Welcome to February, the month the place 28 days pack extra punch than anticipated. It’s a time for love, journey and a touch of winter magic. While some are hunkered beneath blankets ready for the winter blues to thaw, the savvy amongst us know it is prime time for a getaway.
If you are on the lookout for superb climate circumstances — heat or snowy — February is the height season for each ski locations and Caribbean resorts. But it is also offseason in most locations in Europe, if you happen to’re trying to find offers.
Each of our chosen spots has its distinctive attraction and causes to go to, from balmy climates for the winter-weary to cozy nooks for individuals who relish the chilliness. We’ve even thrown in some off-the-beaten-path locales for individuals who assume they’ve seen all of it.
Get prepared for some severe wanderlust: These are the ten finest locations to go to in February.
Cape Town
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. PETER ADAMS/GETTY IMAGES
Swap winter chills for summer season thrills in Cape Town. In February, you’ll be able to bask within the sunshine, experience a cable automobile up Table Mountain for panoramic metropolis views, or discover the colourful V&A Waterfront, a bustling hub of outlets, eateries and stay leisure.
For the extra adventurous, drive to Cape Point to face the place two oceans collide. Food lovers ought to head to the Old Biscuit Mill marketplace for farm-to-table bites and artisanal treats like mushroom kabobs and biltong (air-cured meats) from varied distributors.
And be sure to take a look at Boulders Beach, the place penguins waddle the shore like they’re auditioning for a feel-good rom-com.
TPG tip: The Silo Hotel is an architectural marvel with its convex glass home windows — impressed by grain kernels — that glow like a harbor lantern at evening. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the lodge options daring interiors, a rooftop pool and unparalleled views of Table Mountain and the harbor. Rates begin at $1,686 per evening in February.
Lencois Maranhenses National Park, BrazilClimbing dunes in Lencois Maranhenses National Park. COKADA/GETTY IMAGES
Brazil’s Lencois Maranhenses National Park is not your common desert — it is a coastal wonderland. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2024 and spotlighted in TPG’s record of the highest locations for 2025, this spot proves that not all deserts are bone-dry. February falls smack in the course of the wet season (January to June) when the magic occurs. Rainwater transforms the dunes right into a maze of crystal-clear lagoons, making it seem like somebody dropped an infinity pool catalog into the Sahara.
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These lagoons are prime for swimming, snapping surreal pictures or marveling at nature’s genius. The park can be quieter this time of 12 months, so you may really feel such as you’ve stumbled right into a secret world. Just do not forget to pack sturdy sandals and loads of sunscreen — you may want each to discover this sandy paradise turned aquatic dreamscape.
TPG tip: Pousada Rancho das Dunas, on the sting of the nationwide park, presents romantic doubles, spacious triples and opulent chalets that include personal plunge swimming pools. Rates begin at $52 per evening in February.
Rhine RiverPetite Venise within the historic middle of Colmar in Alsace, France. JEAN-PHILIPPE TOURNUT/GETTY IMAGES
“European river cruises are actually supplied as early as February,” mentioned Erina Pindar, COO and managing accomplice of SmartFlyer, noting that the first season runs from May to October. This new shoulder season is a superb time to expertise Europe’s winter wonderland alongside the Rhine with fewer crowds and loads of heat drinks.
Picture this: snow-dusted castles, tranquil vineyards and comfortable wine taverns close to Strasbourg, the place French and German flavors mix like a tremendous Alsace wine.
Romantic vibes abound, too. Sip a steaming Rudesheimer espresso (brandy, chocolate flakes, whipped cream — want we are saying extra?) in a captivating German village or wander hand-in-hand via Colmar’s cobblestone streets. February additionally means discounted airfare and unique wintery perks like quieter museums and intimate guided excursions.
TPG tip: AmaWaterway’s “Captivating Rhine” seven-night journey takes you thru the center of Europe, with stops in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Rudesheim and Strasbourg on the Rhine. Explore the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, a stunningly lovely stretch of the river. This cruise blends historical past, tradition and pure magnificence. Rates begin at $2,490 for a seven-night cruise in February.
South Caicos, Turks and CaicosThe upcoming Marriott Luxury Collection property, Salterra, opens in February 2025. SALTERRA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, TURKS & CAICOS
On Feb. 15, when American Airlines begins its inaugural flights from Miami to South Caicos, will probably be the one U.S. provider providing direct service from the U.S. to the island. The similar day, Marriott’s latest Luxury Collection property opens its doorways, bringing a brand new stage of magnificence to this serene island with its turquoise waters and untouched, rugged magnificence.
Known for its unspoiled magnificence, South Caicos is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Spend your days kayaking via mangroves, diving amongst vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or just enjoyable on the powdery white sands of Long Beach. The close by Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park presents unimaginable snorkeling alternatives, whereas native eating places like The Cove serve up recent ceviche and the catch of the day.
TPG tip: Obviously, it’s best to guide a room on the new Marriott property — Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos. Rates begin at $1,153 or 114,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening in February.
New OrleansBourbon Street within the French Quarter throughout Mardi Gras. LISA BLUE/GETTY IMAGES
Loads is occurring in New Orleans this February. The Super Bowl lands Feb. 9, smack in the course of Mardi Gras season (from Jan. 6 to March 4). Hungry? Emeril Lagasse is again at it with a recent new restaurant, 34 Restaurant & Bar, which is an homage to his Portuguese heritage. The Caesars complicated can be formally open — although we’re nonetheless ready to see if the Nobu Hotel makes its grand entrance by then.
