Saint Kittsandnevis in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Saint Kittsandnevis
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 6 rainy days - perfect for beach activities and water sports with calm seas and excellent visibility for diving
- Trade winds at 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) keep temperatures comfortable despite 70% humidity, making hiking and outdoor exploration pleasant
- Carnival season brings busy local culture with street parties, calypso competitions, and traditional foods like saltfish and johnny cakes
- Tourist crowds are 30% lower than December-January peak, meaning better restaurant availability and more personalized service at attractions
Considerations
- Accommodation prices remain 40-60% higher than summer months due to continued high season rates through February
- Strong trade winds can make smaller boat transfers to Nevis choppy - prone to seasickness should book larger ferries or consider dramamine
- UV index peaks at 9 with minimal cloud cover - sunburn happens within 15 minutes without SPF 50+ protection
Best Activities in February
St. Kitts Peak Hiking and Rainforest Tours
February's dry conditions make the challenging 1,156m (3,792 ft) Mount Liamuiga crater hike accessible with minimal mud. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and trade winds create ideal hiking conditions before afternoon heat peaks. The rainforest canopy zip-lining is also prime with clear visibility and dry platforms.
Nevis Island Day Trips and Plantation Tours
Calm February seas make the 45-minute ferry crossing to Nevis consistently smooth. This is prime season for exploring historic plantation ruins without summer heat or rain interference. The island's thermal springs are most comfortable in February's moderate temperatures.
South Peninsula Beach and Snorkeling Excursions
February offers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) around Shitten Bay and Sand Bank Bay. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F) with minimal current. The protected bays remain calm even during trade wind peaks.
St. Kitts Scenic Railway and Sugar Plantation History
The narrow-gauge railway offers air-conditioned comfort during February's warmest midday hours while providing panoramic views of both Caribbean and Atlantic coasts. February's clear skies provide the best photography conditions for the 3-hour round trip through sugar plantation ruins.
Brimstone Hill Fortress and West Coast Exploration
February's dry conditions and clear skies provide optimal visibility from the 244m (800 ft) fortress elevation - you can see six neighboring islands on clear days. The stonework is dry and safe for climbing, and trade winds provide natural cooling for the steep approaches.
Deep Sea Fishing and Water Sports
February marks prime season for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna with calm morning conditions and consistent trade wind patterns. Water temperatures of 26°C (79°F) also make this ideal for jet skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding with minimal choppy conditions.
February Events & Festivals
St. Kitts Music Festival
Three-day festival featuring Caribbean soca, calypso, reggae, and international artists. Takes place at Warner Park Stadium with beach parties and cultural performances throughout Basseterre. Features local food vendors and craft markets alongside headline musical acts.
Carnival Sugar Mas
Two-week carnival celebration concluding in late February/early March with elaborate costume parades, calypso competitions, and street parties. J'ouvert morning paint parties begin at 4am, followed by afternoon parade of bands through Basseterre streets.