Where to Go in February: The Best Places to Travel This Month
February is a month that quietly rewards those who travel well. While much of the Northern Hemisphere is still wrapped in winter, elsewhere the world opens up — summer cities hit their stride, landscapes settle into their best conditions, and cultural calendars come alive. It’s a time when timing matters more than ticking boxes, and choosing where you go can completely change how a place feels.
Rather than chasing heat alone, February travel is about finding balance. It’s about warm days without peak-season crowds, festivals that only happen once a year, and destinations that feel calmer, more local, and more lived-in. From Southern Hemisphere summers and shoulder-season cities to nature at its most accessible, February offers a surprising amount of range for a relatively short month.
This guide brings together some of the best places to travel in February, chosen not just for good weather, but for how destinations come into their own at this time of year. Expect a mix of winter sun escapes, culture-led cities, and nature-focused trips — alongside practical insight into what February actually feels like on the ground, and why it’s often one of the smartest months to travel.
Cape Town, South Africa
Why visit in February
February is Cape Town at full confidence. Summer is in full swing, the city feels outdoorsy and social, and everything from the coastline to the winelands is operating at its best. Days are long and warm, evenings stretch late, and there’s a real sense that life happens outside — on beaches, hiking trails, and pavement-side terraces.
It’s also a month where Cape Town feels balanced: busy, but not yet at the frantic peak of late summer holidays. You get energy without chaos, making it one of the most rewarding times of year to visit.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect hot, dry summer days with low humidity. February heat in Cape Town is very manageable thanks to coastal breezes, especially along the Atlantic seaboard. Evenings cool slightly, making outdoor dinners and sunset drinks particularly enjoyable.
What to do in February
Beach days are a given — Clifton and Camps Bay are at their best, while colder-water spots like Muizenberg attract surfers and swimmers looking for something refreshing. Table Mountain and Lion’s Head hikes are popular year-round, but February’s dry conditions make early-morning or sunset hikes especially memorable.
Beyond the city, the Cape Winelands are in peak season. Vineyards are lush, tastings run late into the afternoon, and the overall pace feels indulgent rather than rushed.
Seasonal highlights
February sits just before harvest season fully ramps up in the winelands, meaning landscapes are green and full, and wine estates are lively without feeling overcrowded. It’s also an excellent month for coastal road trips — Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, and the wider Cape Peninsula all shine in summer light.
World Locals tip
Plan active days early and save afternoons for the coast or shaded neighbourhoods. Cape Town rewards travellers who follow the local rhythm — mornings outdoors, long lunches, slow sunsets, and late dinners.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why visit in February
February is when Rio turns the volume all the way up. Summer is at its peak, the city feels electric, and the build-up to Carnival brings a sense of celebration that spills into everyday life — from neighbourhood street parties to late-night music and beachside gatherings. Even outside official Carnival dates, February in Rio carries an unmistakable buzz that simply doesn’t exist at any other time of year.
It’s a month where Rio feels unapologetically itself: expressive, social, and rhythm-led. If you want to experience the city’s energy rather than just its scenery, February is the moment.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect hot, humid summer days with plenty of sunshine. The heat is intense at times, but Rio is built for it — beaches, shaded parks, cold drinks, and a strong outdoor culture help set the pace. Short tropical showers can happen, but they’re usually brief and refreshing rather than disruptive.
Evenings stay warm, making nights out, beachfront dinners, and open-air events easy and spontaneous.
What to do in February
Beach life dominates daily rhythm. Copacabana and Ipanema are at their most animated, with locals and visitors sharing the sand from early morning to sunset. Early starts are ideal for hiking up to viewpoints like Dois Irmãos or visiting Christ the Redeemer before the heat fully settles in.
Culturally, February is all about music, dance, and community. Samba rehearsals, blocos (street parties), and informal gatherings happen across the city, offering an authentic window into local life — often away from the main tourist crowds if you know where to look.
Seasonal highlights
Carnival season defines February in Rio, whether you attend the Sambadrome parades or simply absorb the atmosphere across neighbourhoods like Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Flamengo. Even in quieter weeks, the city feels more social, expressive, and alive than at any other point in the year.
