Wondering where it’s hot in February? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve compiled this list of incredible destinations for your next unforgettable winter getaway!
February is the smart traveler’s time to get out to some amazing warm-weather destinations! The majority of the U.S., Canada, and Europe are experiencing brutal winter weather conditions, and there’s no better cure for that seasonal depression than getting a much-needed dose of Vitamin D in one of these beautiful sunny destinations!
Now, it really just depends on how much time you’ve got off work, how long you’re willing to fly, and which sort of adventure you’re in the mood for! For the most part, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing summer and warm weather. Parts of Asia, the southern regions of Europe, like Spain and the northern parts of Africa are also warm.
Whichever destination you choose to explore, you’ll find a welcome relief from the chill of the northern hemisphere. So here are 19 of the best places to travel in February 2025!
1) Cape Town, South Africa
Let’s start off the list with one of my new favorite cities in the world — CAPE TOWN! I just visited for my first time this year and South Africa is a destination that will keep me coming back every year for more road trips, wine-tasting, safaris, scuba-diving, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
February is the hottest month of the South African summer, so there’s no better time to visit the “Mother City” at the southern tip of the continent than when you can fully soak up the sun on its iconic beaches.
While the northern part of South African can experience many summer thunderstorms, Cape Town weather in February is typically dry, beach-friendly, and will provide an unforgettable winter getaway.
Cape Town is just a jumping off point though – as just outside the city there are endless amounts of things to do like visit The Cape Winelands region, embark on a road trip along the Garden Route, or just explore the southern Cape south of the city.
While flights to South Africa might be a bit on the expensive side, everyone who visits loves it, and is a favorite among people looking for warm places to travel in February!
Average Maximum Temperature: 26°C/79°F
Top 5 Activities in Cape Town
- Hike the famous Table Mountain
- Visit a beach, but be warned – the water can still be a bit chilly even in February!
- Make a few day trips to the Cape Winelands. I’d personally recommend Franschhoek!
- Try to get to one of the several music festivals going on.
- Spare a few days for a trip up the Garden route.
2) The Maldives
Paradise is calling your name! The Maldives in February might just be the ultimate winter escape!
Spend your days jumping into the ocean from your overwater villa, sipping on cocktails by the pool, and enjoying some relaxation at the spa. There are plenty of choices for resorts and islands to choose from, and it all depends on your budget and what you’re looking for – so start doing your research and plan your Maldives getaway!
While many people think that the Maldives is strictly for honeymooners or for wealthy/ luxury travelers, it is also absolutely possible to visit the Maldives on a budget. There are ferries from the main city of Male to tons of different idyllic local islands like Thulusdhoo or Maafushi where you can find cheap accommodation and still experience the natural beauty of the Maldives!
While it’s a pretty warm destination year-round, February is also the driest month of the year so you won’t have to worry about your vacation being ruined by excessive rainfall. The days are long, the waters are calm and blue, and the islands are simply unforgettable.
Average Maximum Temperature: 30°C/87°F
I actually spent an entire month in the Maldives, so be sure to read some of my articles here for some travel inspiration:
- The Westin Maldives Resort Review | Heavenly Luxurious in Every Way
- Top 14 Things to do on Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives
- Kurumba Maldives Resort Review | The first Maldives Resort!
- 67 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Visit at Kanuhura Maldives
Top 5 Activities in the Maldives
- Snorkel or scuba with some of the most exotic sea life on the planet!
- Island hop – you have more than a thousand islands to choose from.
- Book at least one night in a luxurious overwater villa.
- Indulge in a myriad of watersports.
- Take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhoni.
3) Wellington, New Zealand
“I’m going on an adventure!” – The Hobbit
The thriving capital of New Zealand, Wellington, is an absolutely incredible city, and February is the peak of the New Zealand summer. My visit here many years ago had me contemplating moving there for a year or two – that’s how much I LOVE this place.
It’s a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the North Island, or hopping on a ferry down to South Island! Wellington has a buzzing restaurant scene, wild nightlife, and plenty of things to do to keep you busy!
While Wellington is typically known for receiving a decent amount of rain & windy weather, February is the ideal month to visit New Zealand for warm & sunny days! While it may be one of the more difficult destinations to reach, it’s guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C/88°F
Top 5 Activities in Wellington, New Zealand
- Try one of the nine great walks, some of which can last for days.
