This is part of our series on how to find the top holiday spots around the world by the calendar. These are the best holiday destinations for February. As with all our guides, we recommend you check all government travel warnings before you decide on a holiday destination.
February is great for or many winter holidays in the Alps, the Black Forest or the Isar Mountains. But the month is also perfect to discover cities like Rome, New York, New Orleans, Venice or Porto far from the peak travel season. why? You can find out here.
But also many warm weather oases are particularly suitable in February as a destination. Soak up the sun in the Caribbean, adventure tour west Africa, sip coconut on a houseboat in Kerala, India, or backpacking through Australia/New Zealand: In February there is something for everyone.
Best holiday destinations for February: city breaks
Rome, Glasgow or New York?
While in Rome the first rays of sunshine of the day provide pleasant temperatures, New York is a miracle bag in the early years:if the sun shines it is pleasant, it does not shine, it can be bitterly cold. That’s exactly what’s going on with Glasgow. Actually, the winters are only humid, but when I was in Glasgow at the beginning of January at the beginning of February, it suddenly snowed all day at -2° degrees. But with the right clothes there is no problem and winter areas can be one of the best holiday destinations for February.
Advantage when visiting these cities in winter: No queues at popular attractions (especially for Rome and New York) and flights and accommodation are cheaper, than
Best holiday destinations for February: road trips
South Africa in February
February is particularly popular for a trip to Cape Town in combination with a road trip along the Garden Route. But how about a direct flight to Johannesburg, a visit to the large township Soweto (yes, this is also South Africa) with a road trip over the beautiful panorama route to Kruger national park?
Best holiday destinations for March
That’s where I’m drawn to in February. The perfect months for the Cape Town region are around November to the end of March. Then the daytime temperatures are very pleasant. However, rainfall can also occur and is often very windy (especially from February increasingly to April).
Morocco in February
But not too hot temperatures, mostly nice weather and few tourists? If that sounds like your taste for a holiday in February, then a trip to Morocco could be an attractive alternative, especially in winter, making it one of the best holiday destinations for February.
While in summer the places in northern Morocco on the Mediterranean coast are particularly suitable for a trip, southern destinations such as Marrakech, Agadirbut also many smaller places along the Atlantic coast are particularly suitable in worth a trip during the winter months as in February. In winter, you can also think about a trip to the Sahara.
For surfers, February is the best time to make perfect waves in pleasant temperatures in places like Taghazout. The small village is also suitable for a relaxing stay on a beautiful beach. If you want more action and culture shock, you will be happy in marrakech, not far away.
South Australia: Adelaide in February
The popular Fringe Festival will take place in Adelaide, Australia’s festival capital, in February. Not just one reason to start his Australia trip here. The city is perfect to arrive in Down Under. It is cozy and very good to explore on foot. In addition, there are beautiful beaches and culinary highlights with first-class wines and food.
If you’re already here, you’ll also need to visit Kangaroo Island. One of my highlights during 3 months road trip. There are koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, sea lions, seals, and many more animals to discover.
New Zealand Road trip in February
Versatile and varied. Due to the large north-south extent, you will never get bored in New Zealand in terms of landscape (and so on). While the northernmost tip of the North Island is very close to the subtrobic climate, it can be bitterly cold in the very south of the South Island.
But now the highlight: February is the last summer month in New Zealand (similar to August with us). Perhaps the best time to discover the natural spectacle of the South Island. Even if the first semblance of autumn shimmers on the trees, this can only make the view even more spectacular. Whether trekking, road trippin or water sports, so you will have a lot of fun in New Zealand, making it one of the best holiday destinations for February.
Long trips
Mexico in February
You have always wanted to immerse yourself in the world of the Maya and discover its culture against the backdrop of the impressive Mayan ruins? Then Mexico is a perfect destination for your Holiday in February. But also for a beach holiday Mexico is a perfect destination, because the fine sandy beaches (e.g. in Tulum) on the Caribbean coast of Yucatan are just right for it.
