February sometimes feels like a tricky month for travel - for most of us, we are either waiting for spring to arrive or reveling in all the winter sports. It can be refreshing to travel in February to get away somewhere right after the holidays or to celebrate Valentine’s day. If you’re not the romantic type, February is a unique time for wildlife observation in rural countries or carnival celebrations (think Mardi Gras) in urban cities. Whatever travel vibe you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a great place to travel in February. Here’s my detailed round-up of where to travel in February.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 78°F high; 63°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has the best weather in February - not too hot or humid. Temperatures are in the comfortable mid-70s and low 80s - ideal for a beach day or walking around the city. This is a high tourist season, so there will be more tourists and higher hotel prices at this time. Enjoy a city boat tour or an evening in the desert with camel riding and henna painting.
Key Events:
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival: cultural event held in Al Wathba celebrating the UAE’s culture, traditions, and heritage (art, crafts, food, performances, workshops, events, falconry displays, camel races, fireworks)
Where to Stay:
Stay at the 5-star St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, which overlooks a pristine beach, has an adults-only pool, and has 6 onsite restaurants and bars. This Mediterranean-inspired resort boasts rooms with private balconies and butler service - available any time, day or night.
Antarctica
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: average 34° F
Season: summer
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in February:
The best whale watching for orca, minke, and humpback whales happen in the month of February. This is also the month in Antarctica where receding ice opens up and you may be able to reach the polar circle. You may also score some good cruise deals at this time. Aside from whale watching, you may spot molting penguin chicks, playful fur seals and leopard seal pups, and elephant seals.
Key Events:
Peak whale spotting season
Where to Stay:
Step onboard of Viking’s Antarctic Explorer to see towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, huge icebergs, and unique wildlife. You’ll be one of the few to see the world’s last truly wild frontier on this cruise line for ages 18 and up.
Bahamas
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 78°F high; 67°F low
Season: dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
The Bahamas are chillier in February than in the summer however the water is still relatively warm. In February, the Bahamas are less hot and humid. It’s also dry season meaning you’ll likely not have rain to upset your outdoor plans. This is a popular season, so it may be a more expensive time to visit.
Key Events:
Farmer’s Cay Festival: annual festival held in the Exumas for yachtsmen
The Mid-Winter Wahoo: fishing competition in Bimini
Where to Stay:
Aside from two Sandals properties and a Breezes Resort, you can stay at the all-inclusive adults-only 5-star resort, Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island in Nassau. Enjoy sophisticated rooms, white sand beaches, and a swim-up bar in the outdoor pool.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 76°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
It’s no surprise why I would recommend Brazil in February - it’s Carnival season. Street parties and parades are held all over the country while Rio de Janeiro holds large city-wide shows. Galo da Madrugada in Recife is the biggest street party in the world with an epic parade. Not to mention, the weather is also great this time of year (if you prefer more moderate temperatures, spring or autumn may be a better time for you to visit). Be prepared for many more tourists than usual as Carnival attracts more than two million people every year. Be sure to book your tickets far in advance - up to a year out.
Key Events:
Carnival Rio de Janeiro: a celebration with colorful parades, extravagant costumes, and street parties
Where to Stay:
Hotel Santa Teresa is a perfect place for those looking for privacy and elegance. With a unique personality and high-quality cuisine, the hotel reflects the local culture and community. The comfortable apartments and suites are decorated with Brazilian furniture and are connected to gardens full of plants and fruit trees. The hotel also features a spa and an open-air swimming pool, overlooking the Guanabara Bay.
British Columbia, Canada
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 42°F high; 35°F low
Season: end of winter / beginning of spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in February:
Although February can be a wet month for British Columbia, it can bring snow to the nearby North Shore mountains. So you can expect the ski slopes to be open and active in places like Whistler. On the cold and rainy days, there’s still plenty to do in places like Vancouver, e.g., visiting museums and galleries or sharing a romantic fireside dinner.
