From soaking up the sun at beautiful beaches in the Caribbean islands to seeing the northern lights in the Arctic, some of the best places to visit in February in the world are entirely opposite. 

Even though it’s the shortest month of the year, a February getaway is well-needed for everyone between Valentine’s Day and winter break. In this article, discover epic destinations and the best countries to visit in February 2023.

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Best Places to Visit in February in the World

Whether you want to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans or ski down the Olympic slopes in Park City, there isn’t a shortage of amazing places to go in February.

Best Countries to Visit in February:

Queenstown, New Zealand:

February is a great time to visit the Southern Hemisphere because it falls during the summer months. Queenstown, New Zealand, is one of the best places to visit in February in the world because it experiences mild temperatures and spectacular sites to see!

Recognized as the “Adventure Capital of the World”, Queenstown offers fun for everyone, including paragliding, hiking, wine tasting, horseback riding and more. A beautiful property to stay at is Brown’s Boutique Hotel, located steps from downtown. Great restaurants are Fergburger for the best burgers in town, Tanoshi for Japanese food, Madam Woo for Malaysian cuisine and FINZ Seafood and Grill.

In Queenstown, you can enjoy breathtaking views by taking the city’s gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. From there, you can have fun luging down the mountain. Jet boating with the Shotover Jet is also a blast!

The South Island of New Zealand is a jewel and there are a lot of great day trips from the city. One of the most fun things in Queenstown is to do a JUCY Cruise around Milford Sound, where you can see the most incredible waterfalls. Another epic place to visit from Queenstown is Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park for hiking. From there, you can also see the beautiful bright blue lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki.

From Queenstown, other favorite places to visit in New Zealand are Arrowtown, Wanaka and the Central Otago wine region. These beautiful spots offer great activities, from Bungee jumping to mountain biking. All nature lovers are guaranteed to have the best time in New Zealand!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:

One of the best places to visit in February in Asia is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon. Winter is an ideal time to visit Southeast Asia because it’s the rainy season if you travel during the summer months.

Located in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City played an important role during the Vietnam War. It’s iconic for its war museums, historical sites, Jade Emperor Pagoda and French colonial landmarks.

The best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is Park Hyatt Saigon and an incredible place to spend time and eat is at Rice Field – Homecooked Vietnamese. It’s an authentic Vietnamese restaurant with a rooftop, rice paddy and boho décor.

Another reason February is a good time to visit Vietnam is that Chinese New Year celebrations are happening. It’s one of the most special events in the city! Walking the exciting streets of Ho Chi Minh City during early February, you can admire all the beautiful lanterns, flowers and decorations. There are also fireworks, parades and festivals where you can savor delicious food.

During a Ho Chi Minh City trip, you must tour the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s version of a floating market. The Mekong Delta is a beautiful area that consists of rivers, stilt houses and rice paddies. You can purchase local crafts, fresh fruit and clothing items at the floating markets.

If you’re a history lover, you’ll enjoy a tour through the Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Cu Chi Tunnels were used to combat better-supplied American and Southern Vietnamese forces. Tens of thousands of miles of underground tunnels went from Saigon to the Cambodian border.

In Ho Chi Minh City, you must also see the Notre Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and the city hall. For history buffs, check out the War Remnants Museum, where you can see the F-5A fighter from the U.S. Air Force, along with photos and documents from the French-colonial era.

You must visit Ho Chi Minh City and see the Jade Emperor Pagoda. It features beautiful details from Taoist and Buddhist folklore, Chinese lanterns and beauty all around.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa is one of the most epic places to visit in February.  Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits of the World. It’s also Africa’s highest point, the World’s Largest Freestanding Mountain, one of the planet’s largest volcanoes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

February is one of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro because it is the dry season on the mountain. There are also seven different trekking routes for you to choose from. The best climbing route for Mount Kilimanjaro is the Machame Route.

While you climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, you will start in the rainforest and ascend into a moorland zone followed by a lava tube. You will also hike along the thrilling Barranco Wall and go through a crazy rock scramble before summitting to Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet above mean sea level.

After your incredible trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, treat yourself to a fun safari adventure in Serengeti National Park before relaxing at the beach in Zanzibar! With so much to do, there’s no doubt that Tanzania is one of the best places to visit in February in the world.