- Waitangi Day is a major Maori cultural celebration, with many events and celebrations.
- Explore Fiordland National Park.
- Climb one of the amazing mountains that are usually covered in snow in winter.
- Wellington Summer City – a program of fun summer events in the city.
4) Phuket, Thailand
“Trust me, it’s paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven’t tried before. So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience.” – The Beach | Filmed at Maya Bay, Thailand
Thailand is easily one of my favorite countries in the world, and February is an ideal time to visit as it’s the tail end of the main tourist season. While Phuket still may be busy, it’s just a jumping off point to explore the wondrous Thai islands in the Andaman Sea.
I’d recommend booking a nice luxury hotel in Phuket for a few nights, and then book ferries to explore Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Ko Yao Yai, and many more! While a visit to Phuket on its own will be great as it has tons of stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, delicious food, scuba-diving, etc.
Average Maximum Temperature: 32°C/90°F
I’ve written quite a bit about traveling around Thailand, so check out a few of them below for more information!
- 10 Day Thailand Itinerary For First-Timers
- The 10 Best Music Festivals in Thailand
- The Ultimate 2-Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Three Weeks in Thailand Itinerary
- Magic Mushrooms in Thailand
- The Best Hostels in Thailand for Backpackers
Top 5 Activities in Phuket, Thailand
- Visit the Islands on day trips – Phi Phi, Pha Nga Bay, and others are within reach.
- Take in a Cabaret show – they are legendary in Thailand.
- Venture down Bangla Road – the walking street of Patong.
- Pay respects at the Big Buddha at Nakkerd Hills
- Attend a Muay Thai event
5) Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is the most popular Mexican beach destination, and having been multiple times I understand why! With its plethora of hotels lining the white sand beaches with pristine blue water, thriving restaurant scene, and wild nightlife – a quick trip down to Cancun would provide a perfect winter getaway in February.
You can spend your days eating and drinking at an all-inclusive resort, or rent a car and road trip around the Yucatán Peninsula marveling at ancient ruins and swimming in the famous cenotes.
One of the best parts about visiting Cancun (at least for my USA readers) is that there are pretty much always incredible travel deals & cheap flights to this Mexican hotspot. If you’re visiting Cancun on an extended trip, I’d also highly recommend checking out Isla Holbox, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum for more fun in the sun!
Average Maximum Temperature: 29°C/84°F
Top 5 Activities to do in Cancun
- The Beach, of course, should be your first and last stops in Cancun.
- Visit Chichén Itzá, the largest pyramid in Yucatan.
- Learn something at the weird and wonderful Cancun Underwater Museum.
- Try a jetpack ride over the water
- Go on a day trip to the island Isla Mujeres
6) Melbourne, Australia
Globally recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is the cultural hotspot in Australia and deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. And while Melbourne is notorious for experiencing “all four seasons in a day”, February is the warmest month of the year making it an ideal winter trip that’ll keep you busy with its endless amounts of things to do!
There are an abundance of park runs, free concerts, music festivals, markets and so much going on! One particular highlight is the inflatable regatta, which can have up to 4000 crazy paddlers out on the water. Also, the St Kilda Music Festival sees almost 400,000 people attending, and is totally free! That’s not counting the numerous private barbies on the go, whether or not there’s a cricket game on – it is summer after all.
Melbourne is one of those cities you need to visit to understand what makes it so special. It has a really amazing European vibe, incredible art and coffee scene, and the best nightlife in all of Australia. You can spend weeks trying all the different cafes and rooftop bars, and still not even scratch the surface! A trip to Australia in February would an amazing decision, and Melbourne would be a great place to start!
If you do make your way down under, be sure to rent a car and embark on the famous Great Ocean Road for 1-2 nights! It’s one of my personal favorite road-trips in the world and cannot be missed!
Average Maximum Temperature: 26°C/79°F
My blog is FILLEd with articles on Melbourne, so check out a few of these posts for some more inspiration:
- The BEST MELBOURNE Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Melbourne
- The 20 Best Airbnb’s in Melbourne, Australia | St. Kilda, Southbank, CBD, and more!
