Africa in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

North Africa & the Mediterranean Coast (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, northern Libya, northern Egypt)

February often feels raw along the Mediterranean coast - wind and showers linger while the High Atlas still holds snowpack. Marrakech and Fes will be cool by day and chilly at night, good months for walking medinas without summer crowds, though mountain passes may be slick or closed after storms. Photographers and hikers aiming for lower-elevation trails find pleasant conditions, but take layers for sudden weather changes.

Egypt & the Nile Valley (Egypt - Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea coast)

February often has some of the clearest skies of the year, with comfortable daytime warmth on the Nile and cool nights-Perfect for exploring Luxor’s temples and the Valley of the Kings before crowds build. The Red Sea remains warm and excellent for diving; southern Egypt around Aswan will be noticeably warmer than Cairo. Travelers should bring layered clothing for cool desert nights and sunscreen for strong daytime sun.

West Africa & the Sahel (Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria; Sahel fringe: Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, northern Nigeria)

February typically remains dry and warm, with low humidity on the coast and very dry air across the Sahel; this is prime season for overland travel and cultural festivals in Dakar or Bamako. Coastal cities such as Freetown and Monrovia can already be on the verge of the rainy season, but most coastal capitals stay comfortably warm and manageable for sightseeing. Pack breathable fabrics and a dust mask if you’re sensitive to Saharan haze.

East Africa & the Great Lakes (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi)

February is typically hot and dry in lowlands and coastal areas, and it coincides with the Serengeti calving season in parts of Tanzania where predators are active, making wildlife viewing dramatic. Mountainous areas like the Rwenzori and Kilimanjaro are dry enough for many climbing routes, though afternoon storms can still happen at elevation. Expect busy lodges during this safari high season and pack sun protection, a light fleece for evenings, and good walking shoes.

The Horn & Northern Highlands (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia)

February tends to be one of the clearest months in the Ethiopian highlands with excellent visibility for mountain treks and cultural tours in Lalibela; early mornings are brisk but afternoons warm markedly. Djibouti remains hot and dry, with good diving conditions near Tadjoura and the Gulf of Aden. Be prepared for strong sun at altitude and for dusty conditions in lowland areas - sunglasses and a scarf are useful across the region.

Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi)

February is typically the wettest month in much of the region: heavy tropical storms and cyclones can affect Mozambique and Madagascar, while inland parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe see frequent downpours. While game viewing in traditional dry-season hideouts is tougher due to increased vegetation, this is peak season for birding and river-based safaris in the Okavango. Bring waterproofs, waterproof bags for electronics and flexible plans for transfer times.

Indian Ocean Islands & Madagascar (Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Réunion)

February often remains in the heart of the cyclone season for Madagascar and parts of the southwest Indian Ocean; islands can receive intense rain and rough seas that affect ferries and coastal access. Seychelles and Réunion can also see showers but suffer less from direct cyclone landfalls than Madagascar and Mauritius. If traveling, allow extra time and keep travel insurance updated; dive operators may suspend outings during rough spells.