Bolivia in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Bolivia
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season on the Altiplano - Salar De Uyuni flamingo breeding season creates impressive pink lake reflections with crystal-clear salt flat conditions for mirror photography
- Amazon basin accessible with manageable rainfall - only 51mm (2.0 inches) versus March's 127mm (5 inches), making river excursions and wildlife spotting optimal
- Carnival season culminates in Oruro's UNESCO World Heritage festival (February 22-25, 2025) - Bolivia's most spectacular cultural event with 50+ dance troupes and 20,000 performers
- La Paz enjoys stable weather at 3,515m (11,532 ft) - clear mountain views 80% of days and comfortable temperatures for exploring markets and museums without altitude sickness complications
Considerations
- Tourist high season means Salar De Uyuni tours cost 40-60% more (typically $180-250 vs $120-160 in low season) and require booking 3-4 weeks ahead
- Afternoon thunderstorms in lowland regions like Santa Cruz can disrupt outdoor activities between 2-5pm on 60% of days, limiting jungle trek timing
- Carnival period (February 15-25) creates accommodation shortages in Oruro, La Paz, and Cochabamba with prices doubling and transport delays common
Best Activities in February
Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat Photography Tours
February offers Bolivia's best salt flat conditions - the dry season creates perfect mirror reflections at sunrise/sunset, while flamingo breeding season fills colored lagoons with thousands of birds. Clear skies 85% of mornings provide ideal conditions for perspective photography and stargazing tours. Daytime temperatures reach comfortable 20°C (68°F) versus July's freezing conditions.
Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Expeditions
February's moderate rainfall creates optimal wildlife viewing - animals gather near water sources while river levels remain navigable. Dry mornings (humidity drops to 60% by 7am) offer excellent bird watching conditions. Temperatures stay comfortable at 28°C (82°F) highs versus April's oppressive 35°C (95°F).
La Paz Cultural Walking Tours
February's stable weather at 3,515m (11,532 ft) altitude provides clear mountain views and comfortable walking conditions. Witch Market, San Pedro Prison area, and Mirador Killi Killi offer excellent photography with Illimani mountain backdrop visible 80% of days. Temperatures range 10-18°C (50-64°F) - perfect for exploring steep cobblestone streets.
Sucre Colonial Architecture Tours
February's dry weather showcases Bolivia's 'White City' at its finest - clear skies highlight colonial buildings' whitewashed facades and red tile roofs. Comfortable 22°C (72°F) temperatures ideal for walking cobblestone streets and climbing Recoleta viewpoint. Minimal rainfall protects outdoor museum visits and market exploration.
Lake Titicaca Island Homestays
February offers stable weather on the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812m (12,507 ft). Clear mornings provide impressive sunrise views over snow-capped Cordillera Real. Water temperatures reach seasonal high of 14°C (57°F), making boat transfers comfortable. Local festivals on Isla Del Sol celebrate Pachamama (Mother Earth) during harvest season.
Death Road Mountain Biking
February provides optimal conditions for the famous 64km (40 mile) descent from La Cumbre at 4,650m (15,256 ft) to Yolosa at 1,200m (3,937 ft). Dry morning weather ensures safe riding conditions on the narrow cliff-side path. Clear visibility showcases dramatic cloud forest transition and Andes mountain views.
February Events & Festivals
Oruro Carnival
UNESCO World Heritage festival featuring 50+ folk dance groups, elaborate devil masks, and 20,000 performers. The 4km (2.5 mile) parade route showcases 18 traditional dances including Diablada and Morenada. Book accommodations 2 months ahead as the city's 280,000 population swells to over 400,000 visitors.
La Paz Carnival
More intimate celebration featuring traditional Andean music, folk dancing in Plaza Murillo, and water balloon fights throughout the city. Local neighborhoods organize comparsas (dance groups) with families participating in colorful costumes. Gran Poder district hosts the most authentic celebrations.
Alasitas Festival
La Paz's most important cultural celebration honoring Ekeko, the Andean god of abundance. Miniature market stalls sell tiny replicas of desired items - houses, cars, university degrees. Locals believe purchasing miniatures brings good fortune. Festival centers around Plaza United States with 500+ vendor stalls.