Central America in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for February
Average temperature across Central America in February.
Country Weather in February
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala | 25° | 12° | 5 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Honduras | 28° | 14° | 8 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Nicaragua | 32° | 21° | 13 mm | extreme | Warm |
| El Salvador | 30° | 17° | 4 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Costa Rica | 27° | 15° | 101 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Panama | 31° | 24° | 98 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Belize | 29° | 20° | 63 mm | very high | Warm |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
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.