Lithuania in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Lithuania
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect winter atmosphere - Vilnius covered in snow looks like a fairytale medieval city with Gothic spires and cobblestones under white blankets
- Užgavėnės (Lithuanian Mardi Gras) happens in February - authentic carnival with traditional masks, pancakes, and winter burning ceremonies that tourists rarely experience
- Lowest accommodation prices of the year - boutique hotels in Vilnius cost 40-60% less than summer rates, starting from €35-50 per night
- Authentic Baltic winter culture - experience traditional Lithuanian winter foods like cepelinai and šaltibarščiai, plus sauna culture and ice fishing that locals actually do
Considerations
- Extremely limited daylight - sun rises at 8:15am and sets at 5:30pm, giving you only 9 hours of natural light for sightseeing
- Baltic wind chill makes -3°C (27°F) feel like -12°C (10°F) - the coastal influence creates penetrating cold that cuts through regular winter clothing
- Many outdoor attractions closed or limited - Hill of Crosses has restricted access, Trakai Castle boat tours suspended, and Curonian Spit ferry services reduced to weekends only
Best Activities in February
Vilnius Old Town Winter Walking Tours
February snow transforms UNESCO-listed Vilnius into a winter wonderland. Gothic architecture looks spectacular against white backdrops, and you'll have major sites like Gediminas Tower and Vilnius nearly to yourself. Morning tours (10am-12pm) offer the best light and fewer crowds. Traditional hot chocolate stops included at historic cafes.
Traditional Lithuanian Sauna and Wellness
February is peak sauna season in Lithuania. Authentic Lithuanian banjas (steam baths) with birch branches are perfect after cold outdoor exploring. Many facilities offer traditional treatments with honey, salt, and local herbs. Best experienced late afternoon (4pm-7pm) when it's already dark outside.
Trakai Castle Winter Photography
While boat tours are suspended, Trakai Castle surrounded by frozen lakes creates Lithuania's most iconic winter scene. February offers the best snow coverage and frozen lake surfaces. Golden hour happens early (4pm-5pm) making afternoon visits perfect for photography. Indoor castle museum provides warming breaks.
Traditional Craft Workshops in Kaunas
February is perfect for indoor cultural experiences. Kaunas offers authentic Lithuanian craft workshops including amber jewelry making, traditional weaving, and ceramic pottery. Workshops run 2-3 hours and include hot tea and local pastries. Many take place in historic Bratislava buildings with original heating systems.
Lithuanian Brewery and Distillery Tours
February is prime season for sampling Lithuanian winter spirits and craft beers. Traditional gira (fermented bread drink) and local brandies warm you from inside. Many breweries offer heated tasting rooms with traditional Lithuanian snacks. Tours include production processes and multi-course pairings with local foods.
Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Classes
Learn to make hearty February comfort foods like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), and traditional rye bread. Classes take place in warm traditional kitchens and include full meals. Perfect activity for cold afternoons, typically running 3-4 hours with recipe cards to take home.
February Events & Festivals
Užgavėnės (Lithuanian Mardi Gras)
Lithuania's most authentic winter festival featuring traditional masks, pancake eating, and burning winter effigies. Each town celebrates differently - Vilnius has street performances, Kaunas features traditional crafts, and rural areas host authentic folk celebrations with horse-drawn sleighs.
Vilnius International Film Festival Kino Pavasaris
Eastern Europe's premier film festival showcasing Baltic cinema and international selections. Perfect indoor cultural activity during cold February weather. Screenings happen in heated historic cinemas across Vilnius with post-film discussions and warm refreshments.