It’s also a fantastic month for sunset viewpoints — warm evenings, dramatic skies, and a city that doesn’t rush home.
World Locals tip
Embrace Rio’s rhythm rather than fighting it. Plan sightseeing early, slow down in the afternoons, and let evenings unfold naturally. February in Rio rewards flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to follow the music.
Marrakech, Morocco
Why visit in February
February is one of the most comfortable and rewarding times to experience Marrakech. The intensity of summer heat is a distant memory, the city feels calmer than in peak spring, and daily life unfolds at a pace that’s far more inviting for wandering, observing, and lingering. It’s a month where Marrakech feels immersive rather than overwhelming.
For travellers who want culture, colour, and atmosphere without extremes, February strikes a rare balance.
Weather and what it feels like
Days are mild and sunny, ideal for exploring on foot, while evenings cool down noticeably. The air feels crisp in the mornings and golden in the afternoons, especially as the sun drops behind the medina walls. It’s the kind of weather that encourages long walks, slow lunches, and rooftop dinners under layers rather than air-conditioning.
What to do in February
February is ideal for getting lost in the medina — weaving through souks, workshops, and quiet residential streets without the oppressive heat that can make summer sightseeing exhausting. It’s also a great time to visit gardens like the Majorelle or spend unhurried time in palaces and museums.
Beyond the city, the cooler temperatures make day trips far more appealing. The Atlas Mountains are easily accessible, and desert-edge excursions feel far more comfortable than later in the year.
Seasonal highlights
While February isn’t festival-heavy, it’s a month where everyday Marrakech shines. Markets feel more local, riads are at their most atmospheric, and evenings centre around food, conversation, and warmth rather than escaping the heat. It’s also a fantastic time for photography, with soft winter light and fewer crowds.
World Locals tip
Pack layers and embrace contrast. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings are part of the rhythm in February. Staying in a riad with a sunny courtyard or fireplace adds hugely to the experience this time of year.
Kyoto, Japan
Why visit in February
February is one of Kyoto’s most underrated months. With winter still lingering, the city feels calmer, more contemplative, and far less crowded than during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. It’s a time when temples, gardens, and neighbourhood streets feel lived-in rather than staged — ideal for travellers who value atmosphere over spectacle.
Kyoto in February is about presence: fewer tour groups, more everyday rituals, and a deeper sense of place.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect cool, crisp winter days with cold mornings and evenings. Snow is rare but possible, and when it does fall, Kyoto becomes quietly magical. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking, especially with layers, and the dry winter air keeps conditions clear and fresh.
It’s the kind of weather that suits slow exploration, warm meals, and frequent tea stops.
What to do in February
This is an excellent month for temple-hopping without the crowds. Iconic sites like Kiyomizu-dera, Gion’s backstreets, and the Philosopher’s Path feel far more peaceful than at any other time of year. February is also when plum blossoms (ume) begin to appear toward the end of the month, offering an early hint of spring in temple gardens and local parks.
Cafés, traditional restaurants, and neighbourhood markets come into their own in winter, making food-led wandering particularly rewarding.
Seasonal highlights
Late February marks the beginning of plum blossom season, which is quieter and more understated than cherry blossom season but no less beautiful. Seasonal winter dishes dominate menus, and cultural events tend to feel local rather than performative.
This is Kyoto at its most reflective — understated, elegant, and deeply atmospheric.
World Locals tip
Lean into the season rather than wishing it away. Dress warmly, plan shorter sightseeing days, and spend more time indoors — in cafés, museums, and temples. February offers a side of Kyoto that many travellers never see.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why visit in February
February is one of the best times of year to experience Chiang Mai. The dry season is in full swing, temperatures are warm without being overwhelming, and the city settles into a relaxed, unhurried rhythm that suits slow travel beautifully. It’s a month where Chiang Mai feels easy — easy to explore, easy to eat well, easy to stay longer than planned.
For travellers looking to escape winter without jumping straight into intense heat or crowds, February hits a real sweet spot.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect warm, dry days with cooler mornings and evenings. February in Chiang Mai is comfortable rather than oppressive, especially compared to later months when heat and humidity rise. The air is generally clear, skies are blue, and walking or cycling around the Old City feels genuinely pleasant.
