Things to Do in South America in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in South America
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Patagonia hiking season at its absolute peak - clear skies, wildflowers in bloom, and 16+ hours of daylight for maximum exploration time
- Amazon rainforest shows incredible biodiversity - animals are active, river levels perfect for wildlife spotting, and lodges offer 40% discounts compared to July
- Wine harvest season in Argentina and Chile means cellar door experiences, harvest festivals, and fresh grape varieties unavailable other times
- Fewer international tourists in northern countries (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador) due to rainy season perception - better prices and authentic local experiences
Considerations
- Heavy rainy season in northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru) with 180-250mm (7-10 inches) monthly rainfall disrupting outdoor plans
- Peak summer crowds and prices in southern cone countries - accommodation costs 60-80% higher than shoulder season
- Intense heat and humidity in Brazil's interior reaches 35-40°C (95-104°F) making midday activities uncomfortable
Best Activities in February
Patagonia Trekking and Hiking
February is the absolute best month for Patagonia adventures. Weather is most stable with temperatures reaching 20-25°C (68-77°F), minimal rainfall, and up to 16 hours of daylight. Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares show their full glory with wildflowers blooming and crystal-clear mountain views. Trails are fully accessible and refugios operate at capacity.
Amazon Wildlife Expeditions
February offers exceptional Amazon experiences with perfect river levels for deep jungle access and peak animal activity. Temperatures stay around 28-32°C (82-90°F) with afternoon showers that cool things down. Pink dolphins, caimans, and hundreds of bird species are easily spotted. Lodge prices drop significantly compared to dry season.
Argentine Wine Harvest Tours
February is harvest season in Mendoza and surrounding wine regions. Participate in actual grape picking, crushing ceremonies, and barrel tastings of new vintages unavailable other times. Weather is perfect at 25-30°C (77-86°F) with minimal rainfall. Wineries offer special harvest packages with authentic gaucho experiences.
Galápagos Island Cruises
February offers the warmest water temperatures (24-27°C/75-81°F) perfect for snorkeling and diving. Marine iguanas are nesting, flamingos are displaying breeding colors, and sea lions are most active. Afternoon rain showers last only 20-30 minutes and cool temperatures to comfortable levels.
Andes Mountain Climbing
February offers the most stable weather windows for serious altitude climbing in Ecuador and northern Peru. Mount Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Huascarán show clearest conditions with minimal wind. Temperatures at base camps stay around 5-10°C (41-50°F) with predictable weather patterns crucial for summit attempts.
Brazilian Carnival Experiences
February 2025 features Carnival season (February 28 - March 5) with street parties, samba schools, and cultural celebrations nationwide. Rio's Sambadrome shows peak performances, while Salvador's street Carnival offers more authentic local experiences. Temperatures reach 30-35°C (86-95°F) but coastal breezes provide relief.
February Events & Festivals
Brazilian Carnival
The world's largest carnival celebration peaks in late February 2025 (February 28 - March 5). Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome hosts elaborate samba school competitions while street blocos create city-wide celebrations. Salvador offers Africa-influenced celebrations with axé music and trio elétrico parades.
Argentine Wine Harvest Festival
Mendoza's Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia celebrates grape harvest with folklore shows, wine tastings, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen. Features live music, traditional food, and exclusive winery events throughout the month.
Inti Raymi Summer Celebrations
While the main Inti Raymi occurs in June, February features summer solstice celebrations throughout Andean communities with traditional music, food festivals, and indigenous ceremonies marking peak growing season.