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What is it like traveling in February?
It’s easy to think that sunny holidays only happen during the summer months. February is the perfect time to catch some winter sun, and it’s often when those with a little more flexibility in their schedule can secure a last-minute deal. Although February is busy over Valentine’s Day weekend, and in countries where students have a mid-term, the rest of the month offers off-peak travel to most destinations.
While February is generally off-peak for most destinations, there are some countries and cities, like Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, where events like carnival lead to an influx of travelers. Don’t worry, we’ll spotlight any of these landmark events in our guide below!
Where is warm in February for a holiday?
If you want a touch of summer in February, you’ll find the warmest temperatures in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, there are also areas in Europe where you’ll find some winter sun. The Canary Islands and Portugal often see a daytime temperature of up to 21°C (70°F), while Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote offer a great mix of sun and beach.
23 of the best places to visit in February
Before you decide on a specific vacation spot, you’ll want to narrow down your travel preferences, including how many days you want to stay, where you’ve visited before, and if you want to stay in a resort or have a more authentic local experience by staying in a private house or apartment. Below, we’re sharing 23 of our top recommendations for places to visit for warmer weather during this quieter season.
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Where to stay: Ten Hill Place
There’s more to the UK than just London. Edinburgh is a city that’s all over our social media feeds, and it’s a great option for a weekend city break or if you’re planning a multi-stop vacation. While there are international flights arriving daily at Edinburgh Airport, it’s also a 5-hour train from London.
Edinburgh is a great option for a weekend city break.
Photo by Leon Rafael on Shutterstock
Temperatures range from 1°C to 7°C in late winter, but there’s something special about visiting this gothic city in the colder months. You can expect to see some of the lowest tourist crowds of the year, providing the best views of Edinburgh Castle and quieter evenings for exploring the local pubs or taking part in one of the popular ghost and history walking tours.
2. Paris, France
Where to stay: Hôtel Vacances Bleues Provinces Opéra
The cliché is true; Paris is always a good idea. It’s no secret that we’re fans of the French capital, and we’ve already compiled several in-depth guides to help you plan a vacation here for your clients, including the best places to stay in Paris and day trip ideas from Paris. As the City of Love, Paris is a popular place to visit in February, especially around Valentine’s Day, although you can expect similar weather to the UK with daily temperatures of 3°C to 9°C.
The cliché is true; Paris is always a good idea.
Photo by alma.tross on Shutterstock
Beyond the Valentine’s Day rush, February is a great opportunity for taking the city at your own pace. It’s easier to get a reservation at popular hotels or to visit monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre without wall-to-wall tourists.
3. Finland, Europe
Where to stay: Hotel Lilla Roberts
Not everyone is searching for a sunny vacation, making February a great opportunity for exploring more expensive places for an affordable price. Finland is getting major attention in 2026, with the country expected to offer some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights until March. You can expect shorter days and darker nights, the perfect conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. The lower tourist crowds also help produce less light pollution, while also making it easier to enjoy experiences like cross-country skiing and even dogsledding.
Finland is the country expected to offer some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights until March.
Photo by chantal.k on Shutterstock
Although most visitors to Finland at this time of year are chasing their last opportunities for some winter skiing, there’s also plenty of opportunity to get warm. Sauna culture is huge in Finland and a part of the locals’ regular routines. With wellness retreats and self-care-focused travel expected to be one of the biggest travel trends for 2026, Finland is a winter vacation that offers relaxing experiences that are ideal for a digital detox and for reenergizing before spring.
4. Tulum, Mexico
Where to stay: Ana y Jose Tulum Hotel & Spa
Beach vacations aren’t just for July and August. Tulum in Mexico sees its dry season at this time of year, and it’s a popular place to visit for sun worshippers, beach lovers, and wellness enthusiasts alike. Tulum is a great option for a long weekend with a quieter atmosphere than what you’ll find in other beach resorts, including Cancun, with a stronger focus on wildlife and nature-related activities.
