Puerto Escondido in February: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
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Backpacking Puerto Escondido in February? This post explains everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Escondido in February including the weather, events, temperature and crowds.
If you’re looking for what Puerto Escondido is like in February, this post explains everything you need to know; from weather, temperatures, events and what to pack.
Puerto Escondido is a 365-day-a-year destination and you can often find digital nomads and backpackers setting up camp here for a while. From the white sandy beaches, giant surfing waves, fun nightlife and incredible sunsets, it’s by far one of our favourite places in Mexico.
Puerto Escondido is on the coast of Oaxaca state, and takes around 10 hours to reach on an ADO bus via Oaxaca City. However, there are a few different ways to reach Puerto Escondido, and whatever journey you make, it’s worth it!
February in Puerto Escondido is one of the best months to visit. The crowds aren’t as hectic as January, and the weather is slightly improving. Whilst Puerto Escondido is hot all year round, it can get humid and sticky closer to the summer months, but February has a light, cool breeze throughout.
This post explains everything you need to know about visiting Puerto Escondido in February. If there’s anything I’ve missed, or you’d like to know, be sure to DM me over on Instagram.
If you can’t tell already, I’m pretty *obsessed* with Puerto Escondido. We lived there for nearly two months in 2022, and already have a trip planned to return! Check out all of my Puerto Escondido posts here, or here are some of my favourites:
- Puerto Escondido in January: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
- How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023
- Can You Swim In Puerto Escondido? Best Swimming Beaches
- Best Beaches in Puerto Escondido: A Complete Guide (2023)
Puerto Escondido in February
Overall, February is a great time to visit Puerto Escondido. On most days, you can expect a clear blue sky with little cloud cover, and little to zero chance of rain. On average, it rains around 2 days every February in Puerto Escondido (which is slightly more than January).
The long, dry summer days aren’t as tiring as November and December, as there’s a stronger wind throughout the month of February. This makes the sun a bit more bearable, especially if you like relaxing days on the beach!
It’s not as busy as December and January, so you can expect quieter beaches and restaurants. However, it’s still ‘backpacker’ season, so expect busy hostels and digital nomads packed out in wifi spots.
February is also in the middle of the dry season for the Oaxacan state, so this also adds to the prices of accommodation, tours and local events.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
Let’s talk about the best time to visit Puerto Escondido. This is always going to differ depending on your preferences.
🌍 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a backpacker: November – April. The rain has come to an end, hostels are full of life and partying, it’s continuously hot and sunny, and the famous Puerto Escondido sunsets from Playa Carrizalillo. Note this is the hottest time to visit Puerto Escondido, and most days your weather app will tell you it ‘feels like 45-48°C’. It is CRAZY hot!
💻 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido as a digital nomad: October through May for atmosphere, sunny days and blue skies.
💰 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for the cheapest deals: May-August, due to the rainy season (but the waves are still great!)
👫 Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for avoiding crowds: May-August, again due to the rainy season.
🏄♀️ Best time of year to visit Puerto Escondido for surfing: Peak surfing season in Puerto Escondido is between April and September. This is when the waves are at their most consistent, and is the time when large surf competitions and events are held on Zicatela. The quietest surf time is in November.
Weather in Puerto Escondido in February
You can expect the weather in Puerto Escondido in February to be sunny and dry all month. As I previously mentioned, it’s a little windier than previous months, so the high temperatures are more bearable.
February is in the middle of Mexico’s dry season, so there is little to no rain, and the temperature is hot with a welcoming breeze.
When visiting Puerto Escondido in February, you can expect average daily temperatures of 29°C, which can feel much hotter.
There are just under 12 hours of daylight in Puerto Escondido in February, and the sun will rise at 7am, and set around 6.30pm.
The hottest time of day in February is around 3pm, and the sun at this time is strong. Get your factor 50 sunscreen out!
Looking to hire a car in Mexico? We’ve driven all over Quintana Roo, and recommend it as one of the safest ways to travel. Use this company for the best prices!
Average Temperature in Puerto Escondido in February
The average temperature in Puerto Escondido in February is 27-30°C. It’s still hot, but cooler than the summer months of June-August. Daily high temperatures are around 35°C, and the lowest temperature can reach 22°C (especially during the night).
For more in-depth weather and temperature statistics for Puerto Escondido in February, click here.
Is there rain in Puerto Escondido in February?
On average, there is little rain in Puerto Escondido in February. Most days are sunny with blue skies, with very little cloud coverage. If it does rain in February, it is usually in short bursts, and doesn’t last very long. However, it can be torrential, so you’ll need to take cover!
