Best Countries to Visit in February 2024
Iceland
Iceland is home to many of the world's natural wonders and is the home of many myths deriving from ancient Norse and Viking culture. It is said that Greenland and Iceland were mistakenly named one another, as Iceland has more natural beauty and greenery during many of its seasons, and Greenland is full of ice. February is one of the best times to travel to Iceland, as it is a huge tourist attraction during its colder months. The natural beauty and the accessibility of the hot springs, make it a wonderful tundra destination. Travelers are also able to witness the Northern Lights.
Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is only around 2 degrees centigrade warm at this time, rather than freezing temperatures.
Australia
"The land down under" as it is commonly called, Australia is usually a wonderful destination for those who are comfortable with western standards. Australia is one of the top 10 economies in the world and is extremely well-developed. Although it has accommodations throughout the year, Australia is best visited during the winter months in North America and Europe. Australia is situated in the southern hemisphere, meaning that during the Northern hemisphere winter months, they are experiencing summer. This is the ultimate "snowbird" destination, meaning you are able to experience summer every month of the year during your travels.
Vietnam
Lush jungles, brave history, and great location - Vietnam remains warm throughout the entirety of the year. It connects itself to many other countries by the South China sea and has many cultural influences from the Asian continent. Vietnam is a rare jewel and is considered the coffee capital of the world. Vietnam has the most diverse recipes for coffee, and also has one of the lowest costs of living for foreigners. It is not uncommon to feed an entire party of travelers a 3-course meal for as little as $ 20 USD.
Vietnam combines years of Buddhist traditions with its communist past and its French colonization. This has created an extremely unique infrastructure throughout the country, evidenced by its many monasteries, state buildings, and its adage to the French customs. Vietnam does not receive much rain throughout the year, and the condensation is mostly trapped within its jungle-like terrain, meaning the temperature is always a warm 20 degrees centigrade.
Dubai
Dubai is as close to the future as it gets. Known for the Bhurj Khalifa, Dubai is the Centre of innovation and attraction for people everywhere. Artificial islands, tall buildings, and a unique 7-star hotel are just some of the appeals to tourists and locals alike. Due to its geographical location, Dubai is always a warm place. This means that visiting during February will keep the temperature in a nice lukewarm environment.
Visit its fountains, car shows, and shopping centers for some of the biggest and most luxurious brands on the planet. The great Dubai Mall has everything you could need for glamorous souvenirs to take back with you.
- Different sources and individuals may place different degrees of importance upon the many individual qualities of a given destination, resulting in different lists. Multiple lists are displayed here for comparison and contrast.
- Specific locations or attractions mentioned by various sources are displayed in the Attractions column.
Country | February Attractions | Conde Nast Traveler | Average Temp (C) | Times UK | Travel Triangle | US News |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Mendoza - Wine, bars, food, Uco Valley scenery, Vendimia Festival, Cerro de la Gloria, General San Martin Park, paragliding, vineyard tours, Horseback riding in Andes | Yes | 27 | 1 | ||
| Australia | Melbourne - Parks and gardens, hiking national parks, boutiques and bars, street art and coffee, Mornington Peninsula, Royal Botanic Gardens, Flinders Street and Federation Square, Eureka Skydeck, Queen Victoria Market | Tasmania - Beaches and ocean, scenery of Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain, food and wine trails, wildlife (wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils) | 21 | 14 | 21 | ||
