Exploring Illinois in February: Embrace the Winter

The second month of the year can be a harsh one in the Prairie State, with cold temperatures, snow, and ice often making an appearance. However, February in Illinois also offers a chance to embrace the winter season through fun outdoor activities and unique events around the state. From celebrating the annual return of eagles to the region to quirky Groundhog Day festivities, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore Illinois during this winter month.

Wintery Weather Patterns

Based on climatological normals from 1991-2020, February is typically one of the coldest months in Illinois. Average highs range from the low 30s in northern areas like Rockford and the Quad Cities to the upper 40s in the far southern tip around Cairo. Overnight lows dip into the teens and 20s for most of the state. Chicago’s average February temperatures are 36°F for the high and 22°F for the low.

While cold, February 2023 was exceptionally mild for Illinois, ranking as the 3rd warmest February on record statewide with an average temperature of 39.4°F, a whopping 8.3 degrees above normal. Several locations set new all-time February high temperature records, including 77°F in Peoria, Charleston, and Moline and 73°F in Rockford. The abnormally warm month capped off another very mild climatological winter season in Illinois that ranked as the 3rd warmest on record statewide at 5.1°F above normal.

Precipitation-wise, February is typically one of the drier winter months across Illinois. The statewide average of 0.53 inches of precipitation made last February the 4th driest on record. However, the drier conditions are often offset by periodic bouts of snow and ice.

While lacking the huge snowstorms that can bury parts of Illinois in January, February can still dish out occasional heavy snow events. One of the most memorable February snowstorms was the 15-18 inches that fell across central Illinois on February 27-28, 1900, setting all-time records in cities like Peoria and Springfield that stood for over a century. More recently, a late February 2023 winter storm system spawned 16 tornadoes across Illinois – unusual for so early in the year – with several strong, long-track twisters causing damage and two fatalities.

Wintry Phenomena

With its cold and occasionally snowy conditions, February offers chances to witness some unique winter weather phenomena around Illinois.

Snow rollers are an interesting phenomenon that can occur when wind causes strips of snow to roll along the ground, forming cylindrical shapes. These quirky snowballs were seen across parts of central Illinois in February 2003 after a thundersnow event and again in February 2014 as wet snow accumulated on icy ground surfaces.

Winter is also primetime for spotting bald eagles around Illinois waterways. The raptors migrate south from Canada and the Great Lakes in search of open water for feeding. Prime viewing spots include areas along the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio Rivers as well as lakes and reservoirs like Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Eagle-watching events are popular in destinations like Alton, Starved Rock State Park, and other locations in January and February.

Icy conditions frequently occur during the winter months as well. While dangerous for travel, ice storms can create beautiful crystalline coatings on trees and surfaces when freezing rain accumulates. This occurred most recently in February 2008 across southern Illinois between I-64 and the Ohio River when ice accretions exceeded 3/4 inch thick in spots.

February Events and Activities

Despite the cold, there are plenty of ways to get out and embrace winter during February across Illinois.

Chicago is always a hot destination this month thanks to the annual Chicago Auto Show, which has been held annually since 1901 making it the largest and longest-running auto show in North America. Over 1000 vehicles are on display at McCormick Place each February.

Another huge draw is Chicago Theatre Week in mid-February, featuring discounted tickets and deals on shows across the city. Now in its 10th year, it’s a great opportunity to take in acclaimed Chicago theatre productions.

In the suburbs, places like Orland Park host outdoor ice skating rinks and other “Winter Wonderland” activities during February. The charming town of St. Charles has its annual restaurant week promotion. And in Rockford, visitors can check out dazzling snow sculptures created by artists competing to represent Illinois at national snow sculpting events.

Several unique February festivals celebrate the arrival of spring just around the corner. In the Mississippi River town of Alton, the Eagle Ice Festival showcases live eagles along with ice carving, axe throwing, local food and drinks, and more frosty fun.

Springfield has its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in mid-March. But the March festivities really get rolling in Chicago each year with the famous dyeing of the Chicago River a vibrant green shade before the downtown St. Patrick’s parade steps off.

Perhaps the quirkiest February tradition in Illinois though is the Groundhog Day celebration in Woodstock, where the hit 1993 comedy film was shot. Years later, the town still goes all out with events like chili cook-offs, screenings, tours of filming locations and more each year on or around February 2nd.

Winter outdoor adventures can also be had at places like Starved Rock State Park, which offers guided bald eagle trolley tours in January and February to see the majestic birds in their natural habitat along the Illinois River. Many of Illinois’ world-class state parks, recreation areas and forest preserves have trails open for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and more during the winter months when conditions allow.

Warm up and lift your spirits in February by following the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail’s Winter Passport program, where you can earn discounts by sipping your way through the region’s wineries.

So while February can certainly be a cold and snowy month in Illinois, it’s also a time of year with unique wintry events and opportunities to get out and embrace the season. From eagle-watching to celebrating Groundhog Day, ice festivals to theatrical performances, February has a diverse slate of activities across the Prairie State to help shake off the winter blues.