The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations in February

You're here for a reason: Are you tired of cold temperatures? Often, there's not even snow for a winter vacation, and the days are really short, gray, and dark? That sounds like the sad reality for the month of February.

Perfect for escaping your home territory for a vacation. In this article, I will introduce you to ideal travel destinations in February. My tips for short trips in the United States, winter vacations, and of course, long-distance trips to places where it's warm.

February often means winter vacations in the Alps, the Black Forest, or the Bavarian Alps. However, it's also a great time to explore cities like Rome, New York, New Orleans, Venice, or Porto far from the peak travel season. Why? You will find out here.

Many warm countries are particularly suitable as destinations in February. Sunbathing in the Caribbean, adventure tours through West Africa, sipping coconuts on a houseboat in India's Kerala, or backpacking through Australia/New Zealand: There's something for everyone in February.

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While in Rome, the first rays of sunlight during the day provide pleasant temperatures, New York in spring is a mixed bag: when the sun shines, it's comfortable, but when it doesn't, it can be bitterly cold. Glasgow behaves exactly the same way. Winters are usually just wet, but when I was in Glasgow at the end of January and beginning of February, it suddenly snowed all day at -2° C. However, with the right clothing, it isn't a problem.

The advantage of visiting these cities in winter: No waiting lines at popular attractions (especially true for Rome and New York) and flights and accommodations are cheaper.

Katrin enjoyed New York in February (1 week travel report), as the waiting lines at attractions weren't long, and thanks to the right clothing, she didn't even have to freeze while biking in Central Park.

February is particularly popular for a trip to Cape Town in combination with a road trip along the Garden Route. But how about a direct flight to Johannesburg, a visit to the large township Soweto (yes, this is also South Africa) followed by a road trip along the beautiful Panorama Route to the Kruger National Park?

That's where I want to go in February. The best months for the region around Cape Town are roughly from November to the end of March. Temperatures are very pleasant during the day. However, there may also be rainfall, and it is often very windy (especially increasing from February to April).

-> View all reports for South Africa

Warm but not too hot temperatures, usually nice weather, and few tourists? If that sounds appealing for a February vacation, then a detour to Morocco might be an attractive option, especially in winter.

While in summer, mainly the northern Moroccan destinations along the Mediterranean coast are suitable for travel, southern destinations like Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir, along with many smaller towns along the Atlantic coast are especially worth visiting in the winter months like February. In winter, you might also consider a trip to the Sahara.

For surfers, February in places like Taghazout is the best time to catch perfect waves in pleasant temperatures. The small town is also ideal for a relaxed stay on a beautiful beach. If you're looking for more action and a cultural shock, you'll find happiness in the not far off Marrakech.

In February, the popular Fringe Festival takes place in Adelaide - Australia's festival capital. Not only a reason to start your Australia trip here, but the city is also perfect for arriving in Down Under. It's cozy and easy to explore on foot. Additionally, there are beautiful beaches and culinary highlights featuring top-notch wines and food.

While you're here, make sure to visit Kangaroo Island. It was one of my highlights during my 3-month road trip. You can discover koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, sea lions, seals, and many more animals.

Diverse and varied. Due to its large longitudinal span, you'll never get bored with the scenery (and more) in New Zealand. While the northernmost tip of the North Island is quite close to the subtropical climate, it can be bitterly cold in the far south of the South Island.

But here's the twist: February is the last summer month in New Zealand (similar to August for us). Perhaps the best time to explore the natural spectacle of the South Island. Even if the first signs of autumn are glowing on the trees, that can only make the views more spectacular. Whether trekking, road-tripping or water sports, you'll have a lot of joy in New Zealand in February.

Have you always wanted to immerse yourself in the world of the Maya and discover their culture against the backdrop of impressive Mayan ruins? Then Mexico is a perfect destination for your February vacation. Additionally, for a beach vacation, Mexico is an ideal destination, as the fine sandy beaches (for example in Tulum) along the Caribbean coast of Yucatan are just right (View Mexico travel report).

