Liberia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Liberia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season prime time - February is peak dry season with only 51mm (2.0 inches) of rain spread across 10 days, making it ideal for beach visits, hiking Sapo National Park trails, and exploring rural areas without muddy roads
Perfect surfing conditions at Robertsport - February brings consistent 1.2-1.8m (4-6 foot) swells with offshore winds, attracting international surfers while keeping crowds manageable compared to December-January peak
Optimal wildlife viewing - Animals congregate around permanent water sources during dry season, making February the best month for spotting forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and over 600 bird species in Sapo National Park
Cultural festival season - February coincides with Poro and Sande society ceremonies in rural areas, plus Independence Day preparations begin, offering authentic cultural experiences rarely seen by outsiders

Considerations

Harmattan winds from Sahara bring hazy conditions and dust, reducing visibility to 3-5 km (2-3 miles) some days, affecting photography and scenic views of Mount Wuteve and coastal areas
Peak pricing for accommodations - February's ideal weather drives hotel rates up 40-60% compared to rainy season, with beach resorts around Robertsport commanding premium rates of $80-150/night
Increased fire risk in rural areas - Slash-and-burn farming practices during dry season create smoky conditions and occasional road closures, particularly affecting routes to Sapo National Park and eastern counties

Best Activities in February

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

February's dry conditions make forest trails accessible and animals predictable around water sources. Temperatures of 21-25°C (69-77°F) are perfect for dawn wildlife walks, and the 70% humidity is manageable compared to rainy season's 85%+. This is your best shot at seeing forest elephants, which require 4-6 hours of patient tracking.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed eco-tourism operators 3-4 weeks ahead as park permits are limited to 20 visitors daily. Expect to pay $150-250 for 2-day guided expeditions including camping gear. Look for operators certified by Forestry Development Authority.

Robertsport Surfing Sessions

February delivers consistent 1.2-1.8m (4-6 foot) swells with clean offshore winds most mornings. Water temperature stays at comfortable 26°C (79°F), and you'll avoid December-January's peak crowds. The dry season means reliable road access to remote breaks like Fisherman's Point.

Booking Tip: Surf schools charge $40-60 per lesson including board rental. Book accommodation 2-3 weeks ahead as beachfront options fill up. Look for instructors certified by West African Surf Association for safety.

Kpatawee Waterfall Hiking Adventures

February's reduced water flow makes the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) hike to Kpatawee Falls manageable, with clear swimming pools at the base. Trails are dry and stable, unlike rainy season's treacherous mud. The 45m (148 ft) falls are still impressive despite lower volume.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking is possible, but guides cost $15-25 for safety and navigation. Start early - temperatures rise quickly after 10am. Bring 2-3 liters of water per person for the 4-hour round trip.

Monrovia Cultural Heritage Tours

February's comfortable weather makes walking tours of this destination and downtown feasible. Visit during Independence Day preparation season when traditional crafts workshops are active. The 70% humidity is tolerable for 3-4 hour walking tours starting at 8am.

Booking Tip: Certified cultural guides charge $30-50 for half-day tours covering this destination, Banjul, and this destination. Book through Liberia Tourism Board certified operators for historical accuracy.

Buchanan Port and Coastal Exploration

February's calm seas and clear visibility make boat trips along Grand Bassa County coastline ideal. Explore iron ore shipping facilities, traditional fishing villages, and secluded beaches without rainy season's rough waters limiting access.

Booking Tip: Fishing boat charters cost $60-100 for half-day coastal trips. Book through Grand Bassa County Tourism Office for licensed operators. Trips include traditional fishing techniques and beach barbecues.

Mount Nimba Biosphere Reserve Trekking

February's dry trails and clear skies offer spectacular views from Liberia's highest peaks. The 1,362m (4,469 ft) elevation provides cooler temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) at sunrise, perfect for challenging 6-8 hour treks to see endemic species.

Booking Tip: UNESCO site permits required - book 4-5 weeks ahead through Nature Conservation Union of Liberia. Expect $100-180 for guided 2-day expeditions. Porters available for $20-30/day.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Independence Day Preparation Festivities

While Independence Day is July 26th, February marks the beginning of cultural preparations with traditional dance rehearsals, craft workshops, and county-level competitions in Monrovia and major towns. Experience authentic Liberian culture without tourist crowds.

Mid to Late February

Poro and Sande Society Ceremonies

Traditional initiation and cultural ceremonies occur during dry season in rural areas. These sacred events offer rare insights into indigenous Liberian traditions, though participation requires local connections and cultural sensitivity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable, and sleeves protect from UV index 8 sun exposure during 6+ hour outdoor activities

Quick-dry hiking pants - February's 51mm (2.0 inches) of rain falls in sudden downpours, plus morning dew is heavy in forest areas

Waterproof hiking boots - Essential for 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Kpatawee Falls trail and Sapo National Park's rocky terrain, even in dry season

High-SPF mineral sunscreen - UV index 8 combined with reflection off water and sand requires SPF 50+ reapplication every 90 minutes

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust reducing visibility to 3-5 km (2-3 miles) some days, irritating respiratory systems

Headlamp with extra batteries - Power outages are common, and wildlife viewing requires pre-dawn 5:30am starts when it's completely dark

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - Mosquitoes remain active in 70% humidity despite dry season, malaria risk exists year-round

Lightweight rain jacket - February's 10 rainy days feature intense 20-30 minute downpours that soak everything instantly

Water purification tablets - Bottled water costs $2-3 outside Monrovia, tablets allow refilling from wells and streams safely

Portable phone charger - Limited electricity in rural areas, essential for GPS navigation on unmarked trails and emergency communication

Insider Knowledge

Liberians call February 'hungry season' - rice stores are lowest before March harvest, so food prices peak and rural restaurants have limited menus. Stock up on snacks in Monrovia before heading to counties.

Lebanese-owned shops close Friday afternoons and Saturdays - plan shopping and money changing around Muslim prayer schedules, especially in Monrovia's Randall Street commercial district.

Fuel shortages peak in February - gas stations outside Monrovia often run dry for days. Always fill up in major towns and carry extra jerry cans for longer trips to Sapo or Mount Nimba.

Bush taxis wait for full capacity - 'full' means 4-5 people per row. February's dry roads make drivers more willing to take rural routes, but expect 6-8 hour delays for 100 km (62 mile) journeys.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Harmattan dust impact - tourists plan outdoor photography during peak dust days when visibility drops to 3-5 km (2-3 miles), ruining Mount Nimba and coastal scenic shots

Booking accommodation day-of in Robertsport - February's surf season fills beachfront lodges weeks ahead, leaving late bookers with inland options requiring 30-45 minute drives to beaches

Attempting Sapo National Park without certified guides - park regulations require licensed guides for wildlife areas, and self-guided tourists face $200 fines plus safety risks from forest elephants