Martinique in February is the heart of Carême (« Lent »), the dry season: around 28 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon and 22 °C (72 °F) at night in Fort-de-France, 77 mm (3.0 in) of rain over the month, a sea at 26 °C (79 °F) and steady trade winds. Verdict: ✅ one of the best months of the year for weather, with a trade-off: it is also one of the most expensive, because of the winter school holidays and the carnival.
In February there is no hurricane risk and showers are brief. The carnival reaches its peak with the fat days, which fall in February in 2027. This page covers the month in detail; for the whole year, see our page on the best time to visit Martinique.
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Martinique in February: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ dry, sunny, no hurricanes
- Temperatures: 27.9 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon, 22 °C (72 °F) at night in Fort-de-France
- Rain: 77 mm (3.0 in) in Fort-de-France, less in the south
- Sea: around 26 °C (79 °F)
- Carnival: fat days from Sunday 7 to Ash Wednesday 10 February 2027
- Crowds: very heavy during the winter school holidays, very high prices
- Time difference: in February, Martinique (UTC−4) is 4 hours behind London (GMT) and 1 hour ahead of New York (EST)
Weather in Martinique in February
| Indicator | Fort-de-France | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average maximum temperature | 27.9 °C (82 °F) | Météo-France, 1991-2020 |
| Average minimum temperature | 22 °C (72 °F) | Météo-France, 1991-2020 |
| Rainfall | 77 mm (3.0 in) | Météo-France, 1991-2020 |
| Sea temperature | 26 °C (79 °F) (Le Lamentin) | Deutscher Wetterdienst |
February and March are the two driest months in Fort-de-France (77 mm (3.0 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in)), against more than 200 mm (7.9 in) a month from July to November. Tropical showers are still possible but pass quickly, often followed by sunny spells. The heat is tempered by the trade winds, which blow from the east.
Weather by region
- The south (Sainte-Anne, Le Diamant, Les Anses-d’Arlet): the driest and sunniest part of the island, with about 20% less rain than Fort-de-France over the year. Ideal in February.
- Les Trois-Îlets and Anse Mitan: a climate close to that of the south, facing Fort-de-France.
- The north (Mount Pelée, Saint-Pierre): much wetter, especially at altitude. The summit is often in cloud, but February is among the best months for hiking.
- The Atlantic coast (Le François, Le Vauclin): windy, with a sea that is often rough; the home of the white shallows (fonds blancs) and kitesurfing.
Things to do in Martinique in February
- The carnival: weekend parades since January, then the four fat days and the burning of Vaval on Ash Wednesday.
- The beach: Les Salines, Anse Noire and Anse Dufour, Grande Anse d’Arlet, with calm seas on the Caribbean side.
- Hiking: Mount Pelée, the Caravelle peninsula, the Trace des Jésuites. Set off early and check trail conditions.
- Diving and snorkelling: Les Anses-d’Arlet, Diamond Rock, the Saint-Pierre wrecks.
- The white shallows and islets: by boat from Le François or Le Robert, in calm seas.
What to avoid in February
- Booking late: flights, rental cars and accommodation go quickly during the winter school holidays.
- Swimming on the Atlantic coast outside sheltered areas: dangerous currents when the trade winds are strong.
- Choosing a rental without checking for sargassum: strandings are possible all year, especially on the Atlantic coast and the south-east.
The Martinique carnival in February 2027
The carnival begins in January, with weekend parades, and ends on Ash Wednesday, whose date depends on Easter. In 2027, Easter falls on 28 March: the fat days therefore run from Sunday 7 to Wednesday 10 February, with Mardi Gras on 9 February and the burning of Vaval on 10 February. During these days, traffic is disrupted in Fort-de-France and the surrounding towns: plan your journeys accordingly and check the programme with the Martinique Tourist Board.
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Weekends in January and February | Carnival parades | Fort-de-France and other towns |
| 7 to 10 February 2027 | Fat days: Sunday, Monday, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday | Throughout the island, especially Fort-de-France |
Crowds and prices in February
February is in very high season: winter school holidays in Europe and North America, spread over February and early March, and the carnival make this one of the most expensive months of the year. Book flights and accommodation 4 to 6 months ahead, and the rental car at the same time. If your dates are flexible, aim for a week outside the school holidays, or March, which is just as dry and a little quieter. Most international visitors arrive at Martinique Aimé-Césaire airport.
Entry requirements and practical info
- Entry: for passport and entry rules, see our entry requirements for Martinique.
- Time difference: Martinique is on UTC−4 all year (no daylight saving), so in February it is 4 hours behind London (UTC+0) and 1 hour ahead of New York (UTC−5, EST).
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, checked 11 November 2026) names Zika virus, dengue and chikungunya among the health risks in Martinique, and the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated September 9, 2026) lists chikungunya and dengue as prevalent in the French West Indies. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Hurricanes: the season is normally from June to November (GOV.UK), so February is outside it.
What to pack for Martinique in February
- Light clothing, swimwear, a sarong
- A rain jacket or light windbreaker for showers and Mount Pelée
- Closed hiking shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- An outfit (or accessories) in the colours of the day if you are following the fat days
If February does not suit you
March is the driest month in Fort-de-France (71 mm (2.8 in)), with slightly fewer people outside the school holidays. January has the same climate and the first carnival parades, with gentler prices after the first week. For better value for money, look at late April to June.
Other destinations in February: Guadeloupe, with an identical climate, the Dominican Republic or Cuba. More ideas on our page where to go in February. To plan your stay, read our Martinique travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Martinique in February?
Dry and sunny: around 28 °C (82 °F) in the afternoon and 22 °C (72 °F) at night in Fort-de-France, with 77 mm (3.0 in) of rain over the month according to the Météo-France 1991-2020 normals. The sea is around 26 °C (79 °F).
Is February a good month to visit Martinique?
Yes for the weather: it is Carême, with no hurricane risk. But it is also one of the most expensive months, because of the winter school holidays.
When is the Martinique carnival in 2027?
Parades take place at weekends from January; the fat days run from 7 to 10 February 2027, Ash Wednesday.
Is there sargassum in Martinique in February?
It is possible: strandings vary from week to week, and no month is guaranteed « sargassum-free ». The Caribbean coast is generally less exposed than the Atlantic coast.
Where should you stay in Martinique in February?
In the south (Sainte-Anne, Le Diamant, Les Anses-d’Arlet) or in Les Trois-Îlets for sun and beaches; the north is best visited on day trips.
Our sources
- Météo-France: 1991-2020 climate normals for Fort-de-France
- Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Klimatafel for Le Lamentin: average sea temperature
- Health and hurricane information: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Martinique (GOV.UK, updated 23 October 2026, read 11 November 2026), and U.S. Department of State, French West Indies country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 9, 2026)
- Time rules: GOV.UK, When do the clocks change; NIST, Daylight Saving Time
- Data taken from our page on the best time to visit Martinique
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.