UPDATED: This article was originally published in January 2018, and updated in June 2023.
New Year has come and gone (along with the resolutions you swore you’d stick to this year), so it’s time to get down to business. Travel business that is. You’ve decided you want to travel more this year (good on you), but surely there’s an easier way to pick a destination than trawling through endless travel mags and guidebooks, right? That’s where our ultimate month-by-month travel guide comes in: your easily digestible list of places to visit, things to experience, and amazing weather to chase around the world.
Now, let’s take a closer look at travel in February. As we finally bid goodbye to those January blues, you might start thinking about a weekend, week or couple of weeks away. Whether you’re after Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches, music and dancing at Rio Carnival, whale spotting along the coast of Mexico, or discovering the origins of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, here’s your guide for where to travel in February.
1. Oman
Remaining relatively untouched even by the most seasoned of travellers, Oman still doesn’t top as many bucket lists as it should. Not as concerned with opulence as its closest neighbours, it boasts an incredibly rich history and is chock-full of culture, out-of-this-world scenery and curious locals. But when to go? Omani winter ends in February, giving way to an ideal sightseeing climate.
Read more: Why you should visit Oman, the lesser-known destination of the Middle East
Explore everything from ancient Portuguese forts perched like proud sandcastles, to elaborately decorated mosques with their sky-touching minarets. And if you can’t resist a local market, prepare for a real assault on the senses in Muttrah as you stroll around the fishing harbour and find your way into the smoky souq.
Top trips:
- 8-day Discover Oman
2. Sri Lanka
Photo captured by Ryan Bolton
So much more than blue skies and white-sand beaches, this teardrop isle has a lot to offer travellers. Colonised by the English, Dutch and Portuguese, Sri Lanka is an intriguing melting pot of different cultural influences. With the monsoon season behind us, February is a great time to cycle amongst the ruins of ancient Anuradhapura or visit the sacred old Bo Tree, which harks back to the spiritual beginnings of Buddhism. Or why not clamber to the top of Sigiriya, a rock fortress originally guarded by a huge stone lion.
Read more: 5 experiences that prove Sri Lanka is an adventurer’s paradise
Top trips:
- 8-day Simply Sri Lanka
- 12-day Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
- 15-day Best of Sri Lanka
3. Philippines
Photo by Ehmir Bautista via Unsplash
Looking for a slice of authentic Asia? The Philippines are the answer. This stunning archipelago made up of close to 7,000 islands, is slap-bang in the middle of the dry season in February (and you’ll have missed the January crowds, too). Whether you love trekking, snorkelling or sightseeing, there’s something for everyone here!
Read more: 9 under-the-radar destinations in South East Asia
Experience the overwhelming chaos of the capital, Manila, with its museums, art galleries and Spanish colonial architecture. Unwind with a dip or kayak in the turquoise lagoons that pepper Palawan. Climb to the summit of Mount Pinatubo, a volcano with an emerald-coloured lake in its crater. Or witness the unique hanging coffins at Echo Valley, a fascinating local tradition like no other.
Top trips:
- 8-day Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Feeling inspired?
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4. Brazil
Colourful and vivacious, there’s no disputing Brazil and its people know how to live life to the fullest, and nothing confirms that more than Rio Carnival. Thought to be the biggest on the planet with millions of revellers every year, it’s a whirlwind of sequins, floats and a lotta, lotta of fun. As you’re in Brazil anyway, you might as well see what else this South American giant has going for it.
After visiting Sugarloaf Mountain and Cristo Redentor, why not travel to Paraty? Meander down its cobbled streets, taking in the colonial architecture that makes it one of Costa Verde’s most charming towns. Or catch the ferry to Ilha Grande and spend a day or two relaxing in the sun, swimming and sailing your way around the island.
Top trips:
- 7-day One Week in Argentina and Brazil
- 4-day Rio de Janeiro Short Break
5. Singapore
Photo captured by Kyle Ruel Baculanta
Not only is Singapore at its driest, least humid and sunniest in February than at any other time of the year, but it also marks the celebration of the Chinese (Lunar) New Year. Marina Bay becomes filled with stilt walkers and lion dancers, and the streets are lined with brightly coloured paper lanterns.
Read more: Quick tips for navigating Singapore’s hawker markets
Whilst still a fairly new nation, this hasn’t stopped Singapore from establishing itself as a cultural icon that travellers flock to. Learn how this city-state came to be in the Singapore History Gallery at the national museum. Go for a treetop walk through Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. And don’t forget to dig into a traditional Indian thali or indulge in a spot of late-night shopping at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre in Little India, too.
Top trips:
- 15-day Bangkok to Singapore
6. Zanzibar
Photo by Javi Lorbada via Unsplash
If it’s a bit of well-deserved R&R (rest and relaxation) you’re after, head for the sun, sea and sands of paradisiacal Zanzibar. In February the days are warm and the water is at its clearest, making it the perfect spot for keen snorkelers and divers. Unearth pristine coral reefs that are home to hawksbill turtles, rays, parrotfish, cuttlefish and more. You may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins.
Read more: Why Zanzibar should be on your bucket list
Diving not your thing? Not a problem. There’s plenty more to explore on this Tanzanian archipelago. Take a trip to the heady Spice Islands, visiting the clove farms that reside here. Hike through the Ngezi Rainforest in search of vervet monkeys, or take a trip to the secluded village of Mkia Ya Ngombe for a glimpse into local life.
Top trips:
- 4-day Zanzibar Beach Break
- 12-day Road to Zanzibar
- 19-day Zanzibar to Vic Falls
7. Mexico
Photo captured by Karine Lim
There’s no denying Mexico is massive! Its size means temperatures and weather vary across the country throughout the year, making it tricky to pinpoint the best time to travel. Whilst February marks the middle of winter, it’s still mild and, more importantly, dry – perfect for taking in the sights and enjoying time on the beach.
Read more: 5 reasons why Mexico is the ultimate solo travel destination
Aside from all the highlights like uncovering quaint San Cristobal de las Casas, heading to Mexico City’s museums and discovering its many Mayan ruins, February also offers the chance to witness two incredible wildlife events: the monarch butterfly migration as they make the journey to Canada, and the arrival of humpback, blue and grey whales for breeding off the Pacific coast.
Top trips:
- 9-day Mexico Real Food Adventure
- 15-day Mexico Unplugged
- 17-day Maya Encounter
Not looking to travel in February? No worries. Check out our other monthly destination guides:
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
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Intrepid Travel
Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re the world’s biggest travel B Corp. That means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.
