February remains a prime month with dry weather and comfortable conditions for hiking, cloud-forest exploration, and coastal travel. Expect higher prices and fuller accommodations in tourist hubs.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 70-90°F / 21-32°CCrowds HighPrices High
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Central America in February.
Where to Go in Central America in February
Pacific Coast & the Dry Corridor
Guatemala Pacific, El Salvador, Nicaragua Pacific, Costa Rica Pacific-Guanacaste, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio; Panama Pacific beaches like Pedasí & Playa Venao
Clear mornings and hot afternoons characterize the region, and Carnival energy often fills coastal towns in the weeks before Lent-Panama’s Carnival in particular draws crowds. Daytime highs commonly reach the low 30s°C at sea level; evening breezes are welcome but not guaranteed. For travelers this is a prime month for surf, open-air restaurants and early bookings; bring light layers for cooler hotel rooms and expect higher prices around long-weekend holidays.
Caribbean Coast & Bay Islands
Belize coast & Cayes, Honduras Bay Islands Roatán/Utila, Nicaragua Caribbean RAAS, Costa Rica Limon, Panama San Blas & Bocas del Toro
Trade winds pick up and bring breezy, warm weather across the Caribbean littoral; the winds help keep mosquitoes down and make reef trips pleasant from early mornings. Carnival celebrations (especially in Bocas del Toro and some coastal towns) can make February lively, and hotel inventory tight during festival weekends. Bring light, breathable clothing and a windbreaker for cooler evenings on exposed cays.
Highlands & Volcanic Belt
Guatemala Highlands-Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango; El Salvador & Nicaragua highlands, Costa Rica Central Valley & foothills
Dry, bright days continue and are ideal for highland festivals and outdoor markets; Antigua is busy around Semana Santa with procession crowds filling streets. Visitors should be prepared for chilly dawns-highland night temperatures can drop near freezing at the highest villages-and for sunny afternoons that warm up quickly. Book guided volcano hikes in advance for daylight vistas and be ready with a warm jacket for nocturnal or early morning outings.
Cloud Forests & High-Mountain Reserves
Monteverde, Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s central highlands; Panama’s Boquete & Chiriquí
February brings slightly drier conditions in some cloud forest pockets, improving visibility on higher trails-Cerro Chirripó can have less fog on clear days and offer far-reaching views. Temperatures are cool at altitude and nights are often chilly, so layers and a warm sleeping bag for mountain huts are important. Tour operators run regular guided treks and canopy tours, but book in advance in popular reserves.
Belize Mainland & the Barrier Reef
Belize-Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, inland cayes and mainland
February’s steady trade winds provide pleasant breezes, reducing humidity and moving clouds off quickly-great for sailing and kiteboarding around the cayes. Accommodation fills for this popular period, particularly around island festivals and long weekends, so reserve early if you want a beachfront room. Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable; evenings on the water need a light jacket.
Events & Festivals in February
Carnival (regional)
Carnival celebrations on some islands and coastal towns; dates vary by country.
Planning a trip to Central America?
See how February compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
