When is Carnival in 2027?
Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday. In 2027 that is February 9, because Easter falls on March 28.
Tenerife is the exception this year. Santa Cruz moved its street parties two weeks later, to February 19 to 28.
- Venice: Carnival ends on February 9, with the start date varying by source
- New Orleans: Mardi Gras is February 9, and the season starts on January 6
- Rio: main Sambadrome parades are February 7 to 9
- Tenerife: Carnival Tuesday is February 23
Good to knowAlways check the official Carnival site before booking. Programs are still being finalized.
How crowded and expensive is Carnival?
Very. All four cities score high for crowds in February, and the price levels are at their highest of the winter.
Rio is the most expensive of the four at $$$$$. Venice is the lowest at €€€, but its Carnival weeks sell out fast.
- Rio: high crowds, $$$$$
- New Orleans: high crowds, $$$$
- Tenerife: high crowds, €€€€
- Venice: moderate to high crowds, €€€
Is Venice Carnival worth it?
Yes, if you like costumes and atmosphere. Our data calls it cold, with color on the canals.
Outside the Carnival weeks, Venice in February is low season. Prices rise sharply inside them.
- Highs: about 9°C in February
- Best for: costumes, photos and city walks
- Watch out for: Carnival weeks booking out early
My pickWant Venice without the premium? Try January: low crowds and a € price level.
Mardi Gras or Rio: which Carnival should you pick?
New Orleans is cooler, at highs of 19°C, and cheaper than Rio. Rio is hot at 32°C and the biggest party in the world.
Both score high for crowds. Rio costs one price level more.
- New Orleans: 19°C highs, $$$$
- Rio: 32°C highs, $$$$$
- Calmer option in Rio: the Champions' Parade on the Saturday after
When should you skip Carnival?
Skip it if you need cheap or quiet. February is the peak for all four cities.
For New Orleans, January has a $$ price level and low to moderate crowds. For Rio, March is moderate and $$$.
Skip itSkip Tenerife in February if you want cheap winter sun. January is one price level lower.