- The 15 Best Day Trips From Melbourne | From the Great Ocean Road to Yarra Valley
- The 20 Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
- Top 130 Music Festivals in Melbourne To Experience Before You Die
- The 17 Best Hostels in Melbourne For Backpackers & Budget Travelers
Top 5 Activities in Melbourne
- Rock out at the St Kilda Music Festival
- Enjoy the food and music at the South Melbourne Night Market
- Take a boat cruise and swim with the seals if you dare.
- Check out the amazing street art at Centre Place.
- Explore the incredible Aboriginal art and culture at Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre.
7) Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is always a good idea!
Nicknamed “the Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface, Kauai is my personal favorite of the 8 commonly visited islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast will leave you speechless, and the countless adventure tours offered on this island will certainly get your adrenaline pumping!
While February is technically Kauai’s rainy season – it’s also the main tourist season because of the warm days and winter sun. When it does rain though, it doesn’t last too long, and you’ll be reward with plenty beautiful iconic Hawaii rainbows!
Average Maximum Temperature: 25°C/78°F
Top 5 Activities in Kauai, Hawaii
- Hike the Nā Pali coast – you may spot a whale in the waters!
- Watch the Poipu Beach turtles and seals go about their business.
- Try each of the beaches along the south coast of the island.
- Fall in love with Wailua Falls.
- Take a helicopter tour for a jaw-dropping aerial view of the island.
8) Singapore
Singapore is one of my personal favorite cities in Asia, and is another destination on this list that could be visited year-round. But I’d argue that the best time to explore Singapore is in February because it’s the month of Chinese New Year! There are lots of decorations, events, and fun things to do to get you in the holiday spirit.
Average Maximum Temperature: 33°C/87°F
Top 5 Activities in Singapore
- Explore Gardens By The Bay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands!
- Don’t miss the countdown street party to Chinese New Year.
- Be awed by the best float parade in all of Asia – the Chingay Parade.
- Delve deep into the world of top fashion and luxury shopping in Orchard Road
- See a 360-view of Singapore from the Sands Skypark deck 57 floors up.
9) Palm Springs, California
With its wondrous landscape, Indian casinos, and year-round weather, Palm Springs is a must for your California bucket list! While February is one of the cooler months that Palm Springs has to offer, it’s a far more comfortable stay than the 108°F often experienced in June and July.
There’s not much rain, and it’s a popular winter-time getaway for American travelers. Boasting a varied selection of attractions that appeal to warm weather seekers, Palm Springs often doubles or triples its population in the holiday season.
If golfing, gambling, hiking, and partying sounds like a good time – then Palm Springs would be a fun and easy warm place to visit for you this February!
Average Maximum Temperature: 23°C/75°F
Top 5 Activities in Palm Springs
- Find an oasis at Joshua Tree National Park.
- Relive the victory of World War IIs airplanes at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
- Go up the mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Take a photo with Mr T Rex in front of the Dino Museum
- Take a celebrity home tour – many lived and played in the area over the years.
10) Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is a beachgoer’s paradise because the sun shines brightly for most of the year and it offers some of the bluest and warmest waters in the world! The secret win is that you won’t have to worry about hurricane season in February, and the temperatures will be absolutely perfect for a quick winter retreat.
While Nassau is a popular port city for Caribbean cruises, I think it’s definitely worth hopping on a flight to explore all of the Bahamas beautiful beaches and soak up some sun.
Similar to Cancun, there tend to be amazing flight deals with Nassau in February, and tons of incredible accommodation options from luxury hotels to charming airbnbs for you to become a full Bahama mama!
Average Maximum Temperatures: 25°C/78°F
Top 5 Activities in Nassau, Bahamas
- Swim with the pigs in the Exuma Caves
- Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center
- Take a break from the beach, but not the water at Aquaventure Water Park
- Relax on Salt Cay – better known as Blue Lagoon Island (Say hi to the sea lions.)
- Swim with the majestic rays at Stingray City.
11) Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is known for its rambunctious party scene during the peak summer season, but a trip to Ibiza in February would be quite the experience as well! Mainly because its carnival month, complete with street parades, costumes, and wild street parties. The whole island is in on it, so matter where you go, you’ll be a part of the show!
While okay, so it might not be the hottest time of the year for Ibiza, there’s little rain and still lots of sunshine. In Europe, it’s still one of the warmer places in February to visit! The temperature of the water will be a bit cold, but the island is filled with picturesque beaches, wonderful restaurants, and you’ll be able to find accommodation for a fraction of the price (compared to a trip to summer trip to the Balearic Islands).
