Catoctin Mountain Park in February
February at Catoctin Mountain Park averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 25°F, with about 3" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 0.5× the park's average month, which makes February a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 25°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 3.0 in
- Daylight
- 10.5 hours
Roughly 4% of the park's yearly visitors come in February: about 17,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
It is the quietest month of the year at Catoctin Mountain; by contrast October, the busiest, runs about 1.4× the average — so February is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score February rates 47/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is May: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 33°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.1 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 31% of annual visitors, choosing February instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 10.5 hours of daylight in February to explore — between the 9.2-hour midwinter low and the 14.8-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 460,857 recreation visits, up 21.1% from 380,681 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has risen about 40.8%, so a February visit is likely to feel busier than it did a few years ago.
How February compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F / 23°F | 0.6× Quiet | 41 Poor |
| February | 42°F / 25°F | 0.5× Quiet | 47 Fair |
| March | 52°F / 31°F | 0.8× Quiet | 42 Poor |
All twelve months at Catoctin Mountain, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Catoctin Mountain in February
The National Park Service tags 15 Catoctin Mountain activities for winter. Here are 8 of them. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Orienteering
- Birdwatching - Brown's Farm Trail · 30-60 minutes
- Brown's Farm Trail · 30-45 minutes
- Catoctin Junior Ranger Program · 40-120 minutes
- Deerfield Nature Trail · 40-60 minutes
- Fly Fishing
- Hike to Thurmont Vista: The Pink Blazed Trail · 1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
February averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 25°F at Catoctin Mountain Park, with about 3 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 1.1 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
February is quiet at Catoctin Mountain Park (about 0.5× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 47/100. Our recommended month is May.
The busiest month is October and the quietest is February. February sits at about 0.5× the park's average, or 4% of annual visitation.
A typical February sees about 17,000 recreation visits at Catoctin Mountain Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Catoctin Mountain in February
Booking a February trip to Catoctin Mountain Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live February availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Catoctin Mountain
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Catoctin Mountain in February?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Catoctin Mountain by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in February.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.