Brazil, South America

Rio de Janeiro in February

Carnival usually falls in February: spectacular, but prices triple and rooms book up months ahead. Otherwise hot and stormy.

TradeoffsHottest month, highs near 91F (33C), heavy storms

Rio de Janeiro Sugarloaf, Brazil — Rio de JaneiroPhoto: Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Rio de Janeiro. Carnival usually falls in February: spectacular, but prices triple and rooms book up months ahead. Otherwise hot and stormy.

Weather: Hottest month, highs near 91F (33C), heavy storms
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What February is like in Rio de Janeiro

February is usually Rio's hottest month, with highs near 91F (33C), heavy humidity and strong afternoon storms. In most years it is also Carnival month. The date moves with Easter, so it sometimes lands in early March instead. When Carnival is on, much of the city shuts for business, streets fill with blocos, and hotel prices can triple with minimum stays.

Go in February if Carnival is the whole point of the trip and you book six months or more ahead. If you just want beaches, views and a relaxed city, skip it. April and May give you warm weather, calmer streets and much lower prices.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Rio de Janeiro this month.

Rio Carnival

Samba schools parade through the Sambadrome while hundreds of street blocos take over the neighborhoods. Check the year's dates before booking anything else.

Kids' blocos

Families can join the bloquinhos infantis, daytime street parties with music and costumes made for children, instead of the rowdier adult blocos.

Smaller neighborhood blocos

Santa Teresa's street parties feel more local and less overwhelming than the giant ones along the beaches.

What to pack for February

Light, breathable clothes you do not mind getting sweaty or glittered
A cross-body bag or money belt for crowded blocos
A compact umbrella for heavy storms
Refillable water bottle and electrolyte packets for the heat
Comfortable closed shoes for long days on your feet

Our timing tip

Carnival dates follow Easter, so confirm the year's dates first and book your room, and Sambadrome tickets if you want them, as early as you can.

Book Rio de Janeiro for February.

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

What's on in February

Rio Carnival

The days before Ash Wednesday, February or early March depending on Easter

Samba school parades at the Sambadrome and hundreds of street blocos across the city. Book six months or more ahead.

Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Full guide

Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado

Take the cog train through the forest to the statue. Go early in the morning on a clear day; clouds often cover the peak by afternoon.

Tickets and tours →

Sugarloaf Mountain

Two cable cars climb to the summit. Sunset is the classic time, but it is also the busiest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ipanema and Copacabana beaches

Each posto (lifeguard station) has its own crowd. Keep valuables minimal and watch for strong currents.

Tickets and tours →

Tijuca National Park

Hike to Pedra Bonita or Pedra da Gavea for views over the city and coast. Go with a guide on the longer trails.

Tickets and tours →

Santa Teresa and the Selaron Steps

A hilltop neighborhood of artists and old mansions, and the tiled staircase that links it to Lapa.

Tickets and tours →

Museu do Amanha

A striking science museum in the revitalized port area, focused on sustainability and the future.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Christ the Redeemer on the first train of the morning on a clear day.
Go to Sugarloaf in the late morning instead of at sunset to avoid the longest lines.
May, June, August, and September offer the best weather-to-price ratio.
For Carnival, consider the smaller street blocos in neighborhoods like Santa Teresa for a less overwhelming experience.

Know before you go

During Carnival, much of the city closes for business, traffic is disrupted, and many streets are taken over by blocos.
Heavy summer storms can cause flooding and landslides, disrupting traffic and closing some hillside trails.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf operate daily, but low clouds can mean zero visibility; check the webcams or weather before you go.
The water off Rio's beaches is coolest in winter, around 70F (21C), and strong currents can close beaches to swimming.

Rio de Janeiro in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Rio de Janeiro. Carnival usually falls in February: spectacular, but prices triple and rooms book up months ahead. Otherwise hot and stormy.

What is the weather like in Rio de Janeiro in February?

Hottest month, highs near 91F (33C), heavy storms.

Is Rio de Janeiro crowded in February?

February is peak crowd season in Rio de Janeiro; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Rio de Janeiro in February?

Rio Carnival (the days before ash wednesday, february or early march depending on easter).