The Mexico Guides

Mexico in February: Weather, Carnaval, and Whale Watching

· 2 min read Practical
Colonial Mexico in February dry season

Contents

  1. Weather
  2. Carnaval
  3. Monarch butterflies
  4. Whale watching
  5. Spring break (early March)
  6. Valentine’s Day

February continues Mexico’s dry season and adds Carnaval — one of the country’s most significant festival seasons. It’s a strong month across almost all regions.

Weather

Dry season across the Caribbean coast, Pacific, and central highlands. February is often the coldest month in highland areas — Mexico City averages highs of 22°C but nights can drop to 7–10°C. The Yucatán Peninsula and Pacific coast are warm and comfortable (27–30°C). Chiapas highlands (San Cristóbal) are cool.

Carnaval

Mazatlán: One of the largest Carnavals in Mexico — parades, floats, live music, and queen coronations. The city fills significantly; accommodation books up. Typically the week before Ash Wednesday (date varies February–March).

Veracruz: The most traditional Carnaval in Mexico, heavily influenced by Caribbean rhythms (the city was historically the main port of entry from Cuba and the Caribbean). Afro-Mexican music and dance are central.

Mérida and Ensenada also have significant Carnaval celebrations.

Monarch butterflies

Peak season in the Michoacán sanctuaries (El Rosario, Sierra Chincua). February is the clearest month for seeing the butterfly colonies — the trees are covered orange, and on warm afternoons the butterflies take flight in swarms. The sanctuaries are at altitude (3,000 m) — it’s cold, especially mornings.

Whale watching

Humpbacks continue in Banderas Bay (Puerto Vallarta) and off Baja California. Grey whales are in Baja’s Scammon’s Lagoon, San Ignacio Lagoon, and Magdalena Bay — they calve here and are very approachable from small boats (they swim up to touch the boats). This is a world-class wildlife experience.

Spring break (early March)

The last week of February sees some spring break arrivals in Cancún — fully booked hotels and party-focused atmosphere in the Hotel Zone. If you want to avoid this, either go early in February or choose a different base.

Valentine’s Day

Mexican Valentine’s Day (Día de San Valentín) coincides with the international date but is also celebrated as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship). Some restaurants add Valentine’s set menus; prices in tourist areas reflect demand.