February is the driest stretch of the year around Jacó: clear views from the hills, dusty ATV trails, waterfall swims and warm, calm sea, with hotel rates that barely move all month. Here is what to expect week by week and how to plan around the weekend crowds.
What You Should Know
- February is the driest month at Quepos, the nearest official station to the south, with about 4 rain days and 26 mm; Puntarenas to the north records under 2 days. Expect long runs of clear, hot days around Jacó.
- Prices barely move. In our hotel sample, weeknights held near $161 all month and Saturdays near $171 to $179, and Valentine's weekend (13 to 14 February 2027) cost no more than any other weekend.
- The constraint is the sun and the weekend crowd, not the weather. The UV index reaches 11, and Costa Rica's long school break normally runs into February, so Jacó's beach and tours fill on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Clear air is the hidden February bonus: ATV and zipline guests describe hilltop views to Tortuga Island, Manuel Antonio and the Central Valley, and the dry forest makes macaws and toucans easier to spot.
February in Jacó: The Honest Picture
⭐ Best February window: midweek, any week of the month. In our hotel sample, weeknights cost about $15 less than Saturdays and the rate is otherwise flat from 1 to 28 February, so the day of the week matters more than the week of the month. Late February may also be quieter if Costa Rican schools restart, as they did on 23 February in 2026.
| Factor | February Rating |
|---|---|
| Weather | 10/10: the driest, clearest weeks of the year |
| Crowds | 4/10: peak foreign season; busy weekends |
| Prices | 5/10: high but flat; no holiday spike |
| Beach & Swimming | 7/10: warm and calmer; rip currents still present |
| Surf (Beginners) | 9/10: small, clean morning waves |
| Hills, ATV & Zipline | 9/10: dry trails and long views; dusty |
| Wildlife (Tárcoles & Forest) | 8/10: macaws and toucans easy to spot |
| Families | 8/10: reliable weather, everything open |
| Couples | 9/10: sunsets near 17:45, no Valentine's surcharge in our sample |
💰 February hotel prices in our sample (Jacó, 3 to 4 star, room for two):
Weeknights: ~$161/night · Saturdays: ~$171–179/night · Valentine's Saturday (13 Feb): ~$177/night
Median of 12 to 16 Jacó hotels that returned a February 2027 rate, checked 20 October 2026. A small sample, so treat the pattern as more reliable than the exact figures.
Planning Jacó for February 2027? For pure weather, this is the month we'd pick. The rain that still turns up now and then in January becomes rarer, the air is at its clearest, and the sea stays near 28°C. The climate figures here are long-term normals from the nearest official stations, not a forecast, and the prices and schedules are what we found for February 2027 dates.
A February trip to Jacó is less about the beach than you might expect. The dry season shows best in the hills behind town: dirt trails that turn muddy from May to November are firm and dusty, the waterfalls are cool and swimmable, and the view from the ridges runs down the coast. On the water, beginner surf is at its gentlest and the Tortuga Island catamaran runs daily on calm seas.
We think the tradeoff is the most favourable of the dry season. Unlike January, there is no New Year spike to dodge, and in our sample the cost of a room is the same in the first week as in the last. What you do share is the weekend: Jacó is the closest big beach to San José, and February weekends during the school break bring the Central Valley to town.
Who February suits best:
- Adventure days: ATV rides, ziplines, horseback rides and waterfall hikes all run on dry trails with the best views of the year.
- Couples: reliable sunsets, warm water and, in our sample, no Valentine's markup on hotel rates.
- Beginner surfers: the dry season keeps the morning waves small and clean.
- Budget travelers: less ideal. Rates are flat, but flat at a peak-season level; the green season is far cheaper.