In addition, the dry season is in place throughout Mexico from about November to April, which rarely causes rain showers. February is exactly between two main travel times. Therefore, flights as well as hotels are much cheaper.
Cuba or Dominican Republic in February?
The Caribbean countries of Cuba and Dominican Republic attract in February with warm weather, dream beaches and lots of bathing fun.
Another advantage: February is no longer the main travel season for the Caribbean. Therefore, everything is even more relaxed than in December and January. In addition, it is not too hot and relatively dry. The average temperatures are at least 24 degrees, usually above.
Oman in February
In addition to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is a not to be underestimated destination for exchanging the domestic winter for sun. The best time for a February holiday in Oman in the Arabian Peninsula is in winter (Nov- March). Because then the temperatures are at a pleasant 25° and it rains very little.
In the winter months like February is also the tourist season, but everything is still limited – so no mass tourism. Around Christmas there are more tourists here. If it attracts you to the beach, then you should definitely plan a stop in Sur and Zighy Bay. For all culture lovers, the port capital Muscat is a “must-see”.
Taiwan in February
Every year, an impressive lantern festival takes place in China and Taiwan on the 15th day of the first lunar month (exactly two weeks after the Chinese New Year). Because then the Taiwanese sky glows with a sea of lights of lanterns that is unparalleled. Across Taiwan, thousands of lanterns find their way into the night sky.
At the time of the Lantern Festival, many events took place throughout Taiwan. A highlight is the spectacle in Pingxi, a city north of Taipei. There, visitors also have the opportunity to let go of their own lantern. In the past, the lanterns were sent to the sky to signal that the city is safe and that no bandits are doing their mischief.
But there is also a big national festival, with venues varying from year to year. In 2017, the Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Yunlin Province (February 11-19). There is much more to discover in Taiwan.
Best holiday destinations for February: Winter holidays
Hokkaido (Japan)
You love winter and an escape in warm weather is out of the question, but still want to visit another winter destination in February? In northern Japan you can ski or snowboard, heat up in hot springs or attend a unique snow festival. In February, the snow on Hokkaido is best. The most snow-sure ski areas can be found in Furano and Niseko.
The “Sapporo Snow Festival” takes place every year in February. More than 2 million visitors are attracted every year, who then admire the many snow statues and ice figures. In addition, there is a snow sculpture contest in which teams from different regions take part. Culinary delights can be tasted and drunk.
Alps
Also in February you will find ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. In addition to the spots in Austria, South Tyrol is also recommended. There you almost have sun guarantee and still snow. Perfect to take a break between the slopes on one of the many ski huts and to soak up some sun for lunch.
Jizera Mountains / Giant Mountains (Czech Republic)
Especially if you live in Eastern Germany, you don’t necessarily have to go to the Alps to meet the urge for winter sports. The Jizera Mountains and Giant Mountains also offer beautiful slopes at lower prices for food and drinks. Perfect for an impromptu short trip.
In February, snow safety is greatest for this region. Especially in areas such as spindle mill, Harrachov or at the Lysé hora (Kahlberg) you can have a lot of fun. Note, however, that during this time many countries have winter holidays and it can be quite crowded. If you want almost 100% snow security, then the Alps are still the better alternative.
Norway in February for Northern Lights
Let’s be honest. February is probably one of the hardest months to go on holiday in Scandinavia. But if you want to see the Northern Lights, ride a reindeer sled or snowboard, then you’re in the right place in Norway in February. However, the more northerly you go, the darker and colder it gets.
Several areas in Norway are suitable for a winter holiday in February. The largest ski area is located in Trysil with over 40 lift stations and more than 70 kilometres of slopes. Ski and snowboard fun can also be found in Hemsedal, Hafjell or Geilo (that’s really called that). However, you have to keep in mind that the prices in Norway are quite high for winter sports enthusiasts
The Northern Lights are most likely to be seen in the northern regions of Norway from the beginning of October to the end of March. A nice description for the mission “Seeing the Northern Lights” can be found in Bill Bryson’s book: Neither here nor there. Some of the best destinations for the Northern Lights are the Lofoten, Tromso, Narvik and of course the North Cape.