Average Maximum Temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Top 5 Activities in Ibiza
- Get away from the noise – visit the relatively remote lighthouse at Punta d’es Moscarter.
- Walk among the almond trees in Santa Inés.
- Explore the alleys of Ibiza Cathedral.
- Hit the beach at Talamanca.
- Visit Horse Valley, a rescue haven for ponies and horses, who now provide visitors with excursions.
12) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
When contemplating where to visit in February, Mexico should be a top choice for travelers in the U.S! With cheap direct flights departing daily to Puerto Vallarta, it would be a perfect and convenient weekend getaway filled with day-drinking on the beach, top-notch resorts, and delicious Mexican food!
Also, February is the best time for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, and you may even be lucky enough to see freshly-born baby humpbacks in the water!
I visited Puerto Vallarta last year, and ended up spending a couple nights up at Punta De Mita at The W Hotel, and I absolutely fell in love with it! Would be a truly fantastic winter escape.
Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C/80°F
Top 5 Activities in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
- Go in search of humpback whales – they are around!
- Take a day trip to Bucerías to get away from the tourist hustle.
- Visit the market and enjoy the atmosphere of the Zona Romántica.
- Spend an afternoon on Playa Los Muertos, and see the Los Muertos Pier.
- Walk the mile-long oceanfront Malecon Promenade.
13) Costa Rica
Poas volcano in Costa Rica
Central American countries are a safe bet for warm destinations in February! It’s the driest season, but it’s also the perfect time to try some water-based activities in Costa Rica. Head to the rivers for rafting, or even on a day trip out to the coast for swimming and snorkeling. While there are no dinosaurs, despite what the movies may suggest, there are plenty of stunning volcanoes you can visit!
Poas Volcano is one of the most visually stunning. Visit Poas Volcano National Park, and make a point of seeing the crater lake. February is the best time to do this, as in cooler months, the mountains and volcanoes are often covered by clouds.
Average Maximum Temperature: 22°C/72°F
For all the music festival fans out there, you could also check out the legendary Envision Festival from February 17-24, 2020! It’s about a 3-4 hour drive away from San Jose, but trust me – it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget!
Top 5 Activities in Costa Rica
- Visit and walk a volcano trail.
- Enjoy the cultural activities of the CENAC Summer Festival, which celebrates the spoken word, films, books and stories.
- Hike the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Attend the Sun Festival, the Mayan New Year in the last week of February.
- Experience the carnival-like atmosphere at Mardi Gras in Esterillos – a good party!
14) Cairo, Egypt
February is the best time to visit Cairo, because it’s actually one of the cooler months here! The Egyptian winter, by most Northern Hemisphere standards, is still gloriously warm, though, and worth the visit. There’s much to see and do in Cairo, covering a history that spans thousands of years.
Cairo, although infamously chaotic, is definitely a bucket-list destination, and would be the perfect start to your Egyptian explorations! If you’re keen for scuba-diving, then head down to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, and Taba Heights for some incredible diving in the Red Sea!
Average Maximum Temperature: 21 °C/ 70°F
Top 5 Activities in Cairo
- It goes without saying, but visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx to feel ancient Egypt.
- By contrast, walk the old Coptic City for a fascinating look into Christian history in Egypt.
- Shop in the alleyways of the Khan Al Khalili.
- Visit the majestic Salah El-Din Citadel.
- Feast on some delicious Egyptian street food!
15) Barbados
Who says no to a tropical holiday? Barbados has pristine beaches, incredibly warm weather, and no hurricanes in February! This month also sees the annual Holetown Festival take place, which is a huge celebration with street events, parties, a beauty pageant, and lots of music and theater! Happening in 2020 from February 16-23!
When this isn’t happening, Holetown Beach has calm waters to swim in, a lovely boardwalk to stride, and great regular weekend parties and nightlife.
Average Maximum Temperature: 29°C/ 84°F
Top 5 Activities in Barbados
- See as much as you can at the Holetown Festival.
- Swim with leatherback turtles.
- Go underground as you explore Harrison’s Cave.
- Go underwater on the Atlantis Submarine experience.
- Spend every day on a different gorgeous beach.
16) Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale rarely sees a raincloud this time of year, and the temperatures are exactly what you’ll need to see some winter beach time in the U.S.A. But there are also a number of large events scheduled for Florida at this time. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is foodie heaven, and the celebrations around PRIDE Fort Lauderdale spark numerous parties, a fashion show, and even a beach bash.
A visit to Fort Lauderdale (and Miami) in February would also be a fantastic excuse to hop on a Caribbean cruise, but that would require a whole separate article!
Average Maximum Temperature: 25°C/78°F
Top 5 Activities in Fort Lauderdale
- Cheer the athletes on in the Publix A1A Marathon.
- Find inspiration in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.
- Take a spectacular Los Olas gondola ride – a sunset cruise if you can.
- Party at one or more of the PRIDE weekend parties.
- Rev it up at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
17) Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is perfect for a February beach holiday. You can cool off from the heat in calm, blue waters of several swimmable beaches. In a typical Carribean style, the atmosphere is laid-back. And you can see amazing and abundant sea life while swimming with dolphins or sharks. There’s also a plethora of glorious all-inclusive resorts at decent prices so you could enjoy a nice relaxing winter sun vacation in paradise!
Average Maximum Temperature: 27°C/81°F
Top 5 Activities in Peninsula Papagayo
- Swim in the 250 foot-deep sinkhole at the Hoyo Azul.
- Surf or swim at Macao Beach, voted one of the best in the Caribbean.
- See a top impersonator performance at Coco Bongo, including Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, and other favorites.
- Carefully try a Mama Juana traditional Dominican drink.
- Try an into-the-water zip line and swim at Scape Park.
18) Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca – and Morocco in general – have some amazing beaches to visit. In February, the temperatures are starting to rise, so it’s a good time to visit before the scorching Sahara heat takes hold. And since you’re in a desert, remember that as hot as the day can be, so can the night get pretty cold!
Average Maximum Temperature: 32°C/90°F
Top 5 Activities in Casablanca
- Visit the courtyard of the King’s Palace.
- Discover the best food, pool and beaches in the La Corniche district.
- Browse through the truly unique Museum of Moroccan Judaism.
- Shop at one of Africa’s biggest shopping hubs – the Morocco Mall.
- Take a day trip out to Marrakech.
19) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Last, but CERTAINLY not least, The Rio Carnival is a world-renowned event, and is definitely one of the best places to visit in February for an unbelievably epic winter adventure! During carnival, the entire city of Rio will be bubbling in anticipation, with pre-parties, samba lessons and lots of tourists enjoying the height of the tourist season.
And that’s not counting the legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain. Brazil remains one of the best warm vacations in February!
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will be from February 28th to March 8th, 2025 – more info here: https://www.riocarnaval.org/
Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C/87°F
Top 5 Activities in Rio de Janeiro
- Find the samba music of Brazil in the Pedra do Sal.
- Take advantage of the Carnival countdown and join in the Samba lessons.
- Visit the incredible eco-focused Museum of Tomorrow.
- There’s nothing quite like a cable ride up to Urca Hill, and then onto Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Visit mount Corcovado, and embrace the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
What are your favorite February/ Warm Winter Destinations?
Now this list of winter destinations really could have gone on for ALOT longer, but I wanted to keep it down to 20! My birthday is in February, and I’m pretty much always traveling, and am looking forward to my next birthday trip (I’m thinking of going back to Melbourne actually).
I’d love to hear from you guys though! Where do you like visiting in February for some winter sun?
Final Thoughts on Warm Places in February
So, there’s certainly no excuse for you to stay cold this February unless you want to. There are carnivals happening all over the world, and even New Year’s celebrations for the Mayan and Chinese cultures to join.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the heat, you’ve got twenty warm places to visit in February on this list to explore. Beaches, hikes, mountains, caves and volcanoes – they’re all here. And even when these fail to inspire, there are museums, animals and so much more to visit in shorts or short sleeves.
Pack that suitcase with your best light clothes, and head for the sun this upcoming February!
Thanks for reading my article on Where is Hot in February!
Share these February winter holidays with your travel crew!
One of the great places to visit during February. For me, traveling is tied in with looking for new experiences. Furthermore, these experiences become considerably more fun when you can share them with an old buddy.
I hope this will also help you.
Thanks
Nicki
My birthday & my husband’s birthday is in February as well. Of the 20 listed, where which is the most cost effective?