On average, there is between 2% chance of rain every day in February in Puerto Escondido.
Of course, this isn’t definite and can change last minute. But if you do get caught in the rain in Puerto Escondido, it should only last a few minutes.
If you’re visiting Oaxaca as part of your trip and want to know what to wear, see my post for everything you need to know: What To Wear in Oaxaca (That Isn’t Ugly) 2023 Guide
What is the rainy season like in Puerto Escondido?
Rainy season in Puerto Escondido is from May – September, whilst June, July, August and September have the most rain.
September is the wettest and the most humid month of the year.
Is it hot in Puerto Escondido in February?
Yes. As previously mentioned, the weather in Puerto Escondido in February is hot, however it isn’t as hot as the summer months (June-August). There is also a welcome breeze which is welcoming in the heat!
However, don’t let the lower temperatures fool you. Even if the temperature drops to 25-27°C, it still feels like 30°C!
Are there hurricanes in Puerto Escondido in February?
No. There is a very low chance of a hurricane at any time of year in Puerto Escondido. In the past 160 years, there have only been three mild hurricanes reported in Puerto Escondido.
When is hurricane season in Mexico? – If you’re visiting other parts of Mexico, hurricane season lasts from early June to October, so be sure to check out the details on the specific location you’re visiting.
Is the water warm in Puerto Escondido in February?
Yes! You can swim in the water on all of the beaches in Puerto Escondido in February (unless the waves are too big, of course!). The average sea temperature is 29 °C (84.5 °F), which means you can swim comfortably in the beaming Puerto Escondido sun!
Do I need a wetsuit in Puerto Escondido? – You do not need a wetsuit to swim in the water in Puerto Escondido, although some surfers use one to protect from the sun and UV rays. The water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit.
Cost of living in Puerto Escondido in February
If you’re looking to backpack in February, it’s important to know the kind of prices you’ll be facing when arriving in Puerto Escondido.
I’ll be honest, we were shocked at how expensive it is here. In fact, most accommodation here is the same nightly price as an apartment in London.
Puerto Escondido is not cheap, and unless you’re staying in a shared dorm for the entirety of your stay (and even then, it’s not SE Asia prices), Puerto Escondido does require some budgeting!
The prices in the table below are based on Puerto Escondido in February
| Price per night/per meal | |
| 1-bed apartment (A/C) | £60-100 ($65-117) |
| 1-bed apartment (no A/C) | £60-80 ($65-94) |
| Shared dorm room | £12-30 ($14-35) |
| Private hostel room | £40-100 ($47-117) |
| Meal + drink in a restaurant | £8-15 ($9-11) (depending on location and restaurant) |
| Street food | £2-5 ($2-6) |
| Weekly shop | £50-100 ($58-117) |
| Coffee shop/bakery | £3-6 ($3-7) |
Of course, these prices will vary depending on where you are staying, and what type of backpacker or tourist you are.
Not sure which area to stay in Puerto Escondido? Check out these posts!
- Best Area to Stay in Puerto Escondido: Complete Guide (2023)
- Best Hostels in Puerto Escondido For Backpackers (2023 Guide)
Puerto Escondido events in February
There aren’t any major events in Puerto Escondido in February, but there’s still a good nightly atmosphere in La Punta and Zicatela. You can also find live music in local bars every night of the week (you can check out my favourite bars here).
If you’re into something a little more zen, there are plenty of yoga, meditation and spiritual events throughout the month of February too. The best place to find out about these events is on Facebook (or notice boards when you’re actually in Puerto Escondido).
Best things to do in Puerto Escondido
There are so many things to do in Puerto Escondido! That’s part of the reason why we decided to live there for a while.
From daytime adventure activities to weekend trips and late-night dinners, Puerto Escondido is one of the best places in Mexico for digital nomads and backpackers.
Here are some of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido in January:
- Release a baby turtle into the ocean
- Try surfing for the first time, or take a surfing lesson
- Spot dolphins, whales and turtles on a boat tour
- Learn Spanish in one of the friendly Spanish schools
- Dine in the restaurants on the Rinconada strip (our favourites being Pinches tacos and El Sultan)
- Go kayaking in the mangroves of Laguna Manialtepec
- Take a day or overnight trip to Mazunte
- Do a skydive
- Relax on the beach
- Go horseback riding during sunset
- Watch the unbeatable sunset from Playa Carrizalillo
- Party the night away at Zicatela
- Listen to live music (every night) in La Punta
- Watch a world-class surfing tournament at Playa Zicatela
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise
- Drink a cocos frios on the beach
- Take a walk around Puerto Escondido’s biggest market, Mercado Benito Juarez
- Go on a day or overnight trip to Chacahua
Want more information about the best things to do in Puerto Escondido? Check out my guide here: 32 BEST Things to do in Puerto Escondido For First-Timers (2023)
Puerto Escondido FAQs
Is Puerto Escondido a party town?
