Things to Do in New Delhi in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in New Delhi
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Pleasant daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make February one of the most comfortable months for outdoor sightseeing - you can actually walk through Red Fort or Humayun's Tomb without feeling like you're melting. The mornings are especially lovely, with temperatures around 11-15°C (51-59°F) that feel crisp and refreshing.
- Virtually zero rainfall means you won't need to plan around monsoon showers. Those 10 rainy days in the data are typically light winter drizzle or overnight mist, not the kind of downpours that ruin outdoor plans. You can confidently book outdoor activities without weather backup plans.
- Republic Day on January 26th creates a celebratory atmosphere that carries into early February, with decorations still up around Rajpath and India Gate. The city feels particularly vibrant and patriotic during this period, and locals are in a festive mood.
- Air quality in February tends to be significantly better than October through January, when Delhi's notorious smog peaks. While it's not pristine, the AQI typically drops from hazardous to moderate levels, making it much more comfortable for visitors with respiratory sensitivities. You'll actually be able to see the sky most days.
Considerations
- Morning fog can be surprisingly thick until 9-10am, especially in early February. This occasionally delays flights and makes early morning photography at the Taj Mahal less spectacular than you'd hope. If you're planning a sunrise visit to monuments, late February is more reliable than early February.
- The 11°C (51°F) morning temperatures catch many first-time visitors off guard - Delhi gets genuinely cold at dawn. You'll see locals bundled in wool shawls and jackets, and those open-air cycle rickshaw rides feel pretty chilly before 10am. Hotels in budget categories often lack proper heating.
- February sits at the tail end of peak tourist season, so popular monuments like Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple still draw substantial crowds, particularly on weekends. Prices for mid-range and luxury hotels remain elevated compared to the summer months, though they start dropping toward the end of February.
Best Activities in February
Old Delhi Walking Food Tours
February's cool mornings make walking through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar actually enjoyable rather than suffocating. The 11-15°C (51-59°F) morning temperatures mean you can comfortably explore the spice markets, taste paranthe at Paranthe Wali Gali, and sample street food without the oppressive heat that makes this impossible in summer. The lack of rainfall means you're not navigating muddy, crowded lanes. Start by 8am to catch the morning energy when vendors are setting up and locals are having their first chai. The food scene is particularly vibrant in winter months when seasonal ingredients like gajar halwa and til laddoos are everywhere.
Agra Day Trips to Taj Mahal
February offers ideal conditions for the 3-4 hour journey to Agra and back. The Taj Mahal looks spectacular in the crisp winter light, and the 24°C (75°F) afternoon temperatures make exploring the marble monument comfortable rather than brutal. Sunrise visits are popular but remember that early February fog can obscure the view until mid-morning. Late February offers clearer dawn conditions. The gardens are at their greenest after the winter season, and you can actually spend time sitting and appreciating the architecture without heat exhaustion. The 230 km (143 mile) drive from Delhi is pleasant in February weather.
Lodhi Garden and Mehrauli Archaeological Park Cycling
February mornings are perfect for cycling through Delhi's historic garden complexes. The 11-15°C (51-59°F) temperatures make the 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) rides through Lodhi Garden's 15th-century tombs and Mehrauli's 200-acre archaeological complex genuinely pleasant. You'll see locals doing morning yoga and jogging, and the gardens are at their most beautiful with winter flowers blooming. The lack of rain means the paths are dry and well-maintained. This is how Delhi residents actually experience their city - outdoors in the early morning before the day heats up.
Sufi Music Evenings at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Thursday evening qawwali sessions at Nizamuddin Dargah are a Delhi institution, and February's comfortable evening temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make the experience more enjoyable. You'll sit on the ground in the courtyard listening to devotional Sufi music, and the cool air means you can stay for the full 1-2 hour performance without discomfort. The spiritual atmosphere is genuine - this isn't a tourist show but a living tradition. The nearby Nizamuddin Basti area offers excellent Mughlai food afterward, and walking through the historic neighborhood is pleasant in February evenings.
Neemrana Fort and Rajasthan Village Day Trips
The 122 km (76 mile) drive to Neemrana Fort and surrounding Rajasthan villages makes for an excellent February day trip. The fort sits on a hill with spectacular views, and February's clear skies mean visibility extends for kilometers across the Aravalli landscape. The 24°C (75°F) daytime temperatures make exploring the fort's multiple levels and terraces comfortable. Many tours include stops at traditional pottery villages and textile workshops where you can see artisans at work. The rural Rajasthan experience feels authentic, and the cooler weather means you can actually enjoy walking through villages rather than seeking shade.
Photography Walks Through Hauz Khas Village and Ruins
February's soft winter light is ideal for photography, and Hauz Khas offers a unique mix of 14th-century ruins and contemporary art galleries. The morning golden hour around 7-8am provides beautiful side-lighting for the medieval water tank and surrounding monuments. The UV index of 8 means strong midday light, but the 70 percent humidity is low enough that you won't get lens fog. The village area comes alive in late afternoon and evening when galleries open and cafes fill with Delhi's creative crowd. This is where young Delhi actually hangs out, creating interesting contrast with the historical ruins.
February Events & Festivals
Beating Retreat Ceremony
Held on January 29th at Vijay Chowk, this military ceremony officially marks the end of Republic Day celebrations but the atmosphere continues into early February. The ceremony features military bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force performing as the sun sets against the backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It's a spectacular display of precision and patriotism that tourists rarely know about. Tickets are required and typically go on sale in mid-January through military ticket offices and online platforms.
Vasant Panchami
This Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring usually falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. Delhi's temples, particularly Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place, are decorated with yellow flowers and marigolds. People wear yellow clothes, fly kites, and the city has a festive energy. You'll see children getting their first writing lessons in temple courtyards, a traditional ritual for this day. Street food vendors sell special sweets like kesari halwa and boondi.