Tulum is a great option for a long weekend.
Photo by IVAN GAG on Shutterstock
While the area offers some budget-friendly accommodation options, Tulum is known for its luxury villas and boutique hotels. Daily temperatures in Tulum at this time of year range from 21°C to 27°C, perfect for escaping the winter chill on the East Coast.
5. Cotswolds, England
Where to stay: Cotswolds Hotel & Spa
There are some movies that we watch every year that make us want to travel somewhere new. Over Christmas, you’ll probably hear your friends talking about how they wish they could visit the area of England where “The Holiday” was filmed. The Cotswolds is a quintessentially English region, famous for its stone houses, rolling countryside, historic landmarks, and cozy pubs. Classic British franchises, from Downton Abbey to Harry Potter, have all shone a spotlight on this area of the UK.
The Cotswolds is a quintessentially English region, famous for its stone houses.
Photo by PhotoExpozure UK on Shutterstock
The Cotswolds are just 2 hours from London by train, and there’s something for almost every type of traveler. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular choice for wellness retreats, while foodies can indulge in traditional British cuisine before exploring Regency towns like Cheltenham and Cirencester.
6. Dolomites, Italy
Where to stay: Forestis Dolomites Hotel
Rome was one of the most popular places to visit in 2025, but we’re turning our attention to another area of Italy for 2026. The Dolomites region in northern Italy is often overlooked for Turin, Venice, and even Milan, but this mountain region offers some of the best skiing experiences in Europe.
The Dolomites region in northern Italy is offers some of the best skiing experiences in Europe.
Photo by Olga Vostrikova on Shutterstock
Surrounded by its UNESCO World Heritage scenery, the Dolomites is a great option for beginners and more experienced skiers alike, with the popular Dolomiti Superski pass giving you access to slopes across 12 different resorts. You’ll find the highest slopes at the Arabba-Marmolda area, with December to April offering the best ski conditions. Daily temperatures at this time of year range from -12°C to -5°C, but you can expect to get some of the best deals of the ski season, including for luxury resorts, without paying top dollar.
7. Bahia, Brazil
Where to stay: Fiesta Bahia Hotel
We’re swapping snow-covered mountains for picturesque beaches with our next recommendations. While we’re featuring Rio de Janeiro later in this guide, we’re also putting the spotlight on Bahia. It’s a great option for returning visitors to Brazil, especially those who want to immerse themselves in the Afro-Brazilian culture. What makes Brazil different from most of the places on this list is that February is considered part of its busy season, thanks to Carnival. This annual festival happens before Lent, lasting from the Friday before Ash Wednesday until the following Wednesday. For 2026, Carnival is happening from February 12 to 18, with most major events taking place between the 15 and 17.
Carnival happens before Lent, lasting from the Friday before Ash Wednesday until the following Wednesday.
Photo by ThalesAntonio on Shutterstock
Bahia sees daily temperatures of 25°C to 31°C, and there’s plenty to see and do beyond the main Carnival events. Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is famous for its colorful colonial streets, vibrant culinary scene, and Porto de Barra beach with its historic, 19th-century Farol da Barra lighthouse.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Where to stay: Absalon Hotel
The end of winter is a time when we all want to feel cozy, a feeling known as “hygge” in Scandinavian culture. Officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017, hygge is the concept of taking time out of your day to relax and enjoy things at a slower pace. If your client is fighting the winter blues or wants a few days away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Copenhagen is the perfect option.
Copenhagen serves something for every visitor.
Photo by ecstk22 on Shutterstock
This Scandinavian city serves something for every visitor, from Tivoli Gardens for theme park enthusiasts, the historic sites of Rosenborg Castle for those who love culture, and Strøget, Copenhagen’s main shopping area and one of Europe’s largest pedestrian streets.
