If you’re dreaming about a cruise, you might want to think about booking it for February. With the festive cheer of Christmas and New Year behind us, and the bright days of spring feeling far away, it’s easy to feel a little flat. So why not chase away the winter blues with a cruise? Not only can you escape the cold and dark back home, but prices tend to be lower too.
In some parts of the world, February is the height of summer, so if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, plenty of balmy destinations tick the box. Other countries are warm throughout the year but seem to blossom in February – while if you’re more interested in culture and history, there are plenty of fabulous destinations closer to home.
It’s also worth noting that cruises don’t always have to be across oceans, and some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing rivers come into their own in February, from Southeast Asia’s Mekong to the iconic Nile. It all depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for, and the type of places you’re looking to explore.
So, to get you inspired, here are the 10 best places to cruise in February.
1. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is the quintessential cruise destination. Home to palm-fringed beaches, warm turquoise waters, jungle-swathed peaks, and bustling port towns, these islands have an astonishing amount of variety…and a cruise is possibly the very best way to explore. In February, the Christmas and New Year crowds have gone, so the beaches aren’t too crowded, and the prices have dropped from the holiday peak.
The weather is warm but not scorching, with temperatures hovering around 24-29°C, and the sea is a balmy 26°C – perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving. You can visit islands like Barbados, Antigua, and St Kitts, but if you’re away for Valentine’s Day, you might want to ensure your cruise stops at St Lucia. Arguably the most romantic Caribbean island of all, the beaches are spellbinding, the hot springs are relaxing, and the island’s long heritage of cacao plantations means the chocolate is delicious too.
2. The United Arab Emirates
If laidback island life isn’t your thing, what about a cruise to some of the most popular – and futuristic – destinations in the Middle East? Cruises either take you through the Arabian Gulf or around the Arabian Peninsula, and you’ll visit some of the most unique and exciting destinations in the United Arab Emirates. Temperatures can get unbearably hot in summer but, in February, they’re ideal; the average daily maximum is 26°C, and evenings are cooler but still pleasantly warm.
Almost all cruises stop in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are plenty of other attractions in the UAE if you’d like to extend your stay; why not head into the desert to go dune bashing, stargazing, quad biking, or sandboarding? There’s plenty of culture to be found, too, and you can visit world-class museums, explore historic souks, and admire elaborate Islamic architecture. And if you’d like to relax, Dubai’s man-made beaches are seriously impressive.
3. Cape Verde
If you’re keen to enjoy a sun-drenched yet culture-rich beach break, you don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean. February is the ideal time to visit Cape Verde, an African archipelago cast adrift in the Atlantic, nearly 600 miles off the coast of Senegal. Daytime temperatures are a comfortable 25°C, the sea averages 23°C, and the conditions are ideal for watersports. Plus, several cultural events take place in February, including Cape Verde’s famous Carnival.
On a cruise, you don’t have to pick one of Cape Verde’s 10 islands to base yourself. You can relax on the golden beaches of Sal, lose yourself in the vibrant streets of São Vicente’s Mindelo town, and trek across the alien-like landscape of Fogo. The culture here is a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Creole, and you’ll have a wonderful time immersing yourself in it. The traditional musical is a real highlight, too, particularly the hypnotic morna folk music…so keep an eye out for live performances in local bars!
4. The Mekong
If you’re drawn to Southeast Asia, why not consider a river cruise along the Mekong? This important river winds through some of the most spectacular parts of Vietnam and Cambodia and, on a cruise, you can delve into the cultures, history, and landscapes of these two captivating countries. Weatherwise, February is perhaps the best time to cruise the Mekong. It’s still the dry season but, unlike the early dry season months (October to January), it isn’t sweltering.
Instead, temperatures hover around 24-30°C – perfect conditions for exploring. In Cambodia, you can marvel at the ancient temples of the Angkor Wat complex, learn about Phnom Penh’s harrowing past and hopeful future, and try local delicacies like amok, a fragrant coconut milk curry. And, in Vietnam, you can lose yourself in the exhilarating streets of Ho Chi Minh City, stroll through emerald rice paddies, and tuck into steaming bowls of pho noodle soup. The views as you cruise are sensational, too.
5. Colombia
Caribbean cruises aren’t only about the islands. You can also explore parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America – and one of the most beautiful and characterful countries in this part of the world is Colombia. Its Caribbean coastline is home to dreamy beaches, idyllic islands, and crystalline cobalt blue waters – and with temperatures hovering between 25-30°C, it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax. If you’re interested in marine life, the snorkelling and diving here are exceptional too.
The city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on almost all cruise itineraries, and as you walk through the 16th- and 17th-century alleys, Colombia’s history comes to life. Colourful bougainvillaea cascade from the balconies of beautifully-preserved colonial buildings, and the cobbled streets pulse with energy. Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest city, has plenty to offer, too, and is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, known for its astonishing biodiversity. San Andrés island is also well worth a visit.