Vancouver, British Columbia:

A destination that receives fewer visitors during the month of February but has easy access to Olympic skiing and winter adventures is Vancouver, British Columbia. Located in Western Canada, Vancouver is the country’s most ethnically diverse city, surrounded by sky-high mountains.

During a trip to Vancouver in the winter months, you must stay at JW Marriott Parq, which is situated along the city’s False Creek and is surrounded by the fun neighborhoods of Gastown and Yaletown. It also includes a lovely brunch spot called Honey Salt.

Since Vancouver has a large Japanese population, you most certainly will find the best sushi, omakase and izakaya restaurants. Two places you must take advantage of going to are Kingyo and Miku.

February is also the perfect time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in the enchanting woods surrounding the city. During Valentine’s Day season, the suspension bridges are decked out in dreamy lights. It’s one of the most romantic places to visit!

Additionally, Granville Island is another fun spot to visit in Vancouver! It features a public market, brewery, coffee shops, walking trails, a distillery, boutique clothing stores and more.

Since Vancouver has mild weather in February compared to the rest of Canada, you can still enjoy the area’s natural beauty by walking, hiking or biking through the city’s Stanley Park! It’s a 400-hectare park with a seawall, fascinating bird life, an aquarium, a restaurant, cafés and more.

Tallinn, Estonia:

One of the best places to visit in February in Europe is Tallinn, Estonia. February is the perfect month to visit Tallinn because it will allow you to experience the city in a winter wonderland. The capital city’s gothic architecture makes Tallinn a fairytale European destination.

The best hotel to stay at in Tallinn, Estonia is L’Ermitage Tallinn. It’s outside the Old Town and features a cozy restaurant serving classical European dishes. The top restaurants to visit in the city are Kompressor, which is a cozy pub known for Estonian pancakes, and Olde Hansa, for a fun, medieval experience.

During the winter, Tallinn has an ice-skating rink in the center of the Old Town, in front of St. Nicholas Church. It’s open from 10 am to 10 pm and costs nine euros for an adult. While ice skating with the snow falling beside you, you’ll feel like you’re in a snow globe. It’s beautiful!

February is also the best time of year to learn about Tallinn’s history. One of the best things to do in Tallinn, Estonia is to take a city tour. The Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it holds much history from the Viking period to the Soviet era.

Other great places in Tallinn are Tallinn’s Town Wall, Toompea Hill and Castle, Aleksander Nevski Katedraali and Kadriorg Palace. Due to fewer crowds, you’ll be able to get into popular attractions without waiting in long lines.

Even though Estonia experiences freezing temperatures in the winter, there are many advantages to visiting Tallinn during this time of the year. You can visit Tallinn by taking a direct flight to Helsinki, Finland and either taking a ferry or a short, 20-minute flight into the city. There are also great deals for European travel during the month of February.

Best Places to Vacation in February in the Caribbean and Latin America:

Exuma Islands, Bahamas:

If you’re feeling the winter blues, you must visit the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. It’s the best way to experience relaxing sunny days, fun memories on the water and happy times with cute animals.

From Great Exuma Island to Staniel Cay, there are many fun things to do in the Exumas, making it the best islands to visit in February. Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay is the best place to stay in the Exuma Islands, and they provide island boat tours to hotel guests and non-guests. Additionally, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a great place to hang out and enjoy a delicious Caribbean meal.

What makes the Exuma Islands one of the best places to visit in February in the world is that there is something for everyone to enjoy on their vacation. From relaxing at the beach to water sports and swimming with the pigs to relaxing at one of the many sand bars, there are plenty of ways to take in the sunny weather.

Some of the best bucket list things to do in the Exumas, Bahamas are to explore the Thunderball Grotto, which is where two James Bond movies were filmed; say hi to the adorable pigs on Big Major Cay; swim with the sharks at Compass Cay; relax at the sand bar on Pipe Creek and enjoy the company of the iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay.

Because the Bahamas have the best water for scuba diving and snorkeling, it is a must to go on an experience that will let you see some incredible underwater spots. Located near Norman’s Cay is a sunken plane. The water isn’t deep in that area, making it easy to explore the entire wreck. Another excellent spot to explore is David Copperfield’s Mermaid Piano, right off the coast of Rudder Cut Cay.

