Salt Lake City in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Salt Lake City
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect powder skiing conditions - February delivers Utah's legendary champagne powder with 356 cm (140 inches) average snowfall and consistent temperatures between -12°C to -1°C (10°F to 30°F) at ski resorts
- Peak winter sports season with all four major ski resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Park City, Deer Valley) fully operational and offering night skiing until 9pm most evenings
- Winter festival season including Sundance Film Festival (January 23-February 2, 2025) spillover events, Utah Winter Games, and Chinese New Year celebrations in the International District
- Significantly lower accommodation rates compared to December holidays - hotel prices drop 40-60% after New Year's week, with midweek stays averaging $89-$149 versus $200+ in December
Considerations
- Extreme temperature swings from -18°C to 7°C (0°F to 45°F) requiring layered clothing and multiple outfit changes throughout the day
- Valley air quality issues during temperature inversions - 8-12 days per February experience unhealthy air quality indexes above 150, particularly affecting those with respiratory conditions
- Limited daylight for sightseeing with sunrise at 7:20am and sunset at 6:10pm, giving only 10 hours 50 minutes of daylight for outdoor exploration
Best Activities in February
Alta and Snowbird Backcountry Skiing Tours
February offers optimal backcountry conditions in Little Cottonwood Canyon with 2-3 meter (6-10 foot) snowpack and minimal avalanche risk on guided routes. Morning temperatures of -12°C (10°F) create perfect powder preservation, while afternoon warming to -1°C (30°F) provides comfortable skiing conditions. Professional guides navigate terrain that receives 13-15 cm (5-6 inches) of fresh snow every 3-4 days.
Park City Mountain Resort Night Skiing
February extends skiing into evening hours with night operations until 9pm on 22 illuminated trails covering 405 hectares (1,000 acres). Evening temperatures around -7°C (20°F) maintain excellent snow conditions while avoiding crowded daytime slopes. Night skiing operates Wednesday through Saturday with significantly reduced lift lines.
Great Salt Lake Winter Photography Tours
February creates unique photographic opportunities with lake-effect snow, frozen shorelines, and dramatic temperature inversions creating fog layers. Golden hour occurs 7:20-8:00am and 5:30-6:10pm with crystalline air clarity on inversion-free days. Antelope Island becomes accessible via causeway with bison herds against snow-covered mountains.
Temple Square and Historic Downtown Walking Tours
February transforms Temple Square with elaborate light displays remaining from holiday season through February 14th. Indoor portions of tours provide warmth during -7°C (20°F) midday temperatures, while outdoor segments benefit from lower tourist volumes. Pioneer-era buildings offer historical context with heated visitor centers every 200 meters (650 feet).
Bonneville Salt Flats Winter Exploration
February offers rare conditions when salt flats partially flood and freeze, creating mirror-like ice surfaces reflecting surrounding mountains. The 121 square kilometer (30,000 acre) expanse becomes a unique winter landscape accessible via I-80 west, requiring 4WD vehicles in snow conditions. Sunrise at 7:20am provides optimal lighting for 90 minutes.
Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon
February provides 1-2 meter (3-6 foot) snow depths perfect for snowshoeing without avalanche concerns on lower elevation trails. Millcreek Canyon restricts vehicle traffic on odd-numbered dates, creating peaceful winter hiking 16 kilometers (10 miles) from downtown. Trails range from 1.6-8 km (1-5 miles) with elevation gains of 150-600 meters (500-2,000 feet).
February Events & Festivals
Sundance Film Festival Extended Screenings
Post-festival screenings continue through early February at local theaters showcasing award winners and audience favorites from the main festival. Salt Lake City venues offer more accessible tickets ($15-$35) compared to Park City premium pricing, with screenings at Broadway Centre Cinemas and other downtown locations.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Salt Lake's International District hosts authentic celebrations with lion dances, traditional performances, and authentic Sichuan and Cantonese food vendors. The celebration centers around 200 South and 200 West with indoor venues providing warmth during February weather. Features cultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Utah Winter Games
Amateur winter sports competitions across multiple Salt Lake venues including Utah Munich and local ski resorts. Spectator events include ski jumping, bobsled demonstrations, and figure skating competitions. Many events offer free spectator access with paid parking ($10-$15 daily).