February 2026 Lowcountry Almanac
A season of subtle change, brighter afternoons and slow beginnings
Story by Bailey Gilliam
Photography by Chris Klonowski
February moves through the Lowcountry poised between winter’s restraint and spring’s first stirrings. The days grow noticeably longer, the light softens, and the marsh begins to hint at change, even if the air still carries a winter edge. Named for Februa, an ancient Roman festival of purification, February has long been associated with cleansing, preparation and renewal. Guided by the 2026 Old Farmer’s Almanac and Grow Great Vegetables South Carolina, this month’s almanac helps you read the subtle signs of the season ahead.
Weather predictions
February brings a gentle shift in the Lowcountry’s winter weather with cool mornings, milder afternoons and the first early nudges toward spring.
Average temperature: 51 degrees (about 4 degrees above average)
Rainfall: 4.5 inches (near average)
Week-by-week forecast
- Feb. 1-4: Sunny, then rain, heavy at times; warmer
- Feb. 5-7: Sunny, much colder
- Feb. 8-13: Rainy, warmer
- Feb. 14-21: Sunny, warm
- Feb. 22-28: Showers, then sunny; turning cooler
Astronomical events
February’s night sky reflects the season’s transition, with shorter stretches of darkness balanced by crisp winter stars.
- Feb. 1: The full moon, often called the Hunger Moon or Snow Moon, lights up the night sky. These names trace back to a time when heavy snow and scarce game made late winter especially lean.
- Feb. 19: Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation, offering the best evening view of the swift planet, low in the west after sunset.
- Feb. 17: A new moon arrives, offering darker skies for stargazing. No major eclipses are visible locally this month.
- Feb. 28: A rare six-planet alignment (Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter) will be visible in the evening sky just after sunset.
In the garden
February triggers momentum in the garden. Winter chores continue, but preparation now sets the tone for the busy weeks ahead.
Prep: Buy seed potatoes, and chit them in flats. Spread compost, and till beds. Finish weeding perennials. Prune grapes and strawberries. Weed overwintered spinach, kale, collards, garlic, onions and other greens.
Plant: While much of the garden remains at rest, a few crops can be started.
- Indoors: Sow sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkins and watermelons.
- Outdoors: Direct sow beans, okra, cucumbers, squash and corn by mid-month, as weather allows.
Harvest: Arugula, Asian greens, carrots, collards, Egyptian onions, kale, leeks, lettuce, mustards, spinach and turnips.
Best days
Looking for good timing? Lunar phases suggest February’s most favorable days for a few everyday pursuits.
- Go fishing: Feb. 1, 17-28
- Paint: Feb. 9-10
- Date night: Feb. 14
- Long weekend getaway: Feb. 14-16
- Buy a home: Feb. 26-27
- Seafood feast: Feb. 28
