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Where to Go in February: The Best Places to Travel
The depths of winter make for the heights of sightseeing in many destinations that are usually overcrowded: Think U.S. national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s also a prime time for extreme climates on either end of the spectrum, from the Middle East to Antarctica.
To understand what makes a trip WOW, read these recent reviews from our travelers. And don’t miss the rest of our “Where to Go” series on the best destinations for every month of the year.
Belize
Tobacco Caye overwater bungalow, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock
Nonstop flights to Belize take off from several U.S. cities that are only about three hours away. Once you’re there you can explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive (as Wendy’s son did), fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), and laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters—or you can charter your own private yacht, enjoying fabulous snorkeling, sunbathing, and kayaking.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Belize. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Mexico
Monarch butterflies are in full display in Michoacán in February. Photo: Scott Clark/Flickr
February is the best time to see the monarch butterfly migration in the Oyamel forests of Michoacan. After a 3,000 mile journey from the U.S. and Canada, millions of butterflies start to arrive to their wintering grounds in mid-November. They stay until late March, but February is ideal because the butterflies flutter more in the sun as temperatures rise.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Mexico. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Skiing in the Alps
Ski resort in the Aps. Photo: Shutterstock
February is the sweet spot for European skiing: It’s late enough in the season that you can count on fabulous, well-manicured snow, and the longer days give you more time on the slopes (or strolling a charming Alpine village nearby). Whether your desired homebase is a ski-in/ski-out hotel or a staffed chalet with room for the whole family, we can connect you to the right expert.
To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Costa Rica
Quetzal, Costa Rica. Photo: William Grandados R. Photography
February falls in the middle of Costa Rica’s dry season. Fill your days with hikes through the jungle, birdwatching in the cloud forest, visits to small sugar-cane and coffee plantations—and of course, plenty of time relaxing along the country’s storied coastlines.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Costa Rica. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Panama
Basimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Photo: Shutterstock
January and February see the best weather, with less humidity and a cool breeze in the mornings and afternoons. The sun goes down a bit earlier, but the sunsets are amazing.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Panama. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Chile and Argentina
Atacama Desert, Chile.
It’s summertime in the Southern Hemisphere: That means ideal weather just about everywhere in Chile and Argentina, from Chile’s Lakes District to Mendoza’s wine region to Patagonia. (But be warned: Temperatures in Buenos Aires can reach the high 90s.) If you’re headed to the Atacama Desert, time your trip for early in the month, when the lack of moonlight makes the night skies even more impressive than usual.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Chile and Argentina. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Lake Titicaca, Peru
The Fiesta de la Candelaria is one of the largest festivals in Peru.
Every February, a mix of Catholicism and Andean traditions are brought together in the Fiesta de la Candelaria, which takes place in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This is one of the largest festivals in the country, celebrated by dancers who come from all over Peru and Bolivia for several days of performances, processions, and competitions.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Peru. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Iceland
Northern Lights. Photo: kamilgrygo/Pixabay
February is one of the darkest months of the year in Iceland, bettering your chances of seeing the spectacular display of the Northern Lights. It’s also when the Winter Lights Festival takes place, with beautiful art installations and cultural events happening all around Reykjavik. Winters can be harsh and unpredictable, and some activities will be unavailable, but the dramatic snowy scenery—not to mention the extra time that locals have available for visitors—can make this a particularly satisfying time to visit and enjoy glacier hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and heli-skiing, topped off with a dip in a natural hot spring (which you may well have to yourself at this time of year) to rest your weary muscles.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Iceland. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Antarctica Cruises
Zodiac cruise through the ice, Antarctica. Photo: Abby Suplizio
By February the sea ice has melted, allowing for longer voyages and prime whale-watching when the humpbacks surface and feed. These shorter autumn days also allow glimpses of the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights. What’s more, the icebergs have been beautifully sculpted by summer winds—reflecting the sun’s rays like giant crystal chandeliers—and special offers often come available for these late-season departures.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Antarctica. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Southern Thailand
Ko Phi Phi Le, Thailand. Photo: Juan_Luis Pixabay
Southern Thailand is ideal in February, when the oceans are still relatively calm after the crowded peak season, and sunny skies and cooler temperatures prevail before the heat returns in April.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Thailand. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Cambodia
Angkor Wat at sunrise. Photo: Timothy Baker
In early February, the worst of the hot and steamy weather has not yet arrived—but the huge crowds that descend on Angkor Wat in January have already departed (just make sure to arrive after February 10 in 2024, to avoid Chinese New Year).
Read reviews of WOW trips to Cambodia. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
United Arab Emirates and Oman
Qasr al Sarab camel caravan, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Timothy Baker
February is one of the cooler months of the year for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. This makes it a great time to camp out in Oman’s Empty Quarter, where the sand dunes seem endless; visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi (a good portion of which is outside); or stroll among Dubai’s towering skyscrapers.
Read reviews of WOW trips to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Botswana
Elephants tussle in Botswana. Photo: Wilderness Safaris/Caroline Culbert
Prices are as much as 40 percent cheaper in February than during peak season, and the vegetation is lush and green from the rains. The periodic thunderstorms that roll through often provide beautiful rainbows, which form a great backdrop for your photos. Plus, many of the wildlife have babies—zebra, wildebeest, antelope—and the predators tend to be more prolific with the greater availability of prey. This is also a time when migratory birds in full, exquisitely colored breeding plumage are in residence.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Botswana. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Israel
Baha’i Gardens, Haifa, Israel. Photo: Touring Israel
In February Israel is virtually empty of tourists, so you have unfettered access to almost all of the sites without waiting in lines. If you are looking for the best rooms in the best hotels and the best tour guides—all at fabulous prices—this is the time to go. Temperatures are mild, in the 50s and 60s for the most part, and although you will have some rain, the scenery makes it feel like springtime in Vermont or Switzerland: green hills, colorful wildflowers, snowcapped peaks, and flowing streams and rivers.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Israel. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.
Other Smart Options This Month
Click on any of the destinations below to find out why February is a good time to go.
North America
British Columbia: snow sports & Northern Lights
Jackson Hole & the Grand Tetons: skiing
Oahu: whale-watching
The Rocky Mountains: skiing (first half of the month)
South America
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Trancoso
Colombia: Cartagena and Bogota
Galapagos Islands: swimming and snorkeling
Europe
Norway: winter activities
Paris: winter sales
Switzerland: skiing and winter fun
Venice: Carnevale
Asia
India: Delhi, Agra & the Taj Mahal and Mumbai
Vietnam: central coast
Africa and Middle East
Cape Town and Winelands, South Africa
Australia and Pacific
New Zealand: Bay of Islands and Queenstown
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