Things to Do in Uruguay in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Uruguay
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer season means beaches are actually alive - Punta del Este, La Paloma, and Cabo Polonio are fully operational with beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports running at full capacity, unlike the ghost-town vibe they have May through November
- Carnival season hits its absolute peak in February with Montevideo's Llamadas parade (typically second half of the month) - you'll see candombe drumming groups practicing in Barrio Sur neighborhoods most evenings, not just staged tourist performances
- Water temperatures reach their annual high around 21-23°C (70-73°F) in February, which is genuinely swimmable without a wetsuit, unlike the chilly 16°C (61°F) you'd face in December
- Extended daylight hours until around 8:30pm give you flexibility to hit the beach mid-afternoon after the UV index drops from its 12pm-3pm peak, then still have evening light for dinner on outdoor terraces
Considerations
- Accommodation prices in coastal areas run 2-3 times higher than March rates - a beachfront apartment in Punta del Este that costs USD 80 per night in April will hit USD 200-250 in February, and many places enforce 7-night minimums
- Crowds at major beach destinations mean you're sharing sand space with Argentine vacationers during their summer holidays - Punta del Este beaches can feel genuinely packed on weekends, and restaurant waits stretch to 45-60 minutes without reservations
- Heat and humidity combination in Montevideo (regularly hitting 28-30°C / 82-86°F with that 70% humidity) makes midday city walking pretty uncomfortable - locals actually avoid the Ciudad Vieja walking tours between noon and 4pm for good reason
Best Activities in February
Atlantic Coast Beach Circuit
February is the only month when Uruguay's beach infrastructure fully justifies the visit. Water temps peak at 21-23°C (70-73°F), beach clubs are staffed, and the coastal towns like José Ignacio and La Pedrera actually have their restaurants and bars open. The Atlantic can still be rough - waves regularly hit 1-2 m (3-6 ft) - but that's exactly what makes beaches like La Paloma popular with the local surf crowd. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends when Montevideo residents drive out.
Montevideo Carnival and Candombe Experiences
February is when Carnival actually happens - not a year-round tourist show but the real cultural event that Montevideans care about. The Llamadas parade (usually third week of February) features comparsas drumming groups competing in Barrio Sur and Palermo neighborhoods. Beyond the official parade, you'll catch spontaneous drumming practice sessions most evenings around Calle Isla de Flores. The tablados (neighborhood stages) run throughout February with performances starting around 10pm and going past midnight. It's genuinely hot and crowded, but that's the authentic experience.
Wine Region Tours in Canelones
February hits right at harvest season (late January through March) in Uruguay's main wine region, about 45 km (28 miles) north of Montevideo. The Tannat grape harvest is actually happening, so you're seeing working wineries rather than just tasting rooms. Temperatures in Canelones run 2-3°C (4-5°F) hotter than Montevideo, so morning tours starting around 9-10am are more comfortable than afternoon slots. Many bodegas offer harvest participation experiences in February specifically.
Cabo Polonio Wilderness Stay
Cabo Polonio has no roads, no electricity grid, and no running water - you access it via 4x4 trucks through sand dunes. February is the only practical time to visit because the handful of posadas and restaurants are actually open and staffed, unlike the near-abandoned feel from April to November. The sea lion colony is active year-round but February's calmer seas (though still Atlantic-rough) mean better visibility for watching them. It's rustic in a way that's either charming or uncomfortable depending on your tolerance for composting toilets and solar-powered phone charging.
Colonia del Sacramento Day Trip
This UNESCO historic quarter sits right across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires and makes a solid day trip from Montevideo (1 hour by ferry, 2.5 hours by bus). February's heat actually works in Colonia's favor - the tree-lined cobblestone streets in the Barrio Histórico provide shade, and the waterfront promenade catches breezes off the river. It's touristy but genuinely picturesque, and the Portuguese colonial architecture is legitimately well-preserved. Weekdays see fewer crowds than weekends when both Argentines and Montevideans visit.
Estancia Day Visits
Uruguay's estancias (cattle ranches) offer day visits where you'll actually see working ranch operations, not just tourist gaucho shows. February weather is ideal for horseback riding through campos (grasslands) - ground is dry, temperatures are warm but not extreme for outdoor activity, and extended daylight means afternoon rides are feasible. Many estancias are within 90-120 km (56-75 miles) of Montevideo in areas like San José or Florida departments. You'll get traditional asado (grillwork) lunch, horseback riding, and sometimes sheep herding demonstrations.
February Events & Festivals
Llamadas Parade
The centerpiece of Montevideo's Carnival season, this parade features comparsas (candombe drumming and dancing groups) competing through Barrio Sur and Palermo neighborhoods. Unlike the staged shows you might see other times of year, this is the actual competition that local groups prepare for all year. Expect massive crowds, street food vendors, and performances running from around 8pm until past midnight. The drumming is legitimately powerful - 50-80 drummers per comparsa creating rhythms you'll feel in your chest.
Punta del Este Summer Season Peak
While not a single event, February marks the absolute peak of Punta del Este's summer social season. Beach clubs host DJ events, restaurants run at full capacity, and the yacht harbor is packed. The scene skews heavily toward wealthy Argentines and Brazilians, so expect prices to match - cocktails run USD 12-18, beach club day passes USD 40-80. If you're into the South American beach resort scene, this is when it's fully activated. If you prefer quiet beaches, this is exactly when to avoid Punta del Este.