Key Events:
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival: live performing arts showcasing international, Canadian, and local artists over a three-week span starting in January
The People’s Prom: a fundraiser dance party for “radical, community-oriented, anti-capitalist, cross-dressing, gender bending” people
Talking Stick Festival: a celebration of indigenous multidisciplinary art
Where to Stay:
If you’re not staying in Vancouver or Whistler, try Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa in Vernon, BC, an adults-only resort (16 years and older) offering modern rooms, spa treatments, and views of Okanagan Lake. There are over 100 spa treatments to choose from including relaxing massages, revitalizing facials, and their specialty service, Fango, a detoxifying mud wrap.
Cartagena, Colombia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 75°F low
Season: summer, dry
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in February:
February is when Cartagena is dry and warm, making it a favorable time to visit. February is a lower tourist season than other summer months, which means cheaper hotels and possibly cheaper airfare. If you plan to attend the Barranquilla Carnival celebration, make your travel reservations in advance.
Kevin Events:
Barranquilla Carnival: one of the biggest carnival celebrations in South America with parades, dancing, and street parties
Where to Stay:
Stay in one of 8 themed rooms inside of a heritage house from the 17th century, Alfiz Hotel Boutique. Located in Cartagena’s historic old town, this adults-only hotel features a pool, library and reading room, and complimentary breakfast.
Costa Rica
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 64°F low
Season: middle of dry season
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in February:
February is arguably the best time to visit Costa Rica. There weather is hot and dry, perfect for beach days. The peak charges are lower and wildlife observation is excellent. You may experience “papagayos” in the northwest which is a weather phenomenon in February that is characterized by strong winds of cooler dry air.
Key Events:
Mardi Gras in Esterillos: celebration in the small beach town of Esterillos Oeste with parades, street food, music, games, and dancing
San Isidro del General Fiestas: agricultural fair with flower shows, bullfighting, and traditional livestock competitions
CENAC Summer Festival: a celebration of storytelling, theater, movies, and other entertainment at the National Cultural Center in San Jose
Puntarenas Carnaval: lively carnival in Puntarenas with parades, floats, a beauty pageant, a horse parade, music concerts, and more
Sun Festival: an annual celebration of the Mayan New Year (February 25) with a fire ceremony and solar power gatherings
Liberia Fiestas: a Guanacaste folklore and tradition celebration with music, rides, and concerts
Where to Stay:
Stay in a Springs Villa at Nayara Springs hidden among the tropical forest of Costa Rica. This adults-only property features private plunge pools fed by natural mineral hot springs and an expansive private garden with dual rain showers. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and instructor led yoga every morning.
Death Valley National Park, California
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 74°F high; 46°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in February:
Death Valley National Park is warm and sunny in February but not too hot. Death Valley is one of the largest, most varied national parks in the United States. Additionally, it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest national park, so winter is definitely a more pleasant time to visit. Despite its ominous name, Death Valley actually has a diversity of life inside, including bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, desert tortoises, and jackrabbits.
Key Events:
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival: stargazing festival with guided hikes, ranger talks, family programming, and an exploration fair
Where to Stay:
An elegant hideaway since 1927, the historic Inn at Death Valley is a 3-star resort that once served as the exclusive desert escape for such Hollywood elites as Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard. Relax near the spring-fed pool (always at 87 degrees), stroll through date palm gardens to the bubbling melody of natural springs, watch a glorious sunset from one of the quaint stone patios, or enjoy a cool drink from Stargazers Deck underneath the Milky Way.
Hawaii
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 79°F high; 68°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
There’s really not a bad time to ever visit Hawaii, however February offers travelers good weather and fun events. Temperatures can vary from island to island due to elevation but stick to the leeward islands for drier warmer weather.
Key Events:
Makahiki Challenge: Hawaii’s first 5k obstacle mud run
Hawai’i Triennial: citywide local artist exhibition
Where to Stay:
Family owned and operated, Ho’oilo House is an intimate 6-bedroom adults-only bed and breakfast located just south of Lahaina on the island of Maui. This Hawaiian retreat is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The property is Balinese-inspired with nearly all furnishings and building materials imported from Bali. Each room is decorated in a unique way, featuring mother-of-pearl inlay Balinese doors, private lanais, and private outdoor showers.
Ibiza, Spain
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 60°F high; 46°F low
Season: winter, dry season
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in February:
Though considered chilly, Ibiza is mild and sunny, compared with most of northern Europe. Avoid the heat and tourist crowds by visiting Ibiza in February.
