Brazil in February

There’s more warm weather in February in Brazil, although more rain across the Amazon and Pantanal as well. But the big reason to travel to Brazil in February is to experience Carnaval, especially the famous celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Needless to say, it’s busy and pricy this month, but watching the samba parades is something you’ll never forget, with those elaborately decorated floats and dancers in their extravagant bejewelled costumes.

The Rio carnival isn’t the only one taking place in Brazil; you’ll find an Afro-Brazilian flavour in Salvador and giant puppets in the parade in Olinda. It’s a fantastic month to explore beyond the cities too, discovering gold rush country in Ouro Preto and Tiradentes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paraty’s old centre and nearby Ilha Grande.

The country’s north-east tends to be drier this month, making it a perfect time to visit Brazil’s unspoiled beaches and idyllic Linha Verde route between Recife and Salvador, kick back on the seven miles of sand at Porto Galinhas, or explore lovely Bahia including remote Boipeba. Visitor numbers are also limited in the protected Fernando de Noronha archipelago so you’ll never have to share the fabulous snorkelling and scenery with too many others, even during this busy month.

The waterfalls and rivers of the Chapada mountains are spectacular this month too, although it’s cooler and occasionally rainy here, while the wetter weather in the Amazon makes it possible to explore some of the smaller waterways. It’s not a great month to visit the Pantanal though, with wet weather limiting access and making wildlife watching more difficult.

Or head to the border with Argentina to see the crashing cascades of the Iguazu Falls. The water is at its fullest after the summer rains, although some trails may be too muddy to follow. It’s hot and humid but can also be a little quieter than December and January if you try to avoid weekends.

Festivals: Carnival celebrations usually take place this month (sometimes early March), most famously in Rio de Janeiro, but in other locations across Brazil too.

On February 2, the Festa de Iemanja honours the goddess of the sea – you’ll see locals making offerings of flowers, jewellery and perfume into the waves, as well as launching their boats to ask for luck for the year. All finishing with dancing, music and street parties.

Best for: Carnival, exploring the north-east, beaches