February tends to be one of the less favoured months of the year. With the festive cheer and New Year enthusiasm behind us, but the bright, mild days of spring seemingly still far ahead, it’s easy to feel a bit demotivated or uninspired. So why not brighten up your February and plan an exciting break?
February is a great time to go away, as not only can you escape the cold weather for a while, but prices also tend to be lower.
If you’d like to go away but are unsure of the destination, we’re here to give you some ideas. There are many gorgeous destinations that are perfect for a February break, whether you’re looking for guaranteed warmth and sunshine or an exciting cultural event.
So, to get you inspired, here are 12 of the best travel destinations for February.
1. The Maldives
If you’re thinking about an exotic escape, then the 26 tropical atolls of the Maldives are a truly idyllic choice. While the Maldives is a dream at any time of year, February is definitely one of the best months to go. At this time of year, the skies are bright and blue, the days long and dry, and the sunshine turns the ocean into a shimmering turquoise that’ll take your breath away.
Because the water is so clear, the diving and snorkelling here is even better than usual, and February is the best time of year to see whale sharks, manta rays, and tiger sharks. The powder white beaches have to be seen to be believed, and as temperatures hover around 31°C, you can spend lazy days sunbathing on the sand and swimming in the blissfully warm waters. The perfect tropical break.
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2. New Orleans, USA
Infused with an intoxicating mix of cultures and influences, New Orleans is a unique and captivating city. It’s a place where the old world seems to live on, and the peeling facades of the French Quarter are home to world-class musicians, low-key Creole restaurants, and melancholy marble cemeteries. But to see this city at its best, you might want to time your visit for February’s Mardi Gras festival.
While today Mardi Gras is known as the USA’s biggest party, its roots lie in the society balls thrown centuries ago, and while the streets are filled with colourful parades and sparkling revellers, a sense of history still pervades. The festival is a wonderful chance to experience this city’s party spirit, and it also means you avoid the sweltering summer temperatures. But it gets busy, so you do need to book!
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3. The Swiss Alps
If you’re not that fussed about warm temperatures and would rather hit the slopes than the beach, you may want to head to the Swiss Alps this February. The snow is at its powdery best at this time of year, and you don’t have to deal with the crowds of Christmas and New Year. Plus, if you’re dreaming of a cosy Alpine holiday, then Switzerland, the very heart of the Alps, is perfect.
This dazzling mountain range is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world. Verbier, Zermatt, and St Moritz are as glitzy as they are beautiful, but there are also plenty of more affordable options. You can spend days whizzing down the slopes in the bright winter sun, and then warm up with Swiss specialties like cheese fondue. Be sure to leave time to enjoy some Swiss chocolate too!
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4. Valletta, Malta
Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta, is one of the most striking and culture-rich cities in the world. Boasting historical sights, ornate architecture, and beautiful waterfront views, it’s no wonder it was voted European Capital of Culture in 2018. Valletta’s grand palaces and characterful narrow streets are a joy to explore anytime, but February allows you to get a whole new perspective on this city.
The week before Ash Wednesday is carnival week, and while the whole island celebrates, the heart of the party is in Valletta. Larger-than-life floats, colourful dancers, and costumed locals dance down these historic streets in the day, and when night falls, the party continues in the city’s bars. It’s not hot, but temperatures are perfect for sightseeing, and as it’s the low season, prices are cheaper.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Another wonderful destination for a February beach break is the Thai island of Phuket. All the islands in the Gulf of Thailand are at their driest at this time of year, so if you’re looking for uninterrupted sun, sea, and sand, you’ll be in the right place. As the largest Thai island, Phuket offers visitors the most variety in terms of beaches, towns, and activities, so there’s something for everyone.
If you just want to relax, you can enjoy chilled days sunning yourself on white-gold beaches and swimming in the sapphire waves. The diving and snorkelling are excellent, and the surrounding reefs and islands are perfect for leisurely boat trips. For some culture, head to Phuket Town, where you can visit bustling markets, feast on mouthwatering street food, and learn about Thai history.
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6. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in Latin America, and despite its relatively small size, is home to diverse landscapes that include steamy rainforests, smoking volcanoes, glacial valleys, and coconut-strewn beaches. While it gets tropical rains throughout the year, February is one of the driest months, and temperatures are warm and pleasant, with average highs of around 28°C.
On the Pacific Coast, Puntarenas Province encompasses most of Costa Rica’s western shore, and if you’re looking for a relaxed beach break, there are dozens of laidback towns and resorts. If you want to go diving, you can spot hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays in the azure waters, while the cloud forests and misty waterfalls inland are home to all kinds of intriguing wildlife.
