Things to Do in Ivory Coast in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Ivory Coast
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means you can actually plan outdoor activities without constant rain disruption - February typically sees only 3 rainy days compared to 20+ during the wet months, and even those showers tend to be brief evening affairs
- Harmattan winds from the Sahara have usually subsided by February, so you get clear skies and excellent visibility instead of the dusty haze that affects December and January - this makes February ideal for photography and beach days
- The cultural calendar is packed - February catches the tail end of Carnival season in Grand-Bassam and Abidjan, plus you're here for FEMUA music festival preparations when rehearsals happen in public spaces and the city buzzes with anticipation
- Hotel and flight prices drop significantly after the Christmas-New Year rush but before Easter travel picks up - you're looking at 20-30% lower rates than December while still getting perfect weather, which is rare for West Africa
Considerations
- The heat is genuinely intense - 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity means you'll be drenched in sweat by 10am, and air conditioning isn't universal outside major hotels. Midday activities require serious heat tolerance or you'll spend half your trip feeling miserable
- UV index of 11 is extreme - you can get a painful sunburn in under 15 minutes without protection, and the tropical sun is more intense than most visitors expect even if they're from hot climates. Sunscreen becomes a daily essential, not optional
- Some northern parks like Comoé National Park are still recovering from dry conditions, so wildlife viewing isn't as spectacular as it will be in March-April when animals concentrate around remaining water sources - if safari is your main goal, you're a month early
Best Activities in February
Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture and Beach Exploration
February's dry weather makes this UNESCO World Heritage site actually enjoyable to explore on foot - the historic French colonial quarter with its crumbling mansions and museums is best visited early morning between 7-9am before the heat becomes oppressive. The beach here is swimmable in February with calmer Atlantic waters than you'll find later in the year, and the combination of culture and coast in one trip works perfectly when you need to escape the midday sun. The town feels alive in February with Carnival preparations happening, so you'll see costume workshops and hear music rehearsals rather than just touring empty buildings.
Abidjan Street Food and Market Tours
February evenings are perfect for exploring Abidjan's legendary food scene - temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) after 6pm making the outdoor markets at Adjamé and Treichville actually comfortable. This is mango season in Côte d'Ivoire, so you'll find incredible fresh fruit alongside classics like attiéké (cassava couscous) with grilled fish and aloco (fried plantains). The food stalls around Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods come alive after sunset, and February's dry weather means you can eat outside without rain interrupting your meal. Worth noting that locals eat late here - the best action happens between 8pm-11pm.
Taï National Park Rainforest Trekking
February sits right in the sweet spot for rainforest hiking - trails are dry enough to be passable without constant mud, but the forest hasn't entered the intense heat of March-April yet. Taï is one of West Africa's last primary rainforests and home to chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and forest elephants, though wildlife sightings require luck and patience. The real draw is the forest itself - massive trees, incredible bird diversity, and the experience of hiking through genuine untouched jungle. Morning treks starting at 6am take advantage of cooler temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and better animal activity. The 8-10 hour drive from Abidjan is rough but manageable in February's dry conditions.
Yamoussoukro Basilica and Presidential Lake Visits
The world's largest basilica sits in Côte d'Ivoire's political capital, and February's clear post-Harmattan skies make the building's dome visible for kilometers across the flat landscape. The structure is genuinely jaw-dropping - larger than St. Peter's in Rome and air-conditioned, which matters when it's 32°C (90°F) outside. The presidential lake next door features sacred crocodiles that are fed at 5pm daily in a bizarre spectacle that feels very Ivorian. The 240 km (150 mile) drive from Abidjan takes 3-4 hours on decent roads, making this a realistic day trip. February means you can actually walk around the plaza outside without melting, unlike the hotter months.
Assinie Beach Resort Area
This coastal strip 100 km (62 miles) east of Abidjan offers the best beach experience in the country during February - calm Atlantic waters, coconut palm-lined sand, and resort infrastructure that actually works. February's dry season means consistent sunshine and swimmable conditions, though be aware the Atlantic here always has some surf and undertow. The area caters primarily to Abidjan residents escaping the city on weekends, so visiting Tuesday-Thursday means quieter beaches and better service. Water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F) year-round. This is where Ivorians with money come to relax, so expect a more developed scene than rustic beach paradise.
Man Region Mountain Hiking and Village Visits
Western Côte d'Ivoire's mountainous region around Man offers the country's best hiking during February's dry season - trails to sacred peaks like Mont Tonkoui at 1,189 m (3,901 ft) are accessible without mud, and the cooler mountain temperatures around 26-28°C (79-82°F) make full-day treks manageable. The area is known for its liana bridges - traditional rope bridges woven from vines that span rivers and gorges - and Dan people's villages where mask traditions remain active. February timing means you might catch mask ceremonies related to harvest celebrations. The 6-7 hour drive from Abidjan is challenging but scenic, passing through cocoa and coffee plantations.
February Events & Festivals
Grand-Bassam Carnival Preparations and Pre-Lenten Celebrations
While the main Carnival typically peaks in March, February sees the buildup in Grand-Bassam with costume workshops open to visitors, street rehearsals by dance groups, and smaller neighborhood celebrations. The atmosphere is festive without the overwhelming crowds of peak Carnival days. You'll see elaborate costumes being constructed, hear music groups practicing, and can often join informal street parties, especially on weekends. This gives you the cultural immersion without the chaos, and locals are generally welcoming to visitors who show genuine interest.
FEMUA Festival Preparations in Abidjan
The Festival des Musiques Urbaines d'Anoumabo typically happens in late April, but February is when rehearsals and preliminary events begin in Abidjan's Anoumabo neighborhood. You'll find musicians practicing in public spaces, street art being created for the festival, and a general buzz around urban music culture. While not the main festival, this period offers authentic access to Abidjan's hip-hop, coupé-décalé, and zouglou music scenes without tourist crowds. Local bars and clubs in Yopougon and Marcory neighborhoods host pre-festival showcases.