Whilst there is a big party scene in Puerto Escondido, you can also spend your time there chilling, surfing, relaxing and eating. Puerto Escondido is big enough to either throw yourself into the party nightclub scene or stay completely away from it.
If you’re looking to drink in Puerto Escondido, the best place to start is La Punta. This is where most backpackers stay and is located in the south.
La Punta is known for its live music, chill bar scene and laid-back atmosphere. Most people tend to head out to Zicatela from midnight onwards, as La Punta comes to a close.
Zicatela is known in Puerto Escondido as ‘the party doesn’t stop until the people stop‘ place, so your night can last until the early hours!
But like I said, if you stay out of Zicatela, you don’t need to engage with the wild, party side at all! Even when we were in La Punta, we never felt like it was too ‘wild’.
We loved the laid-back atmosphere of Puerto Escondido, especially in La Punta. It’s an atmosphere like no other.
Want all the best party tips? Check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido A Party Town? EPIC Party Tips! (2023)
Is Puerto Escondido safe for backpackers?
Yes. Puerto Escondido is known to be one of the safest places in Oaxaca, and in Mexico as a whole. Taxis are safe, venues are safe and there are very few muggings reported in Puerto Escondido.
However, it is important to always keep your wits about you, use common sense and tell someone if you are feeling uncomfortable or threatened. This is uncommon, but like anywhere in the world, there are going to be some things we want to avoid.
Essential Packing List for Puerto Escondido in February
If you’re visiting Puerto Escondido in February, be sure to pack:
- Light, loose-fitting clothes. No denim! As I said, it gets HOT!
- Packing cubes (to squeeze in all the extra bikinis)
- Swimsuits, beach clothes, flip flops
- GoPro for underwater and surfing footage
- Waterproof phone case for the beach
- Microfibre towel for swimming in the sea
- Your Kindle for those long hot beach days!
Even during the evenings, it’s hot. So you’ll want to wear loose-fitted dresses or light t-shirts. Don’t pack anything too heavy or thick, you just won’t wear it.
Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido?
No. There is not Uber in Puerto Escondido. The best way to get around Puerto Escondido is to get a taxi, hire a car, walk, or ride the collective (privately-owned bus).
Most backpackers and tourists hire a scooter/bike for their stay in Puerto Escondido. I’m not going to go ahead and say they’re 100% safe, because they’re not, and the roads are busy! But if you’re confident driving a scooter, it’s one of the best options for getting around Puerto Escondido.
If you need to hire a car in Mexico, I highly recommend this company. They are easy to use, fast, user friendly and always have the cheapest deals for car hire around the world.
Check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2023: A Complete Guide for more information.
Can I drink tap water in Puerto Escondido?
No. You cannot drink the water in Puerto Escondido. There is no tap water in Puerto Escondido that is safe to drink. Tap water throughout Mexico is not safe for human consumption, due to the filter systems. This means even the locals do not drink the tap water in Puerto Escondido.
Check out my post: Can You Drink The Water In Puerto Escondido? 2023 Updates for more information and what you can do when you visit.
If you’re in Oaxaca City, my guide Can You Drink The Water In Oaxaca? 2023 Updates gives you all the information you need.
Where to stay in Puerto Escondido
🛏️ Best hostel in Puerto Escondido for backpackers: Book here
If you’re a solo traveller and looking to party in Puerto Escondido, I recommend this hostel in La Punta. It’s known for its wild events and activities, has its own pool and isn’t far from the beach.
Getting around Puerto Escondido is easy, and if you prefer one area to another, taxis are cheap and widely available.
Best apartment in Rinconada, Puerto Escondido: Book here
Bungalow in Centro, Puerto Escondido: Book here
Apartment in Zicatela, Puerto Escondido: Book here
Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico
If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Puerto Escondido in February: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about Puerto Escondido in February.
When you’re planning a trip to Puerto Escondido, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Puerto Escondido posts:
- Puerto Escondido in January: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
- How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023
- How To Get From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte: Step-by-Step (2023)
- 25 BEST Restaurants in Puerto Escondido for Foodies! (2023)
- Can You Drink The Water In Oaxaca? 2023 Updates
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