7. Tasmania, Australia
While Australia is synonymous with sun, the island of Tasmania has notoriously fickle weather, and is much cooler and wetter than the mainland. In February, however, you get the best of the Australian late summer sun, and the glorious landscapes here are at their most beautiful. The long, warm days are ideal for hiking, and there’s so much to see and do on this diverse island state.
If you’re into wildlife, you can spot wallabies, wombats, and of course, Tasmanian devils, while in the ocean there are seals, penguins, whales, and dolphins. The rocky beaches along the Bay of Fires are stunning, and the views from Cradle Mountain will take your breath away. Capital Hobart is paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, and nearby Bruny Island is home to the island’s best artisan produce.
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8. Venice, Italy
Venice is known for being crowded, although, of course, things are even busier during summer. While visiting in February might seem like a chance to escape the crowds, that will depend on whether your visit coincides with the iconic Venice Carnival. For 10 days in February, the floating city seems to step back in time, and mysterious, cloaked revellers gather for some masked debauchery.
Being in Venice for the carnival is an otherworldly experience. Cloaked courtesans drift down canals on plumed gondolas, noblemen clash swords in St Mark’s Square, eyes peer out at you from gilded masks, and extravagant balls are held throughout the city. When you’re not celebrating, you can sip Aperol Spritz, eat cicchetti, and admire the elaborate architecture the city is so famous for.
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9. Oman
Dubai might be the most popular destination in the Middle East, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right place for everyone. Oman is a fascinating and beautiful country, one with a diverse and dramatic landscape and a welcoming, compelling culture. February is the last month of winter here, which means it’s comfortingly warm instead of unbearably hot, with highs of around 28°C.
This is a country that reflects the modern face of Arabia while still retaining its ancient soul, and if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can drive over rolling dunes and wind-blown deserts, dive in the deep blue waters off the Musandam Peninsula, discover dreamy oases in Wadi Shab, and explore bustling spice-filled markets in the lively capital of Muscat.
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10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Of all the festivals in the world, the Rio Carnival is the most famous – and the most spectacular. For one week in February, the whole city comes alive for a bucket-list spectacle of samba, sequins, and street parties. The carnival takes place in the height of summer, with temperatures hovering around 31°C, and being part of these iconic, intoxicating celebrations is something you’ll remember forever.
Aside from the carnival, the beauty of Rio de Janeiro is spellbinding. The city is set between forested mountains, the sparkling cyan sea, and rocky mountains fringed with white sand beaches. Music is Rio’s lifeblood, and infectious samba beats will follow you throughout the city. There are also great museums and galleries, an exciting food scene, and the awe-inspiring statue of Christ the Redeemer.
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11. The Philippines
Home to blissful beaches, year-round sun, and countless opportunities for island-hopping, diving, and surfing, the Philippines has an obvious appeal. With more than 7,000 islands, it’s incredibly diverse, and February is arguably the best time to go. It’s the driest month of the year, there are far fewer tourists than the festive season, and there are fun celebrations like Baguio’s flower festival.
If you’re dreaming of a beach break, the white sands and turquoise waters of the Palawan province are perfect. If you like diving, there are historic shipwrecks to explore, and plenty of secret coves hidden in the limestone inlets. Inland, there are legendary tribal villages, picturesque rice terraces, elegant colonial towns, jungle-cloaked mountains, and deliciously fragrant food.
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12. Senegal
Thanks to its gorgeous beaches, tasty street food, fascinating wildlife and welcoming people, Senegal is fast becoming the next must-visit African holiday destination. While it’s sunny and warm all year round, February generally sees zero rain, pleasant temperatures (highs of around 26°C), and eight hours of sunshine. Plus, if you enjoy surfing, the waves are at their best then too.
The capital of Dakar is colourful and energetic, and you can enjoy sampling the spicy local food and dancing to the seemingly ever-present sabar drum. If you’re looking for tranquillity, you can find that on Senegal’s many beaches. The Petite Côte and Cap Skirring coasts are home to sweeping beaches where you can enjoy a relaxed ambience, whereas Pointe Sarene is one of Senegal’s best resorts.
Final thoughts…
Thanks to the low prices and lack of crowds, February is one of the best times in the year to go away – and if you struggle to get through the bleak winter months, a holiday abroad can be the perfect antidote to the lingering cold and dark.
Whether you’re dreaming of sun, sea, and sand, want to immerse yourself in local cultures by experiencing festivals and carnivals, or simply want to see a corner of the world that’s brand-new and exciting, there are many wonderful places that are perfect for a February break.
From Senegalese beaches to historic European cities, Middle Eastern oases, and exotic islands to snow-capped mountains, these destinations all offer something different – but the one thing they have in common is that they’re ideal for visiting in February.
For more travel ideas and tips, head over to the travel section of our website.
Have you been to any of these destinations – or are you tempted to go? Do you have your own suggestions for the best February travel destinations? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences, so please leave a comment below.