Weather in Rio de Janeiro in February

How February compares

February is the 1st warmest month of the year in Rio de Janeiro and ranks 9th of 134 destinations we compare for February - see where else is hot in February. Against London's average high of 7.9°C in February, Rio de Janeiro is 23.1°C warmer by day and 21.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in February

The typical February day in Rio de Janeiro peaks at 31.0°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 34.8°C or more. About 98% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.7°C; one night in ten drops to 21.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest February day here reached 37.8°C (1998-02-05) and the coldest night 18.6°C (1991-02-25).

Rain in February

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 17 days with 1 mm or more, 187 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest February was 1996 with 422 mm, the driest 2003 with 36 mm. Humidity averages 78%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in February

The sea averages 26.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.1°C to 27.5°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:41 and sets about 18:33 local time in mid-February. Average cloud cover is 63%.

Is February a good time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Rio de Janeiro on our scoring are August, June, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Expect heat that carries into the evening

February is Rio's warmest month, so choose it because you enjoy heat rather than simply want to avoid the cold. Humidity averages 78%, which can make walking around feel tiring even in light clothing. The hottest days reach around 35°C or more, making shade and breaks particularly important. Plan more active outings for the cooler parts of the day and keep midday demands modest. Pack loose, breathable clothes, sun protection and comfortable footwear. Evenings offer some relief from daytime highs, but they are still warm rather than crisp. Air conditioning is a sensible accommodation priority if you struggle to sleep in heat.

Rain is the main compromise

This is a wet month, not a reliable choice for uninterrupted sunshine. About 4.7 hours of sunshine sit within 12.8 hours of daylight, so long days do not mean clear skies throughout. Leave room to rearrange outdoor plans rather than tying every day to good weather. A light waterproof or compact umbrella is more useful than a heavy coat in this warmth, and quick-drying clothes are practical. The rainy-day figure does not tell you how long rain will last or when it will arrive, so do not build your plans around an assumed dry morning or a predictable afternoon shower.

Warm water makes swimming appealing

The sea averages 26.4°C, making February a good fit if comfortable swimming temperatures matter more to you than dry weather. The year-to-year range of 25°C to 28°C still points to warm water, though temperature alone cannot tell you about conditions on the day. Pack swimwear alongside rain protection: neither cancels out the need for the other. With a flight from London of about 12 h 18 min, this is a long-haul commitment, so be honest about your priorities. February makes sense for travellers who welcome substantial heat and can change plans when it rains; it is less suitable for those wanting mild, dry days.