one of America’s favorite foods – perhaps with a slice or two!
February 17, 2026	Tuesday	Random Acts of Kindness Day	Encourages spontaneous acts of goodwill and compassion.
February 20, 2026	Friday	National Love Your Pet Day	A day to give extra attention and love to our beloved animal companions.
February 26, 2026	Thursday	National Chili Day	Warm up with a bowl of your favorite chili on this designated day!

These days add a lighter touch to your calendar and can be fun prompts for daily activities or learning.

Your February 2026 Planning Checklist: Make the Most of the Month

With all these dates in mind, how do you actually make February 2026 productive and enjoyable? Here’s a practical checklist to help you integrate these insights into your daily life:

• Review Your Work Schedule: Check if your workplace observes Presidents’ Day. If so, plan for a long weekend, or use it to catch up on tasks if you’re working.
• Budget for Celebrations: Factor in any costs for Valentine’s Day gifts, dinners, or other special occasions.
• Engage with Black History Month: Set aside time to read a book by an African American author, watch a documentary, or attend a virtual or local event.
• Connect with Loved Ones: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a regular Tuesday, use February’s focus on love and connection to reach out to friends and family.
• Prioritize Wellness: The shorter, colder days of February can sometimes feel draining. Schedule self-care activities, even small ones, to boost your mood and energy.
• Plan for Lent (if applicable): If you observe Ash Wednesday and Lent, prepare for any spiritual commitments or dietary changes you plan to undertake.
• Organize and Declutter: Use the slightly slower pace of mid-winter to organize your digital files, home, or office, getting a head start on spring cleaning.

February Facts & Figures: What Makes This Month Unique

February is a peculiar month, the shortest of them all, with a rich history and unique characteristics. Let’s delve into some fun facts about February 2026 and what makes it special:

Category	Detail for February 2026
Number of Days	28 days (not a leap year)
Start Day	Sunday
End Day	Saturday
Birthstone	Amethyst (symbolizing sincerity and peace of mind)
Birth Flower	Violet (symbolizing loyalty, humility, and faithfulness) and Primrose (symbolizing young love and devotion)
Zodiac Signs	Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Historical Tidbit	February was once the last month of the Roman calendar before January and February were added.

Knowing these fascinating facts can add a bit of context and charm to your understanding of February. It’s more than just a transition month; it’s a time rich with symbolism and historical quirks!

Printable February 2026 Calendar Options

For those who prefer a tangible planning tool, a printable February 2026 calendar is an invaluable asset. There are many options available online, often for free, that you can customize to your needs:

• Basic Layouts: Simple grids highlighting days and dates.
• Holiday-Marked Versions: Calendars that pre-fill federal holidays and common observances.
• Lined for Notes: Space for jotting down appointments, to-dos, or special reminders.
• Week Numbered: Useful for project planning and understanding the flow of the year.
• Themed Calendars: Fun designs that might feature Valentine’s Day motifs or other seasonal imagery.

Having a physical calendar on your desk or wall can be a great way to stay organized at a glance, allowing you to visually track your commitments and leverage the month’s holidays effectively.

February 2026 might be short, but it’s undoubtedly mighty in its potential for planning, reflection, and celebration. By keeping these key dates and insights in mind, you’re not just marking days off a calendar; you’re intentionally shaping a productive, meaningful month. Go forth and conquer February!

Frequently Asked Questions

What federal holiday is in February 2026?

In February 2026, the only federal holiday is Presidents’ Day (also known as Washington’s Birthday), which falls on Monday, February 16, 2026. This creates a three-day weekend for many Americans.

How many days are in February 2026?

February 2026 has 28 days. It is not a leap year, so there is no February 29th.

What significant cultural events happen in February 2026?

February 2026 includes several significant cultural events: Black History Month (all month), Groundhog Day (February 2), Valentine’s Day (February 14), and Ash Wednesday (February 18), marking the start of Lent for Christians.

When is the Full Moon in February 2026?

The Full Moon in February 2026 is expected on Sunday, February 1, 2026, around 11:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).

What are the birthstone and birth flowers for February?

The birthstone for February is Amethyst, symbolizing sincerity and peace of mind. The birth flowers are the Violet, representing loyalty and faithfulness, and the Primrose, signifying young love and devotion.

How can I make the most of February 2026?

To make the most of February 2026, plan around Presidents’ Day for a long weekend, engage with Black History Month activities, celebrate Valentine’s Day, use the month to declutter or organize, and prioritize self-care during the shorter days.