Things to Do in Uruguay in February

February Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak beach season with perfect swimming conditions - water temperature reaches 22°C (72°F) and morning breezes keep afternoon heat comfortable for 6-8 hours daily
Harvest season for local wineries in Canelones and Montevideo regions - February tastings feature fresh grape varieties before tourist crowds arrive in March
Carnival reaches its crescendo with the longest murga performances and candombe parades - over 40 neighborhood competitions happen nightly from February 10-25
Ideal weather for estancia visits - dry conditions make horseback riding and gaucho demonstrations comfortable, with extended daylight until 8:30 PM for evening asados

Considerations

Accommodation prices peak 40-60% above low season rates, especially in Punta del Este and Montevideo beach areas during Carnival weeks
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive quickly and can last 45-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans on 10-12 days throughout the month
Tourist crowds at peak levels mean popular restaurants require 3-5 day advance reservations and beach clubs fill by 11 AM on weekends

Best Activities in February

Punta del Este Beach Club Circuit

February offers the warmest ocean temperatures and longest sunny stretches for Uruguay's premier beach destination. Morning ocean breezes keep temperatures comfortable until 2 PM, perfect for beach activities before afternoon heat peaks. La Barra and Playa Brava offer the best waves, while Playa Mansa provides calm waters ideal for families. Peak season means full beach club amenities and nightlife.

Booking Tip: Reserve beach club access 1-2 weeks ahead during Carnival period. Day passes typically cost $25-45 USD. Book accommodations 4-6 weeks minimum for February dates. Look for packages that include beach club access and transport.

Montevideo Carnival Neighborhood Tours

February is the only time to experience authentic Uruguayan Carnival with nightly murga performances and candombe parades in barrios like Palermo and Ciudad Vieja. Evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make walking tours comfortable, and performances run until midnight. This is Uruguay's most important cultural event and happens nowhere else in the world with this intensity.

Booking Tip: Book guided neighborhood tours through cultural operators 10-14 days ahead. Group tours typically cost $35-55 USD including transport between venues. Individual tablado tickets cost $8-15 USD but sell out quickly for popular competitions.

Colonia del Sacramento Colonial Walking Routes

February's mild mornings (19-22°C/66-72°F) are perfect for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage cobblestone streets before afternoon heat arrives. The historic quarter's Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture photographs beautifully in February's golden morning light. Fewer crowds than peak summer months make restaurant terraces and riverside cafes accessible.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal, but book ferry transport from Buenos Aires 1-2 weeks ahead as day trips are popular. Guided history tours typically cost $20-35 USD. Allow 4-6 hours for thorough exploration including museums and lighthouse climb.

Canelones Wine Region Harvest Experiences

February coincides with grape harvest season, offering unique opportunities to participate in vendimia activities and taste fresh grape varieties. Established wineries like Bouza and Juanico offer harvest experiences not available other times of year. Morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) are ideal for vineyard tours before afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Contact wineries directly for harvest experiences 2-3 weeks ahead as these are limited capacity events. Tastings with harvest participation typically cost $45-75 USD. Private transport recommended as distances between wineries can reach 25-40 km (15-25 miles).

Estancia Gaucho Ranch Experiences

February's dry conditions and extended daylight make this ideal for authentic gaucho experiences in rural Uruguay. Comfortable daytime temperatures allow for horseback riding, cattle herding demonstrations, and traditional asado preparations. Evening temperatures stay pleasant for outdoor dining until 9 PM with clear skies for stargazing.

Booking Tip: Book day trips or overnight stays 2-4 weeks ahead through established ranch operators. Day experiences typically cost $65-95 USD including meals and activities. Multi-day packages range $120-180 USD per day. Transport from Montevideo adds 1.5-3 hours depending on location.

Cabo Polonio Coastal Reserve Adventures

February offers the best weather for reaching this remote coastal village - dry conditions make the final 7 km (4.3 mile) sand dune crossing by 4WD vehicle comfortable. Perfect for sea lion colony viewing, lighthouse climbing, and experiencing off-grid beach living. Warm days and mild evenings ideal for camping or rustic cabin stays.

Booking Tip: Book transport and accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead as February is peak season. Day trips from Montevideo typically cost $85-120 USD including 4WD transfer. Overnight packages range $150-220 USD. Weather-dependent so maintain flexible dates.

February Events & Festivals

Early February through Early March

Montevideo Carnival

The longest Carnival in the world featuring murga theater performances, candombe drumming parades, and neighborhood competitions. Over 40 different venues host nightly performances with elaborate costumes and satirical musical theater unique to Uruguay. Street parades happen spontaneously throughout the city.

Mid to Late February

Festival de Verano Punta del Este

High-end summer festival featuring international DJs, beach concerts, and exclusive parties at premier venues along the Punta del Este coast. Combines electronic music with local wine and cuisine experiences in luxury beach club settings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms arrive quickly and last 45-90 minutes on 10-12 days

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off white sand beaches and Rio de la Plata waters

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity which feels heavier than temperature suggests

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - cobblestone streets in historic areas become slippery when wet

Light long pants for evening - mosquitoes are active after sunset near coastal areas and wetlands

Portable phone charger - Carnival events run late and you'll use GPS frequently in unfamiliar neighborhoods

Small umbrella for sudden downpours - more practical than rain jacket for brief afternoon showers

Cash in small bills - many Carnival venues and street food vendors don't accept cards

Light sweater for air conditioning - indoor venues can be heavily air conditioned during peak summer

Waterproof phone case for beach activities - useful for ocean activities and sudden rain showers

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat dinner very late in February (9-11 PM) due to extended daylight and heat - many restaurants don't even open until 8 PM during summer

Public beaches are completely free with no entrance fees, but parking fills by 10 AM on weekends - arrive early or use public transport

Carnival performances in neighborhood venues (tablados) offer more authentic experiences than tourist-focused shows downtown and cost 60% less

Many shops and offices close for extended lunch breaks (12:30-4 PM) during peak summer heat - plan errands for morning or evening hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking beach accommodation without checking proximity to Carnival parade routes - some areas have street closures and noise until 2 AM nightly

Underestimating afternoon thunderstorm intensity - they arrive within 15 minutes and can flood low-lying street areas temporarily

Planning outdoor activities for 2-6 PM when heat and humidity peak - locals avoid this period entirely during summer months