Dhaka - Things to Do in Dhaka in February

Dhaka in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Dhaka

28°C (82°F) High Temp
16°C (61°F) Low Temp
20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect winter weather with daytime temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) - warm enough for outdoor activities without the scorching heat of summer months
  • Minimal rainfall at just 20 mm (0.8 inches) means your sightseeing plans won't get derailed by monsoon downpours
  • Pohela Falgun spring festival brings street celebrations, colorful processions, and the best traditional sweets of the year available at every corner
  • Clear skies offer excellent visibility for photography at Lalbagh Fort and this destination, with the Buriganga River looking its most photogenic

Considerations

  • Peak tourist season means accommodation prices surge 40-60% above July-August rates, and popular spots like Pink Palace get crowded by 10am
  • Air quality drops significantly during winter months with AQI often exceeding 200 - bring N95 masks for outdoor activities
  • Frequent hartals (political strikes) during this politically active season can shut down transport and attractions with little notice

Best Activities in February

Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours

February's mild mornings (16-20°C/61-68°F) are perfect for exploring the narrow lanes of Puran Dhaka before midday heat kicks in. The winter light creates impressive photography conditions in the historic quarters, and local winter foods like pitha and kheer are at their seasonal best.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks for 7-10am starts to avoid crowds and heat. Tours typically cost ৳2,500-4,500 per person. Look for guides certified by Bangladesh Tourism Board and reference current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Buriganga River Sunset Cruises

Crystal clear February evenings offer unobstructed sunset views over the river, with minimal monsoon haze. The comfortable temperature means you can enjoy the full 2-hour cruise without seeking shade. This is when you'll see traditional boat life at its most active.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises run 4:30-6:30pm and cost ৳1,800-3,200. Book 5-7 days ahead as February is peak season for river tours. Choose operators with life jackets and covered seating areas - see current river cruise options below.

Savar Archaeological Site Tours

The 45-minute drive to Savar (32 km/20 miles) is most comfortable in February's dry weather. Ancient Buddhist ruins are best explored in cooler morning temperatures, and the surrounding countryside is lush green from recent winter rains without being muddy.

Booking Tip: Full-day archaeological tours cost ৳4,500-7,000 including transport. Book through operators with air-conditioned vehicles as even February afternoons reach 28°C (82°F). Tours typically run 8am-4pm to maximize comfortable exploration time.

Sadarghat Port Morning Photography

February's 70% humidity creates dramatic early morning mist over the port, perfect for capturing the chaos of Bangladesh's busiest river terminal. The comfortable 16-18°C (61-64°F) dawn temperature means you can shoot for 2-3 hours before it gets hot.

Booking Tip: Photography tours start at 5:30am and run ৳3,500-5,500. Guides provide access to restricted areas and ensure safety around heavy boat traffic. Book with guides who have port authority connections - check current photography tour options below.

National Parliament House Tours

Louis Kahn's architectural masterpiece is best appreciated in February's clear conditions with excellent natural lighting. The reduced rainfall means the geometric concrete surfaces aren't stained or slippery, allowing full exploration of the exterior grounds.

Booking Tip: Guided architecture tours cost ৳2,000-3,500 and must be booked 10-14 days ahead through official channels. Tours run Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Foreign visitors need passport copies submitted 72 hours prior to visit date.

Dhanmondi Lake Evening Strolls

February evenings are perfect for joining locals around Dhanmondi Lake when temperatures drop to comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F). The winter season brings migratory birds, and street food vendors offer seasonal treats unavailable in monsoon months.

Booking Tip: Walking tours around Dhanmondi area cost ৳1,500-2,500 and include street food tastings. Evening tours (5-7pm) are most popular. Look for guides familiar with both Bangabandhu Museum area and local food scene - see current walking tour options below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Pohela Falgun Spring Festival

Bengal's spring celebration transforms Dhaka with yellow decorations, traditional dance performances, and special pitha (rice cakes) available at every street corner. The entire city participates with processions starting from Shahbag and spreading citywide.

Throughout February

Ekushey Book Fair

Bangladesh's largest book fair at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan features over 500 publishers, cultural programs every evening, and the best place to understand Bengali literary culture. Free entry with evening cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

N95 or KN95 masks essential - Dhaka's February AQI frequently exceeds 200, making outdoor activities uncomfortable without protection
Lightweight cotton long-sleeve shirts for temple visits and sun protection during 28°C (82°F) afternoon temperatures
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors at mosques become slippery even with minimal 20mm (0.8 inch) rainfall
Portable phone charger - frequent load shedding during peak tourist season can last 2-3 hours in some areas
SPF 50+ sunscreen for UV index 8 conditions - February sun is deceivingly strong despite comfortable temperatures
Light jacket for early morning starts - 16°C (61°F) dawn temperatures feel chilly after initial acclimatization
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - essential for street food exploration during festival season when vendors multiply
Waterproof phone case - even brief February showers can damage electronics during rickshaw rides
Conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and appreciated during cultural festivals
Cash in small denominations (৳50-500 notes) - February festivals mean more street purchases and tip opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Gulshan or Banani areas by early January - February is peak season and prices jump 40-60% while availability plummets after Pohela Falgun announcements
Plan major sightseeing between 8am-11am and after 4pm - even February's mild weather becomes uncomfortable for walking during 12-3pm peak hours when humidity peaks
Download Pathao and Uber apps before arrival - February hartals (strikes) can shut down traditional transport with 2-hour notice, but app-based services often continue operating
Carry prescription medications in original packaging - February's high political activity means police checkpoints increase, and medication questions become more frequent for foreign visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming February is 'cool season' and packing winter clothes - daytime temperatures still reach 28°C (82°F) and humidity stays at 70%, making heavy clothing uncomfortable
Not checking hartal schedules before booking day trips - February political activity can shut down highways to Savar or Sonargaon with morning announcements, wasting prepaid tour costs
Scheduling outdoor activities during 12-3pm - even February heat combined with air pollution makes midday exploration unpleasant, and locals avoid this timing entirely

Activities in Dhaka