Whether you love snowy days or prefer being somewhere warm, kissed by the sun, February is a great month to book a break and shake up your daily routine.
These destinations around the world are perfect for foodies, sports fans, wellness buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and arts and culture seekers — and they’re all fantastic places to visit in February. Set yourself up for a fabulous winter (or summer, depending on the hemisphere you visit) with one of these fabulous getaways.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Wellness Buff
Bora Bora
While many visitors wait for the rainy season proper to end, the truth is that by February the days in Bora Bora are consistently sunny and warm. This makes it an excellent time to visit the island’s most alluring spaces without too many others around — perfect if you want easier access to the island’s decadent hotel and resort spas. At The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, treatments incorporate traditional Polynesian techniques and ancient healing rituals, transporting you to your most relaxed, blissful state.
Start each beautiful day on the dreamy beaches or hike in lush forests to find secret waterfalls and lagoons before indulging in spa treatments overlooking shimmering turquoise waters.
Reykjavik, Iceland
For those who love wintery weather, Iceland in February offers guests a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights — with a magical sprinkling of snow. Short days and long nights make February an off-season month here, which means places are less likely to be overrun with tourists. And fortunately, there’s still plenty to do in Iceland in the winter.
In Iceland, you’ll find some of the most incredible hot springs and geothermal pools in which to indulge. In the frigid temperatures, you can expect your hair to freeze above the warm water — a delightful sensation.
Reykjavik vibrates with the energy of the season with festivals and events at this time of year. If visiting at the beginning of February, the annual Winter Lights Festival is not to be missed.
The Food and Drinks Lover
Quito, Ecuador
Using ingredients gathered from the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, Pacific coast and Galapagos Islands, passionate Ecuadorian chefs have turned Ecuador’s capital into a unique and exciting culinary destination. Fine dining establishments offer inspired dishes, such as Amazonian paiche fish with potato foam and lacto-fermented tomato gel at Urko, or 36-hour cooked suckling pig with a fruit-based sauce at Nuema. The city serves up delicious budget-friendly eats at family-run restaurants and street vendors, as well.
February in Quito offers clear skies and sunshine (though there may be showers in the afternoon), and the city is a vibrant destination filled with intriguing museums, cultural sites and galleries.
New York City
If you’re looking for showstopping Valentine’s Day plans, whisking your love to this always exciting city will make for an unforgettable date.
Choose from one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants or an expansive array of new or classic spots. The View revolving restaurant at the New York Marriott Marquis would make for an Instagram-worthy spot for a romantic sunset dinner — or even a proposal.
The Sports Fan
Dominican Republic
The weather in the Dominican Republic is glorious this time of year, whether you want to enjoy the island’s powdered-sugar-sand beaches or play on one of its 26 world-class golf courses. The Tom Fazio–designed Corales Golf Club at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club takes players over windswept cliffs and inland lakes, providing exciting challenges in the most dramatic of settings.
Plus, February is Carnival month in the Dominican Republic, with parades and parties each Sunday.
Delray Beach, Florida
This artsy destination in Florida’s Palm Beaches has a laid-back, small-town vibe while serving delectable dining, lovely Japanese gardens and an intriguing cultural scene.
Each February, the Delray Beach Open attracts A-list tennis pros (and 60,000 spectators, with matches broadcast in 50 countries), and the town is abuzz with players and fans.
The Outdoor Enthusiast
Tanzania
February is an optimal month to go on safari in Tanzania. If traveling up to the Ndutu area, you’re likely to see wildebeest calves. You might also spot wildlife like big cats, rhinos, elephants and zebras as herds migrate through the Serengeti in search of resources.
February in Tanzania is warm and dry, ideal for exploring this fascinating country’s urban delights and enjoying its stunning beaches.
Palm Springs, California
With daytime temperatures in the perfectly pleasant 70s, February in Palm Springs offers flawless weather for traversing the more than 100 hiking trails that take you through canyons, up mountains and to pristine lakes in around this striking destination.
Though situated in the Sonoran Desert, the city serves as a prime base for exploring some surprisingly lush spaces. Just a short drive from Palm Springs, you can find the tumbling waterfalls of Indian Canyons. Venture a bit further (only 30 minutes by car) to enjoy the Coachella Valley Preserve and Thousand Palms Oasis, fed by waters that seep from the San Andreas Fault. You can of course hike desert terrain, too, including bucket-list-worthy Joshua Tree National Park.
Plus, February sees a number of art and food festivals happening in Palm Springs. For example, you can explore the city and appreciate the local architecture on a walking or bike tour during Modernism Week.
The Arts and Culture Seeker
Quebec City, Canada
Incredibly romantic in the winter, Quebec City is all cobblestones and winding alleyways that lead to historic churches and squares. The 10-day Carnaval de Quebec happens each February, filling the city with ice sculptures, live music and Quebecois cultural events.
Chilly temperatures at this time of year make the winter festival possible — but the temperatures aren’t to be trifled with. Make sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly so you can stay comfortably warm as you explore the city.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Design Week, a festival that highlights the modern side of this historic city, often runs through the beginning of February. During the festival, you can expect tons of exciting arts and cultural events to explore. These range from pop-up floral art installations throughout the city and guerrilla gardens in abandoned spaces to fashion shows, foodie events and concerts.
Visitors shouldn’t miss some of Bangkok’s exciting permanent spaces showcasing local and international art, including Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre and MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art.
Not to mention, February weather in Bangkok — hovering around 90 degrees and gloriously sunny — makes for a wonderful break from dreary winter temperatures in many other parts of the world.
Best Places to Travel by Month — See All 12
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