Jacó Weather in February
| Metric | February |
|---|---|
| Avg High | 32°C (90°F) |
| Avg Low | 22°C (72°F) |
| Water Temp | 28°C (82°F) |
| Rain Days | ~2–4 |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Wind | Low to moderate |
| Rain Level | Very low (driest month) |
Temperature and Humidity
Daytime highs run around 32°C (90°F), a degree warmer than January, with nights near 22°C (72°F). Jacó has no long-running official station, so we read it between its neighbours: Quepos to the south averages 32.0°C in February and Puntarenas, across the Gulf of Nicoya, 34.4°C. The UV index reaches 11, rated extreme. Sunrise holds near 06:00 all month and sunset moves from 17:43 on 1 February to 17:49 on 28 February.
Rain Pattern
February is the driest month of the year at Quepos, with 25.8 mm over about 4.2 rain days, and Puntarenas records just 4.1 mm over 1.9 days. Jacó falls between the two, so most weeks pass without rain at all. Dry is not the same as never, though: a couple of ATV guests in February 2025 rode through a day of steady rain, so pack a light layer and keep one flexible day if your plans hinge on a single outing.
Sea and Outdoor Conditions
The Pacific stays near 28°C (82°F). Surf is generally small and clean, best in the early morning before the breeze picks up. Inland, February is the dustiest month on the trails: the ATV operator itself tells riders to expect dust in the dry season, and guests advise bringing a change of clothes for the drive home. The flip side is visibility from the hills. Puntarenas averages about nine hours of sunshine a day in February, and ATV guests describe seeing Tortuga Island, Manuel Antonio and the Central Valley from the same lookout.
February in Jacó: Crowds and Prices Week by Week
February has no holiday peak, so the weekly pattern is simple: steady prices, with the difference between a weekday and a Saturday larger than the difference between any two weeks.
- 1 to 12 February: peak foreign season and, normally, still Costa Rica's school break. In our sample, weeknights cost about $161 and Saturday 6 February about $179, the highest night of the month.
- 13 to 14 February (Valentine's weekend): Valentine's Day 2027 falls on a Sunday. Saturday 13 February was about $177 in our sample, the same as other Saturdays, and Sunday 14 February dropped back to $161. Book dinner reservations, not a premium room.
- 15 to 28 February: the same weeknight rate of about $161, with Saturdays near $171 to $177. In 2026, Costa Rican classes restarted on 23 February; the 2027 date had not been announced as of October 2026, but if it is similar, the last week should bring quieter weekends.
Tour prices are the same as in January. What typically happens in February is that the most-reviewed small-group tours fill on weekends first, so if you only have a Saturday free for the Tortuga Island trip or an ATV ride, book it before you arrive.
The Driest Weeks in the Hills: Trails, Views, Macaws and Turtles
February's signature draw is what the long dry spell does to the land behind Jacó. Most people don't realize how much of Jacó's best scenery is above the town rather than on the beach, and February is when it is easiest to reach.
Dry Trails and Waterfall Swims
The ATV, horseback and waterfall tours all climb into the forested ridges east of town. In the dry season the trails are firm, and the waterfall pools at the top make a welcome swim at the hottest part of the ride. Recent February guests on the three-hour Jacó ATV tour describe jumping from the rocks into the pool, then a stop at a mountaintop soda for a drink with the view. Our waterfall hike guide covers the walking version.
The Clearest Views of the Year
Clear air turns the hilltop lookouts into the real highlight. February guests describe seeing all the way to Manuel Antonio to the south, Tortuga Island in the Gulf of Nicoya and inland toward the San José valley. The ocean-view zipline above Los Sueños benefits in the same way.
Macaws, Toucans and the Tárcoles River
Scarlet macaws and toucans come up again and again in February ATV reviews, and the Tárcoles River crocodile tour, 20 km north beside Carara National Park, adds herons, spoonbills and the river's American crocodiles. We'd book the 08:30 boat in February, before the heat builds on the open water.
A Lucky Extra: Turtle Releases
Several food-tour guests who posted reviews between December and February describe stumbling on a turtle nursery releasing hatchlings into the sea on Jacó beach at sunset. Releases are not scheduled for visitors and we found no published calendar, so treat it as a chance encounter, never a reason to book. If you do see one, keep your distance and don't use a flash.