9. New Orleans, USA
Where to stay: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a bucket list experience for millions of travelers, landing this city a guaranteed spot on our list of the best places to visit in February. Tennessee Williams famously wrote in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” set in this city, that “I don’t want realism. I want magic,” and that’s what a trip to New Orleans in late winter is guaranteed to deliver. For 2026, Mardi Gras runs until February 17, but the official carnival season starts on January 6.
Attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a bucket list experience for millions of travelers.
Photo by GTS Productions on Shutterstock
Any visit to New Orleans requires a stop to the French Quarter, a lunch of beignets, and attending at least one Mardi Gras parade, complete with floats and bead throwing. Curate your client’s itinerary with must-see locations like Frenchmen Street, known for its live music, Bourbon Street, ideal for bar hopping, and the historic Jackson Square area.
10. Saint Lucia, Caribbean
Where to stay: Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa
If you have a group of travelers looking for a winter vacation that offers wildlife experiences, tropical beaches, and wellness retreats, Saint Lucia will tick all these boxes. With 2026 travel trends pointing towards a growing focus on eco-conscious travel, nature exploring, and health-focused trips, we expect Saint Lucia to become even more popular this year.
This month is the dry season in Saint Lucia.
Photo by Shaun Robinson on Shutterstock
February is the perfect time to grab a good deal on an all-inclusive resort, ideal for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day and groups looking for a luxury getaway on a budget. This month is the dry season in Saint Lucia, making it perfect for a dip in the geothermal spring mud baths at Sulphur Springs, hiking Gros Piton or the Tet Paul Nature Trail, and exploring the Pigeon Island National Landmark, including its historic ruins.
11. Colombia, South America
Where to stay: Hotel Cartagena Plaza
Late winter is the perfect time to visit tropical destinations without the record-breaking temperatures or daily storms, as most of these regions are experiencing their dry season, including Colombia in South America. Your clients can visit the country during a time with lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures, making it easier to spend the entire day sunbathing at the beach or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
February is also when Colombia hosts one of its largest festivals, the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
Photo by OSTILL is Franck Camhi on Shutterstock
February is also when Colombia hosts one of its largest festivals, the Carnaval de Barranquilla. Held from the 18th to 21st of February, this festival is a great way to experience Colombian culture for the first time with live entertainment, parades, and local cuisine. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore the ancient Lost City of Ciudad Perdida, visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, and discover the beauty of nature in the rainforests at Tayrona National Park.
12. Ibiza, Spain
Where to stay: Villa Beso
Ibiza is one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations, and the end of winter represents its off-peak season, giving visitors a chance to experience the island without the tourist crowds, party atmosphere, and high temperatures. Your clients can expect to experience the best of the island at a more affordable price, with everything from coffee to meals and hotel stays being significantly more affordable than in the summer.
Ibiza is one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations.
Photo by Pawel Kazmierczak on Shutterstock
Daily temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C, and most budget airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet, offer direct flights from major European travel hubs to the island. It’s a great option for a romantic getaway with the almond trees in full bloom, while each town on the island hosts its own parade as part of the Ibiza Carnival.
13. Senegal, West Africa
Where to stay: Residence Les Calanques
It’s easy to get distracted by places in Europe and South America, but West Africa is quickly gaining attention amongst travel enthusiasts. Senegal is seen as the Gateway to Africa with its vibrant culture, rich music, and friendly hospitality. Nestled in the most western region of Africa, Senegal sees high temperatures year-round, but February is when you can expect more comfortable temperatures without the risk of rain.
Senegal is seen as the Gateway to Africa with its vibrant culture, rich music, and friendly hospitality.
Photo by Sun_Shine on Shutterstock
Senegal is a great option for clients who want a life-changing experience to kick off 2026, whether it’s visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Niokolo-Koba National Park or exploring the beautiful beaches and perfect surfing conditions of Senegal’s coastline.
