Where are the best countries to visit in February?? February might be the shortest month of the year but it is one of the most exciting months to travel! It’s the month of Carnival, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and a week off school for the kids! It’s also when many of us are craving a break after a long, dark January!
February is a month of contrasts around the world. While the UK is still grey and chilly, the southern hemisphere is soaking up the last of its summer, much of Asia is enjoying its dry season and the ski resorts of Europe usually have their best snow of the whole winter.
In this guide I’ve rounded up the best countries to visit in February for every kind of trip whether you want a romantic break or a week away with the kids during February half term. I’ve included countries in their summer time like Australia and South Africa, places in their dry season like India and Kenya, the biggest celebrations like Chinese New Year in China and Carnival in Brazil. Plus the best places to visit in Europe in February, from ski resorts to countries that are starting to warm back up.
I’ve ordered the countries by region so you can jump straight to the kind of trip you’re after, and I’ve added the key February festival dates so you can plan around them!
1. MALTA
If you only have a long weekend or want to get away in the February school holiday and want to swap grey skies for blue ones, Malta is just over 3 hours from the UK and February is a lovely time to go where you can explore with good weather because days are usually sunny and around 16°C, which is perfect weather for walking rather than lying on a sun bed.
The island really comes alive at the start of February with the Malta Carnival, held in the days before Ash Wednesday, when Valletta fills with colourful floats, costumes and dancing. On 10 February the Maltese also celebrate the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck, a public holiday with processions through the capital, so you could catch both in one trip but also be aware accommodation prices might be higher during this time.
Away from the festivities hop over to Gozo for coastal walks and quiet villages, explore the ancient walled city of Mdina.
Related post: 10 FUN Things To Do In Mellieha, Malta!
2. PORTUGAL
February is almond blossom season in the Algarve and the Douro Valley where the hills and countryside turn white and pink, and it’s one of the prettiest times to visit southern Portugal. Temperatures sit around 16 to 17°C, so it’s ideal for coastal walks along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail and quiet beach days in Lagos without the summer crowds.
For something warmer, head to Madeira where February averages around 19°C. The island throws one of the best carnivals in Europe, with samba style parades through Funchal in the run up to Lent, and the levada walks through the laurel forests are stunning at this time of year. This is a great option for a family holiday in the February half term!
3. SPAIN
Spain is a brilliant all rounder in February, it was where I went for some winter sun last February and I got what I needed from a trip to Alicante and Valencia in late February. The Canary Islands are the warmest part of Europe this month at around 21°C, and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife held in February is the second largest carnival in the world, second to Rio de Janeiro.
If you want snow in Spain, the Sierra Nevada near Granada has some of the sunniest skiing in Europe, so you can ski in the morning and wander around the Alhambra in the afternoon!
Related post: Southern Spain Itinerary COMPLETE GUIDE – Short or Long Trip!
4. FRANCE
The French Alps are at their absolute best in February, with a deep snow base and crisp, clear days. Resorts like Val Thorens, Méribel and Courchevel in Les Trois Vallées, plus Tignes and Avoriaz, offer some of the best skiing in the world. Just be aware that both UK half term and the French school holidays fall in February, so book early and expect the slopes to be busier.
If skiing isn’t your thing, the French Riviera has two quirky festivals this month. The Nice Carnival brings flower battles where performers throw blooms into the crowds, while just down the coast the Menton Lemon Festival builds enormous sculptures out of citrus fruit.
And of course, you can’t mention February in France without Paris! It’s quieter in the colder months, and there’s no more romantic city for a Valentine’s Day break.
5. ITALY
Nowhere in the world does carnival quite like Venice. The Venice Carnival runs until Shrove Tuesday on 9 February 2027, and the city is full of elaborate masks, costumes and grand masquerade balls in candlelit palazzos. It’s magical, but book accommodation well ahead as it’s one of the busiest times of year in the city and it will probably still be quite chilly.
Inland and Southern Italy are starting to warm up. I had a beautifully sunny weekend in Rome in early February the other year where I was walking around in a light jumper, a stark comparison to London at that time!
If you want skiing and snow, head up to the Dolomites for some of the most scenic skiing in Europe. This is an epic family trip idea for February half term.
