Surabaya in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Surabaya

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

383 mm (15.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - local varieties like Arumanis and Gedong Gincu are at their sweetest in February, with street vendors selling them at 50% lower prices than other months (typically Rp 15,000-25,000 per kg)
Chinese New Year celebrations create the most busy cultural atmosphere - Surabaya's large Chinese-Indonesian community decorates Southeastasia with elaborate displays, and traditional lion dances happen daily from late January through mid-February
Cooler evening temperatures (24°C/76°F) make night markets and street food tours extremely comfortable - locals flock to areas like Jalan Pemuda and Taman Bungkul between 6-10pm when the heat subsides
Museum and indoor attraction peak season - air-conditioned venues like House of Sampoerna and Sanggar Agung Temple see fewer crowds but maintain full operating hours, perfect for escaping afternoon humidity

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly and intensely - expect 30-45 minute downpours between 2-5pm on 60% of days that can flood streets temporarily and disrupt outdoor plans
High humidity (70%) makes walking tours exhausting - even short 1 km (0.6 mile) walks feel strenuous during midday hours, requiring frequent stops and extra hydration
Rainy season pricing on accommodations - hotels raise rates 20-30% due to domestic tourist influx during school holidays, particularly during Chinese New Year week

Best Activities in February

Traditional Market Food Tours

February's mango harvest makes Surabaya's traditional markets incredible for food exploration. Pasar Genteng and Pasar Atom come alive at 6am with vendors selling seasonal fruits, traditional jajanan, and Chinese New Year specialties. The morning timing (6-9am) avoids both crowds and afternoon rain, while humidity is most tolerable. Local guides explain seasonal ingredients and help navigate the maze-like market layouts.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (6-9am start) through certified food tour operators 5-7 days ahead. Typical cost ranges Rp 350,000-500,000 per person. Look for guides who speak your language and include transportation between 3-4 markets. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Historical Walking Tours in Old Town

February's variable weather makes covered historical areas ideal - the Arab Quarter and old Dutch colonial buildings provide shelter during sudden downpours. Early morning tours (7-10am) capture golden light photography opportunities while temperatures are manageable at 26-28°C (79-82°F). Chinese New Year decorations add extra visual interest to heritage shophouses.

Booking Tip: Book 3-hour walking tours starting before 8am to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms. Expect costs of Rp 200,000-350,000 per person including entrance fees. Choose operators providing umbrellas and water bottles. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Temple and Religious Site Visits

Air-conditioned temples like Sanggar Agung and historic mosques provide perfect refuge from February's humidity while offering cultural immersion. Chinese temples are elaborately decorated for New Year celebrations with special ceremonies happening throughout the month. Indoor photography opportunities are excellent, and you can explore at your own pace regardless of weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work best - entrance fees typically Rp 10,000-25,000. For guided experiences, book half-day cultural tours covering 3-4 sites for Rp 250,000-400,000. Morning visits (8-11am) offer best lighting and fewer crowds. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Shopping Mall and Culinary Center Exploration

February's heat and humidity make Surabaya's excellent shopping centers ideal bases for day-long exploration. Tunjungan Plaza, Pakuwon Mall, and Lenmarc Mall offer air-conditioned comfort, food courts with local specialties, and easy access to traditional markets nearby. Perfect for rainy day backup plans or midday cooling breaks.

Booking Tip: No booking required for independent exploration. Budget Rp 150,000-300,000 per day for meals and shopping. Use mall shuttle services or ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) between locations - typical rides cost Rp 15,000-35,000 within the city center.

Evening River and Harbor Cruises

February evenings are perfect for water-based activities - temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) after sunset, and you'll catch impressive views of the city skyline. Traditional kelotok boats navigate the Kalimas River showing old port areas and modern developments. Night photography opportunities are excellent, and evening breezes provide relief from daytime humidity.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 hour sunset cruises starting around 5pm through registered boat operators. Costs typically range Rp 200,000-350,000 per person including light refreshments. Choose covered boats in case of evening showers. See current river cruise options in the booking section below.

Day Trips to Mount Bromo

February offers clear morning views before clouds roll in - essential for Bromo's sunrise viewing. The 3-4 hour drive from Surabaya provides escape from coastal humidity to cooler mountain air at 2,329m (7,641ft) elevation. Pack warm layers as temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) at sunrise viewpoints, contrasting dramatically with Surabaya's heat.

Booking Tip: Book overnight tours departing Surabaya at 10pm for 4am sunrise viewing. Typical costs Rp 800,000-1,200,000 per person including transportation, accommodation, and guide. Choose operators providing jackets and breakfast. See current Mount Bromo tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late January through mid-February

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Surabaya's Chinese-Indonesian community creates elaborate street decorations throughout the Arab Quarter and Southeastasia areas. Traditional lion and dragon dances perform daily at temples and shopping centers, with the largest celebrations at Sanggar Agung Temple featuring traditional music, food stalls, and cultural performances.

Mid February

Surabaya Anniversary Festival

Annual celebration of the city's founding with cultural performances, traditional food festivals, and historical exhibitions. Local government organizes free events in major parks and public spaces, showcasing Javanese culture, modern art installations, and traditional craft demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable cotton shirts and linen pants - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity during midday hours

Compact umbrella or packable rain poncho - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and street vendors selling umbrellas charge tourist prices (Rp 50,000-100,000)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index of 8 causes burns within 20 minutes, even on cloudy days

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - marble temple floors and wet market areas become slippery during and after rain

Quick-dry shorts and moisture-wicking undergarments - cotton underwear stays damp in the humidity and becomes uncomfortable

Portable fan or cooling towels - useful during temple visits and outdoor market exploration when air conditioning isn't available

Water bottle with electrolyte tablets - you'll need 3-4 liters daily in the heat, and dehydration happens quickly during walking tours

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - malls, restaurants, and transport keep temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F) creating dramatic temperature changes

Plastic bags for electronics and documents - protect phones and passports during unexpected downpours or humid conditions

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito activity, particularly in evening hours near markets

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Tunjungan Plaza or Pakuwon area - you can access air-conditioned malls during afternoon storms and have multiple restaurant options within covered walkways

Eat at local warungs between 11am-1pm before afternoon rains hit - many close temporarily during heavy downpours, and you'll get the freshest dishes before ingredients run out

Use ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) instead of walking during midday - even 500m (0.3 mile) walks become exhausting in peak heat, and rides within the city center cost only Rp 15,000-25,000

Visit traditional markets by 8am - vendors display best produce early, crowds are manageable, and you'll finish before temperatures and humidity peak around noon

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor walking tours after 10am - the combination of 32°C (89°F) heat and 70% humidity makes afternoon exploration miserable and potentially dangerous

Not carrying cash in small denominations - many local vendors, traditional markets, and street food stalls don't accept cards, and ATMs often run out of money during Chinese New Year celebrations

Wearing white clothing to food markets and temples - the combination of dust, incense smoke, and potential rain makes light colors impractical for sightseeing