Even though February is the peak season for the Caribbean due to its great weather and beautiful beaches, it’s best to visit the Bahamas in late winter before spring breakers start to make their arrival.

Monteverde, Costa Rica:

Another one of the best international destinations in February to visit is Monteverde, Costa Rica. Known for having one of the most mystical cloud forests in the world, Monteverde must not be missed during a Costa Rica trip.  

The best place to stay in Monteverde is Hotel Belmar. It’s a luxury, boutique eco-hotel with an incredible farm-to-table restaurant, brewery, tearoom, yoga studio and more. What’s nice about staying at this property is that it’s not a far drive from all of Monteverde’s popular attractions.

Even though the cloud forest brings little rain during February, it’s always best to be prepared for inclement weather. There is much fun in the cloud forest, whether you have warm weather, bright blue skies or torrential downpours.

If you’re an adventure junkie, Costa Rica is one of the best countries to visit. A major attraction and one of the most fun things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica is to visit and make memories at The Original Canopy Tour – the oldest zipline in the world!

Another wonderful thing to do in Monteverde is to visit Selvatura Park and walk along the hanging bridges. It’s one of the best ways to see the cloud forest and also observe the incredible biodiversity this area boasts.

Cartagena, Colombia:

Cartagena, Colombia is one of the best places to travel in January and February in South America because those are the driest months. The equator goes through Colombia, making it part of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. No matter what time of the year you travel to this beautiful Latin country, it will always be warm.

Overall, Cartagena is a historic port city on the Caribbean coast that boasts a colorful walled section, a thriving culture as well as beautiful islands and white-sand beaches. Three of the best places to stay in Cartagena are Casa San Augustin, in the walled city; Ermita Hotel, outside the walled city and Sofitel Baru Calablanca on Isla Barù.

What is great about visiting Cartagena, Colombia is its incredible food scene. You must visit La Cevicheria for fresh ceviche, Carmen for authentic Caribbean food and Ábaco Libros y Café for fantastic Colombian coffee.

If you’re looking for a fun free thing to do in Cartagena, Colombia, you must stroll the colorful streets of the Getsemani neighborhood. It is an artsy spot where you can listen to local live music, salsa dance and savor delicious street food!

Other great things to do in Cartagena are to take a walking tour of the walled city, visit the San Felipe de Barajas castle, shop through one of the many markets and enjoy a fun sunset drink at Café del Mar. For all the beach lovers, make your way out to Isla Barù or the Rosario Islands.

Belize Islands:

One of the best countries to visit in February for sun is Belize. It features ideal conditions with daytime temperatures ranging from 70s° and 80s° Fahrenheit. With beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Belize islands are a perfect destination for anyone who loves scuba diving!

The best diving resort to stay at in Belize is Turneffe Island Resort. It’s an all-inclusive, private island eco-resort on the Turneffe Atoll. There are many fun water sports and outdoor activities at Turneffe Island Resort, including a beach, pool, onsite restaurant and more.

During a trip to the Belize islands, you must go diving and snorkeling at the Great Blue Hole. It’s the world’s largest underwater sinkhole that has incredible sea life! Other unique Caribbean spots in Belize to enjoy in the winter sun are Half Moon Caye, Caye Caulker and Long Caye Wall. While scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing, you’ll come across tarpons, barracudas, nurse sharks, yellow stingrays, rainbow parrot fish and more.

From the beaches to the diving sites, you’ll understand why Belize is one of the best places to visit in February in the world!

USA Places to Travel in February:

New Orleans, Louisiana:

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a Carnival celebration leading to Ash Wednesday, the start of lent in the Christian religion. Undoubtedly, New Orleans is one of the top February destinations because it holds one of the best carnival celebrations in the world. It’s also the best in the United States.

The best hotel in New Orleans is Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter. Since New Orleans is known for its delicious Creole, Cajun and Southern cuisine, you must also eat at Muriel’s, Commander’s Palace and Café Beignet.

During a trip to New Orleans, you must immerse yourself in the culture and history! Some of the best ways to do that are to wander around the French Quarter, do a history or ghost tour, visit the Mardi Gras Museum and walk through the French Market.