Whales Are Possible, Not Likely
Of 207 Costa Cat Tortuga Island reviews posted in February, 7 mention whales, fewer than January's 11 of 198. Dolphins on the crossing are far more common.
What to Watch in February: Dust, Midday Sun, Weekends and the Sea
The weather is the reason to come in February. The things that can still trip up a trip are smaller and easy to plan around.
Dust on the Trails
Dry trails mean dust, especially on the lower sections of the ATV routes. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining, closed-toe shoes and sunglasses, and keep a change of clothes and a towel in the car. If dust bothers you, the zipline or a horseback ride is a cleaner way to see the same hills.
The Midday Sun
With almost no cloud and a UV index of 11, the hours from about 10:00 to 15:00 are the hardest on skin and stamina. The 09:00 ATV start, the 08:00 waterfall hike and early surf lessons are the most comfortable slots, and one February ATV guest put it plainly: go early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Weekend Crowds
Costa Rica's long school break normally runs into February (in 2026, classes started on 23 February), and Jacó, a little under two hours from San José, is the Central Valley's weekend beach. Weekdays are noticeably calmer on the sand and in the surf. Plan the drive from San José for a weekday morning, and expect slower traffic back toward the capital on Sunday afternoons.
Rip Currents
Calm-looking dry-season water still hides rip currents on open Jacó Beach. Swim near the municipal lifeguard towers, stay out of the darker, foamy channels running out to sea, and if you are pulled out, swim parallel to the shore and raise an arm. The emergency number is 911.
Where to Stay on a February Trip to Jacó
February is the driest month and one of the busiest. In our sample, rates barely changed from week to week and Saturdays cost only slightly more, so the reason to book early is choice, not price.
Most visitors stay in the center, near Avenida Pastor Díaz, within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and tour pickups. The south end of Jacó Beach is quieter, and Los Sueños on Playa Herradura, about 10 minutes north, is the resort-and-marina choice and the departure point for the Tortuga Island catamarans.
Compare Live Jacó Hotel Prices for February
Live rates from our hotel reservation system for a sample three-night stay in February for two adults, so you can see what a February trip costs before you pick tours.
Change the dates at checkout to match your own trip, and book with instant email confirmation.
- Priced for February
- Instant confirmation by email
- Live rates, not brochure prices
- Free cancellation on selected rates
Croc's Resort & Casino
One of the largest resorts in Jacó, on the beach at the north end of town, with pools, four restaurants and a casino. Guests praise the clean, spacious rooms; food and casino drinks are pricey.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
The luxury option on Playa Herradura, about 10 minutes north of Jacó, beside the Los Sueños marina where the Tortuga Island catamarans leave. Beach, golf course, spa and kids' club; extras add up.
Club del Mar Oceanfront
Oceanfront rooms and apartments at the quiet south end of Jacó Beach, with a pool, restaurant and bar. Guests rate the location and staff highly; it is a short taxi ride to the center.
Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort
Jacó's big beachfront all-inclusive in the center of town, with pools and children's activities. Guests like the staff and the kids' program; rooms are dated and the sea out front is rough.
Apartotel Girasol
Beachfront apartments with kitchens, a pool and a garden gate onto the sand, a short walk from the restaurants on the main strip. The highest guest score in this list.
Hotel Mar de Luz
A quiet garden hotel in the center, a few minutes' walk from the beach, with pools, a hot tub and rooms with kitchenettes. Guests praise the breakfast and staff; there is no restaurant or bar.
Indicative nightly rate for 3 nights, Feb 15 – 18, 2027, 2 adults. Live pricing at checkout.Room only. Local taxes and fees are added at checkout and can add roughly 20%.
