Dili in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Dili

87°F (31°C) High Temp

75°F (24°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with zero measurable rainfall and brilliant blue skies - perfect for mountain hiking to Easttimor and coastal explorations without muddy trails
Ideal coffee harvest season in the mountains - visit working plantations in Ermera and Aileu districts where farmers are picking beans at peak ripeness and offering tastings
Southeast trade winds keep temperatures comfortable at 75-87°F (24-31°C) with lower humidity than other months, making outdoor activities pleasant all day
Excellent diving conditions at Easttimor with 100+ feet (30+ meters) visibility and calm seas - whale watching season peaks with humpback whales migrating through

Considerations

Highest tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular guesthouses book out 3-4 weeks ahead, especially waterfront properties
Intense UV exposure with index of 8 requires constant sun protection - many first-time visitors underestimate the equatorial sun strength and get severe burns
Afternoon temperatures can feel oppressive in Dili's concrete areas reaching 95°F+ (35°C+) in the heat island effect, requiring midday indoor breaks

Best Activities in February

Atauro Island Diving and Snorkeling

February offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year with calm seas and minimal rainfall runoff. Water temperature stays comfortable at 82-84°F (28-29°C). Humpback whales pass through during migration, and coral spawning creates incredible biodiversity. Morning trips avoid afternoon wind pickup.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified dive operators. Full day trips typically cost $80-120 including equipment and lunch. Look for operators with Padi certification and good safety records. Ferry transport adds 1.5 hours each way.

Mount Ramelau Sunrise Trekking

Dry conditions make the 9,721 ft (2,963 m) summit accessible with clear sunrise views over the island. February's lower humidity reduces condensation, giving crystal-clear mountain panoramas. Cooler morning temperatures at altitude provide comfortable hiking conditions.

Booking Tip: Start at 2am for sunrise summit. Local guides charge $40-60 for groups up to 4 people. Book through guesthouses in Hato-Builico village. Bring layers - summit temperature drops to 50°F (10°C) before dawn.

Coffee Plantation Tours in Ermera

Peak harvest season means you'll see the entire coffee process from cherry picking to processing. February beans are at optimal ripeness. Local cooperatives offer cupping sessions with beans that will become next year's export crop. Mountain scenery is lush but accessible.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $30-50 per person including transport from Dili. Book through cooperatives like CCT (Cooperativa Café Timor). Tours run daily except Sundays. Best visited 8am-2pm before afternoon heat.

Traditional Village Homestays

Dry season makes rural roads passable to traditional villages like Tutuala and Easttimor area. February coincides with post-harvest celebrations and traditional ceremonies. Clear weather allows for cultural activities like weaving demonstrations and traditional cooking.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Dili tourism office or local guides. Homestays cost $20-35 per night including meals. Bring small gifts for families. Transport to remote villages requires 4WD and costs $60-80 per day for driver.

Cristo Rei Beach and Statue Circuit

February's clear skies provide perfect conditions for the 88 ft (27 m) Christ statue climb and beach activities. Low tide times are predictable without storm interference. The 7 km (4.3 mile) coastal walk offers impressive views without muddy conditions.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun. Local motorbike taxi costs $3-5 each way from Dili center. Bring water and sun protection. Allow 3-4 hours for full circuit including statue climb and beach time.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Carnival celebrations

Traditional carnival festivities happen in various villages with Portuguese colonial influences mixed with Timorese traditions. Features traditional dancing, local music, and community feasts celebrating the harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 at this latitude burns skin in 15 minutes, reapply every 2 hours

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from sun while keeping you cooler than tank tops in 70% humidity

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for coffee plantation visits and village walks on dusty trails

Waterproof phone case - even in dry season, boat trips to Atauro involve sea spray and unexpected splashes

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - many attractions involve uneven surfaces and some beach walking

Light rain jacket or poncho - those 10 rainy days come as sudden afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET 20%+ - mosquitoes are active at dawn/dusk even in dry season

Electrolyte tablets or powder - easy to get dehydrated in warm humid conditions, especially during activities

Cash in small denominations - many attractions and local transport only accept USD cash in $1, $5, $10 bills

Modest clothing for village visits - long pants and covered shoulders required for traditional communities and religious sites

Insider Knowledge

Many locals take afternoon siestas from 12pm-3pm during February heat - restaurants and small shops may close, so plan activities for morning and late afternoon

Dili's main market (Merkado Lama) is busiest 6am-8am when boats bring fresh catch from night fishing - arrive early for best seafood selection

February is wedding season for many Timorese families - you might encounter traditional ceremonies with hundreds of guests, considered lucky to witness

Local 'microlet' buses stop running around 6pm, but February's dry roads make motorbike taxis (ojek) reliable and cheap at $1-3 for short trips around Dili

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity - many visitors get severe burns on first day thinking the ocean breeze provides protection from equatorial UV

Not bringing enough cash - ATMs in Dili are unreliable and most activities, food, and transport require USD cash in small denominations

Booking accommodation too late - February is peak season and quality guesthouses with hot water and reliable electricity book out 3-4 weeks ahead