| Bahamas | Beaches and the Caribbean, scuba diving and snorkeling, island lifestyle, scenic views and sightseeing, surfing, resorts, Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island, Harbor Island, Pig Beach | Yes | 26 | 17 | ||
| Brazil | Bahia - Beaches, seasonal festivals (Bahia's Carnival celebrations rival Rio's), architecture, world heritage sites, backpacking, scenic waterfalls and sunsets, caves, shopping, Chapada Diamantina, Elevador Lacerda, Mercado Modelo, beach town Trancoso | Rio de Janeiro - Carnival festival (exact dates vary by year) | Yes | 28 | 7 | 14 | |
| Canada | Alberta - Banff (mountain views, skiing/snowboarding, resort hotels, campgrounds, hiking the Hoodoos, biking and rock climbing, Moraine Lake, Banff Upper Hot Springs | Quebec - Quebec City Winter Carnival (check dates), La Poutine Week, skiing, resorts | Yes | -9 | 9 | ||
| Chile | Rapa Nui/Easter Island (stone Moai, Tapati Festival), Torres del Paine National Park (scenic hiking and horseback riding, lakes, wildlife, rock formations), Patagonia, Andes mountains, natural beauty (volcanoes, deserts, mountains and lakes), stargazing | Yes | 11 | 7 | ||
| Colombia | Cartagena - Romantic villas and neighborhoods, beaches, cocktails, art, street musicians, dance clubs, restaurants and street food, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, beaches and huts at Islas del Rosario, Playa Blanca, mud volcano | Yes | 30 | 6 | ||
| Costa Rica | Beaches and the Caribbean, jungles and waterfalls, scenic volcanoes, rainforest hiking, scuba diving and snorkeling, aquatic wildlife (manta rays, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, dolphins), hotels and resorts, La Amistad National Park (cloud forests, tropical alpine grasslands, valleys, Cerro Chirripó mountain), Naraya Springs (hot springs and a sloth sanctuary), Tenorio National Park | Puntarenas - Beaches and ocean, rainforest wildlife, scenic views and hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving, volcanoes, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, Monteverde, La Fortuna | Yes | 28 | 13 | 20 | |
| Denmark | Copenhagen - Hygge, Nyhavn neighborhood, Amalienborg (esp. architecture), Tivoli Gardens, Little Mermaid statue, cuisine and coffee | Yes | 2 | 16 | ||
| Egypt | Nile river cruises, milder temps to explore pyramids and temples in Luxor and Aswan, Temple of Dendera, Kom Ombo, Elephantine Island | Yes | 23 | 8 | ||
| Finland | Lapland - Northern lights, reindeer safari, skiing and snowboarding, Yllas Ski Resort's sauna gondola, fat-biking in snow in Yllas National Park, Santa Park, Levin Lapinkyla, Arktikum | Yes | -14 | 3 | ||
| France | Courchevel ski resort | Paris - Historic monuments and architecture, Eiffel Tower, cuisine, wine bars, cafes and bistros, fashion and design, nightlife in bo-bo neighborhood, art and museums, shopping, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Cathedral Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe | Yes | 7 | 15 | ||
| French Polynesia | Rangiroa - Diving and snorkeling in the "natural aquarium", dolphin lagoon, Avatoru, Motu Mahitu, Tiputa | 30 | 9 | |||
| Iceland | Reykjavik - Northern lights, rugged natural wonders (glaciers, volcanoes), hot springs, mountaineering, Vatnajökull National Park, Puffin Island, Dynjandi Waterfall, Peace Tower, Valley of Thor, Blue Lagoon | 0 | 28 | |||
| India | Kerala - Canals and backwaters to explore, homestays, beaches, food | Yes | 32 | |||
