Things to Do in Agra in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Agra
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Nearly zero rainfall (0 mm/0 inches) despite 10 fog days - mornings bring atmospheric mist that burns off by 9-10am, creating perfect conditions for Taj Mahal photography with soft, diffused light that professionals wait all year for
- Comfortable daytime temperatures of 20-26°C (68-79°F) make walking between monuments actually pleasant - you can explore Agra Fort's entire 2.5 km (1.6 mile) perimeter without the April-June heat exhaustion that sends tourists back to hotels by noon
- Low tourist season compared to November-January peak means 30-40% fewer crowds at major sites - you'll actually get unobstructed Taj Mahal photos and can linger at Fatehpur Sikri without being rushed by tour groups
- February timing catches the tail end of North Indian wedding season (November-February) - if you're lucky, you might witness elaborate baraats (wedding processions) with dancing, horses, and brass bands moving through neighborhoods, especially on weekends
Considerations
- Morning fog can be dense until 9-10am, occasionally delaying sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal - the iconic sunrise shot might be obscured by mist, though this creates its own moody aesthetic if you're flexible about photography expectations
- Nighttime temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F), which feels surprisingly cold in buildings without central heating - most budget and mid-range hotels have minimal insulation, so you'll want layers for evenings and early mornings indoors
- Air quality deteriorates compared to monsoon months, with AQI often reaching 150-200 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) due to crop burning in surrounding Uttar Pradesh districts - travelers with respiratory issues should bring masks and inhalers
Best Activities in February
Taj Mahal sunrise and sunset visits
February's mild temperatures make both sunrise (6:30am opening) and sunset visits comfortable, unlike summer when only sunrise is bearable. The morning fog actually adds drama if you arrive by 7am and watch it lift - you'll see the monument emerge gradually. Sunset visits (open until 6:30pm) offer warm golden light without the crowds that pack in during winter peak season. The 10°C (50°F) morning chill means bringing a light jacket, but by 9am it's perfect t-shirt weather at 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Agra Fort exploration during midday hours
While most tourists rush to Agra Fort early morning, February's comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F) midday temperatures make 11am-2pm visits perfectly pleasant. This timing also means softer crowds since tour groups prioritize Taj Mahal during these hours. The red sandstone fort spans 94 acres with multiple palaces, mosques, and courtyards requiring 2-3 hours minimum - February weather lets you actually enjoy the full experience without heat fatigue.
Fatehpur Sikri day trip
This abandoned Mughal city 40 km (25 miles) west of Agra is fully exposed with minimal shade - February's 24°C (75°F) afternoons make it tolerable, while April-June temperatures of 40°C+ (104°F+) turn it into an endurance test. The complex requires 2-3 hours of walking across courtyards, mosques, and palaces. February's lower humidity (70% versus 80%+ in monsoon) also means less haze, so views from Buland Darwaza across the countryside are clearer.
Mehtab Bagh sunset viewing
This garden directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal offers the classic reflection shot without the crowds inside the monument complex. February's clear late afternoons (once morning fog burns off) provide excellent visibility, and the 5:30-6pm sunset timing means comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures. The garden itself is peaceful with locals picnicking and couples strolling - it shows everyday Agra life versus the tourist-heavy monument sites.
Sadar Bazaar and Kinari Bazaar market walks
February's moderate temperatures make afternoon market walks (3-6pm) comfortable when morning fog has cleared but evening chill hasn't set in yet. These markets show working Agra - spice merchants, marble inlay artisans, wedding decoration shops, and street food vendors serving locals, not tourists. The sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds works best when you're not sweating through your clothes or shivering.
Yamuna River sunrise boat rides
February mornings bring fog that creates atmospheric conditions on the river, with the Taj Mahal emerging from mist as you float past. The 6:30-8am timing catches soft light and calm water before afternoon winds pick up. This is less about the boat ride itself (the Yamuna is quite polluted, honestly) and more about the unique perspective on the monument from water level, which few tourists experience.
February Events & Festivals
Taj Mahotsav
This 10-day cultural festival typically runs February 18-27 (dates shift slightly year to year) at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal eastern gate. It showcases Uttar Pradesh handicrafts, classical music and dance performances, and regional cuisine from across India. Over 400 artisan stalls sell marble work, textiles, jewelry, and pottery - it's essentially a curated craft fair with evening cultural programs. The festival targets both tourists and Indian visitors, so expect crowds but also authentic regional performances you won't see elsewhere.
Basant Panchami
This Hindu festival welcoming spring usually falls in early February (February 2 in 2026). While not Agra-specific, you'll notice locals wearing yellow clothing (considered auspicious), temples decorated with yellow flowers, and special sweets like kesari halwa and boondi. Schools and colleges hold ceremonies for the goddess Saraswati (learning and arts). As a visitor, it's more about observing the color and energy in streets and temples than participating directly, though some hotels might offer special yellow-themed meals.