Month guide · Rio de Janeiro · Brazil

Rio de Janeiro in February

What February is really like in Rio de Janeiro: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.

Updated 23 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Quick answer

February is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 12.9 hours of daylight. Carnival usually falls in February, with samba-school parades at the Sambadrome and hundreds of street blocos; hotel prices are at their annual peak.

Average high / low: 30°C (86°F) / 23°C (73°F)
Rainy days: About 10
Daylight: About 12.9 hours
Sea temperature: 26°C (79°F)
Crowds: Very busy
Hotel prices: Highest

Weather in February

February is the 2nd-warmest month in Rio de Janeiro: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 27°C (81°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 28 days. Compared with January (30°C (86°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs stay near 29°C (84°F).

Sunrise (15 February): About 05:42
Sunset (15 February): About 18:32
Daylight: About 12.9 hours
Sea: 26°C (79°F)

Autumn (April–May). Warm, drier and less humid, with comfortable hiking weather, clear views and fewer visitors.

Crowds and prices

On a 1–5 scale, February rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.

Events in February

Carnival — Sambadrome parades and street blocos (usually February, sometimes early March)

Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.

What to do in February

With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.

Architecture · Centro

Theatro Municipal

Rio's opera house, opened in 1909 on Praça Floriano and inspired by the Paris Opéra, has a gilded foyer, marble staircases and an auditorium decorated by the painter Eliseu Visconti.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Low cost

Architecture
History
Rainy day
After dark

Religious site · Centro

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

Visit around midday or early afternoon when the light through the windows is strongest, then walk on to the Lapa Arches nearby.

Time needed: 30 minutes
Cost: Free

Architecture
Free
Photo spot
Rainy day

Landmark · Corcovado

Christ the Redeemer

The 30-metre Art Deco statue, completed in 1931, stands on the 700-metre summit of Corcovado with its arms spread over the city.

Time needed: 2–3 hours including the train
Cost: Mid-priced

Iconic
Views
Kids
Photo spot

Landmark · Urca

Sugarloaf Mountain

Arrive about an hour before sunset to see the city in daylight, at dusk and lit up; fit walkers can climb Morro da Urca by trail from the Pista Cláudio Coutinho path at Praia Vermelha.

Time needed: 2–3 hours
Cost: Mid-priced

Iconic
Views
Couples
Kids
After dark

The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Rio de Janeiro.

What to pack

For highs near 30°C, lows near 23°C and 10 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.

Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and August–October are better overall. Compare every month.

Rio de Janeiro in other months

Questions travellers ask

+Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Carnival usually falls in February, with samba-school parades at the Sambadrome and hundreds of street blocos; hotel prices are at their annual peak.

+How warm is Rio de Janeiro in February?

Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).

+Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in February?

Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.