Evenings are mild, perfect for night markets, outdoor dining, and wandering without rushing.
What to do in February
February is ideal for exploring temples, neighbourhood cafés, and markets at a relaxed pace. Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are particularly atmospheric in the early mornings, while Nimmanhaemin’s café scene thrives during the cooler dry-season days.
It’s also a great time for day trips into the surrounding countryside — whether that’s visiting small villages, waterfalls with lower but scenic flows, or simply enjoying the mountain landscapes that frame the city.
Seasonal highlights
While major lantern festivals fall later in the year, February still feels culturally rich. Markets are busy but not chaotic, cooking classes run regularly, and the city’s food scene — from street stalls to family-run restaurants — feels especially accessible during this calmer period.
It’s also a popular month for longer stays, with many travellers and digital nomads settling in for weeks rather than days.
World Locals tip
Take advantage of the cooler mornings. Start days early for temples and walks, then slow down in the afternoons with long lunches, café stops, or massages. Chiang Mai rewards travellers who resist over-planning and let days unfold naturally.
Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)
Why visit in February
February is one of the very best months to experience Patagonia. Sitting in late summer, it offers the longest daylight hours of the year, the most reliable weather window, and full access to trails, parks, and remote landscapes that are inaccessible for much of the year. If Patagonia is on your list, February is when the region feels most open and most alive.
It’s a destination defined by scale — vast skies, dramatic peaks, glaciers, and windswept plains — and February gives you the time and conditions to truly take it in.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect cool to mild summer temperatures, with conditions changing quickly depending on location. Days are generally comfortable for hiking, though wind is a constant companion and should be expected rather than feared. Sun, cloud, and sudden shifts are all part of Patagonia’s rhythm.
Long daylight hours mean slow mornings and extended afternoons outdoors, with plenty of flexibility to adapt plans around the weather.
What to do in February
February is peak hiking season. Trails in places like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park are fully accessible, with iconic routes offering some of the best trekking conditions of the year. Glacier walks, boat trips, and wildlife spotting are also at their most reliable.
Outside the parks, small towns and lodges operate at full capacity, making it easier to combine multi-day hikes with slower travel — scenic drives, short walks, and time simply absorbing the landscape.
Seasonal highlights
Late summer brings stable conditions and a sense of momentum across the region. Refugios, camps, and transport links are all running, and landscapes feel expansive rather than harsh. Wildlife activity remains strong, and sunsets stretch late into the evening, painting mountains and ice fields in soft light.
February is Patagonia at its most accessible — still wild, but not yet closing down for the year.
World Locals tip
Build flexibility into your itinerary. Weather will always have the final say in Patagonia, and February rewards travellers who allow extra days rather than rushing through highlights. Pack proper layers and wind protection — even in summer, preparation makes all the difference.
Lisbon, Portugal
Why visit in February
February is one of the most underrated times to visit Lisbon. With winter crowds gone and spring still on the horizon, the city settles into a slower, more local rhythm. It’s warm enough to explore comfortably on foot, calm enough to wander without queues, and lively enough to feel unmistakably Lisbon.
For travellers looking for a European city break without peak-season prices or pressure, February offers a rare sweet spot.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect mild winter sunshine, cool mornings, and pleasantly bright afternoons. While it’s not beach weather, it’s ideal for walking, sightseeing, and café-hopping. Rain is possible, but typically short-lived, and when the sun appears, Lisbon’s tiled streets and viewpoints glow.
It’s the kind of weather that invites layers, long walks, and slow lunches rather than rushing from sight to sight.
What to do in February
February is ideal for exploring Lisbon’s neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace. Alfama’s winding streets feel more intimate without crowds, Belém’s landmarks are far easier to enjoy, and viewpoints like Miradouros da Senhora do Monte and Santa Catarina offer uninterrupted views across the city.
It’s also a great time to lean into Lisbon’s food culture — from pastel de nata breaks to long seafood lunches and cosy wine bars — without needing reservations weeks in advance.
