If January is the brochure, February is the brochure with a party on Sundays.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | ~28°C / 82°F, the driest month |
| Nights | ~21°C / 70°F |
| Rain | Almost none |
| Sea | ~26°C / 79°F, clear |
| Sargassum | Lowest of the year |
Weather by month, sargassum guide.
Prices and crowds#
High season throughout, with two spikes: Valentine's week and the US Presidents' Day weekend. The weeks either side are the same weather for less. Where to stay, for couples.
What's on#
- Carnival: every Sunday of February, in towns across the country. La Vega's is the famous one; Santo Domingo's parade on the Malecón closes the month. Dominican Carnival explains the masks and the whips.
- Independence Day, 27 February: a national holiday, flags everywhere, the big parade in the capital. The day explained.
- Whales: peak season in Samaná Bay. Whale watching is the one long day trip worth doing this month.
What to do#
Beaches and boats at their best: Saona, a catamaran, Scape Park. A Carnival Sunday in Higüey or further afield with someone Dominican. The 5-day itinerary.
Pack#
Sun clothes and a light layer; no rain gear. What to wear in Punta Cana.
Carnival with a Dominican#
Carnival makes no sense without someone to explain who the devils are and why they're hitting people with inflated bladders. Post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend can take you to a Sunday parade.
Punta Cana in February? See Carnival with someone who grew up with it.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Punta Cana in February?
The driest month of the year: highs around 28°C (82°F), lows around 21°C (70°F), low humidity, a steady trade wind and almost no rain. Sea temperature around 26°C (79°F). Strong UV.Is there sargassum in Punta Cana in February?
Very little. February sits in the December-to-March window when the seaweed is at its lowest. Currents can surprise in any week, but February is one of the two safest months for a clear beach.Is February a busy month in Punta Cana?
Yes: high season, with extra crowds and prices around Valentine's Day and the US Presidents' Day long weekend. Book early, and avoid those two weeks if price matters.What is Dominican Carnival?
Parades every Sunday in February in towns across the country, with the diablos cojuelos in horned masks, ending around Independence Day on 27 February. La Vega's is the most famous; Santo Domingo's closes the month. Punta Cana resorts stage small versions; the real thing is a day trip.