6. The Rhine
If you’re keen on a river cruise but are more interested in art, history, and culture than soaking up the sun, what about exploring the Rhine River? The Rhine begins its journey in the Swiss Alps, before flowing through Germany, France, and the Netherlands – and on a cruise, you can see many of these countries’ most famous sights. It’s cold in February, with temperatures sitting around 5°C, so you’ll need to wrap up – but as this is one of the quietest months for tourism, you can escape the crowds.
And of course, Germany’s traditional beer halls are the perfect place to warm up; locally-brewed Kölsch will add colour to your cheeks, while schnitzel will warm you from the inside out. In Cologne, February is also Carnival time, bringing drinking, dancing, and parades to the streets, no matter how much snow there may be! The cobblestone Old Town is even more atmospheric when it’s blanketed with snow, and the huge, twin-spired Cologne Cathedral will take your breath away.
7. Australia and New Zealand
If you’re happy to travel much further afield, February is a great time to visit the land Down Under. As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, January and February are in peak season, so although there’ll be more crowds, you’ll also have more cruise choices. Plus, you’re pretty much guaranteed glorious weather at this time of year. Snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through the Blue Mountains, and exploring the sights of Sydney are far more enjoyable under a blue sky.
Plus, many Australian cruises also include its smaller neighbour, New Zealand. Widely considered one of the most dramatically beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand is at its most spectacular in summer, when the aquamarine waters shimmer in the sun, yet the rugged summits of the Southern Alps are still swathed in snow. With average highs of 25°C, it’s not too hot to go trekking, either – and after a day’s walking in the bucolic Marlborough region, you can reward yourself with a delicious glass of local wine.
8. The Nile
A final river cruise for the list now – the Nile. Arguably the most famous and iconic river in the world (the Amazon comes a close second!), the Nile is also the world’s longest river, winding through five African countries for over 4,000 miles. But, of course, it’s Egypt that this river is perpetually linked with. If you’re fascinated by the Ancient Egyptians, a Nile cruise can take you back more than 5,000 years into the past, to one of the world’s greatest civilisations.
Thanks to the mild weather, February is ideal for a Nile cruise. Daytime temperatures are usually in the early 20s, while nights are refreshingly cool. Plus, the air is less humid and the skies are clear, so you’ll enjoy better visibility as you cruise. There’s so much to see and do on a Nile cruise, from exploring Luxor – ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’ – to enjoying sunset felucca rides, and these are far more fun when the weather isn’t scorching (in summer, temperatures often reach 40°C).
9. The Bahamas
Home to over 700 paradise-like islands and 2,400 idyllic cays, the Bahamas is another classic cruise destination. If you’re dreaming of gin-clear waters, sugar-white sand, historic towns, and colourful reefs, this might be the place for you – and, in February, conditions are close to perfect. It’s the dry season, so you can expect clear blue skies and hours of sunshine, and temperatures are warm, not hot, with highs of around 25°C.
If you like exploring from the water, there’s plenty to do: you can swim in underwater caves, snorkel over reefs teeming with life, or dive in mysterious ocean trenches. Or why not take a boat out to tour the archipelago’s cays and coastline, or navigate a kayak through sultry mangrove forests? The Bahamas is also known for its laidback charm and relaxed beach bars, so if you’re dreaming of simply swimming, sunbathing, and savouring the unique subtropical charm, you’ll be just as spoiled.
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10. Canary Islands
Spain’s Canary Islands have long been a popular choice for first-time cruisers, and it’s not difficult to see why. This beautiful volcanic archipelago is incredibly diverse, so whether you’re looking for compelling culture, mouth-watering cuisine, or spectacular scenery, there’s something for everyone. Temperatures aren’t scorching in February, usually hovering around the low 20s, but it’s warm enough to sunbathe and hit the beach. Plus, it’s cheaper than other island escapes, like the Bahamas or the Caribbean!
The crowds in February are also fewer than during the winter holiday season – but for a real sense of solitude, you might want to make sure your cruise stops at El Hierro, the smallest and least-visited of the Canary Islands. Because there are no direct international flights, the island is untainted by mass tourism, boasting a pristine natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. A haven for nature lovers, El Hierro has dense forests, rugged coastlines, and lunar-like volcanic formations.
Final thoughts…
If you’re thinking about a cruise, there’s little doubt that February is one of the best times to go. Not only can you take advantage of reduced prices and fewer crowds, but escaping abroad is the ideal antidote to the often-dreary February days back home.
Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beaches or tropical rivers – or you just want to visit a brand new corner of the world – there are many beautiful and fascinating places that are perfect for a February cruise.
From Caribbean beaches and colonial towns to Middle Eastern oases and historic European cities, these destinations all offer something different – but all are ideal for exploring in February.
For more travel inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website.
Have you been on a cruise before – or are you tempted by any of these destinations? Do you have your own suggestions for the best February cruise destinations? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.