24 Best Warm Places to Visit in February

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to warm places to visit in February. Whether you’re coming to the end of a cold winter, the shine of the New Year has worn off, or you simply fancy a warm weather getaway, tropical islands, and sunny cities await.

From beautiful beaches in the Caribbean to Asian holidays or a southern hemisphere trip to Australia, there’s a vacation for you where the sun is sure to be shining.

Along with incredible beaches, there are plenty of destinations that have a lot to offer in other areas. So whether it’s a stunning city break, an island paradise, or a journey to one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth, start planning your February getaway now.

The Bahamas

Scattered across the sparkling Atlantic, the Bahamas has it all: lovely but not too hot temperatures hitting the 80s, powder-white sand, and easy-going local charm. This archipelago could well be one of the best warm places to visit in February.

Island capital Nassau on New Providence is where most of the action lies: visit the Straw Market for crafts, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for dishes including the local delicacy, conch, or wander down Bay Street for a rum cocktail.

In contrast, Bimini, the most western spot in the country, is more laid back, making it a favorite hangout of Ernest Hemingway in his day. The Bimini Big Game Club is the place to head for those looking to hear tales of the legendary author’s escapades.

If a “paradise in a microcosm” is more your style, Perfect Day at CocoCay is among the best destinations in the Bahamas. It’s home to ice-white beaches, relaxing cabanas, plunge-worthy pools, and a waterpark packed with slides.

Grand Cayman

If it’s beaches you’re looking for in your research for warm weather destinations in February, the Cayman Islands may well just top your list. The largest of this group of three islands is Grand Cayman, and it’s here that you’ll find Seven Mile Beach.

With its huge stretch of soft white sand and those inviting Caribbean waves lapping away at the shore, there’s little wonder it regularly tops lists of the best beaches in the world.

That fame comes with the price of being busy in the highest of seasons, so head to the northern end if tranquillity is more your vibe. This northern part of the beach is also home to the Cayman Turtle Centre where conservation efforts help keep the endangered species alive.

Across a small bay from Seven Mile Beach lies another iconic island site, offering some of the best snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Stingray City is a sandbar offshore where rays gather and mill around visitors in the shallow water, hoping for tidbits.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of the world’s great cities—and February is a great time to visit. The Australian summer is just coming to an end, which means the highest temperatures are a thing of the past and some lovely low-80s days kick in.

This makes it a perfect time to explore and there’s so much to do here, you could spend a month in the city. Start off with taking in the iconic skyline. Stroll around the Circular Quay area by the Sydney Opera House and marvel at, or even walk over the Harbour Bridge.

The Rocks is a nearby historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy pubs, as well as a weekend market.

Then there are the beaches. Bondi is an iconic Sydney landmark. Just outside of town, it’s where surfers, sunbathers, and café-goers come together on an incredible stretch of sand.

There’s a great walk from here, too. Some four miles long, it winds past Tamarama, Bronte, and other beaches before ending at Coogee Beach.

For something slightly less busy, jump on a ferry to Manly Beach. Here, there are golden sands and a lovely promenade, perfect for exploring with one of the rental bikes on offer.

Cozumel, Mexico

February could well be the ideal time to visit Cozumel. This island paradise off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is mostly dry, the days are sunny, and temperatures are not off the scale. February is still right in the island’s peak season, without the intense heat and humidity of summer.

There are some great beaches here. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is a family-friendly offering blending beachside fun with activities such as cooking classes.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, as the name implies, offers a more natural vibe with lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and some top-class snorkeling in Cozumel. While you’re there, climb historic Celarain Lighthouse for some great views.

Elsewhere there’s Cozumel National Marine Park, where world-class diving is on offer, and if history is your thing, there are Mayan ruins to explore in the center of the island. For food, head into town for authentic tacos at eateries such as El Moro or Los Otates.

Jamaica

From the historic colonial-era vibe of Falmouth to the lively towns of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Jamaica is a delicious assault on the senses.

You’ll find lush, green hills, typically Caribbean beaches, inland oases, and laid-back culture, plus seasonally warm temperatures and little rain. Jamaica is without a doubt one of the best warm places to visit in February.

The challenge here is deciding what to do, especially if you’re a lover of the outdoors because Jamaica leaves visitors spoilt for choice.

There are, of course, Jamaica’s beaches, such as Montego Bay’s Doctor’s Cave Beach, as well as the chance to cool off inland with a dip in the Blue Hole swimming spot near Ocho Rios.

Elsewhere, you can float down the Martha Brae River, take in Dunn’s River Falls, or zipline through the canopy around Mystic Mountain. Colonial history runs deep here, as does the local folklore. The best place to get a glimpse of both is at the 18th-century Rose Hall Plantation House, said to be haunted by the sinister White Witch.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a one-of-a-kind destination and as such, if you have only one chance at visiting, February is the ideal time to make the trip.