14. Venice, Italy
Where to stay: B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna
Carnival happens all over the world in February, including in Venice. While there won’t be low crowds – or even cheaper hotel rates – this month is one of the best times to visit the city. With daily temperatures between 1°C and 9°C, your clients will want to wrap up warm, especially when they’re catching a gondola or water taxi.
Carnival happens all over the world in February, including in Venice.
Photo by Renato Murolo 68 on Shutterstock
While the city hosts masked balls and parades, it can be a great time to explore indoor attractions in Venice, including cultural experiences like the Gallerie dell’Accademia, with its pre-19th-century art, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which features contemporary and modern art.
15. Cairo, Egypt
Where to stay: Ramses Hilton
Cairo expects to see an increase in tourism in 2026, thanks to the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum is a direct bus ride from the city and offers some of the best views of the Giza pyramids. It’s the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization and is home to over 100,000 artefacts, including the entire contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, displayed together for the first time since their discovery by Howard Carter over a century ago.
Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.
Photo by Turkey Photo on Shutterstock
While your clients can escape the extreme heat, they won’t get the best deals of the year, but it is considered cheaper than the peak summer season. It’s one of the best opportunities for exploring the Pyramids and cruising down the Nile in milder, more enjoyable temperatures.
16. Sri Lanka, South Asia
Where to stay: Garcinia Leaf
Sri Lanka is a country that’s actively working to bring back tourists as the region has struggled to recover post-pandemic. It’s worth noting that most countries have travel advisories in place for Sri Lanka, so it’s important to inform your clients of these before they book, but there is plenty to experience and a growing number of positive reviews for the country from travel influencers online.
Yala National Park is a dream for nature and wildlife lovers.
Photo by Marius Dobilas on Shutterstock
Yala National Park is a dream for nature and wildlife lovers, while it’s easier to visit historic sites like Sri Lanka’s ancient temples and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress during the drier months. Daily temperatures are typically between 23°C and 31°C, ideal for a jeep safari to go wildlife spotting or even to head to the water for some whale watching.
17. Chile, South America
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago – Vitacura
Chile covers two time zones and offers almost every type of climate, from giant volcanoes to stunning mountains, tranquil lakes, and deserts that go as far as the eye can see. If your clients love to go stargazing, then there’s nowhere better to celebrate Valentine’s Day than Chile. February marks the end of the country’s summer season, but daily temperatures can still reach as high as 19°C.
The Atacama Desert feels as though you’ve walked onto another planet.
Photo by Helder Geraldo Ribeiro on Shutterstock
This country is an epic experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers, with Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park being two of the biggest draws for international tourists. The wine regions of Casablanca and Colchagua are ideal for couples, while the Atacama Desert feels as though you’ve walked onto another planet, with the stunning Valle de la Luna and its maze of pinnacles and canyons.
18. Thailand, Southeast Asia
Where to stay: Cross Pattaya Pratamnak
As a travel agent, you’ll want to pay close attention to Southeast Asia in 2026. While the region, particularly Thailand, has been popular with backpackers and budget-travelers for years, it now has a wider appeal with many luxury resorts and hotels opening in the region. Most clients will find that their budget goes further in Thailand, and the lower humidity means that they can enjoy the sunshine and explore the beaches without being uncomfortable.
Thailand is the perfect option for a client who wants to start their year with a self-care vacation.
Photo by Teh Jr Smith on Shutterstock
Chiang Mai and Bangkok are two of the most popular cities in Thailand, but it’s also worth considering coastal areas, like Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket. The country is still experiencing its “White Lotus” hype, but the HBO show makes it clear how much this region has evolved in recent years. With wellness being one of 2026’s hottest travel trends, Thailand is the perfect option for a client who wants to start their year with a self-care vacation. There are plenty of other activities to do, from island hopping to exploring the Grand Palace, and going snorkeling at the beach.
19. Maldives, South Asia
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives by IHG
When it comes to romantic getaways, the Maldives is still topping the list. February is the dry season for the region, and it’s less expensive than visiting over the festive season. The Maldives is paradise on Earth, offering daily temperatures of 25°C – 29°C with many of the all-inclusive and luxury resorts on the islands focusing on providing a sustainable, eco-conscious experience for guests.
