Things to Do in Nicaragua in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Nicaragua

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 15 mm (0.6 inches) of rainfall - perfect for volcano hiking and beach activities without muddy trails or transportation delays
Strongest trade winds of the year create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing on Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific coast, with consistent 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) winds
Coolest temperatures of dry season at 22-32°C (72-90°F) make multi-day hiking trips to Mombacho and Maderas volcanoes comfortable during peak daylight hours
Sea turtle nesting season peaks at Playa La Flor - February offers 90% chance of witnessing olive ridley arribadas without the March-April crowds

Considerations

Strongest winds can create choppy conditions for small boat transfers to Ometepe Island and coastal fishing trips, with 30% of scheduled boats delayed or cancelled
Dust levels peak in Managua and Granada due to dry conditions - problematic for travelers with respiratory sensitivities or contact lens wearers
UV index reaches 9 with minimal cloud cover - sunburn risk is extreme, especially during volcano hikes above 800 m (2,625 ft) elevation where UV exposure increases

Best Activities in February

Volcano Crater Hiking Tours

February's dry trails and cooler morning temperatures make this the ideal month for multi-crater hikes. Masaya's Santiago crater offers the best lava lake visibility due to minimal atmospheric moisture. Mombacho's cloud forest trails are accessible without 4WD vehicles, and early morning starts at 6 AM avoid afternoon heat buildup.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through certified guides with INTUR permits. Full-day tours typically cost $45-65 USD including transport from Granada or Managua. Look for operators providing headlamps for early starts and emergency communications equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Pacific Coast Kitesurfing

February delivers Nicaragua's most consistent wind conditions with daily 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) offshore winds from 11 AM-5 PM. Playa Popoyo and San Juan del Sur offer perfect learning conditions with warm 28°C (82°F) water temperatures and minimal rainfall disruptions. Advanced riders can tackle larger swells arriving from southern hemisphere storms.

Booking Tip: Book equipment rentals 5-7 days ahead during February peak season. Daily board and kite rental ranges $60-85 USD. Multi-day packages with accommodation typically cost $180-250 USD per day. Prioritize schools with IKO-certified instructors and rescue boat support. See current options in booking section below.

Sea Turtle Nesting Expeditions

February marks peak olive ridley arribada season at La Flor Wildlife Refuge. Night tours between 8 PM-2 AM offer 90% probability of witnessing mass nesting events with 500-2000 turtles. Cool 22°C (72°F) nighttime temperatures and minimal rain create comfortable viewing conditions. Rangers limit groups to 15 people per night.

Booking Tip: Reserve minimum 14 days ahead through MARENA-authorized guides only. Tours cost $35-50 USD including reserve entrance fees and transportation from Rivas. Bring red-filtered flashlights and avoid white lights. Book full moon dates for optimal visibility but expect higher demand. See current tours in booking section below.

Colonial Granada Architecture Tours

February's low humidity and minimal rain create perfect conditions for extended walking tours through Granada's historic center. Morning tours from 7-10 AM avoid peak UV exposure while capturing golden hour photography at Iglesia de la Merced's bell tower. Afternoon horse-drawn carriage tours benefit from cooling trade winds along Calle La Calzada.

Booking Tip: Book morning walking tours 3-5 days ahead for $25-40 USD including cathedral and bell tower access. Carriage tours cost $15-25 USD per hour and operate 3-6 PM when trade winds provide natural cooling. Look for guides certified by Nicaragua's tourism institute with historical expertise. See current options in booking section below.

Lake Nicaragua Island Exploration

Dry season provides reliable boat transportation to Las Isletas archipelago with calm morning water conditions from 7-11 AM. February's clear skies offer unobstructed views of Mombacho Volcano from water level. Monkey spotting peaks during dry season as wildlife concentrates near permanent water sources on inhabited islands.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours 2-4 days ahead for $30-45 USD including island stops and wildlife viewing. Morning departures recommended before afternoon winds increase wave height. Tours typically last 3-4 hours with snorkeling equipment included. Choose operators with life jackets and radio communication equipment. See current tours in booking section below.

Cloud Forest Coffee Farm Tours

February coincides with peak harvest season in Matagalpa and Jinotega regions. Cool mountain temperatures of 18-25°C (64-77°F) and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for farm visits and processing facility tours. Fresh cherry picking, wet processing demonstrations, and cupping sessions showcase beans at optimal flavor development.

Booking Tip: Reserve harvest tours 7-14 days ahead for $20-35 USD including transportation from town centers. Full-day tours with multiple farms cost $50-75 USD. Look for farms offering hands-on picking experiences and direct-trade purchasing options. Tours typically run 8 AM-4 PM to utilize cooler temperatures. See current options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Early February (February 1-10)

Festival de Santo Domingo

Managua's patron saint celebration features traditional folk dancing, horse parades, and street food vendors throughout the historic center. Local families prepare traditional vigaron and nacatamal dishes exclusively during this period. Evening processions include elaborate decorated carriages and live marimba performances.

Throughout February

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Multiple coffee-growing regions hold harvest celebrations featuring cupping competitions, traditional music, and farm-to-cup demonstrations. Matagalpa and Jinotega host weekend festivals with local roasters offering exclusive harvest lots and cultural performances by indigenous communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 at sea level and increases 10% per 300 m (984 ft) of elevation gain during volcano hikes

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts with UPF protection - essential for extended outdoor activities and reduces insect exposure during evening hours

Breathable hiking boots with ankle support - dry season trails can be loose volcanic rock, especially on Masaya and Mombacho ascents

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - February trade winds average 25 km/h (15 mph) and can blow off loose-fitting headwear

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - dust accumulation is significant during dry season, especially in Granada and Managua areas

High-quality dust mask or bandana - helpful for sensitive travelers during windy conditions and volcanic ash exposure near active craters

Insulated water bottle (1.5L minimum) - dehydration risk is high with low humidity and increased sun exposure during outdoor activities

Red-filtered headlamp - required for sea turtle tours and useful for early morning volcano hike starts without disturbing wildlife

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers still occur 3-4 days per month and provide sudden temperature drops of 5-8°C (9-14°F)

Electrolyte supplements - increased sweating during outdoor activities combined with limited shade requires enhanced hydration management

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (chicken buses) reduce frequency during February due to increased dust conditions affecting mechanical reliability - rent private transport for volcano areas or book tours with guaranteed vehicle backup

Granada's central market offers peak variety of dry season fruits like jocote and mamón during February - visit between 6-8 AM for best selection and coolest shopping temperatures

Ometepe Island ferry schedules change weekly in February due to varying wind conditions - always confirm departure times the morning of travel and have backup accommodation booked

ATMs in smaller towns like San Juan del Sur frequently run out of cash during February tourism peak - withdraw money in Managua or Granada before heading to coastal areas