01Weather
Rio de Janeiro weather in February
Afternoons in February average 31.0 °C (88 °F) and nights cool to 23.9 °C (75 °F). Compared with January it is 0.0 °C warmer; March is 0.2 °C warmer again.
What the averages hide
| In a typical February | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Warm afternoons (90th percentile) | 34 °C / 94 °F | one day in ten is at least this warm |
| Cool afternoons (10th percentile) | 27 °C / 80 °F | one day in ten stays below this |
| Cold nights (10th percentile) | 22 °C / 72 °F | one night in ten is colder than this |
| Days above 30 °C (86 °F) | 21.2 | per month, average 2016–2025 |
| Nights at or below 0 °C (32 °F) | 0.0 | frost mornings per month |
| Hottest / coldest February day 2016–2025 | 35.8 °C / 21.1 °C | extremes in the ten-year record |
02Daylight
Sunrise, sunset and the length of the day
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 February | 05:32 | 18:39 | 13.1 h |
| 15 February | 05:41 | 18:32 | 12.8 h |
| 28 February | 05:48 | 18:22 | 12.6 h |
Daylight shrinks by about 30 minutes over the month. Times are local (America/Sao_Paulo).
03Crowds
How busy Rio de Janeiro is in February
very busy The main sights are very busy in February. What drives it:
- Carnival in February or early March
- hottest, busiest, most expensive week
04Public holidays
Public holidays in February 2027
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 8 Feb 2027 | Carnival |
| 9 Feb 2027 | Carnival |
On public holidays many shops close and museums run on Sunday hours; check opening times for the day before and after as well.
05Events
What's on in Rio de Janeiro in February
Every year in February
| Event | When | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | the week before Ash Wednesday, February or early March, Sambadrome parades and blocos | festival |
07Packing
What to pack for Rio de Janeiro in February
- light, breathable clothing
- sun hat and sunscreen
- refillable water bottle
- a compact umbrella for occasional showers
- something for heat: 21 days a month pass 30 °C on average
08Editor's notes
What the numbers don't tell you
February is Carnival month in most years, with the Sambadrome parades over four nights, hundreds of street blocos from the weekend before and the city at its hottest, around 32 °C, and most crowded. Hotels require minimum stays at multiples of normal rates. If Carnival falls in March, early February is still busy but less extreme. Rain falls on about ten days, as storms.
The Sambadrome tickets for the Special Group nights sell out months ahead; the Champions' Parade on the following Saturday is cheaper. The blocos start as early as seven in the morning and run all day. The sea is at its warmest, around 27 °C. Daylight shrinks from thirteen hours to twelve and a half. For the end of summer and the return to normal, see March.
09Compare
Rio de Janeiro month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun h | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31 °C | 24 °C | – | – | very busy | Mixed |
| February | 31 °C | 24 °C | – | – | very busy | Mixed |
| March | 31 °C | 23 °C | – | – | busy | Good |
| April | 29 °C | 21 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| May | 28 °C | 19 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| June | 27 °C | 18 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| July | 26 °C | 17 °C | – | – | busy | Excellent |
| August | 26 °C | 18 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| September | 27 °C | 20 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| October | 27 °C | 21 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| November | 28 °C | 22 °C | – | – | moderate | Excellent |
| December | 30 °C | 23 °C | – | – | very busy | Good |
Not sure about February? See the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro.
10Elsewhere
February in nearby cities
| City | High | Rain days |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires in February | 29 °C | 10 |
| Miami in February | 27 °C | 5 |
| Cancún in February | 28 °C | – |
| Orlando in February | 25 °C | 3 |
| Lisbon in February | 17 °C | 10 |
| New York City in February | 8 °C | 9 |
11FAQ
Rio de Janeiro in February: your questions
Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
February is a reasonable month with trade-offs to visit Rio de Janeiro. Daytime highs average 31 °C (88 °F), and hotel arrivals run above the yearly average, so the main sights are very busy.
What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in February?
Expect hot days around 31 °C (88 °F) and nights near 24 °C (75 °F). One February in ten brings afternoons above 34 °C, and one in ten stays below 27 °C.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in February?
February in Rio de Janeiro, by the 1991–2020 station normals.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in February?
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun hat and sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in February?
The main sights are very busy in February. Main drivers: Carnival in February or early March; hottest, busiest, most expensive week.
What time does it get dark in Rio de Janeiro in February?
Around the middle of February the sun sets at about 18:32 and rises at 05:41, giving 12.8 hours of daylight.