6. AUSTRIA
Austria is one of my top picks for a family ski holiday in February. The resorts are well organised, the ski schools are excellent and the villages look like something out of a fairytale. St Anton and Ischgl are known for their lively après ski, Kitzbühel is classic and charming, while Serfaus Fiss Ladis and Zell am See are great for families.
February is also the peak of Vienna’s ball season. The famous Vienna Opera Ball takes place on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday and there are hundreds of smaller balls across the city, some of which are open to visitors.
Add in Salzburg’s snowy old town, warming bowls of goulash soup and endless cups of hot chocolate and Austria makes one of the cosiest winter breaks in Europe in February.
7. ICELAND
Iceland is another one of the countries I’ve visited in February and really enjoyed! It’s exactly what you think of when you think of Iceland, it’s cold and snowy but because Icelanders are used to this weather, most of the country is still very accessible and everything is running. It’s also dark for a lot of the day but there are 6-10 or so hours of daylight to enjoy the country and its amazing seeing the sunrise and sunset whilst out on a day trip!
You might also get to see the Northern Lights although they are not guaranteed. During my 4 night trip we didn’t get to see them!
I would recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik and doing day trips to blue ice caves of Vatnajökull glacier which you can only visit in winter, drive the Golden Circle to see frozen waterfalls at Gullfoss and the Strokkur geyser erupting, walk on the black sand beaches of the south coast, and enjoy warming back up in a geothermal lagoon.
Related post: What To Wear in Iceland in Winter – My MINIMAL Iceland Winter Packing List!
8. FINLAND
Many people head to Lapland in December, but February is a fantastic time to go and is often much better value, making Lapland one of the best places to go in February for snow. The snow is at its deepest, the days are longer, and there’s still plenty of darkness for northern lights spotting from a glass igloo in Saariselkä or Levi.
February is perfect for husky sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer safaris, and in Kemi you can sail on the Sampo icebreaker ship and float in the frozen sea in a survival suit! The SnowCastle of Kemi, rebuilt each winter from snow and ice, is worth a visit too.
Temperatures can drop to minus 20°C or lower, so thermal layers are essential, but the crisp, sparkling snow makes Finland feel like a real winter wonderland.
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One thing to know before you book the UAE in February is that Ramadan will cover a lot of the month of February. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go though! Hotels, malls and attractions stay open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to how multinational the cities are, and you’ll get the chance to experience iftar dinners and the lively evening atmosphere as families break their fast together.
If you’re wondering where is hot in February without a really long flight, the weather in the UAE is about as good as it gets, with sunny days around 24 to 26°C and warm sea for swimming. Spend a few days in Dubai, take a road trip to the mountains of Hatta or Ras Al Khaimah, home to the world’s longest zipline on Jebel Jais, and visit Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is especially beautiful lit up at night.
Related posts: PERFECT 5 Day Dubai Itinerary! See the BEST of Dubai 5 Days! / How to do a Hatta Day Trip!
10. INDIA
February is one of the best months to visit India because it’s the sweet spot between the chilly winter mornings of January and the intense heat of spring. Across Rajasthan, Agra and Delhi, days are warm and sunny at around 25°C, and the evenings are still cool enough to be comfortable. I had a great experience of India in February.
If you want a unique experience, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival usually takes place in February, with camel races, turban tying competitions and folk music among the sand dunes. Down south, it’s still a great time for the beaches of Goa and the backwaters of Kerala before the heat and humidity build later in spring, so India is easily one of the best countries to visit in Asia in February.
Related posts: 24 BEST Places to Visit in India on FIRST Trip! / 12 Things To Do In Pushkar & Pushkar Travel Guide!
11. SRI LANKA
Are you craving palm trees and golden sand? The south and west coasts of Sri Lanka are in their dry season in February, with temperatures of around 30°C and calm seas, so Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Tangalle are all at their best, making Sri Lanka a top choice for where to go in February for beaches.
It’s also a great month to explore the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the island, climbing Sigiriya Rock, visiting the cave temples of Dambulla and cycling around the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. In the south, Yala National Park gives you a good chance of spotting leopards.
Related post: 20 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka on Your First Trip & Travel Tips!
12. MALDIVES
February is usually the driest month of the year in the Maldives, with clear blue skies, temperatures around 30°C and some of the best underwater visibility of the year for snorkelling and diving.
It’s a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day trip or honeymoon, but the Maldives isn’t only for luxury resorts and overwater villas. Local islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah have guesthouses at a fraction of the price, and Dhigurah is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.
