The best places to visit in February
By the time we get to February, UK winter feels like it’s dragged on forever. Which is why it’s a great time to book a holiday… It brings winter to an early end (kind of) and gives you something to look forward to through the cold, dark days. Plus, if you don’t need to work around school holidays, it’s one of the cheapest times of year to book a trip abroad.
These are some of the best countries to visit in February.
Latin America
Colombia
As much as I love Colombia, it’s fair to say that this isn’t a country that you can visit at any time of year. Rather than having seasons that are clearly defined, like we do in Europe, Colombia’s seasons are defined by being either wet or dry. February is one of the driest and warmest months, making it the perfect time to visit all the different scenery that Colombia has to offer.
Explore the jungle in Tayrona, go to the beach on the Caribbean north coast, hike through the mountains in Salento, and get stuck into the culture and vibes of Medellin, one of my favourite cities in the world.
Read our full Colombia itinerary here.
Mexico
I love Latin America and Mexico was my first taste of it. In February, the weather is good… it’s hot and dry, and perfect for exploring everything the country has to offer from cities to beaches. We spent three weeks here, but you could easily spend longer if you’re looking to plan longer travels.
Here’s how we spent three weeks in Mexico.
Oceania
Australia
February is the last true month of summer in Australia. In most of the country it’s still hot and dry, but the rainy season starts in the tropical north coast. If you’re planning a holiday to Australia in February, focus on the south coast like Tasmania, Sydney, and Melbourne. I loved Australia so much more than I expected to. We arrived at the end of February/start of March and the weather was near-perfect for us the whole time.
Read our full three week Australia itinerary here.
Europe
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands benefit from good weather almost all year round. But in February, they’re free of the summer crowds, making them a far more peaceful and laid-back place to catch some winter sun. We love the landscapes in Lanzarote, beaches of Gran Canaria, and the hiking trails in Tenerife, and the surfing in Fuerteventura. Forget the ‘Brits abroad’ reputation… you don’t have to look far to find beauty, peace, and plenty of traditional culture in the Canaries. Plus, it’s a perfect digital nomad spot thanks to being only one hour ahead of the UK in winter.
Tromsø
February is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in the arctic circle, making Tromsø a great place to take a holiday. It’s cold and snowy, but there’s still so much to explore including arctic fjord cruises and dog sledding.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Tromsø.
Asia
Sri Lanka
February is one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is warm and dry. You can visit the tea fields, wander towns like Kandy and Ella, hike in the Knuckles Mountains, take the iconic blue train, and relax at the beaches on the south coast… all in glorious sunshine.
Find out how we spent two weeks in Sri Lanka here.
The Philippines
In the rainy season, you can’t really visit the beach or go snorkelling so planning the timing of your trip to the Philippines is important. In February, The Philippines are warm, dry, and not too humid. It’s the perfect weather for exploring beaches, island hopping, and taking boat trips to lakes and shipwrecks. It really is a paradise on Earth, but you’ll need two weeks or longer to really make the most of the experience. Of course Palawan is a popular attraction, but there is so much more of The Philippines to discover.
Find out how we spent two weeks in The Philippines here.