20 best places to visit in February 2024

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

As the harsh winter months begin to make way for the spring and the allure of the holiday season fades, many of us feel like escaping away in the month of February.

The best places to visit in February for each traveller depend largely on the type of intended destination and holiday companion.

We’ve created a list of the best places to go in February and included a variety of destinations for solo travellers, families and couples alike.

Here’s our selection of the best places to visit in February 2024

Best places to visit in February 2024 in Asia

Galle, Sri Lanka

Enjoy the rich history of the city

If you and your partner are looking to get off the beaten path, then Galle is one of the best places to visit in February. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a rich history worth exploring. It’s the perfect destination for couples looking to take it slow and explore.

Make sure to check out the range of museums alongside the natural harbour and St Mary’s Cathedral.

READ MORE: Sri Lanka is also one of the best babymoon destinations in the world

Lahore, Pakistan

Get acquainted with the country’s culture while backpacking

Lahore is a cultural hub with a diverse range of food, people from different ethnicities and rich architecture. The day temperature in February hits an average of 22 degrees Celsius, which is optimal to explore a ton of monuments in Lahore.

The city offers a range of luxury hotels, mid-range AirBnBs and backpacker prices to suit the budget of any traveller.

Be sure to head to Lahore Fort and Wazir Khan Mosque to get a taste of the rich culture in Lahore.

Hong Kong

Explore the city one dish at a time

February is one of the better months to visit Hong Kong, although it might be slightly chilly. This beats dealing with heavy rain and high temperatures that are common from July to September.

Hong Kong’s the place if you’re looking for a taste of the food culture in the East. It’s famous for its local cuisine, be ready to eat if you’re going to visit. A few unique, must-try dishes are Dim Sum, Lo Mai Gai and Roast Goose. Neon-lit streets and bustling night markets,

Beyond the neon-lit streets and night markets, however, you can also choose to take day trips up to epic viewpoints or join island tours.

Siargao, Philippines

Perfect for surfing and the beach

February bids the monsoon season goodbye as the skies start to clear. You can avoid the hordes of travellers coming as the weather starts to perk up and still take advantage of surfing season. The atmosphere in Siargao is welcoming and warm.

No trip here is complete without surfing and beach activities. If you do not know how to surf, the abundance of resorts around the island offer lessons and facilities.

READ MORE: Siargao made our list of the best places to visit this year

Udaipur, India

Have an unforgettable date with your significant other

One of my favorite fantasy spots for romantic getaways is Udaipur. Often referred to as “The Venice of the East” or the “City of Lakes”, the vibrant atmosphere and deep culture here makes it a beautiful destination for couples.

The calm waters of Lake Pichola are great to take a boat ride on with your significant other. In the daytime, the Lake Palace and other picturesque architecture will make for a wonderful backdrop in wefies.

Best places to visit in February 2024 in the US and Americas

Los Cabos, Mexico

For fun family vacations

Family holidays should be all about fun activities and family bonding. Los Cabos has a variety of entertainment options to keep everyone happy.

It is one of the best places to visit in February if you love marine life as whale watching season is in full flow this time of year and you can also catch a glimpse at stingrays and sharks.

It’s also only a short drive to the renowned Playa El Médano beach in Cabo which is home to an array of water sports and nightlife spots.

Montreal, Canada

For endless activities to enjoy as a family

Montreal is a great destination for families on winter vacations.

Not only do kids get to enjoy the usual winter activities such as ice skating, February has one of Montreal’s festivals: the Montreal Light Festival.

The city hosts events with art, entertainment and food that you can bring your family to.

New Orleans, USA

A hive of activity and celebration

One of the best places to visit in February is New Orleans. This time of year, the weather is hot, humid and vibrant. USA’s biggest party, Mardi Gras is happening this month, so fret not, there will be loads of activities to jam pack your schedule.

Get ready for the busiest party vacation you will experience with carnivals, floats and parades of every street. If you prefer a more mellow time, you can catch a musical at the Saenger Theatre, visit the aquarium and museums .

READ MORE: Mardi Gras made it to our list of the best and biggest festivals in the world

Costa Rica

The ecolover’s ideal destination

For those of you asking, where is hot in February? Costa Rica is the answer. With daytime temperatures of about 29°C, it is one of the best places to visit in February if you are seeking the sun.

Here you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty and biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer as an eco-paradise.

February is considered peak season in Costa Rica, so prices tend to get a little high, remember to budget wisely. If you are looking to save a little money, opt for local eateries and hostels.

READ MORE: Find out why Costa Rica also features in our list of best tropical destinations for your next holidays

Barranquilla, Colombia

Join in the biggest carnival on the entire continent

Where to go in February, try Barranquilla in Colombia — Prices are usually lowered and there are fewer crowds – except when you’re at the Barranquilla festival

If you’re travelling through South America, you’d definitely want to stop by Colombia and catch the Barranquilla festival which usually takes place at the end of the month. Each day is filled with parades, partying, and an endless procession of locals dancing in elaborate traditional costumes.

Besides the carnival, you can also embark on a tour of the other coastal settings nearby such as Cartenega and Santa Marta – which is home to the Tayrona national park, a beautiful national natural park.