Key Events:
Carnival: a festive parade followed by an awards ceremony and a charitable paella
Patron Saint's day in Santa Eulalia: celebration of the town’s patron saint with folk dancing, cultural events, family programming, live music, local gastronomy, and sporting events
Patrimoni Gastronomic Food Festival: food festival with 11 participating restaurants that create thematic menus to pay tribute to the gastronomy of countries and cities that have UNESCO World Heritage status
Where to Stay:
Stay at Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel, a five-star adults-only hotel with 5 onsite restaurants and bars. Other amenities include an open-air nightclub with renowned DJs, as well as an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and a recording studio.
Key West, Florida
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 76°F high; 68°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is a great time to visit Key West when it’s cooler and much less humid. The weather is mild this time of year with the lowest precipitation rate in the entire year, making Key West a good choice for the month of February.
Key Events:
Annual Key West Home Tours: home tours conducted by the Old Island Restoration Foundation
Annual Old Island Days Art Festival: art show at the Key West Art Center featuring oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and more
Dry Tortugas National Park: free admission over Presidents’ Day weekend in this national park known for bird watching, remote camping, and snorkeling
Where to Stay:
The absolute highlight of my trip to Key West was staying at The Gardens Hotel. This place is a HIDDEN GEM! This adults-only property (16 years and older) features an ideal location, historic charm, and modern luxury.
>>> Find out more about Key West and The Gardens Hotel in these related posts! <<<
The Maldives
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 80°F low
Season: dry season (driest month)
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is the driest and sunniest month of the year for the Maldives with temperatures in the mid-80s. Discover exotic beaches, picturesque landscapes, and underwater wildlife. This is the busiest time of year for tourism, so expect higher prices. The good news is - since each resort inhabits its own island, you won’t have to worry about large crowds of tourists.
Where to Stay:
Hurawalhi Island Resort is a 90-villa, adults-only luxury resort located in Lhaviyani Atoll. With the choice of beachside and over-water luxury, you can revel in your preferred perspective and setting, and find pleasure in having paradise at your fingertips - and the ocean on your doorstep.
The Philippines
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 88°F high; 75°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is a great time to visit the Philippines because the rainy season has passed and slightly cooler temperatures make it easier to enjoy outdoor activities. There are fewer crowds at this time compared to December and January.
Key Events:
Kaamulan Festival: ethnic celebration of the culture and tradition of 7 ethnic tribal groups that originally inhabited Malaybalay City
Pamulinawen: a city-wide fiesta in Laoag City held in honor of St. William the Hermit, featuring street parties, beauty pageants, concerts, and religious parades
Panagbenga / Baguio Flower Festival: the summer capital’s largest annual event featuring parades of flower floats from the Cordillera region
Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: 4-day event with balloon rides, microlight flying, skydiving, and aerobatic displays in Clark, Pampanga
Suman Festival: a mardi-gras style event held in Baler, Aurora with street parades, dancing, floats, and suman (a sticky rice cake rolled in banana leaves)
Where to Stay:
Granada Beach Resort is a peaceful adults-only boutique resort perched on a peninsula, with panoramic views of the Bohol Sea. You can enjoy snorkeling on their private beach. Escape, explore and experience an environment of natural beauty, relaxation and tranquility at Granada Beach Resort.
Mendoza, Argentina
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 63°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in February:
February is a pleasant time of year to visit Mendoza, Argentina. You can expect gentle breezes and average highs in the upper 80s. Be sure to celebrate the wine harvest while you’re there - it’s ranked #2 on National Geographic’s list of the best harvest festivals in the world.
Key Events:
Annual Vendimia Festival: Mendoza’s annual wine harvest festival (the most popular festival of the year) with traditional Argentine food, folklore dance, and music
Where to Stay:
Nestled in a 55 acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge is an 18 room boutique property strategically located between the best known wineries and the magnificent Andes Mountain range. Only half hour drive south of Mendoza city, Cavas Wine Lodge features private decks with views of the Andes, outdoor showers, plunge pools, and open-air dining areas. Children ages 12 and up are welcome and breakfast is complimentary.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 66°F high; 47°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is host to a number of events, celebrations, and holidays in New Orleans - the biggest one being Mardi Gras. Though the weather can be unpredictable, it is still worth visiting to experience one of the best parties in the world.
