Nassau - Things to Do in Nassau in February

Nassau in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Nassau

28°C (82°F) High Temp
21°C (70°F) Low Temp
65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 65mm (2.6 inches) spread across 10 days, mostly brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes
  • Ideal sailing and boating conditions with consistent 10-15 knot trade winds and calm seas, perfect visibility for underwater activities
  • Comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) with low humidity compared to summer months, making walking tours and outdoor exploration pleasant
  • Winter visitor season means restaurants, attractions, and tour operators are fully staffed with extended hours, plus locals are more available for cultural experiences

Considerations

  • Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation rates 40-60% higher than off-season, flight prices increase significantly, and advance booking essential
  • Crowded attractions and beaches, especially on cruise ship days when 3-4 ships can dock simultaneously bringing 8,000+ additional visitors
  • Strong trade winds (15-20 knots) can make some water activities choppy and create sandblasting effect on exposed beaches during midday hours

Best Activities in February

Swimming Pig Tours and Staniel Cay Excursions

February offers ideal conditions for Exuma Cays adventures with calm seas, excellent visibility up to 30m (100 ft), and comfortable temperatures for full-day boat trips. The famous swimming pigs are most active in cooler morning temperatures, and nurse shark encounters at Compass Cay are virtually guaranteed in February's clear waters.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as February is peak season. Full-day tours typically cost $280-350 per person, half-day options $180-220. Look for operators with covered boats and fresh water rinse stations. Reference booking widget for current available tours.

Downtown Nassau Walking and Cultural Tours

February's comfortable 24°C (75°F) average temperature and low humidity make extended walking tours through historic Nassau perfect. This is when local Bahamians are most available to share stories, and the cooler weather means you can comfortably explore from 9am-4pm without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best weather and fewer cruise crowds. Cultural walking tours cost $45-65 per person. Book through certified local guides who focus on authentic Bahamian history rather than tourist-focused operators.

Deep Sea Fishing and Sportfishing Charters

February marks prime fishing season with mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna runs at their peak. Calm seas and consistent weather patterns mean 90% trip completion rate versus 60% in summer months. Water temperatures around 24°C (75°F) keep fish active throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters (4 hours) run $800-1,200 for up to 6 people, full-day $1,400-1,800. Book 10-14 days ahead and confirm fish cleaning/packaging services. Morning departures (7am-8am) typically yield better catches.

Cable Beach and great destination Island Resort Activities

February's moderate UV index of 8 and cooling trade winds create ideal beach conditions for extended resort stays. Pool temperatures are maintained at 26°C (79°F), and outdoor activities like golf, tennis, and water sports operate comfortably throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Day passes to resort beaches cost $80-150 per person including basic amenities. Water sport packages typically $120-180 per person for 3 activities. Book resort access 5-7 days ahead during February peak season.

Conch Bar Caves and Nature Reserve Exploration

February's dry conditions mean cave tours operate at full capacity with minimal water level fluctuations. The 23°C (73°F) cave temperature provides welcome relief from midday heat, and wildlife viewing is enhanced by clear skies and active fauna during cooler months.

Booking Tip: Cave tours cost $35-50 per person and run 2-3 times daily. Combine with nature walks for $65-85 total. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring light jacket for cave temperature difference. Book through eco-certified operators.

Rum Distillery and Culinary Tours

February weather allows comfortable walking between outdoor distillery areas and indoor tasting rooms. Local conch, grouper, and lobster are in season, making food tours exceptional. Cooler evenings mean outdoor dining experiences and food markets operate extended hours.

Booking Tip: Distillery tours cost $25-40 per person, culinary tours $85-120 with tastings. Evening food tours (5pm-8pm) offer best weather and local atmosphere. Book food experiences through operators who work directly with local vendors.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Nassau Conch Festival

Annual celebration featuring traditional Bahamian conch preparations, local music, and craft demonstrations. Local vendors serve conch fritters, cracked conch, and conch salad prepared fresh. Live rake-and-scrape music and junkanoo performances throughout the event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and breathable cotton/linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable during active days
SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and sun reflects intensely off white sand and water
Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days but only last 15-20 minutes
Sturdy water shoes with grip soles - essential for rocky areas around swimming pig tours and cave explorations
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds up to 20 knots can blow off loose-fitting hats
Waterproof phone case and dry bag - boat tours involve water activities and occasional spray from choppy conditions
Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt - evenings can drop to 21°C (70°F) and indoor air conditioning runs cold
Comfortable walking shoes with good ventilation - downtown Nassau exploration requires 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking on hot pavement
Polarized sunglasses - essential for boat trips and beach activities with intense water glare
Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during evening hours and around vegetation areas

Insider Knowledge

Avoid Nassau on days when 3+ cruise ships dock simultaneously - check Nassau Port Authority schedule online and plan beach/tour days around lighter cruise traffic for better experiences and shorter lines
Shop at downtown Nassau markets between 8-10am before cruise passengers arrive - prices are 20-30% lower and vendors are more willing to negotiate authentic handmade items versus mass-produced souvenirs
Book restaurants for 5:30pm or 8:30pm seatings - cruise ship dining rush hits 6:30-7:30pm, so these times offer better service, quieter atmosphere, and sometimes lower prices at tourist-area establishments
Use local jitney buses ($1.25 exact change) instead of taxis for transportation within Nassau - runs every 10-15 minutes during day hours, locals use them regularly, and routes cover all major tourist areas efficiently

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 3 weeks ahead - February is absolute peak season with 85-90% occupancy rates, leaving only overpriced or low-quality options for last-minute bookings
Planning outdoor activities during 12pm-3pm hours - despite comfortable air temperature, intense UV index 8 and sun reflection off sand/water causes rapid sunburn and heat exhaustion even in February
Bringing only summer clothing - evening temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F) and strong trade winds create wind chill effect, making restaurants and boat trips uncomfortably cold without light layers

Activities in Nassau