Temperatures are warm and seas are calm, which is ideal for snorkeling. February is nesting time for many birds and an active time for marine wildlife, too.

The Inner Loop of the Galápagos includes some of the most diverse sights: volcanic formations, large colonies of birds, sea lions with pups, and beaches of glittering black sand.

Highlights are numerous but a few must-dos include the birder’s paradise of Punta Suarez on Española Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Isabela Island’s Vicente Roca Point, meanwhile, is famed for incredible snorkeling; you could see sea turtles, sharks, and rays here.

St. Maarten

You get two countries for the price of one when you visit St. Maarten, as visitors can travel freely between the Dutch and French sides, each of which has a distinctive culture.

The allure of this two-for-one offer is even greater in February when it’s carnival time on the French side and the weather brings sunny skies, warm breezes, and calm seas.

Beaches are plentiful, with Orient Beach on the French side and Maho Beach on the Dutch standing out. The latter has an extra special buzz as low-flying planes skim just above the beach as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport.

Foodies will adore Grand Case on the French side, known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. It has everything from barbecue shacks to upscale restaurants.

Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Take a tropical beach destination, throw in some ancient culture, a dash of colonial charm, and some of the best animal safaris in Asia and you get Hambantota.

On the country’s less-traveled south coast, the beaches here are more remote and less busy than those on the west coast, but equally gorgeous. Close by there’s Yala National Park, known for its thriving population of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.

The weather’s hot in February, reaching the early 90s, with hardly any cooling bouts of rain. If it gets too hot, the Mirijjawila Botanical Garden provides a perfect shaded escape as well as the chance to study colorful blooms and medicinal plants.

Foodies will love a trip here too, especially for fans of seafood. Try freshly caught prawns and crabs, or feast on popular Sri Lankan food, such as seafood curry.

Aruba

Aruba dubs itself “One Happy Island” and this could never be truer than in February. While Aruba has year-round sunshine, February brings out the best in its weather, as this is one of the driest months. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy its world-class beaches and explore the island’s arid inland landscapes.

Eagle and Palm beaches are two of the best to visit, with the former regularly ranking as one of the top beaches in the world, and the latter being a great spot for water sports.

The island’s wilder side can be explored in rugged Arikok National Park, one of the best places to visit in Aruba. Covering almost 20 percent of the island, it has rugged trails, dramatic rock formations, and a great swimming spot at the Natural Pool.

Make sure to explore the charming capital Oranjestad, too, with its colorful Dutch colonial buildings and vibrant waterfront market.

St. Thomas

The crown jewel of the US Virgin Islands is another top Caribbean spot for February thanks to its fine weather, natural beauty, and rich history.

Capital Charlotte Amalie is more than a bustling port town; it’s a treasure trove of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and some great duty-free outlets. Around the island, there are several top-class beaches too.

If there’s one to top them all it’s Magens Bay. One of the best beaches in St. Thomas, it’s a mile long and with soft sand and azure waters, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding or simply lounging in the sun. Get there early to find a shaded spot under the sea grape trees.

If time allows, make sure to drop into Smith Bay Beach, also known as Lindquist Beach. A protected area, it’s a great spot for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just offshore.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand’s largest island is the kind of place the epithet “tropical paradise” was made for. Lovely seas, golden beaches, and lush hills abound, and there’s a wonderfully laid-back vibe thanks to its hippy history.

February is the ideal time to go, too. Not only is the weather warm with temperatures hitting the low 90s, but there’s minimal rainfall the sea can reach an almost bath-like 82°F.

The Sino-Portuguese streets of Old Phuket Town are a great place to start any visit with its hip cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. Plus there are great markets to explore and the street food is second to none.

By the water, Phang Nga Bay is iconic thanks to its towering limestone cliffs and association with a certain British secret agent. Kayaking around the lagoons here is a must for nature lovers.

Make sure, too, to pay a visit to Big Buddha, an impressive 147-foot-tall statue that offers panoramic views of the island. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and a glimpse into the more spiritual side of Phuket.

Cartagena, Colombia

Home of Nobel-prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Caribbean coastal setting, Cartagena is a gem of a city, and even more so in February. At this time of year, the weather is a delight, with warm temperatures in the mid-80s, little rain, and seas perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The city’s walled Old Town is like a movie set; a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and balconies draped in flowers. Some of the best things to do in Cartagena include walking along Las Murallas, the city walls, visiting Plaza Santo Domingo, and marveling at landmarks like San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery.

