Laos - weather & travel conditions in February

Weather

Good news continues with cool temperature and dry weather still dominate the country throughout February making it great time to travel in Laos.
In the far north mountainous areas including Huay Xai, Luang Nam Tha, Phong Sa Ly, Pakbeng and Oudomxay, the weather is generally cool and dry during daytimes with temperature staying around 26oC. At nights the temperature normally drop down making it a bit cold so, warm clothing is recommended.
Luang Prabang and surroundings offer slightly warmer weather with temperature around 2oC higher.
The Centre of Laos including Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Xiang Khoang (plain of Jars) offer lots of bright and clear days with temperature ranging between 26-28oC.
Southern part of Laos including the areas of Savannakhet, Champasak, Pakse and 4000 island (Si Phan Don) there is more sunlight and temperatures are a litter higher, averaging a bit more than 30oC. 

Events

Wat Phou Festival
The festival is held annually for either 3 or 7 days during the full moon of the third month of the Lao lunar calendar, on the grounds of Wat Phou in Champasack.
There is a huge gathering of people from different corners of Laos as well as some from neighboring countries.
The festival hosts many activities including religious procession, dugout boat racing, elephant or horse racing, buffalo and cock fighting, kinds of sports along with traditional shows as well as a trade fair with full of local products.
Most important of all, on the final day, senior dignitaries and religious figures from around the country, come to take part in a traditional Taak Baat (alms ceremony).

Sikhottabong Festival
The festival is held annually on the full moon on the third month of the Lao Lunar Calendar at Sikhottabong stupa which is believed to be one of the most sacred places in Laos, about 8km south of Thakhek city, Khammouane province.
It is a religious ceremony that has been observed since 1568. People celebrate for three days before the full moon day and give alms on the last day. There are religious activities along with traditional performances and a local trade fair. 

Elephant Festival
The festival is organized annually in Xayaboury province featuring the competition of more than 50 elephants coming from the area competing for being the "Elephant of the Year".
Activities including elephant processions, elephant working technique, mahout demonstrations, traditional Buddhist blessings, music and traditional dance performances along with fun fairs and night markets. 

Vietnamese Tet and Chinese New Year
The festival is organized by and for Vietnamese and Chinese communities in Laos. There are many festive activities happen amongst these communities during this time along with parties and visiting temples and pagodas.

How to do and what to expect if travel to Laos in February

If you like an adventure activity like trekking or camping then northern part of Laos is a good choice. Around one week will be enough for you to discover the pristine landscapes and explore authentic local culture.
For classic easy style of travel then Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Xiang Khoang or Champasak are all good to choose. The itinerary can be easily started with international flight in or connecting with your holiday from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.
In general, this is a good time to travel in Laos, so do not hesitate to put any place you want to visit into your itinerary even in the north, centre or south of Laos.