The Maldives offers unique experiences your clients won’t be able to find anywhere in the world.
Photo by icemanphotos on Shutterstock
With eco-tourism expected to rise in 2026, the Maldives is one of the best destinations to suggest to your clients. Airlines are increasingly adding new routes to the Maldives, including direct flights with Virgin Atlantic from the UK, with the Hanimaadhoo Airport being able to welcome over 1.2 million visitors once the new terminal opens.
While it’s long been a popular honeymoon destination, resorts are becoming increasingly family-friendly, and the variety of on-site activities at hotels means there’s something on the itinerary to please everyone.
20. Bahamas, the Caribbean
Where to stay: Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau
When it comes to beach vacations, it’s hard to overlook the Bahamas. It’s the ultimate island getaway and is becoming increasingly popular as a cruise port, with most tourists heading to Nassau. February is the ultimate time to visit in the off-season, as the islands are free of the holiday crowds and you can enjoy the sandy white beaches and historical sites before the spring break crowd arrives in March. Daily temperatures in the Bahamas range from 17°C to 25°C during this time, making it easier to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on the island with the lower humidity.
Popular tourist activities include swimming with turtles.
Photo by Tetsuo Arada on Shutterstock
Any visit to the Bahamas needs to include a trip to the Pirates of Nassau Museum and the Queen’s Staircase in downtown Nassau. Foodies will want to head to Arawak Cay, famous for its seafood cuisine, while a quick boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island will bring guests to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Other popular tourist activities include swimming with turtles and visiting Lucayan National Park.
21. Costa Rica, Central America
Where to stay: Les Voiles Blanches Tamarindo
Another country that experiences its dry season in February is Costa Rica. Famous for its biodiversity, Costa Rica is a country that every adventure-seeker will feel right at home in. Whether it’s ziplining through Monteverde, spotting monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park, or surfing at the famous Tamarindo beach, it’s easy to spend several weeks in the beauty and tranquility of Costa Rica.
Surfers will find the best waves on the Caribbean side of the island.
Photo by Vadim 777 on Shutterstock
This month brings pleasant weather with daily temperatures between 17°C and 28°C and comes right after peak tourist season, giving you lots of opportunities to get a budget-friendly deal for your clients after the monsoon season.
22. Kenya, East Africa
Where to stay: Yaya Towers & Hotel
Another 2026 trend worth mentioning is off-season safaris, including in Kenya in February. The country’s dry season makes it easier to spot animals during jeep safaris, including at Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. February comes at the tail end of peak season, offering slightly more competitive prices for visitors, while giving them the unique experience of seeing animals during calving season.
Nairobi is one of the most popular areas for wildlife enthusiasts.
Photo by Leo Kohout on Shutterstock
Nairobi is one of the most popular areas for wildlife enthusiasts, where tourists can visit the elephant nursery run by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust daily from 11 am to noon. Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak, and this is an ideal time to climb or walk specific trails on the mountain, while visitors can also book boat trips along Lake Naivasha.
23. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where to stay: Arena Copacabana Hotel
We’re rounding up this travel guide by mentioning the ultimate winter sun destination – Rio de Janeiro. When it comes to carnivals, nowhere does it better than Rio. Your clients can put themselves at the heart of the action with parades and street parties throughout the city, from Copacabana Beach to Sugarloaf Mountain. Daily temperatures in the city range from 24°C to 31°C.
When it comes to carnivals, nowhere does it better than Rio.
Photo by Celso Pupo on Shutterstock
You’ll want to keep some flexibility in your client’s itinerary, as they can expect rain almost daily, as this falls during the middle of Brazil’s humid summer. Make sure to recommend popular attractions like visiting the Christ the Redeemer Statue, the Selaron Steps, Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, and Tijuca National Park.
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