Key Events:
Mardi Gras: a time filled with parades across the city in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday
Tet Fest: a celebration of the Vietnamese New Year in NOLA East with traditional Vietnamese food, performances, music, and activities
Where to Stay:
Hotel Monteleone is a luxe grande dame hotel with an opulent lobby. Located a block from Bourbon Street, this hotel features a gilded bar offering street views, live music and a revolving circus-themed Merry-Go-Round. Perks include a heated rooftop pool with potted palm trees and city views, plus a 24/7 fitness center and a full-service spa.
Palm Springs, California
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 75°F high; 48°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
The weather is most hospitable in Palm Springs during the winter season. Though it’s peak tourist season, the weather in Palm Springs is truly perfect this time of year. It’s ideal for spa days, pool days, horseback riding, and hiking.
Key Events:
Tour de Palm Springs: a biking event to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley
Modernism Week: an annual celebration of mid century modern design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture with more than 350 events including home tours, films, lectures, parties, and more
Greater Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival: Coachella Valley’s affordable food and wine festival featuring local restaurants
Where to Stay:
Nestled between Indian Canyon and bustling downtown Palm Springs, sits the historic Old Ranch Inn. Here, in this intimate eight-room boutique hotel catering to adults and their pet dogs, is where travelers come to find a home away from home.
>>> Find out more about Palm Springs and Old Ranch Inn in these related posts! <<<
Paris, France
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 48°F high; 37°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in February:
Although it’s cloudy and cold in Paris during the month of February, it’s low season for tourists meaning that you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices. Paris is known as the city of love, so it’s no surprise that people come here to celebrate Valentine’s Day in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Key Events:
Carnaval de Paris: a Mardis Gras parade celebration with 5,000 flamboyantly costumed paraders
Chinese New Year: a celebration of the lunar new year with parades, lion and dragon dances, bright red lanterns, firecrackers, martial arts, and drum performances
Paris Fashion Week: a series of designer presentations held semiannually in Paris with spring/summer and autumn/winter events
Where to Stay:
Stay at the historic Shangri-La Hotel Paris, a majestic 1896 limestone mansion with incredible Eiffel Tower views and stunning interior design. Opulent rooms feature rich textured fabrics, natural lighting, hand-gilded paneling, and outdoor terraces.
Patagonia, Chile
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 65°F high; 50°F low
Season: summer
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is the tail end of Patagonia’s summer and high season with warm summer temperatures and longer days. This is the best time to experience Patagonia’s great outdoors with activities like hiking, biking, camping, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Where to Stay:
An eco-luxury hotel, Tierra Patagonia merges adventure with wellness in Chile’s most beautiful places. The hotel’s two-story structure is discreet and does not obstruct any of the breathtaking mountain views. Guests can go on excursions during the days then return for spa treatments in the evenings.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 69°F low
Season: winter, dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is a particularly good season for swimming in the Riviera Maya. At this time of year, the sea water is warm, the temperature outside is hot, and it’s not too rainy. If you enjoy swimming and other water activities, you’ll love visiting the Riviera Maya in Mexico during this time of year.
Key Events:
Cozumel Carnaval: one of the top and oldest carnivals held in Mexico (over 140 years)
Where to Stay:
El Dorado Casitas Royale sits on 450 acres of lush grounds overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This luxury resort is upscale and colorful featuring rooms with whirlpool tubs, butler service or outdoor showers, as well as private pools or deck-front access to a lazy river. There are 9 restaurants, including Italian, Mediterranean and international eateries. Other amenities include 8 bars, an elegant spa and 12 pools.
>>> Read my Full Guide to All-Inclusive Adults-Only Resorts in the Mexican Caribbean <<<
Singapore
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 76°F low
Season: dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is the best season to visit Singapore because this is when the island has the least amount of rain and humidity and the most sunshine (without being extremely hot).
Key Events:
Chinese New Year: a celebration with dragon dances and parades to celebrate the lunar new year
Thaipusam: a dramatic Hindu festival for Lord Subramaniam with a colorful chariot procession
Chingay: Singapore’s largest street parade with lion dancers, floats and performers
Where to Stay:
Set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Singapore Strait, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa is a romantic island getaway for the fun and the fearless. Interiors feature glossy black marble contrasted with crisp white decor and the hotel boasts the island's first and only rooftop day-to-night day club and restaurant.
