Marshallislands in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Marshallislands

29°C (84°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - February has the least rainfall (180mm/7.1 inches) with only 10 rainy days, making it ideal for outer atoll excursions and lagoon activities
Trade wind season brings consistent 15-20 knot winds perfect for sailing and kiteboarding, with calmer morning conditions ideal for diving and snorkeling
Peak fishing season for marlin and mahi-mahi - local boats report highest catch rates in February with water temperatures at optimal 27°C (81°F)
Cultural season - February marks traditional canoe racing preparations and stick dancing competitions across outer atolls, offering authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, with resort bookings required 8-12 weeks in advance
Strong trade winds (15-20 knots) can make inter-atoll flights bumpy and occasionally delayed - expect 2-3 hour delays on outer atoll flights
UV exposure is extreme with minimal cloud cover - sunburn occurs in 15-20 minutes without protection even while snorkeling

Best Activities in February

Bikini Atoll Diving Expeditions

February offers the clearest visibility (30-40m/98-131ft) for exploring the world's largest ship graveyard. Trade winds create optimal surface conditions for technical wreck diving. Water temperature at 27°C (81°F) requires only 3mm wetsuits. This is the prime season before March's plankton blooms reduce visibility.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead through licensed dive operators. Expeditions cost $2,800-4,200 for 4-day packages including accommodation and permits. Requires Advanced Open Water certification minimum. See current dive packages in booking section below.

Majuro Lagoon Sailing and Kiteboarding

Consistent 15-20 knot trade winds make February ideal for water sports. Morning conditions (7-11am) offer steady winds without afternoon gusts. The lagoon's shallow areas (1-3m/3-10ft depth) provide safe learning conditions. Local sailing clubs host weekly races every Saturday.

Booking Tip: Daily kiteboard rentals cost $80-120, lessons $150-200 for 3 hours. Book equipment 48 hours ahead during peak season. Sailing charters range $300-500 for half-day trips. See current water sports options in booking section below.

Arno Atoll Traditional Fishing

February's calm morning waters and peak fish migration make this the premier fishing month. Local guides use traditional outrigger canoes for real feels. Marlin and mahi-mahi are most active during dawn hours (5:30-8:30am). Combined with cultural demonstrations of traditional fishing techniques.

Booking Tip: Full-day fishing trips cost $200-350 per person including traditional lunch. Book through community-based operators 5-7 days ahead. Half-day morning trips $120-180. Transportation to Arno adds $80-100. See current fishing tours in booking section below.

Laura Beach Turtle Nesting Observation

February marks peak green turtle nesting season on Laura Beach's 3km (1.9 mile) stretch. Evening tours (7-10pm) offer highest success rates for observing nesting behavior. Strict conservation protocols limit groups to 8 people. This is one of only three protected nesting sites in the Pacific.

Booking Tip: Nesting tours cost $45-65 per person for 3-hour experiences. Book minimum 1 week ahead as tours are limited to 2 per evening. Includes headlamp and educational materials. Transportation from Majuro adds $25-35. See current eco-tours in booking section below.

Outer Atoll Cultural Homestays

February's dry conditions make outer atoll visits most comfortable. Experience traditional copra making, pandanus weaving, and stick dancing preparations. Families on Mili, Jaluit, and Wotje atolls offer authentic homestays during the peak cultural season before March planting activities begin.

Booking Tip: Homestays cost $75-120 per night including meals and cultural activities. Book 4-6 weeks ahead through Liberia Islands Visitors Authority. Inter-atoll flights add $180-280 roundtrip. 3-4 day minimum stays recommended. See current cultural experiences in booking section below.

WWII Historic Site Tours

February's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in wet season) makes walking tours of Kwajalein and Majuro's extensive WWII sites more comfortable. Clear weather provides better photography conditions for bunkers, aircraft wrecks, and memorial sites. Many sites require 2-3 hours of outdoor walking.

Booking Tip: Historical tours cost $60-95 for half-day experiences. Kwajalein requires special permits - book 3-4 weeks ahead. Private guides charge $120-180 for full-day tours. Includes transportation and entry fees. See current historical tours in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Marshallese Culture and Arts Festival

Three-day celebration featuring traditional stick dancing, canoe racing, and handicraft exhibitions. Local families demonstrate traditional skills like pandanus weaving and coconut husking. Food stalls serve traditional dishes including breadfruit, fish, and coconut crab.

Late February

Annual Billfish Tournament

Week-long deep-sea fishing competition attracting international anglers. Daily weigh-ins at Majuro dock with evening celebrations. Open to tourists with experienced local captains. Peak marlin season coincides with this event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, regular application needed every 2 hours while on water

Lightweight long-sleeve UV protection shirts - essential for boat trips and diving, locals never expose arms during midday sun

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily, cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case and camera housing - afternoon showers arrive quickly, plus protection for water activities

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies, bring mask that fits properly for clearer underwater visibility

Light rain jacket or poncho - February showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, especially during afternoon hours 2-5pm

Sturdy water shoes - coral cuts are serious and slow to heal, protection needed for beach walking and lagoon entry

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes peak during dawn/dusk hours, especially near freshwater areas and vegetation

Electrolyte tablets - high humidity and sun exposure causes rapid dehydration, local stores have limited sports drink options

Cash in small bills - many outer atoll activities and local guides operate cash-only, ATMs limited outside Majuro

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-atoll flights for morning departures (7-10am) - afternoon trade winds increase turbulence and delay risk by 60%

Eat at local family restaurants during lunch hours (11am-2pm) when fish is freshest - evening meals often use morning's catch reheated

Shop for handicrafts at Majuro's Handicraft Center on Tuesdays and Fridays when outer atoll women bring fresh inventory to town

Hire guides through the Liberia Islands Visitors Authority - independent operators often lack proper insurance and safety equipment for water activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure while snorkeling - water reflects UV rays, tourists frequently get severe burns on back and shoulders within 30 minutes

Not bringing enough cash - credit cards only accepted at major hotels and some restaurants in Majuro, outer atolls are entirely cash-based

Scheduling too many water activities back-to-back - salt exposure and sun fatigue accumulate quickly, plan rest days between intensive diving or fishing trips