Things to Do in Baltimore in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Baltimore
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter restaurant weeks and culinary events mean prix fixe menus at top restaurants for 30-40% less than regular pricing, typically $35-45 for three courses that would normally run $60-80
- Indoor attractions like the National Aquarium, American Visionary Art Museum, and Maryland Science Center have virtually no lines compared to summer crowds, and you can actually enjoy exhibits without being rushed
- Hotel rates drop significantly after New Year's, with waterfront properties in Inner Harbor running $120-180 per night versus $250-350 in peak summer months
- February tends to have crisp, clear days perfect for photography at Fells Point and Federal Hill, with that golden winter light photographers love and none of the summer haze that washes out the harbor views
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable in February, you might get a sunny 16°C (60°F) day perfect for walking around, or a gray 2°C (35°F) afternoon with biting wind off the Chesapeake that makes outdoor activities miserable
- Many seasonal attractions are closed or operating on reduced hours, including harbor cruises, some waterfront restaurants, and outdoor markets like the Sunday farmers market at 32nd Street
- Daylight is limited with sunset around 5:45pm early in the month, which cuts into your sightseeing time and means you'll be doing most activities in artificial light or rushing to finish before dark
Best Activities in February
Inner Harbor Museum Circuit
February is actually the best time to tackle Baltimore's museum row because the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and Historic Ships collection have minimal crowds. You can spend 20-30 minutes at the aquarium's dolphin exhibit instead of jostling for position, and the indoor climate control means weather is irrelevant. The aquarium stays around 22°C (72°F) year-round, which feels particularly good when it's cold and damp outside.
Fells Point Walking Food Tours
The historic waterfront neighborhood is perfect for walking tours in February because the cold weather means you're constantly ducking into warm pubs, bakeries, and restaurants. The area's cobblestone streets are atmospheric in winter, and the food tour format gives you structure and warmth. Tours typically hit 5-7 stops over 2.5-3 hours, which is about the right amount of outdoor time before you get too cold.
Fort McHenry Historical Visits
The birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner is actually more powerful in winter when you have the windswept ramparts mostly to yourself. February crowds are tiny compared to summer tourist hordes, and the fort's indoor museum provides warm refuge between outdoor exploration. The stark winter landscape helps you imagine what the 1814 battle actually felt like. Plan for 2-3 hours total, splitting time between indoor exhibits and outdoor fortifications.
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum Tours
Baltimore's most famous literary resident gets extra atmospheric in February when the row house museum feels appropriately Gothic and gloomy. The small space means tours are intimate, usually 8-12 people maximum, and February sees the smallest groups. The combination of indoor museum time and short walks through historic neighborhoods works well when weather is variable. You can easily combine this with Mount Vernon cultural district visits.
American Visionary Art Museum Extended Visits
This outsider art museum is perfect for February because you can easily spend 3-4 hours inside exploring three floors of bizarre, fascinating exhibits without weather being a factor. The museum stays comfortably heated, and the cafe provides a good lunch break spot. February typically sees new exhibit installations, so you might catch opening events. The sculpture garden outside is worth a quick walk if you get a clear day above 10°C (50°F).
Lexington Market and Cross Street Market Food Exploration
Baltimore's public markets are ideal for February because they're fully enclosed and heated, letting you sample local specialties like crab cakes, pit beef, and Berger cookies without dealing with weather. The markets are working-class authentic, not tourist productions, so you'll see how locals actually eat. Cross Street Market recently renovated and offers more upscale options, while Lexington Market is grittier and more traditional. Budget 1.5-2 hours per market.
February Events & Festivals
Baltimore Restaurant Week
Typically runs for two weeks in late January into early February, featuring prix fixe menus at 50-60 participating restaurants. This is genuinely the best time to try high-end spots like Charleston or Wit and Wisdom at a fraction of normal cost. Three-course dinners run $35-45 instead of $70-90, and you're supporting local restaurants during their slowest season.
Maryland Film Festival Preview Events
While the main festival happens in May, February often features preview screenings and filmmaker talks at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway and Charles Theatre. These are smaller, more intimate events than the main festival, and tickets are easier to get. Worth checking the schedule if you're into independent film.