Things to Do in Kolkata in February

February Weather in Kolkata

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak winter weather: Daytime temperatures of 24-29°C (75-84°F) with cool evenings at 15-18°C (59-64°F) create perfect conditions for walking tours and outdoor exploration without the oppressive heat of other months
Crystal clear air quality: Post-monsoon atmospheric conditions mean visibility is excellent for photography at Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, plus minimal pollution compared to Delhi winters
Festival season culmination: Saraswati Puja (early February) transforms the city with street decorations and cultural programs, while Kolkata Book Fair runs the entire month with over 2 million visitors creating incredible literary energy
Comfortable humidity at 65%: Unlike the 85%+ humidity of summer months, February's dry air makes walking through North Kolkata's narrow lanes and exploring multiple museums in one day actually enjoyable

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing: Hotel rates increase 40-60% compared to monsoon months, and popular restaurants like Peter Cat and Flurys have 30-45 minute wait times during dinner hours
Morning fog until 9-10am: Dense winter fog can disrupt early morning flights and reduces visibility for sunrise photography at Princep Ghat, requiring flexible morning scheduling
Cool evenings require layers: Temperature drops to 15-18°C (59-64°F) after sunset, catching tropical-climate visitors unprepared for the 12-14°C (22-25°F) temperature swing from day to night

Best Activities in February

Heritage Walking Tours Through North Kolkata

February's cool mornings (18-22°C/64-72°F) are ideal for exploring the labyrinthine streets of Kumartuli potter's quarter and Shobhabazar rajbaris. The dry weather means no muddy lanes, and excellent air quality provides clear views of colonial architecture. Start by 8am to avoid crowds and finish before afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks 5-7 days ahead through certified local guides. Tours typically cost ₹800-1,500 per person for 3-4 hours. Look for guides registered with West Bengal Tourism. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Hooghly River Sunset Cruises

February's clear skies and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for evening river cruises. Temperatures cool to comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) by 5pm, and low humidity means no sticky discomfort on deck. The winter light provides stunning photography of Howrah Bridge and Dakshineswar Temple from water level.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises run 4:30-7pm daily, book 2-3 days ahead during February peak season. Prices range ₹300-800 depending on boat type and duration. Avoid booking during Saraswati Puja week when boats get fully booked. Check current river cruise availability below.

Victoria Memorial and Maidan Exploration

The expansive Maidan grounds are most comfortable in February when you can walk the 3 km (1.9 miles) perimeter without heat exhaustion. Clear winter air means the white marble Victoria Memorial photographs beautifully, and the gardens are in full bloom. Morning visits (8-11am) offer perfect lighting and smaller crowds.

Booking Tip: Victoria Memorial entry is ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners. Book guided tours ₹1,200-2,000 for comprehensive 2-3 hour experiences including museum and gardens. Audio guides available in multiple languages. February requires advance booking for weekend visits.

Traditional Market Food Tours

Cool February weather makes navigating crowded markets like New Market and Gariahat comfortable. Street food vendors have peak winter ingredients, and the dry conditions mean cleaner cooking environments. Early morning market tours (7-10am) let you experience wholesale fish markets at Sealdah and flower markets at Mallick Ghat without overwhelming heat.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ₹1,500-3,000 per person for 3-4 hours including 8-10 tastings. Book with guides who know vendor hygiene standards. February is peak season so book 7-10 days ahead. Look for tours that include both street food and heritage recipes. See current food tour options in the booking section.

Sundarbans Mangrove Day Trips

February offers optimal conditions for Sundarbans visits: clear skies for wildlife spotting, comfortable temperatures for boat travel, and dry paths for creek-side walking. Winter migration brings diverse bird species, and cooler water temperatures mean tigers are more active during midday hours. The 3-hour journey from Kolkata is pleasant in February's mild weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ₹3,500-5,500 including transport, boat, guide, and lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead as February is peak wildlife season. Choose operators with forest department permits and life jackets. Tours depart 6am, return by 8pm. Weather conditions in February have 95% tour completion rate.

Kumartuli Potter's Quarter Workshops

February's dry air is perfect for clay work in Kumartuli, where artisans prepare for upcoming festivals. The comfortable humidity levels mean clay doesn't crack as quickly, allowing for longer hands-on sessions. This is post-Kali Puja season when potters are creating new works rather than mass-producing festival idols, offering more personal interaction.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions cost ₹800-2,000 for 2-3 hours including clay, tools, and basic instruction. Best between 10am-4pm when natural light is optimal. Book through heritage tourism operators or directly with potter families. February workshops fill quickly due to perfect working conditions.

February Events & Festivals

Early February to Early March

Kolkata Book Fair

Asia's largest book fair transforms Central Park into a literary universe with 800+ stalls, author meetings, and cultural programs. Over 2 million visitors create an incredible atmosphere of intellectual energy. Features Bengali, English, and regional language books plus international publishers pavilion.

Early to Mid February

Saraswati Puja

The goddess of knowledge and arts is celebrated with elaborate pandals throughout the city, street decorations, and cultural performances. Schools and colleges organize special programs, and the entire city takes on a festive yellow and white color scheme. Street food vendors offer special puja treats.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light wool sweater or cardigan - Evening temperatures drop to 15-18°C (59-64°F), requiring warm layers after sunset

Breathable cotton shirts and pants - Daytime humidity of 65% in 29°C (84°F) heat makes natural fabrics essential for comfort

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Heritage walks cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) on uneven colonial-era pavements

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 during peak hours (11am-3pm) can cause sunburn during outdoor sightseeing

Lightweight scarf - Protects from morning dust and can double as temple covering for religious site visits

Small daypack - For carrying water, camera, and layers as temperature swings 12-14°C (22-25°F) from day to night

Portable phone charger - Long heritage walking tours and photography sessions drain batteries faster in cooler weather

Light rain jacket - Though February sees minimal rainfall, occasional winter drizzle can occur especially early morning

Comfortable socks for shoe removal - Many temples and heritage homes require removing footwear for entry

Cash in small denominations - Street food vendors, local transport, and temple donations require ₹10-100 notes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Park Street or Ballygunge areas by mid-January - February sees 60% higher occupancy due to Book Fair visitors and pleasant weather bringing domestic tourists

Take advantage of 'winter vegetables' - February markets have peak-season cauliflower, cabbage, and radish that create special dishes unavailable other months, especially at local fish markets where winter catch is freshest

Use morning fog strategically - The 8-10am fog creates dramatic photography opportunities at Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu, but plan backup indoor activities like Indian Museum or Marble Palace for foggy mornings

February is 'wedding season' in Bengali culture - Hotel banquet halls are booked solid weekends, but this creates opportunities to witness traditional Bengali weddings with elaborate decorations and street processions if you're respectfully curious

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating evening temperature drops - Many visitors pack only for 29°C (84°F) daytime temperatures and get uncomfortably cold when temperatures hit 15°C (59°F) after 8pm, especially during river cruises

Not booking heritage walks early enough - February's perfect weather means certified guides get fully booked 7-10 days ahead, and uncertified guides often lack proper historical knowledge or safety protocols

Overpacking warm clothes - First-time visitors often bring heavy winter wear thinking 'India winter' equals cold, but February highs of 29°C (84°F) make heavy jackets unnecessary except for very early morning