A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a good time! From the lively Bourbon Street to Frenchman Street, you can have fun at a pub like Pat O’Brien’s or enjoy the talented live music at a jazz club or piano bar. Another great spot to have a drink at is The Columns Hotel, an elegant house with a lounge area.

During a February trip, other great things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana, are to enjoy a bayou tour and see some alligators, have some wine and listen to jazz music at Bacchanal Wine and do some shopping along Magazine Street. Audubon Park is a lovely area to stroll through beautiful Spanish moss.

Park City, Utah:

Famous for being one of the best ski resorts and the second largest in North America, Park City, Utah is one of the best places to visit in February in the world. For those who love winter sports, you’ll love the plethora of different activities.

The best place to stay in Park City is YotelPad, at the base of Park City Canyons, and the top places to eat are at Riverhorse on Main, Five5eeds and Chimayo. You must also splurge and enjoy a nice lunch at one of the Alpenglobes at Stein Eriksen Lodge.

For those who love skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, you must enjoy the slopes at Park City and Deer Valley Resorts. Please note that Deer Valley is ski-only! You can enjoy beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert trails at both ski resorts.

In addition to skiing, visiting the Ice Castles is another fun winter activity near Park City, Utah. Located a half hour from the ski town, Ice Castles Utah is an enchanting wonderland where 100,000 icicles are hand-placed by professional ice artists. You can admire ice sculptures, ice tunnels, fun slides and more.

One of the best parts about visiting Park City in February is that there are a lot of great après ski bars, lounges and pop-ups. The best ones to visit are The Après Lounge at Montage Deer Valley, The Vintage Room at St. Regis Deer Valley and No Name Saloon downtown.

Since the 2002 Winter Olympic Games were held in Park City, you must also check out the Utah Olympic Park, where there are public bobsled tracks, an ice-skating rink, cross-country skiing trails and a museum.

Palm Springs, California:

If you love the desert and are wondering where to travel in February, Palm Springs, California is a great option! It’s a trendy desert city in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California. Palm Springs is recognized for its retro-style vibes, stylish hotels, oasis’, spas and restaurants.

The best place to stay in Palm Springs, California is Kimpton Rowan. It’s a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of town. It has a rooftop pool, beautiful views of the mountains and a great restaurant called Juniper Table. One of the best restaurants in Palm Springs is Tac/Quila. It offers delicious Mexican food and cocktails.

Some of the most incredible places to check out in Palm Springs are Palm Canyon Oasis in Indian Canyons, the Palm Springs Windmills and Moorten Botanical Garden. The Western town of Palm Springs is lovely to walk through as there are a lot of excellent boutique shops, restaurants, cafés and more.

Additionally, there are a lot of great day trips to enjoy from Palm Springs too. It’s close to Joshua Tree National Park for outstanding hiking and exploration. You can also adventure through Coachella Valley, where one of the best music festivals takes place annually; see the cool Pioneertown outside of Joshua Tree; relax in warm hot springs at Desert Hot Springs and visit Salvation Mountain and Slab City, an unincorporated town filled with squatters and their colorful artwork.

What’s great about this entire area is that there are a lot of cool Instagram spots to enjoy making it one of the best places to visit in February in the world.

Fayetteville, West Virginia:

Another great travel destination for February is Fayetteville, West Virginia. If you’re an adventure lover, you’ll enjoy this delightful town outside New River Gorge National Park!

The best place to stay in Fayetteville is Lafayette Flats. It’s a charming and cozy rental property located in the heart of downtown near many great restaurants, shops, yoga studios and art galleries. The top places to eat in Fayetteville, West Virginia are Wanderlust Creative Foods for Indian cuisine, Firecreek BBQ and Wood Iron Eatery for breakfast.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a hidden gem in the United States. Even during the winter, you can still enjoy great hikes and adventures, such as the Bridge Walk over the New River Gorge Bridge, America’s longest steel arch bridge.

Another memorable thing in New River Gorge National Park is to get out of your comfort zone and take a mountain bike lesson at Arrowhead Bike Farm. What is great about this spot is that they also have a restaurant called The Handlebar + Kitchen, where you can enjoy craft beers and Bavarian bratwurst.

Looking for other great February vacation destinations? Check out the below spots:

Cape Town, South Africa

Key West, Florida

San Diego, California

I hope you all enjoyed learning about the 13 best places to visit in February in the world. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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