Beyond the large occasions, stroll via the historic French Quarter to absorb stay jazz on the newly restored Preservation Hall, or seize a muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deli, which just lately reopened following a three-year closure on account of Hurricane Ida harm.
TPG tip: Since February can be Black History Month, examine in to the Dew Drop Inn, one of many metropolis’s latest Black-owned resorts. This historic music venue the place Ray Charles, Little Richard and Fats Domino carried out just lately reopened with 17 individually embellished rooms and a pool membership. Rates begin at $109 per evening in February — or $93 per evening if you happen to can show you are a musician.
Mexico CityZona Maco, the most important up to date artwork truthful in Mexico City. RODRIGO OROPEZA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
You will hit the cultural jackpot in Mexico City throughout this month. Art Week steals the highlight with Zona Maco, Latin America’s prime up to date artwork truthful, working Feb. 5-9. Think world-class galleries, edgy installations and sufficient artwork to fill your Instagram for weeks. With common temperatures round 77 levels, the climate is right for wandering Chapultepec Park, gawking at Diego Rivera’s epic murals or pretending you are an area whereas sipping espresso in Condesa’s tree-lined streets.
And do not miss Dia de la Candelaria on Feb. 2 — a celebration the place tamales are the principle occasion. Speaking of meals, deal with your self to the magic at Pujol in Polanco or the unbeatable tuna tostadas at Contramar in Roma Norte. For drinks, Licoreria Limantour delivers world-class cocktails, whereas Handshake Speakeasy presents a swanky, hidden vibe.
TPG tip: Stay on the Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel, which is on the stylish Paseo de la Reforma. Rates begin at $132 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening in February.
The Dolomites, ItalyThe small village of Val di Funes in Italy’s Dolomites mountains. ANASTASIA GUBINSKAYA/GETTY IMAGES
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to take over these peaks, now’s the time to expertise the Dolomites earlier than they’re crawling with skilled athletes. After carving up the slopes, gasoline up at La Stua de Michil restaurant, a one-Michelin-starred gem in Corvara the place chef Simone Cantafio works magic with native elements. Ristorante 1908 in Soprabolzano is a should for jaw-dropping views paired with ingenious dishes. Don’t miss iconic spots like Lago di Braies, a pristine turquoise lake the place you’ll be able to snap Instagram-worthy pictures, or the Seceda Ridgeline, accessible through gondola from Ortisei.
TPG tip: Forestis Dolomites is a glossy, trendy lodge that mixes pine-and-glass towers with a historic chalet constructed by the Habsburgs in 1912. Rates begin at $764 per evening.
Roatan, HondurasThe port of Roatan. PAULO COSTA/GETTY IMAGES
Getting to Roatan simply bought simpler because of Delta Air Lines’ new each day nonstop flights from Atlanta and United Airlines’ elevated each day service from Houston. That means extra time snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and fewer hours wasted in airports throughout layovers.
This hidden gem of the Caribbean is a diver’s dream, with crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful fish and coral, however there’s lots above sea stage, too. Think zip lining via lush jungle canopies, feasting on recent lobster, and sipping icy Salva Vida beers on powdery white seashores.
TPG tip: Stay on the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa. Rates begin at $280 or 55,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening in February.
VietnamInside the Vietage practice in Vietnam. THE VIETAGE
Vietnam’s railways are getting a glow-up, making practice journey the proper method to absorb the nation’s ecologically various landscapes. Hop on The Vietage for Champagne, tremendous French-Vietnamese eating and even a shoulder therapeutic massage as you glide from Da Nang to Quy Nhon. If you are feeling formidable, the brand new SJourney takes you on a leisurely seven-night experience from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to discover royal palaces in Hue and luxurious rice fields in Ninh Binh.
TPG tip: Stay on the Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection in Vietnam’s tallest constructing. Rates begin at $164 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening in February.
ScotlandThe Celtic Connections music pageant runs via the primary few days of February. CELTIC CONNECTIONS/FACEBOOK
In the center of winter, Scotland transforms right into a fascinating wonderland of music and light-weight. Catch the tail-end of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections pageant, working from Jan. 16 to Feb. 2. This international musical extravaganza options greater than 300 occasions spanning genres from folks, rock and blues, intertwined with vigorous ceilidhs (conventional Scottish gatherings).
Aberdeen’s Spectra Festival of Light, from Feb. 6 to 9, casts a magical glow over the Granite City, which turns into a canvas for internationally acclaimed artists’ extraordinary gentle and sound installations.
You would possibly even catch a pure gentle present: Northern Scotland shares the identical latitude as some elements of Scandinavia, so it is potential to identify the northern lights if circumstances enable. (Considering 2025 is a “photo voltaic most,” there is a good probability!)
TPG tip: The Fife Arms is a boutique lodge in Cairngorms National Park, certainly one of seven International Dark Sky Parks within the United Kingdom. During the day, the lodge can prepare outings for snow sports activities like sledding or snowboarding; at evening, it presents darkish sky excursions. Rates begin at $375 per evening in February.
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