Rio de Janeiro in February
Carnival month: loud, packed, unforgettable
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
February is a reasonable month in Rio de Janeiro — with trade-offs.
Carnival turns the whole city into a street party, with the main parades at the Sambadrome. It is also hot, humid and the most expensive time to visit. Carnival moves between February and early March depending on the year (2027: 7-9 February for the main parades).
February in detail
What February actually feels like
- Weather
- 24–32°C
- Carnival month: loud, packed, unforgettable
- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- $$$$$
+The biggest party in the world, with the warmest sea of the year.
–Peak prices, crowds and heat.
My tip for February
Book flights and hotels many months ahead, or go for the cheaper Champions Parade the following Saturday.
- Carnival
- street parties
How February compares
Against the other eleven months
8th of 12 overall in Rio de Janeiro, 10th for weather, 12th for space, 12th for value. The emptiest month is May; the best value is May.
See all twelve months for Rio de JaneiroPlan around
What’s on in Rio de Janeiro in February
- Carnival
- The Special Group parades run at the Sambadrome on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027, with the Champions Parade on 13 February. The wider programme runs roughly 5-13 February. Flights and hotels sell out and prices peak, so book months ahead.
February 2027 (dates move every year)
Not set on February?
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Weather
Weather in Rio de Janeiro in February
In February Rio de Janeiro averages a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F), with about 130 mm of rain or snow over 7 wet days. The warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C); the wettest month is January.
- Average high
- 32°C
- 90°F
- Average low
- 24°C
- 75°F
- Precipitation
- 130 mm
- Wet days
- 7
Climate data: Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Rio de Janeiro in February: the questions people ask
- Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- February is a reasonable month in Rio de Janeiro — with trade-offs. It ranks 8 of 12 months in Rio de Janeiro overall (10 for weather, 12 for space, 12 for value). The main upside: The biggest party in the world, with the warmest sea of the year. The main downside: Peak prices, crowds and heat.
- What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in February?
- Average highs are around 32°C and lows around 24°C. Expect about 130 mm of rain or snow over roughly 7 wet days. Carnival month: loud, packed, unforgettable. For comparison, the warmest month is February (around 32°C) and the coolest is July (around 25°C).
- Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in February?
- Crowds are high. High. The quietest month is May.
- How expensive is Rio de Janeiro in February?
- Prices are at level 5 of 5 ($$$$$). $$$$$. The best-value month is May.
- When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (February ranks 8 of 12). The quietest month is May and the best value is May.
Ready to book February in Rio de Janeiro?
The biggest party in the world, with the warmest sea of the year.
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