With winter often lingering on into February at this point, many of us will be more than ready to escape the cold and enjoy some warmth and sunshine. It’s the perfect month for an escape, whether it be to a tropical beach resort somewhere within easy reach or a far-flung destination in the Southern Hemisphere, where it’s still the peak of summer season. No matter what you have in mind, you’re sure to find something to get you packing on this list.
The Bahamas
With warm weather year-round and more than 700 islands, all with gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning turquoise water, a vacation to the Bahamas for some winter sun in February is the perfect opportunity to revive and rejuvenate. Spend time on Harbour Island’s Pink Sands Beach or Lighthouse Beach on Eleuthera, both with rose-hued sands, or encounter the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, home to the originals. It may be hard to pick just one of The Bahamas’ best islands for your trip, but you really can’t go wrong.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Romantic Puerto Vallarta will be perfectly warm in February, with average daytime highs at 80 degrees. Enjoy the sun and the sand, along with all types of water sports, including snorkeling and paddleboarding. With thousands of humpback whales inhabiting Banderas Bay, you can see many from the shore or head out on a boat tour for a close encounter. You’ll not only find some of Mexico’s most picturesque beaches here, but along the cobbled streets in the center of town are many delights, including the beautiful Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, art galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Hawaii is warm year-round, and at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, you can really feel the heat as it’s home to one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kilauea. Even when it’s not erupting, you can sometimes see lava from overlooks along Crater Rim Drive at night, with surface crust exposing residual magma. The park covers 330,000 acres, and there are 150 miles of trails to hike, along with a walk-in lava tube. Of course, while you’re here, you can enjoy all the usual activities, from swimming and snorkeling to visiting waterfalls and black sand beaches where sea turtles like to lounge around.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the world’s best destinations for winter sun, Buenos Aires in February is hot in more ways than one. The city enjoys wonderful summer weather at this time of year, with many heading to the beach, which means the tourist crowds won’t be as thick, but you can still enjoy seductive tango shows with delicious Argentine cuisine. Or, join a night of Milonga, where you can watch or even take part in the dance yourself at places like La Virtua, Tango Cool, and La Calesita. If you’re into art, don’t miss The Museum of Fine Arts, one of the world’s best, featuring works by South American artists and international masters like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Picasso.
Sydney, Australia
As with all places in the Southern Hemisphere, February is the middle of summer in Australia. This brings the opportunity for barbecues and beach days, with Bondi Beach, one of the most famous in the country, just outside of Sydney. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy in the capital city, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House, botanical gardens, museums, and galleries. For a bucket-list experience, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Cape Town, South Africa
February is summertime in Cape Town, perfect for close encounters with the famous African penguins at Boulders Beach, one of Africa’s best places to see wildlife. An early morning hike up Table Mountain is really a must, or you can hitch a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, a suspended cable car with rotating 360-degree views. Anyone interested in history should visit the Robben Island Prison Museum, where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Former inmates conduct part of the tours for direct insight into what it was really like during the struggle against Apartheid.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands region, made up of 144 islands with sandy beaches, peaceful secluded bays, and abundant marine life, including dolphins, penguins, and whales, is a paradise in February for enjoying the warm summer weather. You might base yourself in the must-visit small town of Russell, home to some of the nation’s oldest architecture, fabulous waterfront eateries serving locally-caught seafood, and breathtaking sunsets.
Vietnam
February is one of the best months to travel in Vietnam, where you can expect sunny, dry weather much of the time, ideal for enjoying the beaches and exploring world-renowned Halong Bay on a cruise that winds through the hundreds of islands and islets. You might wander the labyrinth of thousand-year-old streets in the well-preserved Old Quarter of Hanoi, walk the cobbled, lantern-lit paths in Hoi An, and enjoy a food tour on a scooter through Ho Chi Minh City, which surrounds the Saigon River. There are so many places to visit in Vietnam.
Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Enchanting Loreto is located on the east side of the Baja Peninsula along the Sea of Cortez and considered to be a top cheap vacation spot in Mexico. One of Mexico’s famous Pueblos Magicos, or Magic Towns, it’s known for its striking beauty, opportunities for outdoor adventure, and abundant marine life. From January through March, blue whales come to its waters to feed, mate, and give birth to their calves. Humpback, gray, and orca whales can all be spotted here, too, with February being a peak month for sightings. You can expect plenty of warm, sunny days, too, with temperatures averaging in the upper 70s. The charming town itself boasts a rich cultural heritage with multiple historical landmarks, museums, family-run eateries serving mouthwatering cuisine, and high-quality boutique hotels.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a classic, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid-80s during February. It’s a great time to soak up the island rhythm and the sun, with Montego Bay popular for its white sandy beaches, mountains, shopping, and buzzing nightlife. Negril is an ideal pick for those seeking a more laid-back vibe, with a stay in a charming bungalow rather than a high-rise resort. Cliff jumping, sunset watching, and strolls on Seven Mile Beach are all popular here. It’s also close to YS Falls, which includes seven waterfalls that cascade into natural swimming pools.
Easter Island, Chile
February is an ideal time to visit one of Chile’s most amazing places. Easter Island enjoys balmy, end-of-summer temperatures without being too hot. The famous giant Moai rock statues are the star attraction, a mystery as to how the Rapa Nui people moved them, with the lightest weighing 86 tons. In addition to admiring the Moai, there are white sandy beaches, while the indigo waters of the sea are popular for snorkeling and diving. Guided dives are available to visit submerged Moai near the main town of Hanga Roa.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is a cheap and warm spot to spend the winter months. In this must-visit city in Ecuador, it’s still summer in February. It’s backed by the soaring peaks of the Andes and renowned for its magnificent colonial architecture, with the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de Los Ríos de Cuenca a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many buildings date back to the 18th century, with its cathedral being one of the country’s most important structures. The picturesque bridges in the historic center cross the River Tomebamba, a rushing waterway that tumbles in from the Andes, and there are multiple parks for enjoying picnics along its banks right within the city limits. Don’t miss a visit to the Overlook of Turi for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Cairo, Egypt
February in Cairo means pleasantly warm days with temperatures in the upper 60s, much more comfortable for sightseeing than the summer will be when temperatures often reach over 100 degrees. It’s the perfect time to see the Pyramids of Giza, a place everyone should visit before they die. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the best known of the group, is located just outside of the city. It’s one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World and dates back over 4,600 years. Don’t miss the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar either, a local tradition that dates back to the 14th century, where you’ll see some impressive local artisan craftsmanship while browsing the narrow streets.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is a beautiful and exotic walled medieval city, jam-packed with attractions and things to do. In February, the daytime high hovers around 70 degrees, making it enjoyable to check out the many colorful sights and sounds. That includes snake charmers, fortune tellers, and centuries-old markets where you’ll see barrels of spices from ginger and saffron to turmeric, alongside bowls overflowing with olives, vibrant tapestries, and hookahs. The popular city square, At Djemaa el Fna features food stalls selling skewers of seasoned meats and more, while wooden tables are set up for patrons to enjoy dishes that include everything from roast lamb and couscous to aubergine fritters. There are many grand palaces to visit as well, including the 150-room Bahia Palace with its over-the-top opulence.
Turks and Caicos
Made up of 40 low-lying, largely undeveloped islands located between the southern Bahamas and Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos enjoys warm temperatures year-round for the quintessential winter getaway. Providenciales, the largest and most developed, offers miles and miles of soft, white powdery sands framed by crystal-clear turquoise water for world-class diving and snorkeling. Some of the best can be enjoyed at Grace Bay which is often named among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Just off its shores is a long coral reef rich in marine life, while luxury resorts and gourmet eateries are just steps away.