Prices do rise over February half term, so if you’re travelling outside school holidays, aim for early or late in the month for the best deals.
13. CHINA
The biggest celebration in the world happens in February! Chinese New Year falls in February and the whole country is decorated with red lanterns, with firework displays, dragon and lion dances and huge temple fairs in cities like Beijing.
The celebrations last around 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival later on, when lanterns light up parks and streets and families eat sweet rice dumplings. Further north, the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is still going, with entire buildings carved out of ice that glow in the dark.
One important tip: this is the busiest travel period of the year in China as millions of people head home to see family, so book trains and flights well in advance, and expect some small shops and restaurants to close for the first few days of the holiday.
Related post: 10 Things To Know About Train Travel in China!
14. JAPAN
Japan is one of the most unique places to visit in February, and it offers something completely different depending on where you go. In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, with enormous snow and ice sculptures lining Odori Park, and nearby Otaru glows with snow lanterns along its canal.
The skiing in Niseko and Furano is still excellent, but if you’d rather avoid the cold, head south to Okinawa where the early cherry blossoms bloom in February and temperatures reach around 19°C.
In Tokyo and Kyoto, plum blossoms start to appear in February, a pretty preview of cherry blossom season without the crowds, and on 3 February the Setsubun festival sees people throwing roasted beans at temples to chase away bad luck!
Related posts: 2 Week Japan Itinerary Perfect For Your First Trip to Japan! / How to Use Japan Rail Pass & Get The MOST Out Of It?
15. THE PHILIPPINES
February is one of the best months to visit the Philippines because it’s firmly in the dry season and it’s less busy than January, when many people from across Asia are holidaying there. Expect sunny days around 30°C and calm seas, perfect for island hopping around the lagoons of El Nido and Coron.
There are some brilliant festivals too. Baguio in the mountains of Luzon holds the Panagbenga Flower Festival throughout February, with flower covered floats and street dancing, while Binondo in Manila, the oldest Chinatown in the world, comes alive with dragon dances and food stalls for Chinese New Year.
Wildlife lovers can head to Donsol, where whale shark season usually starts around February, or spot tiny tarsiers in Bohol.
16. THAILAND
In Thailand, February is the last month of the cool season, so you still get plenty of sunshine and low humidity before the real heat and humidity arrive in March and April. One big advantage over January is that the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao have usually dried out, so you can enjoy both coasts on one trip, which makes Thailand one of the best places to travel in Southeast Asia in February!
In the north, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place on the first weekend of February, with parades of floats covered in flowers through the old city which I was lucky enough to see a few years ago and it was really incredible! In Bangkok, Chinese New Year is celebrated in Chinatown along Yaowarat Road, which is packed with street food, lion dances and red lanterns.
Over on the Andaman coast, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Phuket are still enjoying calm seas, making February perfect for snorkelling and island hopping.
Related post: EPIC 2 Week Thailand Itinerary – North & South Islands! / 12 TOP Things To Do in Chiang Mai and Nearby!
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Having lived in Australia for 2 years, I can tell you that February is an epic month to go! The Aussie school holidays finish at the end of January, so beaches, campsites and flights get quieter and cheaper, but it’s still the height of summer with temperatures in the high 20s in Sydney and often above 30°C in Perth and a lot of the music festivals happen in February too!
It’s a great month for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria or exploring Tasmania, where the weather is warm and settled for hiking around Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay. Arts lovers can catch the Adelaide Fringe, one of the biggest arts festivals in the world, which starts in mid February, and Sydney’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations build up through the month.
18. NEW ZEALAND
Ask a Kiwi when the best time to visit New Zealand is and many will say February! It’s often the warmest and most settled month of the year, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s, and as the local school holidays have finished, the roads and campsites are much quieter. I went a few years ago in March and the South Island especially was actually getting too cold for my liking so February is ideal!
On 6 February, the country marks Waitangi Day, the national day, with the biggest celebrations held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. From the Hobbiton Movie Set to the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the alpine lakes around Queenstown and Wanaka, February is perfect for ticking off New Zealand’s bucket list sights.
19. SOUTH AFRICA
There’s a special buzz in the Cape Winelands in February because it’s the start of the grape harvest. Many estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl run harvest experiences and tastings, and the vineyards look stunning against the mountains.
