Brazil in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for February
Average temperature across Brazil in February.
City Weather in February
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Paulo | 26° | 18° | 227 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Rio de Janeiro | 32° | 21° | 147 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Belo Horizonte | 29° | 18° | 182 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Salvador | 30° | 23° | 117 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Fortaleza | 30° | 23° | 208 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Manaus | 30° | 23° | 286 mm | very high | Warm |
| Brasília | 26° | 17° | 192 mm | extreme | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Amazon & The North (Manaus, Belém, Alter do Chão)
By late February the rain pattern is well established across the basin with long, intense showers and thunderstorms from late afternoon into night around Belém and Santarém. The rising rivers mean forest lodges and water-based wildlife viewing (like river dolphin sightings near Mamirauá) are excellent, though forest trails can be muddy or inaccessible. Bring waterproofs and consider flexible schedules; the city markets and festivals are lively but streets can flood temporarily.
Northeast Coast (Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, Jericoacoara)
February keeps the beaches busy as carnival and summer holidays wrap up; coastal towns from Salvador to Natal still see plenty of sun broken by short, heavy showers. Recife’s historic neighborhood traffic can be sticky after a sudden rain; boat trips to coral reefs are still good but check for choppier seas after storms. Accommodations fill early, so book ahead and bring lightweight fabrics and a compact umbrella for passing showers.
Northeast Interior - The Sertão & Chapadas (Petrolina, Juazeiro, Chapada Diamantina)
February’s heat remains hard-hitting in the interior, with short, powerful sun and relief mainly near rivers or higher-altitude Chapada Diamantina where nights are noticeably cooler. Chapada Diamantina (Lençóis) offers excellent canyon and waterfall hikes in cooler microclimates, but the Sertão proper remains very dry. Expect sparse services in outlying villages; sun protection, sturdy trail shoes and ample water are essential.
Central-West (Brasília, Pantanal, Cuiabá, Bonito)
February continues the wet, stormy stretch with persistent afternoon downpours in the Pantanal and central Mato Grosso, making some dirt roads impassable and turning safari planning toward boat and canoe excursions. Bonito’s rivers swell and visibility for snorkeling in clear-water springs can be affected by runoff, but the forests and wetlands are lush and alive. Travel flexibility is essential; many visitors prefer living-area lodges with boat access rather than long drives.
Southeast (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ouro Preto, Paraty)
February keeps the carnival energy high and the city beaches remain busy - expect sultry heat in Rio with sudden bursts of torrential rain and brief flooding in low-lying streets. São Paulo endures sticky, storm-prone afternoons that can slow traffic; historic towns in Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto, Mariana) are hot and occasionally wet, making outdoor heritage walks muggy. Book activities well in advance and carry a compact umbrella.
The South (Florianópolis, Curitiba, Gramado, Foz do Iguaçu)
February continues the energetic summer scene with warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming off Florianópolis and party-heavy weekends in coastal towns. Curitiba and the higher-altitude towns like Gramado are warmer than in winter but still milder than Brazil’s interior; expect sporadic thunderstorms that can bring brief flooding to urban low points. This is festival season in many southern towns-book accommodation early and carry a compact umbrella.