Lowcountry Almanac: February

Photographer Phill Doherty captured the beauty of a February sunset on Hilton Head Island, where clouds and vibrant hues paint the sky in a symphony of color. The image invites viewers to pause, breathe and embrace the serene magic of the Lowcountry’s winter landscape.

Embrace purification and self-love as we brace for the coldest month of the year.

February ushers in the year’s coldest days, abundant precipitation and an opportunity for renewal. Named after Februa, an ancient Roman purification festival, it symbolizes purging the old and inviting good health. With its wintry mix of cold air and steady rains, February is ideal for introspection and growth. This guide, drawing from the 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac and Grow Great Vegetables South Carolina, helps turn February’s chill into a catalyst for fresh beginnings. After all, what better time to bloom than when everyone else is hibernating?

Night & day

As the days slowly lengthen, each sunrise and sunset brings a gentle reminder that brighter, warmer days are ahead. 

Sunrise: 6:49 a.m.-7:15 a.m. 

Sunset: 5:57 p.m.-6:21 p.m.

Weather predictions

February in the Lowcountry brings a mix of frigid days, cool showers and possible snow flurries at the end of the month.

Average temperature: 45 degrees 

Precipitation: 3 1/2 inches

Forecast by week

Feb. 1-3: Rain; cold

Feb. 4-9: Sunny, then showers; cold, then mild

Feb. 10-18: Sunny, turning warm

Feb. 19-26: Snow flurries; very cold

Feb. 27-28: Showers, warmer

Tides & currents

Stay in sync with the rhythms of the Lowcountry coast. Click here for the latest tide and current predictions from NOAA.

Astronomical events

February offers celestial wonders to brighten winter nights:

Feb. 1: A perigee moon shines larger and brighter than usual.

Feb. 12: This month’s full moon, also known as a snow moon, will light up the sky.

Feb. 28: A new moon phase begins, making the moon invisible. 

Gardening

Prep

Spread compost and till beds. Finish weeding perennials and give compost. Weed over-wintered greens. Consider a standard soil test through Clemson University. 

Plant

Sow the seeds of spring indoors or directly in the soil for hardy crops. 

Indoors: Start indoors early in the month with cantaloupe, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and watermelons. Continue succession plantings in flats and outdoors, as weather permits. Prepare to transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and brassicas. 

Outdoors: Plant pre-sprouted potatoes early in the month. Transplant cabbage, broccoli, collards, onions, lettuce, kale, fall-sown onions and Brussels sprouts. Sow mid-month beans, okra, cucumber, squash and corn as weather permits.

Harvest

New baby salad greens and radishes join the overwintered bounty. Harvest arugula, kale, Asian greens, Brussels sprouts, carrots, collards, Egyptian onions, leeks, lettuce, mustard, spinach and turnips.

Best days

Looking for the perfect timing? The moon’s phases suggest February’s best days for these activities:

Fishing: Feb. 1-12, 27-28

Cutting hair: Feb. 5-6

Coloring hair: Feb. 4-5

Buying a house: Feb. 4-5

Moving: Feb. 6-7

Traveling for pleasure: Feb. 10-12

Visiting the dentist: Feb. 13-14

Getting married: Feb. 15-17

Starting a weight-loss plan: Feb. 15, 20

Entertain guests: Feb. 10-12

Brewing or canning: Feb. 18-19

Starting a project: Feb. 28