February brings a compact calendar of public holidays and observances that looks different in every country. Some dates trigger legal closures, while others are widely marked without affecting business hours. Understanding the distinction helps with travel planning, school schedules, and coordinating work across time zones. Below is a global overview that highlights national holidays, major cultural moments, banking considerations, and a practical February observances list you can use as a starting point when checking local guidance.

February public holidays: what to know

February public holidays vary by region and legal framework. In New Zealand, Waitangi Day is observed on 6 February as a national public holiday. Sri Lanka marks Independence Day on 4 February, while Japan observes National Foundation Day on 11 February. The Republic of Ireland introduced a public holiday around St Brigid’s Day, generally the first Monday in February. In the Gulf, Kuwait celebrates National Day on 25 February. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic commemorates Independence Day on 27 February. In many East and Southeast Asian locations, Lunar New Year often falls in late January or February, bringing multiple public holiday days.

Presidents Day observance explained

In the United States, the third Monday in February is a federal holiday officially designated as Washington’s Birthday, commonly known as Presidents Day. Federal offices and many banks close, along with most government services and the U.S. Postal Service. Schools may close for the day or for a short midwinter break, depending on the district. Because this observance is federal, it applies nationwide, although state and local practices (such as parking or transit schedules) can differ. For international coordination, note that U.S. markets and some institutions may operate on revised hours, while many private businesses choose to remain open.

Black History Month events worldwide

Black History Month events are observed across the United States and Canada throughout February, with museums, libraries, schools, and community organizations hosting exhibitions, talks, performances, and educational programs. Themes often focus on culture, civil rights history, and contemporary contributions across science, arts, and public life. In the United Kingdom and several other countries, similar programming typically takes place in October. For travelers and residents alike, February schedules for cultural venues may be richer than usual, though opening times generally remain standard unless tied to a separate public holiday.

February school closures: what varies

February school closures differ by country and even by district. In parts of the United States, many districts align a midwinter break with the week of Presidents Day, though the duration ranges from one to several days. In Canada, a February holiday exists in many provinces—Family Day in Ontario and Alberta, Louis Riel Day in Manitoba, Heritage Day in Nova Scotia, and Family Day in New Brunswick—often on the third Monday, while British Columbia observes its Family Day on the second Monday. The United Kingdom typically schedules a February half-term, with exact dates set locally. Nordic countries commonly have a winter sports break staggered by region to reduce travel congestion.

Bank holidays in February: how they differ

Bank holidays in February depend on national rules and the banking sector’s alignment with public holidays. The United States treats federal holidays like Presidents Day as non-business days for many banks and federal institutions. In Ireland, the early-February public holiday around St Brigid’s Day is a bank holiday. In the United Kingdom, there is generally no February bank holiday, though standard weekend rules apply. Across East Asia, banks may close for Lunar New Year if it falls in February, sometimes across several consecutive days. In Japan, banks observe national holidays such as National Foundation Day. Always verify with your local branch for precise schedules.

February observances list and dates

Beyond statutory holidays, February includes observances that shape community programming and awareness campaigns. Not all entries below are public holidays, and several are movable dates that shift annually:

• World Cancer Day (4 February) – global health awareness.
• Candlemas (2 February) – observed in some Christian traditions.
• Groundhog Day (2 February) – cultural observance in parts of North America.
• Waitangi Day (6 February) – New Zealand public holiday.
• National Foundation Day (11 February) – Japan public holiday.
• Darwin Day (12 February) – science and education observance in various countries.
• Valentine’s Day (14 February) – widely observed; typically not a public holiday.
• Family Day and provincial holidays (February, dates vary by Canadian province).
• Presidents Day/Washington’s Birthday (third Monday in February, U.S.).
• International Mother Language Day (21 February) – UNESCO observance.
• Kuwait National Day (25 February) – public holiday in Kuwait.
• Dominican Republic Independence Day (27 February).
• Rare Disease Day (last day of February) – global awareness.
• Lunar New Year (late January or February, date varies) – multi-day public holidays in several countries.
• Carnival, Shrove Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday (movable; sometimes in February) – public holidays in certain locations, and cultural observances elsewhere.

When using a February observances list, check a current, official calendar for the exact year and your location. Some countries apply “Mondayisation” or substitute days if a holiday falls on a weekend, and school or municipal closures can be set independently.

Conclusion

February’s calendar blends fixed national days with movable festivals and observances. The practical impact ranges from nationwide closures to community programs that enrich cultural life without altering business hours. Because rules differ by country, state or province, and even city, the most reliable approach is to confirm dates and closure policies with official local sources and, when relevant, with your school district, employer, bank, or transit provider.