Cape Town is one of the warmest places to visit in February, with hot, dry and sunny days and temperatures around 27°C, and February is when the sea is at its warmest, especially at Muizenberg with its colourful beach huts on the False Bay side. Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and drive the spectacular Chapman’s Peak.
If you’re combining your trip with a safari, Kruger National Park is lush and green after the summer rains, and the baby animals born in the early summer are still small.
20. KENYA
February is one of the driest months of the year in Kenya, which means short grass, thin vegetation and animals gathering around waterholes, making them far easier to spot on safari.
The Masai Mara is home to the big cats all year round, and in February you’ll find quieter game drives and better lodge prices than during the migration season later in the year. For something different, Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos and rhinos, while Samburu in the north is home to rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra that you won’t see further south.
Afterwards, swap the savannah for the coast. Diani Beach is perfect for relaxing, or for something more laid back, the island of Lamu has a car free old town full of donkeys and dhow boats.
21. TANZANIA
For wildlife lovers, February is the peak of the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. Thousands of calves are born every day across the short grass plains, which means lions, cheetahs and hyenas are never far away, making for some incredible and dramatic safari moments.
Over on Zanzibar, temperatures reach around 32°C so you can spend your days on the white sand beaches of Nungwi and Paje, take a spice tour or snorkel around Mnemba Atoll. February also falls in one of the best windows for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, with drier conditions and clearer views from the top.
22. EGYPT
Timing is everything in Egypt, and February is one of the best times to visit Egypt for sightseeing. The scorching summer heat is long gone and Luxor and Aswan sit at a comfortable 23 to 25°C, ideal for exploring the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and the colourful Nubian villages by the Nile.
One of the most impressive events in Egypt happens on 22 February, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when the rising sun shines through the temple entrance and lights up the statues in the inner sanctuary. This only happens twice a year, so it’s well worth timing your Nile cruise around it!
In Cairo, the pyramids of Giza are much more comfortable to explore in the cooler weather, and the Grand Egyptian Museum is now open next door. The Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are around 22°C for some winter sun. Ramadan will cover a lot of February but in the touristy areas of Egypt, restaurants and cafes will mostly still be open.
23. BRAZIL
If there’s one event that puts a country on the list of the best places to visit in February, it’s Rio Carnival with Sambadrome parades and hundreds of free street parties called blocos taking over every neighbourhood from morning until late.
Rio isn’t the only city celebrating. Salvador’s carnival is one of the biggest street parties in the world, with music trucks rolling through the city, and Olinda near Recife is famous for its giant puppets parading through its colonial streets.
It’s hot and humid, often well above 30°C, so stay hydrated, and book flights and accommodation as early as possible because prices rise sharply for Carnival week.
24. ARUBA
Aruba is one of my top picks for guaranteed sunshine in the Caribbean because it sits outside the hurricane belt and barely sees any rain. In February, temperatures are around 28°C with a constant cooling breeze from the trade winds, so it never feels too sticky.
The island is known for its white sand beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, and you can head to Renaissance Island to see the famous pink flamingos up close. For something more rugged, take a jeep tour through Arikok National Park to the Natural Pool, a rock pool hidden along the wild north coast.
Aruba celebrates Carnival too, with the Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad taking place on the Sunday before Lent, full of steel bands, colourful costumes and dancing.
Related post: One Week Caribbean Cruise: Aruba, Curaçao, St Lucia, Grenada & Barbados
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February is an amazing month for wildlife lovers in Mexico. Millions of monarch butterflies spend the winter in the mountain forests of Michoacán, and February is usually the peak time to see the trees covered in orange wings at reserves like El Rosario and Sierra Chincua.
Over in Baja California, it’s the peak of grey whale season as mothers and their calves gather in the lagoons of San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay, and on the Sea of Cortez you can spot humpbacks and even blue whales.
If you love a party, the Mazatlán Carnival on the Pacific coast is one of the largest in the world and is a great time to visit. And of course, the beaches of Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen are sunny and around 27°C, making Mexico one of the best places to travel in February if you want a bit of everything.
26. COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is at the heart of its dry season in February, and it’s one of the best months for wildlife spotting in this incredible country. Along the Pacific coast, migrating humpback whales can be seen off the Osa Peninsula and Uvita, while in the cloud forest of Monteverde, the colourful resplendent quetzal becomes easier to spot as its breeding season begins.
The beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are hot and sunny, with surf spots like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa at their best. Head inland to the Arenal Volcano for hot springs and hanging bridges, and to Corcovado National Park, often described as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
It’s a great choice for a February half term family trip if you want something more adventurous than a beach resort.
27. GUATEMALA
Guatemala is one of Central America’s most underrated countries, and February is one of the best times to visit Guatemala. It’s the dry season, with warm sunny days and cool evenings in the highlands.
The colonial city of Antigua is the highlight for many people, and the first Sunday of Lent the city hosts weekly Lent processions where locals create beautiful carpets called alfombras out of coloured sawdust, flowers and pine needles for the processions to walk over.
From Antigua, you can hike Acatenango volcano and camp overnight to watch the neighbouring Fuego volcano erupting in the dark, which is one of the most incredible experiences in Central America. Then head to the shores of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages, and visit the ancient ruins of Tikal in the jungle of the north. Guatemala is firmly on my list for an epic family holiday!
FAQs About the Best Countries to Visit in February
What is the best country to visit in February?
It really depends on what kind of trip you want! For beaches and sunshine, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Aruba are hard to beat. For snow, Austria, France and Japan are top choices, and for a once in a lifetime celebration, Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago for Carnival or China for Chinese New Year are incredible experiences.
Which countries are warm in February?
Countries in their summer like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil are warm in February, as are countries in their dry season like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya, Mexico and Costa Rica. The Maldives, the UAE, Egypt and the Caribbean are also reliably warm, with temperatures from the low 20s to low 30s. In Europe, you’ll get some warm winter sun in Spain, Southern Italy and Malta.
Where is warm in February with a short flight from the UK?
The Canary Islands are the warmest option in Europe in February, averaging around 21°C and just over 4 hours from most UK airports. Madeira is around 19°C, Malta is around 16°C and only about 3 hours away, and for something warmer, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are around 22°C on a flight of around 5 hours. Read this article for more ideas: 14 BEST Winter Sun Destinations in EUROPE
Where can I celebrate Carnival in February?
The most famous are Rio Carnival in Brazil and Trinidad Carnival. In Europe, you can join the Venice Carnival in Italy, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in Spain, the Madeira Carnival in Portugal and the Malta Carnival, and Aruba and Mexico also hold big celebrations.
Where can I celebrate Chinese New Year?
China is the ultimate place to experience it, with the celebrations ending with the Lantern Festival later in February. You can also join the festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown in Thailand and Binondo in Manila in the Philippines and anywhere with a vibrant Chinese community.
What are the best countries to visit in February in Europe?
For skiing, France, Austria and Italy have some of the best snow conditions of the season in February. Finland and Iceland are perfect for the northern lights, while Spain, Portugal and Malta are starting to warm up and are perfect for winter sun, almond blossom and carnivals.
Where is good to go for February half term holidays?
February half term is one of the most popular weeks of the year for family ski trips to Austria and France, so book early. For sunshine without a long flight, the Canary Islands, Madeira and the UAE are easy and family friendly options, and for something more adventurous, Costa Rica and Kenya are fantastic for kids who love wildlife. Lapland in Finland is also magical for snow and husky rides.
Where is good for Valentine’s Day?
For a romantic Valentine’s Day break, Paris, Rome and Venice are hard to beat. If you want winter sun with your other half Sri Lanka and Aruba are lovely choices, or do something adventurous and watch the northern lights together from a glass igloo in Finland.
Is February a good time to travel?
Yes! February is a great time to travel because so many countries are at their best. The dry season in Asia, Africa and Central America, summer in the southern hemisphere, the best snow in Europe and some of the biggest celebrations in the world all happen in February. Just be aware that prices rise during UK half term and around Carnival, so book ahead if your dates are fixed.
Where is hot in February?
The hottest places to go in February include Thailand, the Philippines, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Brazil and Australia, where temperatures regularly reach 30°C or more. For hot weather without a long haul flight, the UAE and Egypt’s Red Sea coast are in the mid 20s, which is perfect beach weather for most people.
What are the cheapest places to go in February?
Some of the cheapest places to go in February are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines, Guatemala and Egypt, where food, accommodation and transport are great value once you arrive. In Europe, Malta and Portugal have some of the lowest hotel prices of the year in February, as long as you avoid the half term week.
For more of my monthly travel guides see: