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How Many Days Until February?

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February 2026 begins on Sunday, February 1, 2026. February will have 28 days.

About February

February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month of the year, with 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years. The month is named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, associated with the Roman festival of purification called Februa.

February: The Month of Love and History

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Origin of the Month

February was added to the Roman calendar around 713 BCE by Numa Pompilius. Originally the last month of the Roman calendar, it moved to its current position as the second month around 450 BCE.

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Leap Year

February is the only month that can have 29 days. This extra day is added in leap years, which occur every four years (with some exceptions) to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the Sun.

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Weather & Climate

In the Northern Hemisphere, February is a winter month with cold temperatures and potential for snow. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's a summer month with warm temperatures.

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Modern Significance

February is now recognized for Valentine's Day, Black History Month in the US and Canada, and numerous other cultural and historical observances worldwide.

February Symbols

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Birthstone

Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, symbolizing sincerity, peace of mind, and protection.

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Astrological Signs

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) and Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

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Flower

Violet and Primrose, representing faithfulness, humility, and young love.

The Science of Leap Years

A leap year occurs every 4 years, when an extra day (February 29) is added to the calendar. Why do we need leap years?

  • Earth's Orbit: It takes Earth approximately 365.2422 days to orbit the Sun.
  • Calendar Adjustment: Without leap years, our calendar would drift about 6 hours each year, or 24 days over a century.
  • Leap Year Rules: A year is a leap year if:
    • It is divisible by 4 (e.g., 2024)
    • EXCEPT if it's divisible by 100 (e.g., 1900 was not a leap year)
    • UNLESS it's also divisible by 400 (e.g., 2000 was a leap year)

The next leap years are: 2024, 2028, 2032, 2036, 2040...

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28Normal
29Leap

February Holidays & Observances

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Groundhog Day

A North American tradition where a groundhog's behavior predicts the coming of spring.

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Valentine's Day

A celebration of love and affection between intimate companions, marked by the exchange of cards, gifts, and tokens of love.

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Presidents' Day (US)

American federal holiday honoring all U.S. presidents, particularly Washington and Lincoln.

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Lunar New Year

The start of a calendar year based on cycles of the moon, celebrated in many Asian cultures.

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Mardi Gras

Carnival celebration before the fasting season of Lent, famous for parades and festivities.

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Leap Day (Leap Years)

The extra day added during leap years, with various traditions including women proposing marriage.

February Month-Long Observances

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Black History Month

Annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and recognition of their role in U.S. history.

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American Heart Month

Promoting awareness about heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.

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National Children's Dental Health Month

Campaign to promote oral health for children through education and awareness.

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Responsible Pet Owners Month

Encouraging proper care and well-being of pets through responsible ownership.

Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance in February that celebrates and commemorates the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. It began as "Negro History Week" created by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976.

Annual Themes

Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) selects a theme for Black History Month. These themes focus on various aspects of African American heritage and contributions to society.

Past themes have included:

  • Black Resistance (2023)
  • Black Health and Wellness (2022)
  • The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity (2021)

Ways to Observe

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Read books by Black authors and about Black history

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Watch documentaries and films about the Black experience

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Visit Black history museums and cultural exhibits

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Research Black figures who contributed to your field or interests

February Activities & Traditions

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Valentine's Day Celebrations

  • Create handmade Valentine's cards
  • Prepare a special dinner for loved ones
  • Organize a self-care day if celebrating solo
  • Host a Valentine's party for friends
  • Bake heart-shaped cookies or treats
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Winter Festivities

  • Attend local winter festivals and carnivals
  • Enjoy winter sports like ice skating and sledding
  • Visit a maple sugar farm (as production begins)
  • Attend a winter film festival
  • Participate in Winterlude (Canada) activities
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Educational Activities

  • Learn about Black history and contributions
  • Create a vision board for the rest of the year
  • Start a February reading challenge
  • Visit museums offering special February exhibits
  • Research Leap Day traditions and history
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Seasonal Food & Recipes

  • Try chocolate fondue for Valentine's Day
  • Make homemade soups for cold February days
  • Bake king cakes for Mardi Gras
  • Prepare traditional foods for Lunar New Year
  • Create winter citrus dishes as they're in season

Interesting February Facts

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February is the only month that can pass without a single full moon. This rare occurrence, known as a "Black Moon," happens approximately once every 19 years.

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In Welsh, February is sometimes called "y mis bach" which means "the little month" due to its shorter length compared to other months.

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The birthstone amethyst derives from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning "not intoxicated," as it was believed to protect its wearer from drunkenness.

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In common years, February begins on the same day of the week as March and November, while in leap years it begins on the same day as August.

Related Countdowns

❤ī¸Valentine's Day đŸĻĢGroundhog Day ❄ī¸Winter 🍀March