India, Asia

Goa in February

Excellent weather and easing prices. Goa Carnival often falls in February or early March.

BestDry, highs near 89F (32C)

Goa beach, India — GoaPhoto: Original: Vyacheslav Argenberg Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Goa. Excellent weather and easing prices. Goa Carnival often falls in February or early March.

Weather: Dry, highs near 89F (32C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Goa

February keeps January's dry, sunny weather, with highs near 89F (32C) and calm seas, but crowds and prices come down a notch. Every shack, hut camp and market is still open. Goa Carnival often lands in February, filling Panaji and Margao with floats and music for a few days before Lent.

This is a smart month for families, couples and value seekers who want peak-season weather without peak-season rates. If you prefer total quiet, avoid the Carnival days in the bigger towns. There is little reason to pick a different month unless you want the Christmas buzz.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Goa this month.

Goa Carnival

In the days before Lent, King Momo leads parades of floats, music and dancing through Panaji, Margao and other towns. Dates follow Easter, so check this year's schedule.

Beach huts at better rates

South Goa hut camps drop their prices from the winter peak while the weather stays perfect.

Chapora Fort sunsets

Clear skies make the short climb to the ruined fort above Vagator worth it at golden hour.

What to pack for February

Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
A wide-brim hat and high SPF sunscreen
Comfortable sandals for Carnival crowds
A light scarf or shawl for church visits

Our timing tip

If you want Carnival, base yourself near Panaji and book early; if you want peace, pick dates the week after it ends.

Book Goa for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Goa
Opens a hotel search for Goa in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Goa
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Goa
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Goa for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Goa Carnival

February or early March, the days before Lent

Parades with floats, music, and dancing in Panaji, Margao, and other towns, led by King Momo.

Things to do in Goa

Full guide

Old Goa churches

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, with the relics of St Francis Xavier, and the Se Cathedral. Go early before the day-trip buses arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Fontainhas, Panaji

The old Latin quarter, with colorful houses and small cafes. Best explored on foot in the morning.

Tickets and tours →

South Goa beaches

Palolem, Agonda, Patnem, and Cola are calmer than the north. Beach hut camps operate from about November to April.

Tickets and tours →

Anjuna Flea Market

A Wednesday market that runs in the dry season, roughly November to April.

Tickets and tours →

Dudhsagar Falls

A huge four-tiered waterfall on the Karnataka border. It is fullest in the monsoon, but jeep access is usually suspended then; visit from October.

Tickets and tours →

Spice plantations near Ponda

Tours with a Goan lunch. Especially lush after the monsoon.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid December 20 to January 2. Rates spike, and the beaches and roads are packed with holiday traffic.
Stay in south Goa (Agonda, Patnem, Palolem) for calmer beaches, and visit north Goa on day trips.
Visit Old Goa churches early in the morning on a weekday, when day-trip tour buses are fewer.
Early November and late February are the smart months: full dry-season weather with a fraction of the peak crowds.

Know before you go

Licensed beach shacks operate roughly from October or November to May. They are dismantled during the monsoon and many beach huts and small hotels close.
During the monsoon (June to September), swimming is dangerous; lifeguards post red flags and swimming is often banned.
Jeep safaris to Dudhsagar Falls are usually suspended during the monsoon for safety.
Markets like the Anjuna Flea Market and the Saturday night markets operate in the dry season only.

Goa in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Goa?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Goa. Excellent weather and easing prices. Goa Carnival often falls in February or early March.

What is the weather like in Goa in February?

Dry, highs near 89F (32C).

Is Goa crowded in February?

Crowds in Goa are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Goa in February?

Goa Carnival (february or early march, the days before lent).