Things to Do in South Sudan in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in South Sudan
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season conditions make travel logistics significantly easier - most roads remain passable throughout February, which matters enormously in a country where infrastructure is still developing. You can actually reach places like Boma National Park without needing a military escort or waiting days for floodwaters to recede.
- Wildlife viewing peaks during February as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. The grasslands are still relatively low from the dry season, making it easier to spot wildlife in places like Bandingilo National Park, which hosts one of Africa's largest antelope migrations - roughly 1.3 million white-eared kob, tiang, and mongalla gazelle.
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities - daytime temps typically hover around 28-32°C (82-90°F) in Juba, warm enough to be pleasant but not the scorching 40°C+ (104°F+) heat you'd face in March or April. The 70% humidity is noticeable but manageable if you're acclimated to tropical conditions.
- February falls outside major holiday periods for both Western and regional travelers, meaning you'll encounter fewer aid workers on R&R leave competing for the limited hotel rooms in Juba. Flight prices from Nairobi or Addis Ababa tend to run 15-20% lower than December or August peaks.
Considerations
- Security situation remains unpredictable and requires constant monitoring - February 2026 falls during a period of political transition, and localized violence can flare up with minimal warning. You'll need comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers South Sudan, which typically costs 3-4 times standard African coverage rates at USD 150-200 per week.
- Tourist infrastructure is essentially nonexistent outside Juba - there are no tour companies offering packaged experiences, no rental car agencies, no hostels, and extremely limited restaurant options. Everything requires advance coordination with local contacts or NGO connections, which can take weeks to arrange properly.
- The 10 rainy days in February represent the tail end of the dry season, and those afternoon thunderstorms can be intense when they hit - we're talking roads turning to mud within 30 minutes, flights delayed or cancelled, and outdoor plans completely derailed. The variability makes day-to-day planning frustrating.
Best Activities in February
Sudd Wetlands Boat Expeditions
February offers the best conditions for navigating the Sudd, one of the world's largest wetlands at roughly 57,000 square kilometers (22,000 square miles). Water levels are stable enough for boat passage but haven't dropped so low that channels become impassable. You'll see incredible birdlife - shoebills, African skimmers, and massive flocks of migrating storks. The variable weather actually works in your favor here since the occasional rain keeps temperatures bearable while you're on the water. Most expeditions launch from Bor or Malakal, though access depends entirely on current security conditions in those areas.
Juba Market Cultural Immersion
Konyo Konyo Market and Juba Custom Market are at their most active in February mornings before the heat builds. The dry conditions mean vendors can spread goods on the ground without worrying about sudden downpours, and you'll find the most diverse selection of the year - dried fish from the Nile, wild honey from Western Equatoria, traditional Dinka and Nuer jewelry, and fabrics from Uganda. The 70% humidity is actually lower than you'd face later in the year, making the crowded market conditions more tolerable. Go between 7-9am when locals are shopping and temperatures are still around 24-26°C (75-79°F).
Boma National Park Wildlife Tracking
February sits right in the middle of the antelope migration window when massive herds move through Boma's grasslands. The timing isn't guaranteed year to year - climate variability affects migration patterns - but February typically offers your best shot at witnessing this spectacle that rivals the Serengeti in scale if not in tourist infrastructure. The dry season means animals are concentrated around water sources, improving your chances of sightings. That said, reaching Boma requires either flying to Pibor then driving 3-4 hours on rough tracks, or a multi-day 4x4 journey from Juba covering roughly 450 km (280 miles).
White Nile River Fishing Expeditions
February's stable water levels and comfortable temperatures make this an ideal time for Nile perch fishing around Juba or further north near Bor. The Nile perch here can reach 90-100 kg (200-220 lbs), and you'll be fishing waters that see maybe a dozen sport fishermen per year. Local fishermen use the dry season to repair nets and boats, so hiring a boat for the day is relatively straightforward. The variable weather pattern means you want to start early - on the water by 6am - and be prepared to head back if afternoon storms roll in, which happens roughly 3-4 times per week in February.
Nimule National Park Day Visits
Located on the Uganda border about 200 km (124 miles) south of Juba, Nimule is the most accessible national park for visitors with limited time. February's dry conditions mean the 3-4 hour drive from Juba is manageable in a decent 4x4, though you'll still want to leave at dawn to avoid afternoon heat and potential storms. The park sits along the White Nile and hosts elephants, Uganda kob, buffalo, and hippos. Wildlife populations are recovering after years of poaching during the civil war, so expectations should be modest - this isn't the Maasai Mara. But the riverside scenery is genuinely beautiful, and you might have the entire park to yourself.
Traditional Cattle Camp Visits
February falls during the dry season when Dinka and Mundari cattle camps are established near permanent water sources along the Nile. These camps offer extraordinary photographic opportunities - cattle with massive horns, traditional body scarification, elaborate ash body painting, and a way of life largely unchanged for centuries. The camps around Terekeka, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Juba, are most accessible. The warm, humid conditions mean you'll want to visit early morning or late afternoon when the light is best and temperatures are bearable. This is cultural immersion that requires serious respect and cultural sensitivity.
February Events & Festivals
Independence Day Preparations
While Independence Day itself falls on July 9th, February sees communities across South Sudan beginning preparations for the celebrations. In Juba, you might catch rehearsals for cultural performances, traditional dance groups practicing, and increased activity around John Garang Mausoleum. It's not a tourist event per se, but it offers insight into national identity in Africa's youngest country. The atmosphere is generally optimistic despite ongoing challenges.