Somalia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Somalia

26°C (79°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 6 rainy days averaging 45mm (1.8 inches) total, perfect for outdoor exploration and desert excursions
Comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) with cool evening breezes, ideal for walking tours and beach activities without extreme heat
Lowest crowd levels of the year - most international visitors avoid February due to misconceptions about weather, resulting in uncrowded attractions and better local interaction
Prime whale watching season along the coast - humpback whales migrate through Somali waters, with 80% sighting success rates from coastal viewpoints

Considerations

Limited flight options with only 2-3 weekly international connections, requiring flexible scheduling and booking 6-8 weeks ahead
Some coastal accommodations operate reduced hours or close temporarily for maintenance during low season
Khat (stimulant plant) harvest season means afternoon business closures are more common, with many services unavailable 2-6pm

Best Activities in February

Coastal Whale Watching Tours

February marks peak migration season for humpback whales along Somalia's 3,025 km (1,880 mile) coastline. Morning tours between 6-10am offer 80% sighting rates with calm seas and excellent visibility. The dry season ensures smooth boat rides and clear photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Tours typically cost $85-120 per person. Look for operators with marine biology guides and safety certifications. Best departure points are from established fishing harbors with proper facilities.

Historic Old Town Walking Tours

February's comfortable 24°C (75°F) average temperature makes extended walking tours through ancient Mogadishu and coastal towns ideal. UNESCO heritage sites are less crowded, allowing better access to medieval mosques and Portuguese colonial ruins. Morning humidity stays below 60%.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours range $40-65 per person. Book through certified cultural guides with security clearances. Early morning starts (7am) avoid afternoon heat and business closures. Include traditional architecture and local craft workshops.

Laas Gaal Cave Painting Expeditions

Dry season provides perfect access to Somaliland's 5,000-year-old cave paintings. February's low humidity preserves the ancient artwork while comfortable temperatures make the 2-hour desert trek manageable. Clear skies offer impressive photography lighting.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $120-180 including transport from Hargeisa. Book through archaeological specialists with heritage permits. Requires 4WD vehicles and moderate fitness for 3 km (1.9 mile) rocky approach. Small groups of 4-8 people maximum.

Traditional Dhow Sailing Adventures

February's consistent northeast trade winds create perfect conditions for traditional dhow sailing. Calm morning seas and afternoon breezes offer authentic maritime experiences along the historic trading coast. Local fishermen share centuries-old navigation techniques.

Booking Tip: Half-day dhow trips range $55-85 per person. Look for experienced local captains with traditional wooden boats. Morning departures (8am) capitalize on steady winds. Include traditional fishing demonstrations and coastal village visits.

Frankincense Trail Desert Camping

February's dry conditions and moderate temperatures make overnight desert camping along ancient trade routes comfortable. Cool evening temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) while days remain pleasantly warm. Star visibility is exceptional during the dry season.

Booking Tip: 2-day camping expeditions cost $145-220 per person including meals and equipment. Book through desert specialists with proper camping gear and local guides. Requires advance permits for remote areas and medical insurance verification.

Spice Market and Culinary Tours

February brings fresh spice harvests from interior regions, making it ideal for food tours through traditional markets. Comfortable walking weather allows extended market exploration while dry conditions preserve spice quality. Local cooking classes feature seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Food tours range $35-55 per person including tastings. Morning tours (8-11am) offer freshest market selections before afternoon closures. Look for guides familiar with spice origins and traditional preparation methods. Include home-style cooking experiences.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Somali Heritage Arts Festival

Annual celebration of traditional music, poetry, and crafts held in multiple cities. Features traditional oud performances, spoken word poetry competitions, and artisan demonstrations. Offers authentic cultural immersion with local communities.

Late February

Frankincense Harvest Celebrations

Traditional ceremonies marking the annual frankincense resin collection in Somaliland's Sanaag region. Local communities demonstrate ancient extraction techniques and hold blessing ceremonies for the valuable aromatic resin trade.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protects from UV index 9 sun while remaining cool in 65% humidity

Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes with ankle support - essential for rocky coastal paths and cave site approaches

Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV levels remain high despite comfortable temperatures

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief showers occur 6 days monthly, typically lasting 15-30 minutes

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - crucial for desert excursions and boat tours with sea breezes

Quick-dry pants and modest covering clothing - respects local customs while managing temperature changes

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - coastal areas have evening mosquitoes despite dry conditions

Portable water purification tablets - supplement bottled water during remote area tours

Lightweight fleece or sweater - evening temperatures can drop to 18°C (64°F) during desert camping

Dust-proof camera bag - protects equipment during dhow sailing and desert excursions

Insider Knowledge

Schedule important meetings and activities for mornings (8am-12pm) as many businesses close 2-6pm during khat consumption hours, especially prevalent during February harvest season

Bring small denomination US dollars ($1, $5, $10 bills) printed after 2013 - older bills and large denominations are often rejected by local vendors and money changers

Book accommodations with backup power generators - February maintenance season can cause intermittent electricity outages in coastal areas lasting 2-4 hours

Learn basic Somali greetings and use them frequently - 'Nabad iyo nolol' (peace and life) opens doors and creates genuine connections, especially important during low tourist season when locals aren't accustomed to visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming February is hot and uncomfortable - many tourists avoid this ideal weather month believing it's too warm, missing the best conditions for outdoor activities

Not accounting for afternoon business closures during khat time - failing to plan around 2-6pm closures leads to frustration and missed opportunities

Bringing inappropriate clothing - packing only summer clothes without considering evening temperature drops and modest dress requirements for cultural sites