Things to Do in Venezuela in February

February Weather in Venezuela

32°C (90°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall (only 45mm/1.8 inches) - perfect for Angel Falls trips and Roraima trekking when many trails are impassable during rainy months
Optimal wildlife viewing in Los Llanos as animals concentrate around remaining water sources - jaguar and capybara sightings increase 300% compared to wet season
Clearest visibility for photography at Salto Ángel - February has 85% clear sky days versus 40% in rainy season, crucial for the 45-minute flight from Canaima
Comfortable temperatures 22-32°C (72-90°F) make multi-day tepui expeditions manageable - Roraima summit camping is actually pleasant rather than freezing wet

Considerations

Extreme UV exposure (index 11+) at high altitudes - sunburn occurs in under 15 minutes on tepui plateaus without cloud cover protection
Peak tourist pricing inflates costs 40-60% above low season - domestic flights to Canaima jump from $180 to $300+ USD during February
Water levels at their annual lowest - some waterfalls reduce to trickles, and river navigation to remote areas becomes impossible until rains return

Best Activities in February

Angel Falls Multi-Day Tours

February offers the only reliable window for reaching the world's highest waterfall. Dry weather means consistent flights from Caracas to Canaima (45 minutes), plus navigable rivers to the falls base. Water levels are lower but still spectacular, and you'll avoid the equipment-soaking rains that plague other months. Photography conditions are optimal with clear skies 85% of days.

Booking Tip: Reserve 6-8 weeks ahead as February slots fill quickly. Tours typically cost $450-650 USD for 3-day packages including flights, meals, and camping. Look for operators with backup helicopter access when rivers are too low. Book through established operators with safety certifications.

Mount Roraima Trekking Expeditions

The dry season makes this challenging 6-day trek actually feasible. February's low rainfall means solid footing on the notorious 'ramp' ascent, and summit camping isn't a muddy nightmare. Temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night but days are pleasant. This is when locals attempt the trek - rainy season makes it genuinely dangerous.

Booking Tip: Book 8-10 weeks ahead through certified guides only - solo trekking is prohibited. Expect $380-520 USD for 6-day guided expeditions including equipment and meals. Verify guides have current permits and emergency communication equipment.

Los Llanos Wildlife Safaris

February transforms Venezuela's vast plains into the continent's best wildlife theater. Receding waters concentrate animals around remaining lagoons - creating incredible density for photography. Jaguar, giant otter, and hundreds of bird species become predictably visible. The dry ground allows vehicle access to remote areas flooded other months.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead for best lodge availability. Multi-day packages range $280-420 USD including meals and guided drives. Choose operators with early morning departure times (5:30-6:00 AM) when wildlife activity peaks before midday heat.

Orinoco River Expeditions

Lower water levels in February reveal beaches and expose pink river dolphins to closer observation. The comfortable weather makes multi-day river journeys pleasant rather than endurance tests. This is prime season for visiting indigenous communities as travel conditions are reliable and cultural festivals occur during dry months.

Booking Tip: Reserve 5-7 weeks ahead as dry season limits available departure dates. Expect $320-480 USD for 4-day river expeditions. Ensure operators have proper permits for indigenous territory access and backup transportation for low-water situations.

Caribbean Coast Beach Extensions

After adventure activities, Venezuela's Caribbean islands offer perfect recovery time. February brings consistent trade winds, calm seas, and minimal rainfall. Los Roques archipelago has optimal diving visibility (30m/98ft) and comfortable air temperatures. Beach conditions are ideal with gentle surf and clear skies.

Booking Tip: Book domestic flights to Los Roques 6-8 weeks ahead - February is peak season with limited daily flights. Island packages typically cost $180-280 USD per day including flights and meals. Choose operators with flexible weather policies.

Canaima National Park Aerial Tours

February's clear weather creates optimal conditions for scenic flights over the park's 400+ waterfalls and table mountains. Visibility extends to 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear days, revealing the full scope of this UNESCO site. Ground tours to lesser falls like Sapo and Ucaima are accessible when trails are dry.

Booking Tip: Book scenic flights 4-6 weeks ahead through certified operators with weather backup policies. Half-day aerial tours range $120-200 USD per person. Morning flights (7:00-10:00 AM) offer best visibility before afternoon thermal activity.

February Events & Festivals

Late February (dates vary by year)

Carnival celebrations across Venezuela

February features some of South America's most vibrant Carnival festivities, particularly in El Callao with its unique Calypso influences and UNESCO-recognized traditions. Street parades, traditional music, and elaborate costumes take over major cities during the four days before Ash Wednesday.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapplication supplies - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude, causing burns in under 15 minutes

Lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirts - essential for UV protection during full-day outdoor activities rather than relying on sunscreen alone

Quality rain jacket despite dry season - afternoon showers still occur 4 days per month and can be intense when they hit

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - dry season concentrates insects around water sources where you'll spend most time

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - essential for Angel Falls river crossings and Roraima's rocky terrain

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages are common in remote areas and essential for early morning wildlife viewing

Water purification tablets - reliable bottled water isn't available in remote locations and dehydration risk is high

Lightweight sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) - nights on Roraima and other tepuis drop significantly below daytime temperatures

Quick-dry clothing only - cotton takes too long to dry in humid conditions and becomes uncomfortable when wet

Portable power bank with solar charging - electrical access is limited during multi-day adventures and phone/camera batteries drain quickly in heat

Insider Knowledge

Bring US dollars in small bills ($1, $5, $10) - the bolívar is highly unstable and many tourism services quote in USD, with change given in local currency at daily rates

Download offline maps before arriving - internet connectivity is unreliable outside major cities, and GPS is crucial for remote area navigation

Pack extra camera memory cards and batteries - the dramatic scenery leads to much more photography than planned, and replacements aren't available in remote areas

Book internal flights same-day or day-before when possible - Venezuelan domestic airlines frequently change schedules, and early booking often leads to cancellations rather than guarantees

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the physical demands of tepui trekking - Roraima requires genuine mountaineering fitness levels, not just regular hiking experience

Expecting luxury accommodations outside Caracas - even 'eco-lodges' in remote areas offer basic facilities, and managing expectations prevents disappointment

Not bringing enough cash - credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, and ATMs are unreliable with frequent outages