February is the year's shortest month, but it still offers the chance for meaningful travel. The hardest part will be selecting your 2025 destination.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway after the holidays or a thrilling adventure to kick off your year, there's a perfect destination waiting for you. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to visit in February.
1.St Lucia
Best for beaches
Among Caribbean locales competing for the title of "most romantic," St Lucia boasts some especially desirable features: a selection of exceptional luxury resorts overlooking stunning white-sand beaches caressed by the warm, turquoise Caribbean, and a rich history of cacao plantations that has rekindled a love for chocolate in recent years. February, with its coolest and clearest air, is the ideal time to embrace its most sensual delights.
Planning tip: Independence Day celebrations on February 22 include parades and local festivities – be prepared to party.
2.Montréal, Canada
Best for food
February in Montréal is chilly, but the city is well-adapted to its climate, as is its culinary scene. To consume the extra calories necessary to endure the frigid temperatures, indulge in the classics: Montréal bagels, smoked-meat sandwiches, and (of course) poutine. However, Montréal is now more diverse than ever, and its food offerings are equally varied. You can expect to savor Korean fried chicken, Haitian griot (fried pork chunks), Syrian kibbeh, and more.
3.Mendoza, Argentina
Best for wine lovers
This is the most exhilarating period to explore the core of Argentine wine country. Vineyards are prevalent here, with every hillside lined with vines, and in the hot, sunny month of February, they are abundantly laden with fruit in preparation for the March harvest. A festive ambiance prevails, with every bodega (approximately 900 in total) welcoming visitors for tours, tastings, and festivities. The leafy, serves as an excellent base.
4.Singapore
Best for street food
Year-round warmth is assured in Singapore, with average temperatures remaining a steady 27°C (81°F). February is notably one of the driest months, and visiting after the Lunar New Year (a national holiday) means avoiding the busiest crowds. The primary attraction, however, is the food. Hawker centers offer incredible cuisine in affordable, canteen-style settings, while high-end restaurants continue to improve. Be sure to try chili crab, spicy rendang curry, and a variety of Nonya dishes, which are unique to the region.
5.Wyoming, USA
Best for skiing
When snow blankets the Cowboy State, unique events unfold. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the Teton Mountains resort of Jackson Hole, known as “The Big One” for its steep, exhilarating terrain and excellent powder (driest and deepest in January and February). Further north, different adventures await in Yellowstone National Park. Bustling in summer, Yellowstone becomes quiet in winter. Park roads close, and the only ways to explore are by snow coach, snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. Geysers and hot springs emit steam in the cold air, and animals gather at the thermal areas for warmth.
6.Madeira, Portugal
Best for an island vacation
Madeira is an island characterized by dramatic topography rather than climatic extremes. Situated in the Atlantic, nearer to Morocco than its Portuguese homeland, it offers little flat terrain, with its landscape appearing strikingly rugged, and enjoys year-round sunshine. Notably, in February, while much of Europe experiences cold weather, Madeira enjoys temperatures reaching up to 20°C (68°F). Even during rain, the island's numerous microclimates allow visitors to find better weather by simply moving to another area. The mild winter is perfect for exploring the island's levadas (ancient irrigation channels) or unwinding with a poncha (a cocktail made with sugarcane spirit) at a bar overlooking the ocean. Madeira also offers a wide range of activities, from trail running to mountain biking and canyoning.
7.Tanzania
Best for a safari
February is an ideal month to visit northern Tanzania, as wildebeest herds traverse the plains and zebras graze on the short grass of the southern Serengeti, preparing for calving in early to mid-February. This brief dry season also provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, and some reserves like Selous and Ruaha are relatively peaceful, with reduced lodge rates. Be sure to visit Olduvai Gorge, the renowned “Cradle of Mankind” famous for early hominid discoveries, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.
8.Cambodia
Best for historic sites
Unwind on the golden beaches of Sihanoukville, explore the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, and set aside a few days to roam the monuments of Angkor: the weather in Cambodia during February is dry and delightful. It's warmer than the early dry season (October to January) but not yet unbearably hot, making this possibly the ideal month for discovering the expansive, UNESCO-listed Angkor complex.
Planning tip: Start in Siem Reap, granting Angkor the time it deserves. Then cruise on Tonlé Sap Lake. Head south for the haunting museums of Phnom Penh before beach time in Kep or Sihanoukville.
9.United Arab Emirates
Best for sun
The UAE is ready to be explored during this relatively pleasant month, with daytime temperatures hovering around 24°C (75°F). Don't restrict yourself to the resort beaches of Dubai; discover sandy stretches like Black Palace Beach, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, or Dibba in Fujairah. Enjoy some cultural experiences: visit the historic center and forts of the oasis city Al Ain; explore 10,000 years of history at the extensive Mleiha Archaeological Site; and see the world-class museums and galleries in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, including the stunning, dome-covered Louvre.
February’s dream trip: A polar-bear safari in Manitoba, Canada
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