February 2026 Calendar: Valentine's Day, Pancake Day & Key Dates
February 2026 is a shorter month packed with notable occasions. From Valentine's Day and Shrove Tuesday to the start of Lent, February bridges the quiet weeks of January with the approach of spring. Here is your complete guide to the February 2026 calendar, including key dates, events, and planning tips.
February 2026 at a Glance
- Month: February 2026
- Days in month: 28 (not a leap year)
- Starts on: Sunday 1st February
- Ends on: Saturday 28th February
- Bank holidays: None in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
- Weekdays: 20
- Weekends: 8 days (4 full weekends)
Is There a Bank Holiday in February 2026?
There are no bank holidays in February 2026 for England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Scotland also has no bank holidays in February. February is one of the few months in the year with no public holidays, making it a full working month for most employees. However, many schools will have a half-term break during February, typically in the third or fourth week of the month.
Key Dates in February 2026
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February | Sunday | First day of February |
| 2 February | Monday | Candlemas / Groundhog Day |
| 14 February | Saturday | Valentine's Day |
| 17 February | Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) |
| 18 February | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday (start of Lent) |
| 16–20 February | Mon–Fri | February half-term (many English schools) |
| 28 February | Saturday | Last day of February |
Valentine's Day 2026
Valentine's Day falls on Saturday 14th February 2026, which is excellent news for couples — it lands on a weekend, meaning there is no need to rush celebrations around work commitments. Restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues typically book up quickly for Valentine's weekend, so it is worth planning ahead if you are looking to dine out or book a trip.
Popular Valentine's ideas in the UK include:
- Romantic weekend breaks to cities such as Bath, Edinburgh, or the Cotswolds
- Theatre or concert tickets
- Spa experiences
- Home-cooked meals with thoughtful decorations
- Day trips to scenic countryside or coastal locations
Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) 2026
Shrove Tuesday in 2026 falls on Tuesday 17th February. Also known as Pancake Day, this is the traditional day before the start of Lent when households would use up rich ingredients such as eggs, butter, and milk. The day is celebrated with pancake races in towns and villages across the UK, with the most famous being in Olney, Buckinghamshire — a tradition dating back to 1445.
Classic British pancakes (thinner than American-style, similar to French crêpes) are traditionally served with lemon juice and sugar, though toppings can range from fruit and chocolate spread to bacon and maple syrup.
Ash Wednesday & Lent 2026
Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday 18th February 2026, marking the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent runs from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Saturday (4th April 2026). Traditionally a period of fasting and reflection, many people today use Lent as an opportunity to give up a bad habit or take on a positive challenge — popular choices include giving up alcohol, sugar, social media, or takeaways.
February Half-Term 2026
February half-term in England typically falls in the third week of February. For 2026, most schools in England are expected to break from around Monday 16th to Friday 20th February, though dates vary by local authority. Welsh schools and Scottish schools have their own half-term schedules. Check your specific school's calendar for exact dates.
Half-term is a popular time for family holidays, though travelling during school holidays typically attracts a price premium. If budget is a concern, consider staycation options such as UK city breaks, National Trust properties, or wildlife experiences — many of which offer free or reduced admission for children.
Weather in February 2026
February remains cold across the UK, though temperatures are typically slightly milder than January. Expect average temperatures between 3°C and 9°C, with frost possible overnight. Daylight hours increase noticeably through February, with dusk shifting from around 5pm at the start of the month to nearly 6pm by the end — a welcome sign that spring is approaching.
Snowfall is possible in February, particularly in northern England, Scotland, and higher ground in Wales. February can also bring some of the most colourful winter sunsets of the year.
What's Coming in March 2026
March brings the arrival of meteorological spring on 1st March, St David's Day on 1st March (for Wales), St Patrick's Day on 17th March, and Mothering Sunday on 22nd March. The clocks also go forward one hour at the end of March (29th March), marking the start of British Summer Time. Read our March and April 2026 calendar guide for more details.