Search all resorts & dates →ATV Adventure Tours Costa Rica: Amazing 3-Hour Jaco ATV Tour & Jungle Waterfall
The tour February does best. Dry trails, long hilltop views over the coast and a swim in a jungle waterfall pool make this the most-reviewed adventure in Jacó, and February guests regularly spot scarlet macaws and toucans on the ride. It runs three times a day all month; we'd take the 09:00 start to beat the heat and the dust of the afternoon.
Book NowThe Best Things to Do in Jacó This February
Everything we cover around Jacó runs in February. The one exception to check is the Playa Fantasia catamaran: it ran last dry season, but its 2027 dry-season dates were not yet bookable in October 2026. The table rates each activity for the month.
| Activity | February Rating | Best Time of Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATV Tour | 10/10 | 09:00 | Dry trails, long views, waterfall swim; dusty |
| Surf Lessons | 9/10 | Early morning | Small, clean waves; two-hour lessons from $49 |
| Zipline | 9/10 | Morning | Clearest ocean views of the year |
| Horseback Riding | 9/10 | 07:00 or 16:00 | Firm trails; beach rides at the cool ends of the day |
| Waterfall Hike | 9/10 | 08:00 | Easier footing; no Monday or Wednesday departures on our pick |
| Tortuga Island Tour | 9/10 | Full day from 07:15 | Calm seas; busy weekends, so book ahead |
| Tárcoles Crocodile Tour | 9/10 | 08:30 | River birds, macaws and crocodiles from $40 |
| Food Tour | 8/10 | Late afternoon | Sunset stop near 17:45; a chance of a turtle release |
| Boat Tours | 6/10 | Morning | Playa Fantasia dry-season dates not yet published; private boats run |
Best in February
February is the month for the hills. We'd give the ATV tour the edge for first-timers who want one big outing, because it packs the views, the waterfall and the wildlife into three hours, and the horseback ride the edge for anyone who wants the same countryside without the dust and the engine noise. The zipline is the quickest way to the ocean views, at two hours from $75.
On the Water
Surf lessons and the Tortuga Island trip remain excellent all month. We'd book Tortuga for a weekday if you can: February is the trip's busiest month by review volume, and when we checked, one date, 16 February 2027, already showed as unavailable.
More February Activities Worth Knowing About
Most of these February-friendly experiences do not have their own guides on this site yet.
Carara National Park
Carara borders the Tárcoles River on the drive between San José and Jacó and is the area's best-known place for scarlet macaws. Dry February trails are easy underfoot, and a morning there pairs well with the crocodile boat trip on the same stretch of road. Our Carara National Park tour guide compares six guided walks, from $35.
Playa Hermosa
Five minutes south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is a powerful beach break for experienced surfers only. Even if you never paddle out, it is worth a late-afternoon stop to watch the better surfers before sunset.
Herradura Bay
The bay beside the Los Sueños marina, about 20 minutes north, is more sheltered than open Jacó Beach and a gentler place for children to swim on a day when the surf is up.
A Valentine's Sunset
With sunset near 17:47 on 14 February, an early dinner on the beach is the simplest Valentine's plan in town. The sunset stop on the Jacó food tour is a ready-made version for two.
Our Take
In February the weather stops being a variable, so the day of the week becomes the one worth planning: put your beach and surf days midweek and your ATV or zipline morning on the weekend, when the hills absorb the crowd better than the sand does.
Tips for a February Trip to Jacó
- Book outdoor tours for the first slot: the 09:00 ATV start, the 08:00 waterfall hike and early surf lessons avoid the worst of the sun and the dust.
- Pack for dust as well as water: a change of clothes, a towel and closed-toe shoes for ATV and horseback days; a swimsuit underneath for the waterfall.
- Bring your driver's licence and a credit card: ATV drivers must be 16 or older with a valid licence, and our pick takes a $500 Visa or Mastercard hold per two vehicles.
- Choose weekdays for the beach: school-holiday weekends bring the Central Valley to Jacó Beach; weeknights are also about $15 cheaper in our hotel sample.
