Things to Do in Montevideo in February

February Weather in Montevideo

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season means 14+ hours of daylight for maximum sightseeing time, with sunset after 8pm perfect for evening strolls along the Rambla
Carnival season (late February) brings the most authentic cultural experience of the year with murga street performances and neighborhood parades
Beach weather is optimal - Pocitos and Ramírez beaches reach 24°C (75°F) water temperature, perfect for swimming without crowds of peak January
Fresh summer produce floods Mercado del Puerto with peak-season seafood, stone fruits, and the year's best barbecue weather for weekend asados

Considerations

Accommodation prices surge 40-60% during Carnival weeks with minimum 3-night stays required in most hotels
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly around 4-6pm, lasting 45-90 minutes and flooding some Ciudad Vieja streets temporarily
UV index reaches dangerous levels (9+) requiring constant sun protection - locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-3pm

Best Activities in February

Carnival Neighborhood Walking Tours

February is the only time to experience authentic Montevideo Carnival - not the tourist version but real barrio celebrations. Each neighborhood has distinct murga traditions, with Cordón and Barrio Sur offering the most authentic performances. The humidity actually enhances the evening atmosphere as locals spill onto streets after sunset.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 3-4 weeks ahead as February is peak season. Tours typically cost $25-40 USD per person. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism who speak your language. See current Carnival tour options in the booking section below.

Rambla Coastal Cycling

February's extended daylight and cooling Rio de la Plata breezes make this the ideal month for cycling Montevideo's 22 km (13.7 mile) coastal promenade. Start at 7am to avoid peak UV, finishing by 11am. The summer weather means perfect visibility across to Buenos Aires on clear days.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals average $15-25 USD per day. Book through established rental shops near Pocitos or Ciudad Vieja. Avoid afternoon rentals due to thunderstorm risk. Check current bike tour options in the booking section below.

Mercado del Puerto Food Tours

February brings peak barbecue season when parrilleros fire up outdoor grills despite the heat. The market is most authentic on Saturday mornings when locals shop for weekend asados. High humidity intensifies the smoky aromas, creating an intoxicating atmosphere unique to summer months.

Booking Tip: Food tours run $35-55 USD and should include at least 5 tastings plus wine pairings. Morning tours (9-11am) avoid peak heat and offer fresher selections. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during Carnival season. See current food tour options below.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

February's clear summer weather provides optimal ferry conditions across Rio de la Plata, with morning departures offering glass-smooth crossings. The colonial Portuguese streets are less crowded than December-January but still benefit from extended daylight for photography. Return ferries often feature spectacular sunsets.

Booking Tip: Ferry day trips cost $45-65 USD including transport. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Buquebus and Seacat offer regular services - reserve 1 week ahead during February. Current day trip packages available in booking section below.

Punta del Este Beach Day Tours

February offers the last weeks of premium beach weather before autumn cooling begins. Water temperatures peak at 22-24°C (72-75°F) while avoiding the January tourist crush. The 130 km (81 mile) drive showcases Uruguay's summer countryside at its greenest.

Booking Tip: Day tours range $50-80 USD including beach time and lunch. Departure times around 8am return by 7pm to avoid evening storms. Look for tours including both Brava and Mansa beach stops. See current beach tour options in booking section below.

Sunset Tango River Cruises

February's late sunsets (after 8pm) create extended golden hour perfect for Rio de la Plata dinner cruises. The summer heat makes air-conditioned boat interiors welcome while decks offer cooling river breezes. Live tango performances feel more authentic in the languid summer atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost $40-70 USD with dinner included. Book sunset departures around 6:30pm for optimal lighting. Choose operators with covered outdoor decks for weather flexibility. Current dinner cruise options available in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Early February through early March

Montevideo Carnival

The longest carnival in the world runs throughout February with 40+ murga groups performing in neighborhoods. Unlike Rio's spectacle, this is community-focused with family-friendly street performances, elaborate costumes, and satirical social commentary through song and dance.

Every weekend in February

Festival de Verano

Free outdoor concerts and cultural events throughout the city's parks and plazas every weekend in February. Features both international acts and Uruguay's top musicians performing everything from candombe to rock nacional.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 9+ daily and Rio de la Plata reflection intensifies exposure on coastal walks

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms arrive within 10 minutes and can drench you in seconds

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during 6+ hour walking days

Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses - essential for Rambla walks and beach day trips where shade is minimal

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Ciudad Vieja's colonial stones become slippery when wet from thunderstorms

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and museums keep interiors quite cool to combat summer heat

Waterproof phone case or bag - sudden downpours can damage electronics before you find shelter

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high humidity and walking tours can cause rapid dehydration despite moderate temperatures

Evening outfit for tango shows - venues maintain dress codes year-round despite casual summer street fashion

Portable battery pack - extended daylight and heat drain phone batteries faster when using maps and translation apps

Insider Knowledge

Download the 'Como Ir' app for real-time bus tracking - February thunderstorms often delay public transport and this shows actual arrival times, not schedules

Locals eat lunch between 1-3pm when tourists are hiding from heat - restaurants offer better service and fresher selections during this 'dead' period

Friday nights in February see massive crowds at Mercado de la Abundancia - locals finish work and head straight to weekend celebrations, creating an authentic party atmosphere

Pharmacy chains like Farmashop stay open during afternoon storms when other businesses close - they're reliable refuges with AC, bathrooms, and basic supplies

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Carnival accommodation less than 4 weeks ahead - minimum stays and inflated prices catch tourists off guard during peak weeks

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-4pm without sun protection - locals completely avoid midday sun and you should too

Carrying only credit cards - many neighborhood Carnival events and street food vendors are cash-only, and ATMs often run empty during festival weeks