Things to Do in Dominica in February

February Weather in Dominica

27°C (81°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

135mm (5.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days averaging 15-20 minute showers that clear quickly, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities
Humpback whale watching season reaches its peak with 90% success rate for sightings between Roseau and Scotts Head from 7am-11am when seas are calmest
Carnival season creates electric atmosphere with traditional mas bands, calypso competitions, and street parties every weekend leading up to the official carnival dates
Perfect hiking conditions with clear mountain views - Morne Trois Pitons and Boiling Lake trails have 85% visibility success rate compared to 40% during rainy months

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodations cost 40-60% more than low season and must be booked 8-10 weeks ahead, especially eco-lodges near Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Cruise ship crowds descend on Roseau 3-4 days per week from 8am-5pm, making popular sites like Emerald Pool and Trafalgar Falls extremely crowded midday
Trade winds are weakest in February, making snorkeling conditions occasionally choppy on the Atlantic coast - stick to Caribbean side beaches like Mero and Layou

Best Activities in February

Whale Watching Tours

February is peak season for humpback whales migrating through Dominican waters. Morning tours (7am-11am) have 90% success rates with calmer seas and better visibility. Sperm whales and pilot whales are year-round residents, but humpbacks only pass through January-April. The combination of dry weather and active marine life makes this the absolute best time for whale encounters.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 2-3 weeks ahead during February peak season. Tours typically cost US$65-85 per person and run 3-4 hours. Choose operators with hydrophones and certified naturalists. Morning departures have highest success rates due to calmer seas.

Boiling Lake Hiking Expeditions

February's dry conditions make the challenging 13km (8-mile) round-trip hike to the world's second-largest hot spring lake most accessible. Clear skies provide stunning views of the Valley of Desolation that are obscured by clouds 60% of the year. The 6-hour trek requires moderate to advanced fitness but February's lower humidity makes it more comfortable than other months.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 2-4 weeks ahead as February is peak hiking season. Expeditions cost US$75-95 per person including guide and permits. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon heat. Mandatory guide requirement - no solo hiking allowed to Boiling Lake.

Caribbean Coast Beach Hopping

February's calm trade winds make the Caribbean (leeward) coast ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Mero Beach, Layou River mouth, and Purple Turtle Beach offer black sand beaches with protected waters. Atlantic coast can be rough this time of year, so focus on west coast beaches. Water temperature averages 26°C (79°F) with excellent visibility for underwater photography.

Booking Tip: Beach access is mostly free, but guided snorkeling tours cost US$45-65 per person. Rent snorkel gear in Roseau for US$15-20/day rather than beach vendors. Best snorkeling at Champagne Reef where volcanic springs create unique underwater experience.

Carnival Cultural Experiences

February brings Carnival season with traditional mas bands practicing, calypso tent performances, and cultural workshops. Unlike Trinidad's massive carnival, Dominica's celebration maintains authentic cultural roots with traditional costumes and local musicians. Weekend fetes and cultural events happen throughout February building to the main carnival celebration.

Booking Tip: Carnival events are typically US$10-25 entry for cultural shows and fetes. No advance booking needed for most events - locals decide day-of. Visit cultural centers in Roseau for authentic costume-making workshops (US$30-50) and traditional craft demonstrations.

Rainforest Canopy Tours and Waterfalls

February's drier conditions mean easier access to interior waterfalls like Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and Middleham Falls. Rivers run lower but still provide spectacular cascades, and hiking trails are less muddy. Canopy walkways and zip-line tours operate at full capacity with clear forest views extending to the coast.

Booking Tip: Waterfall tours cost US$35-55 per person with certified guides. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during February peak season. Combine multiple falls in day trips for better value. Canopy tours run US$65-85 and include transportation from Roseau area.

Volcanic Hot Springs and Wellness Tours

February's comfortable temperatures make soaking in natural hot springs like Screws Sulphur Springs and Wotten Waven particularly enjoyable. The contrast between 27°C (81°F) air temperature and 40°C (104°F) spring water creates perfect conditions. Multiple springs offer different mineral compositions and therapeutic properties promoted by locals for centuries.

Booking Tip: Individual spring access costs US$5-15 entry fees. Guided wellness tours including multiple springs and lunch cost US$85-120 per person. Ti Kwen Glo Cho and Screw's Springs are most accessible. Bring water shoes for rocky spring bottoms.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Dominican Carnival

Traditional Caribbean carnival with authentic mas bands, calypso competitions, and street parades. Unlike commercialized carnivals elsewhere, Dominica maintains cultural authenticity with traditional Devil mas, sensay costumes, and local musicians. Street parties happen throughout February with official parade days typically in late February or early March.

Mid February

Independence Day Celebrations

November 3rd is the official independence day, but February often features cultural independence celebrations and heritage festivals tied to carnival season. Traditional dance performances, craft exhibitions, and local food festivals showcase Dominican Creole culture distinct from other Caribbean islands.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - February showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV protection clothing - UV index reaches 8 with strong reflection off water and black sand beaches

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip - volcanic terrain is slippery when wet and sharp on dry trails, essential for waterfall hikes

Quick-dry clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic blends dry faster after rain or swimming

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - mist from waterfalls and ocean spray can damage electronics during tours

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - mosquitoes are active in rainforest areas and after brief evening showers

Reef-safe sunscreen only - Dominica strictly enforces reef protection, chemical sunscreens are prohibited at marine parks

Cash in small bills (EC dollars and US dollars) - many tours and local vendors don't accept cards, ATMs are limited outside Roseau

Water shoes or aqua socks - essential for rocky hot springs, black sand beaches, and river crossings during hikes

Light long sleeves for evening - trade winds pick up after sunset and provide mosquito protection during outdoor dining

Insider Knowledge

Avoid Roseau completely on cruise ship days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday typically) - visit inland attractions instead as downtown becomes overwhelmed with day-trippers who leave by 5pm

Local buses (route taxis) cost EC$3-8 and run frequently along the coast but stop running after 6pm - plan return transportation for evening activities or budget US$40-60 for taxi rides

Dominicans eat dinner late (7-9pm) and many restaurants don't open until 6pm - plan lunch as your main meal around 1-3pm when more options are available and prices are lower

The EC dollar is tied to US dollar at 2.7:1 but vendors often accept US dollars at 2.5:1 - pay in EC dollars for better value, especially for small purchases and local transport

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Atlantic (windward) coast activities expecting calm Caribbean conditions - February trade winds make eastern beaches rough for swimming, stick to Mero, Layou, and west coast locations

Underestimating hiking difficulty and time requirements - Boiling Lake takes 6+ hours, Middleham Falls is 3+ hours round-trip, and trails are more challenging than typical tourist hikes

Planning to island-hop to other Caribbean destinations - Dominica has limited inter-island flights and ferries, it's designed as a nature destination for 4-7 day focused visits