Dominican Republic February holidays

Festivals and events in Dominican Republic in February

February is one of the best months to experience the incredible diversity that makes up the Dominican Republic. The most significant event in February is the Caribbean's oldest Carnival, Dominican Carnival, which celebrates the destination's heritage and culture. Revelling is at its strongest on weekends, particularly Sunday, where you can expect parades, masked partiers and devil costumes drawing from a rich melting pot of different cultural influences. The Carnival celebrations are all capped off with Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) on the 27th of February. It's the same day they declared independence from Haiti in 1844.

Top places to visit in Dominican Republic in February

Every destination on the island is a great choice for a beach holiday in February but you will want to consider whether you want to embrace the Carnival celebrations or stay somewhere more serene. Puerto Plata's devil characters 'Los Taimáscaros' are popular in this region and have won awards, including the national prize, for the striking costumes. Puerto Plata is also a popular holiday destination with exceptional hotels and resorts.

If you want to escape the Carnival, whale watching is a wonderful experience in the Dominican Republic. February is in the middle of the humpback migration (generally between mid-December and late February). There are lots of breathtaking excursions operating out of Samana’s port to view these majestic animals.

It is worth noting that February is the high season for tourism in the Caribbean with school holidays combined with the fantastic Carnival celebrations. Forward planning is advised for holidays to the Dominican Republic in February for the best choice of accommodation and flights.

What’s the weather like in Dominican Republic in February?

In February, the Dominican Republic has an average temperature of 25°C, with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The chance of rain is low with an average of just 4 days of rain in the month.

What to pack for a holiday in Dominican Republic in February

General packing tips for February:

• Pack light clothing, swimwear and shoes suited to a summer holiday.
• Smart-casual outfits for the evening
• Bring a jumper or cardigan for the cooler evenings.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun.
• Strong bug spray and after-bite remedy.
• Travel plug adapter.
• Prescription medicines.
• Hiking shoes for treks and exploring the island.
• Tote bag for shopping.