Furthermore, from November to April, there's a dry season throughout Mexico, leading to very few rain showers. February falls right in between two peak travel seasons. Thus, flights and hotels are considerably cheaper.

The Caribbean countries Cuba and the Dominican Republic attract visitors in February with warm weather, dream beaches, and plenty of swimming fun. Culturally, a Cuban round trip does not fall short either.

Another advantage: February no longer falls within the peak travel season for the Caribbean. Everything is therefore a little more relaxed than in December and January. Additionally, it's not too hot and relatively dry. The average temperatures are at least 24 degrees, often higher.

Besides Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is an underrated travel destination to swap your winter at home for some sun. The best time for a February vacation in Oman on the Arabian Peninsula is during winter (November - March). Because during that time, temperatures are pleasantly around 25° and there's very little rain.

In the winter months like February, it is also the main tourist season, but it's still manageable - meaning no mass tourism. Around Christmas, there are more tourists. If the beach calls you, make sure to include a stop in Sur and Zighy Bay. For culture lovers, the port city of Muscat is a 'must-see'.

Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month (exactly two weeks after the Chinese New Year), an impressive Lantern Festival is held in China and Taiwan. At that time, the Taiwanese sky glows with a sea of lanterns like no other. Thousands of lanterns find their way into the night sky across Taiwan.

During the Lantern Festival, many events are held throughout Taiwan. A highlight is the spectacle in Pingxi, a city north of Taipei, where visitors also have the chance to release their own lanterns. In the past, the lanterns were sent into the sky to signal that the city was safe and that no bandits were wreaking havoc.

There is also a large national festival, the location of which varies from year to year. In 2017, the 'Taiwan Lantern Festival' will take place in Yunlin Province (February 11 - 19). There's so much more to discover in Taiwan.

Do you love winter and can't imagine escaping to warmer weather, but still want to visit a different winter destination in February? In northern Japan, you can ski or snowboard, warm yourself in hot springs, or visit a unique snow festival. In February, the snow in Hokkaido is at its best. The most snow-sure ski resorts can be found in Furano and Niseko.

The 'Sapporo Snow Festival' takes place every February. Over 2 million visitors are attracted each year who admire the many snow sculptures and ice figures. Additionally, there's a snow sculpture contest where teams from different regions participate. You can also taste and drink many regional delicacies.

In February, you'll also find ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. Besides the spots in Austria, South Tyrol is also recommended. There, you almost have a guarantee of sunshine but still snow. Perfect for taking a break in one of the many ski huts between runs and soaking up some sun during lunch.

Especially if you live in East Germany, you don't necessarily have to go to the Alps to quench your desire for winter sports. The Jizera Mountains and the Giant Mountains also offer beautiful slopes at lower prices for food and drinks. Perfect for a spontaneous short trip.

In February, snow reliability is highest for this region. Especially in areas like Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov, or Lysá hora, you can have a lot of fun. However, note that many countries have winter holidays during this time, and it can get quite crowded. If you want to have nearly 100% snow reliability, the Alps are still the better alternative.

Let's be honest. February is probably one of the toughest months to take a vacation in Scandinavia. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, ride a reindeer sled, or go snowboarding, Norway is the place to be in February. However, the further north you go, the darker and colder it gets.

Several areas in Norway are suitable for a winter vacation in February. The largest ski area is located in Trysil with over 40 lift stations and more than 70 kilometers of slope. You can also ski and snowboard in Hemsedal, Hafjell, or Geilo (it really is called that). You should remember that prices for winter sports in Norway are quite high.

You're most likely to see the Northern Lights between early September and late March in the northern regions of the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. Some of the best destinations for the Northern Lights are the Lofoten, Tromsø, Narvik, and of course the North Cape.

Leave us a comment, as we are always curious to explore new places. Whether you prefer warm weather or, like us, enjoy venturing to colder regions (even for a city trip in February).

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