- Don't pay a Valentine's premium: in our sample, Saturday 13 February cost the same as other February Saturdays. Book the restaurant, not a special package.
- Swim near a lifeguard tower: rip currents form on Jacó Beach in every season, including the calm dry months.
- Visiting at a different time of year? Our Jacó in January guide covers the New Year price spike and the best month for beginner surf, and our Jacó in March guide covers Semana Santa (21 to 28 March 2027) and the Tárcoles River at its best.
- Not sure what to book? Our best things to do in Jacó guide ranks the top nine experiences year-round and covers the free ones, from the beach to the crocodile bridge.
- Where to stay. Our best hotels in Jacó guide ranks 12 hotels by guest score, from $66 a night in our sample.
How We Put This Guide Together
Jacó has no long-running official weather station of its own, so the weather figures are World Meteorological Organization normals for the two nearest stations, Quepos (1984 to 2003) and Puntarenas, with Jacó placed between them; sea temperature is a long-term average from published sea-temperature records, and sunrise and sunset are calculated for Jacó's coordinates. These are normals, not a forecast for February 2027. Hotel prices are the median nightly rate for a room for two at 3 to 4 star Jacó hotels that returned a price for each February 2027 date when we checked on 20 October 2026; only 12 to 16 hotels quoted, so treat them as a pattern. Tour prices, start times, cancellation terms and February availability were checked live on 20 October 2026. The wildlife, dust, weather and turtle notes come from reading every review of the featured ATV tour, the Jacó food tour and Costa Cat's Tortuga Island trip and sorting them by the month they were posted. School-calendar facts come from Costa Rican news reporting. Ratings in the tables are our editorial judgment of how February suits each activity, not guest scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacó good in February?+
Yes. February is the driest stretch of the year on this part of the Pacific coast, with highs around 32°C (90°F), a sea near 28°C, clear hilltop views and small morning surf. It is peak season, so rates are high, but in our hotel sample they stayed flat all month with no holiday spike.
What is the weather like in Jacó in February?+
Hot, sunny and very dry. Expect highs near 32°C (90°F), lows around 22°C (72°F) and only about 2 to 4 rain days: February is the driest month at Quepos, the nearest station to the south. The UV index reaches 11, and sunset falls between 17:43 and 17:49.
Is February a good month for ATV tours in Jacó?+
It is one of the best. The trails behind town are dry and firm, the waterfall pools are cool and swimmable, and clear air gives long views over the coast; February guests also often see scarlet macaws and toucans. Expect dust, and book the 09:00 start to avoid the midday heat.
Does it rain in Jacó in February?+
Rarely. Quepos averages 25.8 mm over about 4 rain days in February and Puntarenas 4.1 mm over under 2 days, and Jacó lies between them. A wet day can still happen, so keep one flexible day if your trip depends on a single outing.
Is February expensive in Jacó?+
It is peak season, but steady. In our sample of Jacó hotels for February 2027, weeknights cost about $161 and Saturdays about $171 to $179, with no premium for Valentine's weekend. Tour prices are the same as in other months.
What is the best week to visit Jacó in February?+
Any week works, because prices and weather barely change through the month; the day of the week matters more. Arrive midweek for quieter beaches and slightly cheaper rooms. The last week may be calmer still if Costa Rican schools restart in late February, as they did on 23 February in 2026.
What are the best things to do in Jacó in February?+
The ATV and waterfall ride, the ocean-view zipline, horseback riding and waterfall hikes are at their best on dry trails, while surf lessons, the Tortuga Island trip and the Tárcoles River crocodile tour all run daily. The Playa Fantasia catamarans ran last dry season, but their dry-season 2027 dates had not been published as of October 2026.
Is Jacó busy on Valentine's Day?+
Restaurants are, but hotels were not more expensive in our sample: Saturday 13 February 2027 cost about $177, the same as other February Saturdays, and Sunday 14 February about $161. Valentine's Day 2027 is a Sunday, and sunset is near 17:47, so book an early dinner on the beach.
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