In the many restaurants, try local delicacies like the ceviche Cartagenero, fresh raw seafood with a tang of citrus. When it comes to the beach, the coastline here is dotted with them, but Bocagrande, a short drive from the Old Town, is a great spot mere minutes away.

Antigua

Locals will tell you that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. That might be a little on the fanciful side, but if you’re visiting earlier in the year—and this really is one of the best warm places to visit in February—you only need a handful.

One of those many beaches provides for one of the most unique Caribbean experiences. Stingray City is a shallow sandbar a 30-minute boat ride from the capital of St. John’s where visitors get to swim with southern stingrays under the supervision of a trained guide.

February is certainly an excellent time to visit the island, which is twinned as a country with Barbuda, lying roughly midway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad. As with other Caribbean islands, the weather is warm and calm here in February.

There’s also a heap of things to do too, from exploring colonial architecture—Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is particularly impressive—to visiting Devil’s Bridge, a natural limestone arch pounded by waves.

Depending on when you visit in February, there are also events worth catching. Early in the month, the west coast town of Jolly Harbour hosts a sailing regatta.

The third week of February, meanwhile, sees three of the island’s favorite things come together—rum, racing, and reveling—at the RORC Nelson’s Cup series of sailing races.

New Orleans, USA

When it comes to warm weather places to visit in February, New Orleans may not immediately spring to mind—but this is the time of Mardi Gras.

New Orleans sits near the mouth of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, protected by a patchwork of levees and wetlands. The temperatures may only hit the low 70s but the streets of the French Quarter are positively steaming as Mardi Gras takes hold.

Head down St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street for some of the best action, or take in some afternoon jazz along Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny district.

If you manage to pull yourself away from partying, another reason New Orleans is one of the best warm destinations in February is that it’s also when crawfish season really starts to kick in. Look out for restaurants serving “boils”, where the crustaceans are served with potatoes and corn for the quintessential New Orleans meal.

Bali, Indonesia

Sitting to the east of the main island of Java in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali has a legendary status; everybody who visits seems to be seduced by its charms.

Bali is known for its volcanic hills, great beaches, and boho-chic vibe. The island appeals to everyone from Australian surfers and American backpackers to honeymooners and wellness travelers looking for an ideal yoga retreat.

February is a great time to go. The wet season is coming to a close with showers arriving in brief bursts, but temperatures are warm and reach the 80s and 90s. The combination means the island is at its greenest but with the main tourist season starting in April, it’s much quieter than later in the year.

While in Bali, check out the beach resorts of the east and west coasts, the inland cultural center of Ubud, and cliff-top temples on the Bukit Peninsula.

Langkawi, Malaysia

You get 99 islands for the price of one when you visit Langkawi, the famed tropical island group just off the northwest coast of Malaysia. Also known as the “Jewel of Kedah”, Langkawi is famed for its incredible beaches, verdant rainforests, and rich biodiversity.

February falls in the dry season, offering sunny weather with temperatures in the 90s and calm seas, so it’s an ideal time to visit. There’s no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Kayak around mangroves, unwind on one of the many beaches, or take an island-hopping tour.

Canopy tours of the rainforest are popular too, with the winding Langkawi Sky Bridge and the SkyCab cable car allowing visitors to get up close to tree snakes, flying foxes, and colorful flying dragons—a type of gliding lizard.

Local culture can be found at sites such as the Eagle Square sculpture, the Sri Murugan Temple, and the Mahsuri Tomb and Museum. If shopping is your bag, Langkawi also has duty-free status so you may just be able to pick up a bargain.

St. Lucia

It’s tempting to think many of the Caribbean islands blend into one: colonial history, gorgeous beaches, and a laidback vibe are certainly recurring themes. But all have their differences, a certain something that sets them apart.

St. Lucia is a great example. Its volcanic landscape is among the most dramatic, thanks to jagged peaks, lush rainforest, and steep coastal cliffs. A popular spot with honeymooners and high-end travelers, thanks to its natural beauty, it’s also perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

When it comes to warm destinations in February, this is a great time to visit. St. Lucia is at its greenest and temperatures hover somewhere around the mid-80s. It’s ideal for exploring the twin Pitons—the two volcanic spires that can be seen from just about anywhere on the island.

The Tet Paul Nature Trail, located near Soufrière, is another tremendous hike, allowing you to see the Pitons and the south coast from another angle.

If the adventure theme piques your interest and you want to try something totally different, take a drive into the volcano at Sulphur Springs where there are bubbling mud pools. Bathing—or perhaps wallowing—is allowed in some, where the mud is believed to have healing properties.

