Gateway National Recreation Area in February
February at Gateway National Recreation Area averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 29°F, with about 3" of precipitation and roughly 9" of snow. Visitation runs about 0.6× the park's average month, which makes February a quiet month here.
- Average low
- 29°F
- Average high
- 42°F
Range across the year: 28°F to 85°F
- Precipitation
- 3.0 in
- Snowfall
- 9 in
- Daylight
- 10.4 hours
Roughly 5% of the park's yearly visitors come in February: about 467,000 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 Gateway; by contrast July, the busiest, runs about 1.6× the average — so February is the easiest time to have the place largely to yourself.
On our Best Time to Visit score February rates 45/100 ("Fair"). Our recommended month is October: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 36°F is cool, so layers and a shorter daylight window matter. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.9 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 37% 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 10.4 hours of daylight in February to explore — between the 9.1-hour midwinter low and the 14.9-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 7,696,939 recreation visits, down 13.8% from 8,929,035 in 2024.
How February compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F / 28°F | 0.7× Quiet | 42 Poor |
| February | 42°F / 29°F | 0.6× Quiet | 45 Fair |
| March | 50°F / 35°F | 0.8× Quiet | 44 Poor |
All twelve months at Gateway, with the best time to visit.
Things to do at Gateway in February
The National Park Service tags 4 Gateway activities for winter. Each links to the park's own page for it.
- Cross Country Skiing at Floyd Bennett Field · 2-4 hours
- Birdwatching at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge · 1-3 hours
- Fishing at Gateway · 1-8 hours
- Sandy Hook Multi Use Path · 1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
February averages a daytime high near 42°F and an overnight low around 29°F at Gateway National Recreation Area, with about 3 inches of precipitation and roughly 9 inches of snow. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 3.9 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
February is quiet at Gateway National Recreation Area (about 0.6× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Fair" at 45/100. Our recommended month is October.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is February. February sits at about 0.6× the park's average, or 5% of annual visitation.
A typical February sees about 467,000 recreation visits at Gateway National Recreation Area, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Gateway in February
Booking a February trip to Gateway National Recreation Area? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live February availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gateway
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 Gateway in February?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Gateway 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.