Seasonal highlights
While February isn’t festival-heavy, it’s a month where everyday Lisbon shines. Trams rattle through quiet streets, locals linger over coffee, and the city feels lived-in rather than performative. Prices are generally lower than spring and summer, making it a particularly good month for longer stays.
Day trips to places like Sintra are also far more enjoyable without peak-season crowds.
World Locals tip
Lisbon is a city of hills, viewpoints, and pauses. Build time into your days to stop, sit, and take it in — February’s slower pace makes it the perfect month to experience the city as locals do.
New Orleans, USA
Why visit in February
February is the heart of New Orleans’ cultural calendar. With Mardi Gras season in full swing, the city feels joyful, expressive, and unapologetically alive. Parades roll through neighbourhoods, brass bands spill onto street corners, and everyday life takes on a celebratory rhythm that’s impossible to replicate at any other time of year.
Even outside peak parade days, February carries an energy that defines New Orleans at its best — social, musical, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Weather and what it feels like
Expect mild winter temperatures with cool mornings and comfortably warm afternoons. Humidity is low compared to summer, making February one of the most pleasant months to explore the city on foot. Evenings are cool enough for layers, but rarely cold, ideal for long nights out and spontaneous wandering.
It’s sightseeing weather without the sweat — a rare luxury in New Orleans.
What to do in February
February is all about leaning into the city’s cultural heartbeat. Mardi Gras parades take place across different neighbourhoods, not just the French Quarter, offering a more local and less crowded experience if you know where to look. Live music spills from bars on Frenchmen Street nightly, while neighbourhood restaurants and bakeries come into their own.
Between celebrations, February is also perfect for exploring the city’s historic districts, taking riverfront walks, and diving deep into its food culture — from po’boys and gumbo to long, leisurely brunches.
Seasonal highlights
Mardi Gras is the defining event of February, with parades, krewes, costumes, and traditions building toward Fat Tuesday. The weeks leading up to it feel just as important as the day itself, with a steady drumbeat of events woven into everyday life.
It’s also one of the few times when New Orleans’ culture feels completely unavoidable — you don’t have to seek it out; it finds you.
World Locals tip
Follow neighbourhood parades rather than chasing the biggest crowds. Areas like Uptown and Mid-City offer a more relaxed, community-led Mardi Gras experience — and give you space to appreciate the city beyond the French Quarter.
Choosing the right February trip for you
February is less about finding the “best” destination and more about choosing the right one for how you want to travel. A small shift in climate, culture, or pace can completely change the experience.
If you’re craving summer energy and outdoor living, Southern Hemisphere destinations like Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro offer long days, beach culture, and a strong sense of momentum. February is when these cities feel most alive, with life spilling outdoors from morning to late evening.
For culture-led travel without extremes, cities such as Marrakech and Kyoto shine. Cooler temperatures make wandering more enjoyable, crowds are thinner, and everyday rituals feel easier to observe and appreciate.
If winter sun and slow travel are the priority, Chiang Mai and Lisbon strike an ideal balance — warm without being intense, social without feeling hectic, and perfectly suited to longer, unstructured stays.
And if you’re looking for scale, space, and adventure, February is the moment for Patagonia. It’s a month where landscapes dominate the experience and time feels expansive rather than rushed.
Finally, for travellers drawn to once-a-year cultural moments, New Orleans offers something entirely different — a city shaped by music, community, and celebration, at its most expressive in February.
“February proves that great travel isn’t about chasing the obvious. It’s about timing, atmosphere, and understanding how a place feels at a particular moment in the year. While much of the world is still in winter mode, elsewhere destinations are quietly thriving — cities stretch into long summer evenings, landscapes open up, and cultural calendars come alive.
Whether that means beach days and outdoor living in Cape Town, the unmistakable energy of Rio de Janeiro, reflective winter wandering in Kyoto, or the once-a-year rhythm of New Orleans, February rewards travellers who travel with intention.
It’s a month that suits contrast — warmth and cool air, movement and stillness, celebration and quiet observation. For those willing to look beyond peak season assumptions, February often delivers some of the most memorable, balanced, and rewarding trips of the year.
Wherever you choose, travel well — and let the month work in your favour.”