| Italy | Rome - Scenery and architecture, museums, wine, cuisine and gelato, the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican museums and St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City), Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona | Tropea - Beaches w/ scenic views (water, castle, sea cliffs), food, Aeolian Islands, Santa Maria dell'Isola | Tuscany - Scenery and architecture, wine and cuisine, the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence, Carnival celebration in coastal town Viareggio | Venice - Canals and gondolas, Carnival celebrations, architecture, cuisine, Doge's Palace (and Doge's Ball), St. Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica, Rialto Bridge | Yes | 11 | 12, 18 | 3 | |
| Japan | Ibaraki - Botanical wonders in Hitachi Seaside Park, hiking, sushi, boating on Lake Kasumigaura, Fukuroda Falls, Mount Tsukuba | 9 | 5 | |||
| Malaysia | Borneo - Beaches and ocean, rainforest and mountain hiking, scuba diving, watersports, island hopping, Gunung Mulu National Park, Poring Hot Springs, Mantanani Islands, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Mount Kinabalu | 29 | 24 | |||
| Maldives | Snorkeling and scuba diving (manta rays, tiger sharks, and whale sharks), spas and resorts | Ari Atoll - Wildlife viewing (whale sharks, manta rays), beaches and ocean, diving, food, resorts | Yes | 31 | 5 | ||
| Malta | Valletta - Carnival celebrations and parades, Nadur Carnival on Gozo | Yes | 13 | 11 | ||
| Mexico | Baja California - Animal migrations (monarch butterflies, grey whales), nature preserves, resorts, food | Cancun - Beaches and the Caribbean, beachfront hotels and resorts, food, nightlife, sunset sailing, snorkeling, hiking, Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza trail, Cancun Underwater Museum, Temple of Scorpio, Xcaret Park, Isla Contoy, Mercado 28 | Zihuatanejo - beaches and ocean, scenic views, food (esp. seafood), mezcal, cobblestone downtown. Check travel advisories first, though | 25 | 4 | 23 | 13 | |
| New Zealand | Rotorua - Hot springs, geysers, boiling mud pools, and other geothermal oddities; zip-lining; river rafting; Lake Rotorua; Waimangu Volcanic Valley; Wai-O-Tapu, glowworns in Waitomo Caves | 18 | 10 | |||
| Norway | Lofoten Islands - Northern Lights, cabins in fishing village at Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær | Tromsø - Northern lights, Tromsø Ice Domes | -1 | 3 | 14 | ||
| Oman | Scenic landscapes, desert dune rides, scuba diving near Musandam Peninsula, Bedouin camps, luxury resorts "from desert to beach", warm but not oppressive heat | Yes | 28 | |||
| Peru | Huacachina (a small town surrounded by lake and massive sand dunes) - revelry, sandboarding, vineyard tour, Ecocamp Huacachina, Banana's Adventure - Huacachina, Hotel El Huacachinero | 26 | 11 | |||
| Philippines | Palawan - Beaches and ocean, wreck diving, Banaue Rice Terraces, Chocolate Hills of Bohol | Surigao Del Sur - Natural beauty, the "Enchanted River", surfing, Bislig, Tandag, Hinatuan, Mindanao | 27 | 10 | 8 | ||
| Poland | Szczecin - Nature hikes, the Crooked Forest, microbreweries, food, architecture, Ducal Castle, Szczecin Philharmonic, Stare Miasto | 2 | 7 | |||
| Puerto Rico | Carnaval Ponceño and Festival del Frío, beaches and ocean, surfing, hiking, El Yungque National Forest, Old San Juan (nightlife, historic architecture, culture, food), scenic views (beaches, jungles), Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay, El Morro fort, Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Rojo, Flamenco Beach, Casa Bacardi, San Juan Cathedral | 29 | 26 | 10 | ||
| Russia | St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul Fortress, Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood | -6 | 2 | |||
| Saint Lucia | Beaches and the Caribbean Sea, hiking and zip-lining through rainforests, scenic volcanoes, spas and wellness retreats, resorts, sulphur springs, climbing the Pitons, Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park, Pigeon Island, Tet Paul Nature Trail, Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths, snorkeling and diving Anse Chastanet, Sulphur Springs, Gros Islet Street Party, Chocolate tour, Magriot Bay, Gros Piton | 28 | 25 | 2 | ||
| Senegal | Beaches, surfing, wildlife viewing, street food, contemporary art scene, | Yes | 26 | |||
