U.S Federal Holidays in February 2026: Bank Closures, School Schedules, and Dates to Know

As February 2026 approaches, many Americans are already looking through their calendars to find the next break. January had New Year's Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which were both days off. February, on the other hand, has its own important date on the federal calendar.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Federal Reserve's official holiday schedule say that there is only one federal holiday in February 2026: Presidents' Day, also known as Washington's Birthday. 

This year's holiday is on February 16, 2026, which is the third Monday of the month. This date means that all non-essential federal government offices must close. This will have an impact on everything from mail delivery to the stock market. 

It's important to know the exact closures for this mid-month break, whether you're planning a winter vacation or just need to know if your local bank branch is open.

When is the Federal Holiday in February 2026?

The sole federal holiday for the month is officially designated as Washington's Birthday, though it is popularly celebrated as Presidents' Day to honor all past U.S. commanders-in-chief. In 2026, this holiday is observed on Monday, February 16.

It is important to note that while Valentine's Day (February 14) and the Super Bowl (February 8) are major cultural events this month, neither grants a day off for federal employees. Washington's Birthday serves as the first federally mandated long weekend since mid-January. Because it falls on a Monday, it creates a three-day weekend for millions of federal workers, bank employees, and students across the nation.

Check Out - US Federal Holidays 2026: When is the Next Long Weekend? (Full List)

What is Open and Closed on February 16, 2026?

On Monday, February 16, most federal operations will pause. However, the private sector often varies. Below is the general schedule for what you can expect to be open or closed across the United States.

Is Lincoln's Birthday a Federal Holiday?

A common point of confusion arises earlier in the month regarding Abraham Lincoln's Birthday. For 2026, Lincoln’s Birthday falls on Thursday, February 12.

While this day honors the 16th President, it is not a federal holiday. The federal government does not close on February 12. However, it is recognized as a legal public holiday in specific states, including Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, and New York. 

If you reside in one of these states, you may experience state-level office closures or reduced services, but federal institutions like the USPS will operate normally on that Thursday.

Check Out - When is MLK Day 2026? What’s Open and Closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Upcoming Federal Holidays in 2026 in the U.S.

After the February break, the federal calendar sees a significant gap before the next nationwide holiday. It is helpful to plan for the remaining closures in the first half of the year.

• Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026

• Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19, 2026

• Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026 (Observed, as July 4 falls on a Saturday)

Explore the Previous U.S. Federal Holidays List Here!

U.S. Federal Holidays January 2026 List: Is MLK Day a Public Holiday?

February 2026 offers a single federal respite in the form of Washington's Birthday on the 16th. While the month is packed with cultural observances like Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day, only the third Monday guarantees a closure for banks and federal offices. As you navigate the shortest month of the year, keep this date marked to avoid disrupted errands and to take advantage of the approaching long weekend.