United States (Puerto Rico), Central America & Caribbean

Puerto Rico in February

Arguably the most reliable weather month. Humpback whales pass off the northwest coast; book beach hotels early.

BestDriest stretch of the year, highs near 83F (28C)

Aerial view of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico — Puerto RicoPhoto: Coolcaesar, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Rico. Arguably the most reliable weather month. Humpback whales pass off the northwest coast; book beach hotels early.

Weather: Driest stretch of the year, highs near 83F (28C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Puerto Rico

February is arguably the most reliable weather month of the year. It is the driest stretch, with highs near 83F (28C), steady trade winds and clear skies. Humpback whales still pass off the northwest coast, and the Rincon surf season is going strong. Crowds and prices are high, so book beach hotels early.

It suits families, couples and anyone who wants near-guaranteed sunshine. It is a great month for El Yunque, where drier trails make short hikes easier. If you want lower prices, try late April or May, but expect more humidity and showers.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Puerto Rico this month.

Driest weather of the year

Low rain and steady breezes make it ideal for beach days and El Yunque hikes.

Humpback whales

Whales pass the northwest coast, and Rincon's lighthouse park is a good place to watch from shore.

Flamenco Beach

Calm, clear days are perfect for a trip to Culebra's famous white-sand beach.

What to pack for February

Swimwear and a cover-up
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hiking shoes for El Yunque
Binoculars for whale watching

Our timing tip

Book the Culebra ferry from Ceiba early, since it fills fast on weekends, and have a small plane as backup.

Book Puerto Rico for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Puerto Rico
Opens a hotel search for Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico
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 Puerto Rico
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Puerto Rico for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Humpback whale season

Roughly January through March

Whales pass close to the northwest coast; the lighthouse park at Rincon is a classic shore-watching spot.

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Full guide

Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal

The two great forts of San Juan National Historic Site. Go at opening before the cruise-ship wave, then fly a kite on El Morro's lawn like the locals do.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

El Yunque National Forest

Waterfalls, cloud forest, and the tower views from Yokahu and Mt. Britton. Check the forest's site for current access rules and reservations before you go, and start early to beat both crowds and afternoon rain.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Mosquito Bay, Vieques

Paddle a kayak through glowing water on a moonless night. Swimming is prohibited to protect the organisms; schedule around the new moon for the best show.

Tickets and tours →

Flamenco Beach, Culebra

A horseshoe of white sand regularly ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean. Ferries from Ceiba fill fast on weekends and holidays; small planes are the backup.

Tickets and tours →

Old San Juan on foot

Calle del Cristo, the Paseo de la Princesa, and the city walls at sunset. Weekday evenings after the cruise ships leave are the calmest.

Tickets and tours →

Rincon and the west coast

The island's surf capital, busy with swells roughly November through March and glassy for snorkeling in summer. Sunsets here face the open sea.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Check the cruise schedule for San Juan: Old San Juan is noticeably busier on multi-ship days, so do the forts and Calle del Cristo on light days or after 4pm.
Aim for the post-Easter window in late April and early May, when winter weather mostly holds and hotel rates fall.
Do El Yunque at opening on a weekday. By late morning the main trail parking fills, and afternoon showers are common.
Book Vieques and Culebra ferries or flights well ahead for weekends and holidays, when locals fill the boats too; midweek is far easier.

Know before you go

September and October: some smaller hotels, restaurants, and tour operators close for a few weeks of maintenance or vacation, especially on Vieques and Culebra. Verify before building a trip around one.
The bioluminescent bays are best on moonless nights and can dim temporarily after heavy rain or storms. Tour operators will tell you honestly how the bay is glowing that week.
El Yunque's roads and trails can close after heavy rain or storm damage; check current conditions and any reservation requirement on the official forest site before driving out.
Major holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Three Kings Day, Good Friday) shut government offices and many shops; restaurants in tourist areas mostly stay open.

Puerto Rico in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Puerto Rico?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Puerto Rico. Arguably the most reliable weather month. Humpback whales pass off the northwest coast; book beach hotels early.

What is the weather like in Puerto Rico in February?

Driest stretch of the year, highs near 83F (28C).

Is Puerto Rico crowded in February?

Puerto Rico is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Puerto Rico in February?

Humpback whale season (roughly january through march).