| Singapore | Cafe culture, amusement parks, nightlife, cuisine, sub-tropical weather, scenery, Gardens By The Bay, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Merlion Square, Marina Bay Sands | 24 | 13 | |||
| South Africa | Eastern Cape - Beaches and ocean, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park (wildlife viewing), Mossel Bay (zip-lining over the ocean, cage-diving with sharks, skydiving, surfing), Gondwana Game Reserve, Cango Caves, dolphin- and whale-watching at Wilderness, cycling through forests | 17 | ||||
| Spain | Ibiza - Beaches and ocean, beach bars, windsurfing, flyboarding, almond trees in bloom, cuisine on Gastro Thursdays, forest and mountain hiking, Carnival celebrations, horseback tours and Ibiza Horse Valley, Cala Llenya, Playa d'en Bossa, Cala Llonga | Yes | 14 | 4 | ||
| Sri Lanka | Beaches and ocean, hiking, wildlife viewing (including elephants and leopards), 26 national parks, ruins to visit, Sigiriya, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple | Yes | 25 | 19 | 15 | |
| Switzerland | Swiss Alps, world-class skiing and snowboarding, mountain towns and resorts (especially in Valais canton), raclette and fondue, the Matterhorn, Tschäggätä carnival | -10 | 6 | 6 | ||
| Thailand | Koh Samui - Full Moon Parties and jungle exploration on Koh Pha-ngan, diving and snorkelling at Koh Tao, beaches and activities at Koh Samui | Phuket - beaches and ocean, ranging from calm to party-oriented), Promthep Cape beach, Big Buddha statue, Nai Harn Beach, Soi Dog Foundation, Kata Noi Beach, spas, boat tours, Wat Chalong temple | 28 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Trinidad and Tobago | Carnival festival (parades, music, historic reenactments), wildlife reserves, scarlet ibises, beaches and ocean, rainforests and waterfalls | 29 | 8 | |||
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (gorillas, flora), Murchison Falls National Park (elephants, lions), Rwenzori Moutnains (flora) | 19 | ||||
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai - Sightseeing and architecture, nightlife, desert safaris, Burj Khalifa, Dhow cruises, shopping, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Bastakia, Jumeirah Mosque | 19 | 27 | |||
| United Kingdom | Cotswolds - Cozy English villages, artisan ales, scenic walks, modern restaurants and tea rooms, antique stores | Turks & Caicos (Caribbean territory) - February temps in low 80s F, beaches, snorkeling, coral reefs in Salt Cay, whale watching, horseback riding, luxury hotels in Providenciales | Yes | 07-28 | 4 | ||
| United States | California - Death Valley National Park (gold-tier Dark Sky Park, moonlight horseback rides, natural springs, comfortable daytime temperatures), Palm Springs (Architecture tours during Modernism Week, San Jacinto mountain views), beaches and ocean in southern California, hiking in Yosemite and other state/national parks | Colorado - Skiing, especially in Aspen or Telluride (148 trails), snowbiking, heli-skiing | Florida - Key West (beaches and ocean, Key Western country music festival, Key West Art & Craft Festival | Hawaii - Volcanoes National Park, hiking trails, whale-watching, beaches and ocean | Louisiana - New Orleans (music, food, culture, Mardi Gras [some years]) | Mississippi - Mardi Gras celebrations in coastal regions such as Biloxi (Mardi Gras festivals and museum) | New Mexico - Santa Fe (Skiing, Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, southwestern cuisine | Vermont - Stowe (skiing Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, ski resorts w/ fire pits and hot tubs, spas and sleigh rides, old-fashioned cozy town feel | Wyoming - Jackson Hole (skiing and snowboarding, ice skating, sleigh rides through elk refuge, ski resorts, comfort food) | Yes | 19 | 1 | 5, 9, 11 | |
| Vietnam | Hanoi - Backpacking, beaches, culture and cuisine, exploring jungle scenery and ancient temples, architecture, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Thank Long Imperial Citadel, Old Quarter | 19 | 22 |