What February feels like in Rio de Janeiro
February falls in Rio de Janeiro's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. There is little difference between day and night: nights stay warm, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Rio de Janeiro in February
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. Across the year Rio de Janeiro averages about 8.8 mm per rainy day, so February is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in February
In mid-February, sunrise is at about 5:41 am and sunset at about 6:33 pm (local time) — 12 h 52 min of daylight. Compared with mid-January, the day has lost 32 min. Measured sunshine covers about 82% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How February compares to the rest of the year
February is the warmest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Compared with January, afternoons are 0.5°C (0.9°F) warmer, with 67 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into March. By March, typical highs are 29.5°C (85.1°F).
Who February suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Hiking: less ideal — too hot for long hikes.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Rio de Janeiro in February
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Rio de Janeiro in February?
Afternoons average 30.9°C (87.6°F) and nights about 23.8°C (74.8°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Rio de Janeiro in February?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 144 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Rio de Janeiro in February?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is February or March better for visiting Rio de Janeiro?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #9), rated Good against Fair. March is cooler and has more rainy days.