S&P 500 in February: seasonality and history
Since 1958, the S&P 500 has risen in February in 52% of years (36 of 69), with an average return of +0.00% and a median of +0.20%. That makes February its #11 month of 12.
Average+0.00%
Years up52%
Best year1986 · +7.15%
Worst year2009 · −10.99%
The seasonal path through February
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through February, all years since 1958.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 15 | +0.22% | 62% |
| Feb 13 | +0.19% | 60% |
| Feb 1 | +0.18% | 62% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 21 | −0.28% | 28% |
| Feb 27 | −0.27% | 50% |
| Feb 23 | −0.19% | 43% |
Seasonal trend windows touching February
- ▼ Bearish Feb 16 – Feb 29 · 14 days · seasonal Σ −0.96%
February in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in February |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −0.87% |
| 2025 | −1.42% |
| 2024 | +5.17% |
| 2023 | −2.61% |
| 2022 | −3.14% |
| 2021 | +2.61% |
| 2020 | −8.41% |
| 2019 | +2.97% |
| 2018 | −3.89% |
| 2017 | +3.72% |
Questions
Is February a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +0.00% since 1958, rising in 52% of years. But the range is wide, from −10.99% in 2009 to +7.15% in 1986, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in February?
Feb 15 (+0.22%, up 62% of years), Feb 13 (+0.19%, up 60% of years), Feb 1 (+0.18%, up 62% of years).