When Is Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is always 14 February, every year, no exceptions. In 2026 it falls on Saturday 14 February, which is a strong date for the restaurant industry because couples can dine on the day itself without needing a babysitter for a school night. In 2027 it lands on Sunday 14 February (typically pushes booking peaks to Saturday 13 February). In 2028 it is Monday 14 February, traditionally the worst weekday for restaurant trading because most couples celebrate on the preceding Saturday 12 February. In 2029 it shifts to Wednesday.

The day-of-the-week pattern matters more than people realise. Restaurant trade body UK Hospitality reports Valentine's bookings spike 240 percent on the closest weekend evening when Valentine's falls midweek, and only 180 percent when it falls on a weekend (because it is more concentrated on the actual day). Florists ship around 90 percent of their stems for direct delivery on 14 February if it falls on a weekday; weekend Valentine's see roughly half delivered on 14 February and half on the preceding Friday.

UK Valentine's Day spending in 2025 reached £2.1 billion (Statista), up from £1.9 billion in 2024. Average spend per person is around £40 to £45, roughly half on cards and flowers, the other half on gifts and dining. Roses dominate the flower trade: the UK imports 13 million stems in the week before 14 February, mostly from Kenya, Ethiopia and the Netherlands. Around 10 million Valentine's cards are sent in the UK each year (Greeting Card Association), and pet Valentine's spending - cards and treats for dogs and cats - now sits at £40 million annually.

Saint Valentine's Day commemorates a 3rd-century Roman martyr; the romantic association came centuries later, popularised by Geoffrey Chaucer's 1382 poem Parlement of Foules referring to 14 February as a day birds chose mates. Mass-produced Valentine's cards arrived with the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840, which is why 14 February overtook other late-winter saints' days as the romantic anchor. If you are looking for inspiration in adjacent categories, the [Mother's Day Gift Idea Generator](/mothers-day-gift-idea-generator) covers the spring gifting cycle a few weeks later; the [Days Until Calculator](/days-until-calculator) is the simple counter for any custom anniversary or romantic date.