Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in February
February at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 24°F, with about 2.6" of precipitation and roughly 8" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes February a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 24°F
- Average high
- 45°F
Range across the year: 23°F to 84°F
- Precipitation
- 2.6 in
- Snowfall
- 8 in
- Daylight
- 10.5 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in February: about 231,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes February the 11th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the June peak (1.3×) and the January low (0.6×).
On our Best Time to Visit score February rates 44/100 ("Poor"). Our recommended month is October: the lightest crowds of the park's good-weather months.
The daily average of about 35°F is cold, with winter conditions likely on higher ground. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 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 9.3-hour midwinter low and the 14.7-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 4,579,704 recreation visits, up 3.6% from 4,421,276 in 2024.
How February compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F / 23°F | 0.6× Quiet | 43 Poor |
| February | 45°F / 24°F | 0.6× Quiet | 44 Poor |
| March | 53°F / 32°F | 0.9× Average | 35 Poor |
All twelve months at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in February
The National Park Service tags 6 Chesapeake & Ohio Canal activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Skiing and Snowshoeing the C&O Canal Towpath
- Bike the C&O Canal Towpath · 3-5 days
- Explore the Georgetown Waterfront · 60-160 minutes
- Multi-Park Loop
- Paddle the Middle Potomac · 2-4 days
- Take the Scenic Route on the Potomac Heritage Trail · 1-8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
February averages a daytime high near 45°F and an overnight low around 24°F at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with about 2.6 inches of precipitation and roughly 8 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 7.8 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
February is quiet at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Poor" at 44/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is June and the quietest is January. February sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical February sees about 231,000 recreation visits at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in February
Booking a February trip to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live February availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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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.