February holiday destinations
The days are short and the weather’s chilly – time for a holiday? We think it’s a great time to travel – particularly if you want to escape those cold, dark nights. From short-haul sun to long-haul adventures, we’ve selected some of our favourite places to holiday in February.
Tenerife, Spain
For some winter sun without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are basking in the sunshine in February, with temperatures over 20C. See where volcanic landscapes meet crystal blue seas in Tenerife, along with an added bonus this month. The world’s second biggest carnival takes place in the island’s capital Santa Cruz, letting you embrace Canarian culture, colour and festivities. Or plan a Canary Island-hopping holiday, visiting La Gomera and La Palma as well.
Costa Blanca, Spain
There’s more to the Costa Blanca than the beaches, and February is a lovely month to explore some of the walking trails around the coast in this part of Spain. Far from the cold grey days in the UK, enjoy some gentle sunshine and pleasant temperatures as you wander through valleys and fruit orchards, discover Roman ruins, explore ancient pilgrimage paths and soak up the views of the Mediterranean along the way.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is one of the best places in Europe to go birdwatching, with more than 250 different species year-round plus migrating birds coming to its unspoiled natural reserves, lagoons and woodland. And February is a great month to see some migrating species beginning to arrive, as well as the start of the breeding season, with pleasant dry days to explore everywhere from the Ria Formosa in the eastern Algarve to the Salgados Lagoon.
Borneo
The wettest months are over in Borneo but the crowds have yet to arrive, so it’s a great time to visit key attractions like the orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sepilok as well as enjoying lush rainforest after the rains. There’s more than wildlife to discover here, with Jungle Book landscapes and silky white beaches and coral reefs on the coast, although it’s a perfect month to see proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants by the Kinabatangan River too.
New Orleans, USA
If you fancy experiencing a party like no other, head for New Orleans, USA, where you can immerse yourselves in incredible history, including the fight for civil rights, as well as eating delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine and feeling the city’s rhythm and blues deep in your soul. If you time your visit right, you could explore this Louisiana city during Mardi Gras when the streets erupt with parades and celebrations. Let the good times roll!
Vietnam
With three different climates across Vietnam, picking one month to travel can be tricky, but February is perhaps the best time of the year to explore, with dry, bright weather expected along the entire length of the country, including the mountains of the north. Discover exhilarating Hanoi and the beauty of Halong Bay, wander the picturesque streets of Hoi An and Hue, cruise the Mekong, explore Ho Chi Min City and finish with time on the beach. You can even combine Vietnam with one (or two) of its Asian neighbours like Thailand, Cambodia or Laos.
Florida, USA
Famously sun-kissed, Florida is home to around 200 beaches, as well as the wildlife of the Everglades National Park and lively cities like Miami. And February sees some of the year’s best weather, with temperatures comfortably in the mid 20Cs and the Sunshine State living up to its name. Discover the powder-fine sand along the Gulf Coast or head down to the Florida Keys, the southernmost point of the continental US, on a road trip or a cruise.
Japan
Japan is famous for its historic temples and its high-tech cities, but there’s an added reason to visit during February with the Sapporo Snow Festival taking place this month. Discover a Japanese winter wonderland, with ice and snow sculptures the size of houses, and snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. You can enjoy all the usual highlights including Tokyo and Kyoto, a stay in a traditional ryokan and a chance to browse one of the country’s oldest shopping streets too.
Kerala
Down towards the southern tip of India, the mix of golden beaches, tea plantations, unusual history and the picturesque backwaters make Kerala one of the most enticing corners of the country to visit. And with dry, sunny weather and balmy evenings, February is the ideal month to go. Don’t miss the chance to discover the cultures which shaped Kochi, from Dutch and Portuguese colonists to Jewish and Chinese communities, explore the hills, sleep on a houseboat and relax at the coast.
Costa Rica
The natural treasures of Costa Rica are what set this small country apart, and with the dry season bringing sunshine, it’s a fantastic month to see the bottle-green rainforests and cloud forests shrouded in mist, brooding volcanoes watching over hot springs and pineapple plantations. One of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, there’s an almost endless variety of wildlife including at Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero National Parks, or the jewel-bright quetzals at San Gerardo de Dota.
Maldives
Picture the powder soft white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean, framed with swaying palms and lined with impossibly clear turquoise water and what you’re seeing is the idyllic islands of the Maldives. February brings some of the best weather to this little corner of paradise, with almost no rain, temperatures in the high 20Cs and a sea temperature that’s similarly warm. Check in to a luxurious over-water villa, snorkel and dive more than 3,000 coral reefs or simply relax.
The Caribbean
Get your fix of Caribbean sunshine during one of the driest months across the islands and temperatures in the high 20s. It’s a popular time to visit, but you can take your pick of white sand beaches, clear turquoise water and fantastic snorkelling. In Antigua, look out for local cricket matches and colonial history, head to the spice island of Grenada or discover local culture at the Holetown Festival in Barbados, along with its pink sand coves and caves dripping with stalactites.
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