February is often thought of as the gloomiest month of the year. The merry celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s Eve are long forgotten, and the warm embrace of spring seems completely out of reach.
But things don’t have to be this way. February isn’t a month that has to be endured. Turn things around, make plans to visit one of these fantastic February vacation destinations, and you’ll soon discover that this “dreary” month can actually be enjoyed!
Whether you’re seeking frosty landscapes to embrace the season or you’re yearning for tropical getaways to escape the cold, February presents a multitude of captivating destinations just waiting to be explored. Today, you’ll embark on a journey that spans from snow-covered Swiss Alps to the sun-kissed shores of Phuket, from the untamed beauty of Patagonia to the lush tropical paradise of St. Lucia.
These 10 remarkable destinations, including Canada’s pristine winter landscapes, the romantic allure of Italy, the diverse beauty of North America, and the vivacious celebrations of Brazil’s Carnival, are sure to inspire you, whatever type of vacation you’re seeking.
Now is the time to satisfy your wanderlust. Embrace the winter wonderland or bask in the warmth of the tropics as we uncover the very best places to visit in February.
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The 10 Best Places to Visit in February
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
For a spectacular skiing experience, the Swiss Alps is one of the best places to visit in February. This sprawling mountain range covers three-fifths of Switzerland and includes one of the most luxurious and sophisticated ski resort towns in Europe – St. Mortiz.
St. Moritz is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and is considered one of the world’s top winter sports destinations. Here, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in the Engadin Valley’s beautiful landscapes.
If you’d rather stay warm, cozy up in one of the many spas that are fed by the town’s natural thermal springs. There’s also luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end entertainment to keep you busy.
2. Phuket, Thailand
If you want to be as far away from the cold as possible, Phuket is one of the best places to travel to in February. This is the dry season for the island. So, although prices will be a little higher than in other months, you’ll get to make the most of cloudless skies, dazzling sunshine, and minimal chance of rain showers.
The beaches in the northern part of the island are wonderful places when you want to surround yourself in complete peace and quiet. If you’d rather party throughout your vacation, head to the Patong district, where you’ll find golden beaches dotted with all kinds of cool bars.
3. Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia
February is also the peak season for Chilean Patagonia. Although this means you’ll have to deal with some crowds when you visit, it also means that most walking and hiking trails will be open, so you can fully enjoy your surroundings.
One of the top places to visit in February for adventurers, the Torres del Paine National Park is bursting with exceptional hiking routes, awe-inspiring granite towers, fascinating wildlife, and spectacular glacial lakes.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more daring, you’ll be glad to hear that the national park is also a hub for adventure sports, with horseback riding, kayaking, and rock climbing all available.
4. St. Lucia, Caribbean
There are countless reasons why St. Lucia is one of the top places to travel in February. This little piece of paradise offers something for absolutely everyone. From golden sandy beaches with water that’s perfect for swimming to rainforests that boast incredible hiking trails that take you to spectacular viewpoints, this Eastern Caribbean island will win you over instantly.
For a dramatic panorama you’ll never want to leave, hike to the top of Gros Piton. Located on the southwestern coast of St. Lucia, the summit of this mountain rewards you with a breathtaking 360° view of the lush, mountainous terrain, the Caribbean Sea, and the neighboring Petit Piton. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes 4-5 hours, depending on how long you spend at the top.
5. Banff National Park in Canada
If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll struggle to beat Banff National Park in February. At this time of year, you’ll have the chance to spot 50+ unique species of mammals and 260+ species of birds. Be on the lookout for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, red foxes, common redpolls, ptarmigans, and bald eagles.
February is right in the heart of winter in Banff National Park, when the park is blanketed in snow, transforming it into a magical winter wonderland. Try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, or ice climbing before warming up in the mineral-rich waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
6. Rome, Italy
The start of the year is low season in Rome, making it one of the best places to go in February if you want to avoid the crowds. At this time of year, temperatures are around a cool 50°F (10°C), but if you wrap up warm and spend plenty of time enjoying indoor activities, this really isn’t a problem.
One of the best places to spend your time is inside the Vatican Museums. This collection of galleries dates back to the 16th century and includes the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms. February is such a quiet time for Rome that you’ll practically have the place all to yourself!
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming USA
Create memories you’ll be telling people about for years by visiting the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole. One of the top February holiday destinations, this protected area is home to one of the largest and most iconic elk herds in North America. As long as there’s enough snow on the ground, you can book a sleigh ride and be pulled along Santa-style!
Elk aren’t the only animals you’ll spot here. Take a scenic drive through the enchanting landscape and you’ll have the chance to spot everything from bison, bighorn sheep, and mule deer to wolves, coyotes, and bald eagles. Head a little further afield into the other parts of Jackson Hole, and you’ll also get to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One of the best places to vacation in February if you like to party, Rio de Janeiro hosts its world-famous Carnival at this time of year. The 5-day extravaganza leading up to Lent includes epic street parties, incredible parades, and loads of lively samba music. Tickets sell out remarkably quickly, so grab yours as soon as you can.
Carnival isn’t the only reason to visit Rio de Janeiro in February. This month is also a fantastic time to soak up the sun on the city’s beaches, ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, and check out one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – Christ the Redeemer.
9. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is located in the Arctic Circle, making it one of the best holiday destinations in February if you’re dreaming of spotting the elusive Northern Lights. The city doesn’t get any real daylight at all during this month, although you can expect a few twilight hours during the day. So much darkness creates the ideal conditions for the natural light phenomenon to look bright and spectacular.
There are plenty of other things to do in Tromsø at this time of year, too. The city is home to a fantastic variety of wildlife, and in February, you have the chance of spotting moose, reindeer, and seabirds. Alternatively, if you’d prefer something a little more energetic, the city is a great place for trying dog sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
10. Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
While most of the world is still battling winter, Turks and Caicos enjoys wonderful temperatures of up to 83°F (28°C) in February. And because this month falls well outside the hurricane season, you can be sure of clear skies and dry weather. This creates the perfect conditions for whale watching, snorkeling, or simply dosing on picture-perfect beaches.
For an incredible experience you’ll want to tell everyone about, make plans to go horseback riding along Long Bay Beach. This beach is renowned for its unspoiled beauty, with its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters. It looks and feels even more magical when you’re admiring the view from the back of a horse wading through the water!
There you have it! The 10 best places to visit in February. What’s your favorite destination to travel to in February?
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