Weather
February is one of the dryest months in Mexico, with hot weather and pleasant water temperatures. The weather continues to be similar to December and January with high humidity and almost no rain. Daily temperatures are around 80 °F throughout the Pacific Coast and the Yucatán Peninsula in the south.
It gets slightly warmer in Baja, California, with average temperatures climbing up to 85 °F. In Mexico City, you will continue to have around 75 °F during the day. Remember to bring warmer clothes for the evening if you are traveling to the capital.
In Copper Canyon, it is still chilly in some areas, and it is pretty humid. However, you can ski in many places or go on hiking adventures. Bring a variety of winter and summer clothes with you of you are visiting Copper Canyon. Some areas see as low as 45-60 °, but the average is approximately 65 °F. It gets a bit warmer toward the end of the month. If you want to escape the scorching and humid weather, Northern or Central Mexico are your best choices.
Crowds & Costs
February is very much the high season in Mexico. With the warm temperatures and the Carnavals starting, there are a lot of both international and Mexican travelers. It is one of the most expensive months to visit but also one of the most active ones with events and festivals throughout the country.
If you want to avoid big crowds, avoid going during the American spring-break from mid-February, especially to Cancún and Riviera Maya. The more south you go in February, the more crowded it will be. If you, on the other hand, want to party away and experience a lively scene, then these are the best places to go.
Where to go
One of the best spots for a lively scene in February is the Yucatán Peninsula. Head to the Oaxaca, Acapulco, or Puerto Vallarta. The entire Pacific Coast will be filled with activities and beach time. Here, you can enjoy the real warm Mexican weather and a prominent international crowd. Enjoy surfing, swimming, and cenote diving. Puerto Vallarta is particularly great in February, where you can embark on a ziplining adventure and go trekking through the jungle.
The city surrounds a historic center standing with its small-town charm, and is one of the highlights of the Jalisco’s coastline. From Puerto Vallarta, on Playa Los Muertos, take a water taxi to the picturesque Boca de Tomatlán. It is a seaside village that is less commercialized than Puerto Vallarta but equally as beautiful and quieter. Try the famous ceviche tostadas here and go on a coastal cliff walk.
Continue hiking to the charming beach Majahuitas and the popular Quimixto. Then, take a water taxi to Yelapa - a village renowned for being an inaccessible-by-land destination. Here, you will find yoga retreats and beautiful boutique accommodation, as well as the gorgeous Yelapa waterfall. Make your way to the tiny former fishing village Chacala, which is a charming little place.
There are fewer crowds here, which means you can enjoy a more quiet beach scene, and it is a perfect place for snorkeling. To try the Mexican waves on a surfboard, head to Playa de Mantanchén in San Blas - you will not be disappointed. If you are a birdwatcher, the La Tovara Nature Reserve is definitely for you. You will find many endemic species residing here.
Another superb and quieter spot is Playa Platanitos on the stunning Nayarit Riviera. Head to the small coast of Colima and visit Cuyutlán. Here, you will find black sand and impressive nature scene with a turtle sanctuary- El Turtagario. Another place to see an abundance of black turtles is in Michocán, in among the indigenous communities in Colola and Maruata.
The Colola beach is the most important nesting place for black turtles in Mexico. The reason for that is when indigenous communities decided to recover the black turtle population of the Michoacán coastline, in 1982. Today, an impressive 75 percent of the word's turtle population can be found here. You will also find beautiful handicrafts to shop for souvenirs here, and it is a bit quieter than the rest of Michoán.
What to do
February is a great month to enjoy the beaches in the south but also for various activities. It is a great month to enjoy whale watching, visiting the Mayan ruin complex Chichen Itza, and fo cenote diving. In Yucatán, there is a famous and beautiful cenote spot called Cenote Ik Kil. It is a bit more crowded during this time, but it is a great activity that lets you cool off from the hot weather.
For some adventure, head to Puerto Vallarta, where you can go ziplining high above the jungle canopy. Trekk through the jungle and enjoy the stunning views of Banderas Bay. It is also great for watersports, perfect in February, with activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Try some surfing as well and go snorkeling or scuba diving while you are here.
Another thing to do is to head to Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit and enjoy golfing. Surfing is excellent here, with a lot of surfers calling this place their favorite spot. Try delicious, fresh seafood in Playa de las Ánimas and visit the small fishing village here. If you are looking for some adrenaline and fun, try parasailing and banana boating.
Go on a sightseeing tour around the Ek Balam complex, north of Valladolid. There are a lot fewer tourists here, and you will get to experience the more authentic Mayan feel. The ruins here are set deep in the jungle, and you can finish the day by cooling off in the nearby Cenote Xcan Ché.
In Coba, go on an ancient tour and learn in-depth about Mayan architecture and culture. It is only a two-hour drive and 82 miles (132 km) from Cancún. Another thing you should do if you like to be active is to rent a bicycle and explore Tulum. Visit the Cenote Calavera and several other coastal cenotes here. Continue to Balacar, 132 miles (214 km) and visit this breathtaking lagoon—known for its seven colors. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the warm, clear water.
Events in February
Carnaval, from mid-February in various cities, such as Veracruz & Mazatlán. Expect big celebrations, parades, fireworks, and dancing up until Ash Wednesday.
Festival Sayulita, the first two-three days in February, is a significant film festival taking place every year in Sayulita. Enjoy private and beach-front screenings, live music, and lecture series. You can also enjoy events such as master tastings, tequila, and food pairings, and surfing. This is a great way to experience the Mexican scene and to get to know the culture.
Constitution Day, the first Monday in February, is a Mexican national holiday. The country celebrates the constitution of 1917, and events are held throughout the country.
ZONA MACO Art Fair in Mexico City, end of the first week in February, lasts for five days. If you are an art lover, then you have to attend this event. It is the most significant contemporary fair in the city and one of the most significant art fairs in Latin America. Expect fantastic art and exhibitions at some of the most astounding galleries and museums in Mexico. The event is divided into five areas, including design and modern art.
Día de San Valentin, February 14. It is a day to celebrate friendship and love in entire Mexico. The meaning behind this event is the same as in most places except that you also get a Mexican feeling added to it.
San Pancho Music Festival in San Francisco in Nayarit, the last week of February. This event began as a small gathering of locals but has grown significantly in the past ten years. Expect performances by the musicians from Riviera Nayarit, as well as international ones. There are free concerts every evening at Plaza del Sol, after 5 pm.
Traveling to Mexico in February? Check out these great itineraries.
Culture & the Great Outdoors on the Yucatán Peninsula - 7 Days. On this colorful 7-day trip, you will authentically experience Mexican culture. You will see the highlights of the Yucatán Peninsula, visit archaeological sites, such as Chichen Itzá, Cobá, Xcambó, and view flamingos at Río Lagartos before finishing up in Mérida, where you'll go on a kayak tour and relax on the beach.
Family Trip to Chiapas & the Riviera Maya - 14 Days. On this family-friendly two-week itinerary, you'll discover the diverse state of Chiapas. Enjoy jungle waterfalls, colonial cities, and get to know the Mayan communities. You will drive to the Yucatán Peninsula, relax on the beach, swim in cenotes, and visit archaeological ruins high above the Caribbean Sea.