Danang, Vietnam

There are two compelling reasons Vietnam is one of the best warm destinations to visit in February. On the one hand, the wet season is over, rainfall drops significantly, temperatures sit in the comfortable 70s, and seas tend to be lovely and calm.

On the other, February is usually when Tết Nguyên Đán, Vietnamese New Year, takes place, bringing with it street performances, ancestral offerings, and floral decorations across the city.

A former port and military base, Danang is now a gem with wide boulevards and some great architecture, while it also acts as a gateway to ancient towns, Buddhist shrines, mountain passes, and white-sand beaches.

Within an hour you can be climbing to the pagodas of the Marble Mountains, chilling on My Khe Beach, or visiting the huge Lady Buddha statue at the Linh Ung Pagoda.

The ancient town of Hoi An—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is just 40 minutes from Danang and is home to preserved architecture, riverside cafés, and traditional tailors who can make copies of clothes in a few hours.

Tangier, Morocco

February is a great time to visit Tangier, largely because it’s not at the height of summer. During the peak months of June, July, and August, temperatures in the storied city on the northwestern tip of Morocco can be unbearably hot, making it a challenge to explore.

Head here in February, though, as the city is coming out of winter with temperatures reaching up into the 70s. Ideal conditions, then, for exploring the medina, Kasbah Museum, and the Ville Nouvelle with its broad boulevards and blend of Spanish, Moorish, and Art Deco buildings.

For something a little more active, head to Cap Spartel, about 15 minutes from town. It’s where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean come together and is known for its scenic views, hiking trails, and historic lighthouse dating from 1864.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

February is one of the warmest months in New Zealand with temperatures hitting the mid-80s at times and the seas delightfully warm, especially around this inlet and island archipelago at the northern tip of the North Island.

The Bay of Islands is one of the country’s most popular destinations for both locals and visitors, thanks to its sub-tropical climate, incredible beaches, nature-based tourism, and both Māori and colonial history.

Technically, this is the birthplace of modern New Zealand as it’s where the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document, was signed. It’s great for exploring quaint seaside towns like Russell and discovering New Zealand’s oldest pub.

Most come for the ocean, though, and if you’re a water baby, you’ll love it here, thanks to activities including sailing, boating, fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Barbados

Barbados provides a delightful mishmash of British colonial and West Indian culture. Flatter than many of its Caribbean counterparts, it’s home to around 60 miles of coastline, mostly lined with incredible white sand beaches where, at times, you can still feel as though you’ve been shipwrecked on a desert island.

Even in the busier parts, such as the resort areas of St. James and St. Peter, the beaches are pristine.

The capital, Bridgetown, shows off the quirkier side, thanks to its colonial buildings, the historic Kensington Oval cricket ground, and the statue of legendary British admiral Horatio Nelson in the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Visit the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, too, a 17th-century place of worship and one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean.

Barbados is one of the best warm places to visit in February, thanks to it being both the dry season and the month of the Holetown Festival. This vibrant festival commemorates the island’s first major settlement that dates from February 1627.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

February tends to be one of the coolest months in the Mediterranean, which is why winter sun seekers from Europe head to Spain’s Canary Islands, a group of volcanic islands off the northwest coast of Africa.

Tenerife is the largest of them and one of the most visited, thanks to great beaches—some of them with black volcanic sand—the lively resort of Playa de las Américas, and the incredible Teide National Park.

Location of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain at around 12,000 feet, the park offers great hiking and cycling.

February is also typically carnival month, especially in the capital, Santa Cruz, where the Shrove Tuesday celebrations are some of the biggest and most vibrant in the world.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is another great warm-weather destination for February. Not only does it follow the usual Caribbean pluses of being outside the rainy season, it also hosts a lively carnival season.

Covering around two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean and also one of the most geographically diverse. Mountains, rainforests, and colonial cities abound. If you want beaches, you’re in the right place: the Dominican Republic has hundreds of miles of pristine coastline to explore.

In February, most visitors head to beach towns like Puerto Plata for warm-water swimming and activities such as snorkeling and diving. If you can drag yourself away from the beach, check out Isabel de Torres National Park with its replica Christ the Redeemer statue, modeled on the iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brisbane, Australia

February may be toward the tail end of Australia’s summer, but it’s still a great time to visit the capital of Queensland before the cooler months begin to kick in.

The city stretches along the Brisbane River, where it empties into the Pacific at Moreton Bay. Brisbane is home to a lively central business district, the Brisbane Riverwalk with its walking and cycling trails, and some great cultural institutions, including the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Museum.

In the warmer months, South Bank Parklands is a great spot with galleries, gardens, and more walking paths, as well as an urban swimming lagoon. If you want some of Australia’s best beaches, the Gold Coast is a short drive away.

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