Sri Lanka
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 89°F high; 75°F low
Season: dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
You can expect good weather conditions in Sri Lanka throughout February. Outdoor activities like hiking or urban activities like exploring the city would be recommended during this time. Wildlife observation and birding are also popular this time of year.
Key Events:
Independence Day: a celebration of independence from colonial rule, commemorated by ceremonies, parades, fireworks and cultural performances
Navam Perahera: the main festival in Sri Lanka which features fire dancers, whip crackers, flag bearers, traditional dancing, live music, and hundreds of elephants
Where to Stay:
Perched upon the white sands of Kabalana Beach, Ahangama, The Sandhya is an adults-only beachfront boutique hotel. The hotel offers 9 luxuriously-appointed bedrooms and suites and provides guests with an understated yet quietly sophisticated atmosphere.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 83°F high; 72°F low
Season: dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
February is a dry and less humid time of the year to visit St. Lucia, making it the perfect month to visit. This is ideal for a beach day or a pool day. As usual, expect higher prices and larger crowds in this high tourist season.
Key Events:
Independence Day: a celebration of freedom from colonial rule marked by activities held throughout the island
Where to Stay:
Once part of the Rabot Estate, one of Soufrière’s oldest and most famous cocoa plantations, Ladera Resort stands today as St. Lucia’s most unique and luxurious resort and the only resort situated on a UNESCO World Heritage site. The resort is set on a breathtaking volcano ridgeline 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, with stunning views of the Pitons.
Tasmania, Australia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 68°F high; 51°F low
Season: summer, dry season
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in February:
In Tasmania, it’s summertime in February, so the weather will be pleasant and comfortable. You can expect frequent food and culture festivals during this time (along with more people and higher rates).
Key Events:
Festivale: 3-day food and beverage festival with 80 food stalls and chef demonstrations
Australian Wood Boat Festival: a gathering of wooden boats from everywhere in the southern hemisphere
Taste the Harvest: an event with food samples, local performers, and live music
King Island Long Table Festival: a festival of art, local life, and stunning produce
Koonya Garlic Festival: a celebration of all things garlic
Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championship: penny-farthing competition along with a biathlon and obstacle races
Ten Days on the Island: art exhibition of interstate, local, and global artists
Where to Stay:
Sitting above Tasmania’s capital Hobart, The Islington Hotel is a modernized Regency house with glass, marble and sandstone. This small luxury hotel feels expansive but intimate and features a gorgeous garden, art and artifacts. This hotel is ages 14 and up.
Tromsø, Norway
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 31°F high; 29°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in February:
Though a cold time of year to visit, February is actually a great month to visit Tromsø, Norway. Great winter activities in Norway this time of year include dog/reindeer sledding, witnessing the Northern Lights, riding the Fjellheisen cable car, and voyaging on a fjord cruise day trip.
Key Events:
Northern Lights Festival: a ten-day music festival
Northern Lights Concerts in the Arctic Cathedral: a winter concert series
Sami Week: an annual festival in honor of Sami National Day, a day that celebrates the indigenous people of Sápmi, which refers to the Arctic regions of Scandinavia
Where to Stay:
Clarion Hotel The Edge is a sleek high-rise hotel that overlooks the waterfront in Tromsø's city center. This 4-star hotel has a chic, airy bar with skyline views, an eclectic common area, and upscale rooms.
Venice, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 48°F high; 34°F low
Season: winter
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in February:
Though a cool and cloudy time of year in Venice, February is still a good time to visit. Carnival is reason enough to visit this time of year, but the misty canals and mysterious alleyways are still stunning this time of year.
Key Events:
Venice Carnival: the biggest event of the year; an extravagant two-week celebration of Venetian culture with masked parades, consume balls, food fairs, boat parades, children’s fairs, and live performances
Where to Stay:
Set in one of the city’s 8 monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice offers the height of Venetian luxury. The hotel features Rococo works of art, private gardens, and spacious suites.
BONUS!
Caribbean Islands such as Panama, Trinidad & Tabago, and Turks & Caicos
author bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