Best places to go in February 2024 in Europe

Venice, Italy

Take part in joyous celebrations like a local

The legendary Venice Festival takes places in the first two weeks of February and is a must for those seeking to immerse themselves in European culture. Come prepared with a costume and a mask, and get ready to indulge in parades, concerts and massive parties.

There is something for everyone with street stalls serving delicious food and nightlife that goes on well into the night.

READ MORE: Venice is also one of the best romantic destinations for your anniversary

Athens, Greece

Ideal for uninterrupted exploring

If you are seeking hot weather, Athens isn’t one of the best places to go in February. However, the milder weather reduces air pollution and thins out the crowds, so exploring the iconic tourist attractions is easier than ever.

You can get the perfect photo at Acropolis of Athens or the Parthenon without any strangers hanging in the background.

READ MORE: Find out what are the seven wonders of the world

Barcelona, Spain

Enjoy perfect weather in Europe

Unlike its European counterparts, the temperature in Barcelona does not plunge to extremely low levels, which makes it an amazing destination to check off early in the year. The peak season is usually in summer, so drop by during this time.

Stay for the Spanish festivals and carnivals in the vicinity, there is so much going on here that you are guaranteed to find something for everyone.

READ MORE: Barcelona is also one of the world’s best places to travel alone, find out why!

Crete, Greece

Photogenic sceneries and perfect beaches

Located in the southside of the mainland, Crete is a great escape from the typical destinations like Mykonos or Santorini, and you still get to experience the beauty of Greece.

Just like Barcelona, the sultry weather is unlike the rest of Europe. Stay refreshed in one of the many beaches and take in the sights of the majestic waterfalls, gorges and creeks that are flowing in abundance.

READ MORE: Here are the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world

St Helena, UK

Spot whale sharks and other marine creatures

In St Helena, the days are warm and rainfall is minimal this time of year.

One thing you have to do here is to watch the magnificent sea creatures like turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. The sharks arrive in December, but the chance to spot them peaks in February, which makes St Helena the best places to visit in February. Check out the bars on Jamestown on weekends.

Best place to visit in February 2024 in Africa

Kenya, Africa

Ideal for a safari retreat

Where is hot in February? Kenya — Love animals and hot weather? Then make sure you visit Kenya in February

Forget checking out the local zoo, if you and your family love wildlife, then Kenya is one of the best places to go in February. For your dose of marine life, you can swim with whale sharks on the south coast.

But if it’s big game animals you prefer then February is perfect. The low rainfall brings large groups of animals to rivers and waterfalls, so taking the family on a safari means you have a high chance of spotting the Big Five: an African elephant, a lion, a leopard, a Cape Buffalo and a rhino.

Cape Town, South Africa

A great place for foodies and sun-seekers

Free from the usual festive-season crowds, Cape Town is a perfect place to lounge in the sun and avoid the rainy February weather. You have your pick of some of the most beautiful beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton or visit the slopes of Table Mountain.

Whether you’re there to hike, enjoy the weather, see the wildlife or just relax, Cape Town is a beautiful places to visit in February. We recommend trying the many amazing wines from the local wineries or indulging in the awesome South African cuisine when you’re down there.

Mauritius, Africa

Enjoy one of the most relaxing holidays of your life

Mauritius is one of the best places to visit in February — Mauritius in Africa is one of the best places to visit in February

Located just off the coast of Madagascar, this large island with just a one million residents is a cultural landmark, natural wonder and one of the most beautiful tropical islands you’ll ever visit. Travellers can expect moderate temperatures, gentle winds and ample sunshine during the whole month of February.

With amazing natural history and a lively local scene, travellers can visit bustling markets and awesome local festivals influenced by their strong Indian heritage.

READ MORE: Discover the most dangerous animals in the world

Best places to go in February 2024 in Australia

Australia, Sydney to Cairns

Have an amazing camping experience

Best places to visit in February, Sydney to Cairns — Right in the middle of the Australian summer, it’s great experience to take a trip from Sydney to Cairns

If you are looking for an out and out adventure, then Australia is perfect. February is during the height of summer, which makes it a popular tourist destination.

If you have the time, I recommend hiring a campervan in Sydney and dropping it off in Cairns. The east coast trip is popular with couples who have some extended vacation time as it can take a few weeks.

You will get to experience such a diverse range of landscapes, ranging from mountains, beaches, and rainforests.

Queenstown, New Zealand

A perfect escape for adventure and nature

Queenstown in New Zealand has an awesome reputation for being the adventure capital of the world. The idyllic town and surrounding nature wonderland offer some of the best options for those looking to get their adrenalin pumping.

If you like sky diving, white water rafting, zipline riding, bungee jumping, trekking and mountain biking don’t hesitate to book your trip to Queenstown. For those looking for something a bit more sedate, you can consider cruise on the famous Lake Wakatipu.

The best places to visit in February 2024

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Europe or explore the wildlife of Africa, the best places to go in February will largely depend on your timeframe. For shorter trips you could try a city break like Venice but if you have the time treat yourself to a real Australian adventure. Which of the best places to visit in February will you choose?