Things to Do in Costa Rica in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Costa Rica
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means you'll get consistent sunshine with maybe one or two brief showers all month - February typically sees just 15 mm (0.6 inches) of rain compared to October's 300+ mm (12+ inches), so your beach days and volcano hikes actually happen as planned
- Green season vegetation is still lush from recent rains but trails are dry and accessible - you get the best of both worlds with vibrant forests at Monteverde and Corcovado without the mud that makes some paths impassable in September through November
- Whale and dolphin activity peaks along the Pacific coast, particularly around Marino Ballena National Park where humpback whales migrate through with calves - visibility for snorkeling and diving hits 20-30 m (65-100 ft) in places like Caño Island, the clearest you'll see all year
- Shoulder pricing kicks in after the Christmas-New Year crush but before North American spring break in March - you'll save 15-25% on accommodations compared to late December, and popular spots like Manuel Antonio and Arenal aren't completely overrun yet, though weekends still get busy
Considerations
- This is technically high season, so expect North American and European tourists at major attractions - Manuel Antonio National Park hits its 600-person daily limit by 8am most days, and popular restaurants in beach towns like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa book out 2-3 days ahead for dinner
- Winds pick up significantly in Guanacaste and the northern Pacific coast, with consistent 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) gusts that can make beach days sandblasty and some boat tours to the Catalina Islands get cancelled - kitesurfers love it, but if you're planning relaxed beach lounging, the Caribbean side stays calmer
- UV index reaches 11+ during midday hours, which is extreme category - you'll burn in under 15 minutes without protection, and that high-altitude sun at places like Irazú Volcano (3,432 m / 11,260 ft) is particularly intense even on cloudy days
Best Activities in February
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve hiking
February hits the sweet spot for cloud forest exploration - trails are dry enough for good traction but the canopy is still thick and green from recent rains. Morning mist typically clears by 9-10am, giving you that magical cloud forest atmosphere early then clear views of the Nicoya Peninsula by afternoon. Resplendent quetzals are actively nesting, and your chances of spotting one jump to about 60-70% if you're on the trails between 6-9am. The humidity sits around 70% which is actually comfortable compared to the 90%+ you'd get in rainy season.
Arenal Volcano area hot springs and hiking
The volcano itself has been in a resting phase since 2010, but February's clear skies mean you'll actually see the perfect cone shape without cloud cover - happens about 75% of mornings before afternoon clouds roll in around 2-3pm. The natural hot springs fed by geothermal activity stay a consistent 37-40°C (98-104°F) year-round, and soaking after a day hiking the lava fields or hanging bridges is particularly nice when evening temps drop to 20°C (68°F). Trails around the 1968 lava flow are completely dry, and you can hike right up to the hardened lava without the mud that makes it sketchy in wet months.
Pacific coast surfing in Guanacaste
February brings consistent offshore winds and clean swells to beaches like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Grande - the same winds that make beach lounging less pleasant create excellent surf conditions with 1-2 m (3-6 ft) waves that are manageable for intermediates. Water temperature sits at 27-28°C (80-82°F) so you don't need a wetsuit, just boardshorts and a rashguard for sun protection. Dry season means you can surf morning and afternoon without rain interrupting sessions, and dawn patrol around 6am offers glassy conditions before winds pick up around 10am.
Tortuguero canals wildlife tours
The Caribbean side stays calmer in February while the Pacific gets windy, making Tortuguero's canal system ideal for spotting caimans, sloths, howler monkeys, and over 300 bird species. Water levels are lower than rainy season but still navigable, and wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources. Early morning tours starting at 6am offer the best animal activity before it gets too hot - temps reach 30°C (86°F) by midday but the tree canopy keeps you shaded. February is between turtle nesting seasons, so you won't see that, but the trade-off is fewer tourists and better pricing than peak turtle months of July-October.
Manuel Antonio National Park beaches and trails
This is Costa Rica's most visited park for good reason - white sand beaches backed by primary rainforest, with monkeys, sloths, and iguanas basically everywhere. February's dry weather means the 4.3 km (2.7 miles) of trails are in excellent condition, and you can actually swim at the beaches without worrying about afternoon downpours. Water clarity is excellent for snorkeling off Playa Manuel Antonio. The downside is popularity - the park limits entry to 600 people per day and regularly hits that by 8am, so you need to arrive right when gates open at 7am or book ahead.
Marino Ballena National Park whale watching
February sits right in the middle of humpback whale migration season along the southern Pacific coast - these are whales coming from the Northern Hemisphere, overlapping briefly with Southern Hemisphere whales for the world's longest whale season. Boat tours from Uvita offer 80-90% sighting success rates in February, with mothers and calves breaching, tail slapping, and generally showing off. Tours also hit Caño Island for snorkeling where visibility reaches 20-25 m (65-80 ft) and you'll see sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. The famous whale tail sandbar formation at low tide makes for excellent photos.
February Events & Festivals
Envision Festival
This week-long transformational festival happens in Uvita during late February, combining music, yoga, art installations, and sustainability workshops. It draws an international crowd of about 6,000 people and completely transforms the small beach town - expect higher prices and fully booked accommodations within 15 km (9 miles) of the venue. If you're into electronic music, permaculture talks, and fire dancers, it's worth planning around. If you want quiet beach time, avoid Uvita from February 20-28.
Fiesta de los Diablitos
The indigenous Boruca community in the southern zone holds this three-day festival representing the resistance against Spanish colonizers through elaborate devil masks and ceremonial battles. It's one of the few authentic indigenous celebrations accessible to respectful visitors. Takes place in the remote village of Boruca, about 4 hours from San Jose on rough roads, so it requires some commitment to attend but offers genuine cultural insight you won't find at tourist-oriented events.