The 10 best places to visit in February
Welcome to February, the month where 28 days pack more punch than expected. It’s a time for love, adventure and a dash of winter magic. While some are hunkered under blankets waiting for the winter blues to thaw, the savvy among us know it’s prime time for a getaway.
If you’re looking for ideal weather conditions — warm or snowy — February is the peak season for both ski destinations and Caribbean resorts. But it’s also offseason in most places in Europe, if you’re searching for deals.
Each of our chosen spots has its unique charm and reasons to visit, from balmy climates for the winter-weary to cozy nooks for those who relish the chill. We’ve even thrown in some off-the-beaten-path locales for those who think they’ve seen it all.
Get ready for some serious wanderlust: These are the 10 best places to visit in February.
Cape Town
Swap winter chills for summer thrills in Cape Town. In February, you can bask in the sunshine, ride a cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic city views, or explore the vibrant V&A Waterfronta bustling hub of shops, eateries and live entertainment.
For the more adventurous, drive to Cape Point to stand where two oceans collide. Food lovers should head to the Old Biscuit Mill market for farm-to-table bites and artisanal treats like mushroom kabobs and biltong (air-cured meats) from various vendors.
And make sure to check out Boulders Beach, where 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 windows — inspired by grain kernels — that glow like a harbor lantern at night. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the hotel features bold interiors, a rooftop pool and unparalleled views of Table Mountain and the harbor. Rates start at $1,686 per night in February.
Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Brazil’s Lencois Maranhenses National Park isn’t your average desert — it’s a coastal wonderland. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2024 and spotlighted in TPG’s list of the top destinations for 2025this spot proves that not all deserts are bone-dry. February falls smack in the middle of the rainy season (January to June) when the magic happens. Rainwater transforms the dunes into a maze of crystal-clear lagoons, making it look like someone dropped an infinity pool catalog into the Sahara.
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These lagoons are prime for swimming, snapping surreal photos or marveling at nature’s genius. The park is also quieter this time of year, so you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret world. Just don’t forget to pack sturdy sandals and plenty of sunscreen — you’ll need both to explore this sandy paradise turned aquatic dreamscape.
TPG tip: Rancho das Dunas Innon the edge of the national park, offers romantic doubles, spacious triples and luxurious chalets that come with private plunge pools. Rates start at $52 per night in February.
Rhine River
“European river cruises are now offered as early as February,” said Erina Pindar, COO and managing partner of SmartFlyer, noting that the primary season runs from May to October. This new shoulder season is a great time to experience Europe’s winter wonderland along the Rhine with fewer crowds and plenty of warm beverages.
Picture this: snow-dusted castles, tranquil vineyards and cozy wine taverns near Strasbourg, where French and German flavors blend like a fine Alsace wine.
Romantic vibes abound, too. Sip a steaming Rudesheimer coffee (brandy, chocolate flakes, whipped cream — need we say more?) in a charming German village or wander hand-in-hand through Colmar’s cobblestone streets. February also means discounted airfare and exclusive wintery perks like quieter museums and intimate guided tours.
TPG tip: AmaWaterway’s “Captivating Rhine” seven-night journey takes you through the heart of Europe, with stops in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Rudesheim and Strasbourg on the Rhine. Explore the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, a stunningly beautiful stretch of the river. This cruise blends history, culture and natural beauty. Rates start at $2,490 for a seven-night cruise in February.
South Caicos, Turks and Caicos
On Feb. 15, when American Airlines begins its inaugural flights from Miami to South Caicos, it will be the only U.S. carrier offering direct service from the U.S. to the island. The same day, Marriott’s newest Luxury Collection property opens its doors, bringing a new level of elegance to this serene island with its turquoise waters and untouched, rugged beauty.
Known for its unspoiled beauty, South Caicos is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Spend your days kayaking through mangroves, diving among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or simply relaxing on the powdery white sands of Long Beach. The nearby Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park offers incredible snorkeling opportunities, while local restaurants like The Cove serve up fresh ceviche and the catch of the day.
TPG tip: Obviously, you should book a room at the new Marriott property — Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos. Rates start at $1,153 or 114,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in February.
New Orleans
A lot is going on in New Orleans this February. The Super Bowl lands Feb. 9, smack in the middle of Mardi Gras season (from Jan. 6 to March 4). Hungry? Emeril Lagasse is back at it with a fresh new restaurant, 34 Restaurant & Barwhich is an homage to his Portuguese heritage. The Caesars complex is also officially open — though we’re still waiting to see if the Nobu Hotel makes its grand entrance by then.
Beyond the big events, stroll through the historic French Quarter to soak up live jazz at the newly restored Preservation Hallor grab a muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deliwhich recently reopened following a three-year closure due to Hurricane Ida damage.
TPG tip: Since February is also Black History Month, check in to the Dew Drop Innone of the city’s newest Black-owned hotels. This historic music venue where Ray Charles, Little Richard and Fats Domino performed recently reopened with 17 individually decorated rooms and a pool club. Rates start at $109 per night in February — or $93 per night if you can prove you’re a musician.
Mexico City
You will hit the cultural jackpot in Mexico City during this month. Art Week steals the spotlight with Zona Maco, Latin America’s top contemporary art fair, running Feb. 5-9. Think world-class galleries, edgy installations and enough art to fill your Instagram for weeks. With average temperatures around 77 degrees, the weather is ideal for wandering Chapultepec Park, gawking at Diego Rivera’s epic murals or pretending you’re a local while sipping coffee in Condesa’s tree-lined streets.
And don’t miss Dia de la Candelaria on Feb. 2 — a celebration where tamales are the main event. Speaking of food, treat yourself 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, while Handshake Speakeasy offers a swanky, hidden vibe.
TPG tip: Stay at the Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotelwhich is on the trendy Paseo de la Reforma. Rates start at $132 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in February.
The Dolomites, Italy
With the 2026 Winter Olympics set to take over these peaks, now’s the time to experience the Dolomites before they’re crawling with professional athletes. After carving up the slopes, fuel up at La Stua de Michil restaurant, a one-Michelin-starred gem in Corvara where chef Simone Cantafio works magic with local ingredients. Ristorante 1908 in Soprabolzano is a must for jaw-dropping views paired with inventive dishes. Don’t miss iconic spots like Lago di Braies, a pristine turquoise lake where you can snap Instagram-worthy photos, or the Seceda Ridgeline, accessible via gondola from Ortisei.
TPG tip: Forests of the Dolomites is a sleek, modern hotel that combines pine-and-glass towers with a historic chalet built by the Habsburgs in 1912. Rates start at $764 per night.
Roatan, Honduras
Getting to Roatan just got easier thanks to Delta Air Lines’ new daily nonstop flights from Atlanta and United Airlines’ increased daily service from Houston. That means more time snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and fewer hours wasted in airports during layovers.
This hidden gem of the Caribbean is a diver’s dream, with crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and coral, but there’s plenty above sea level, too. Think zip lining through lush jungle canopies, feasting on fresh lobster, and sipping icy Salva Vida beers on powdery white beaches.
TPG tip: Stay at the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa. Rates start at $280 or 55,000 IHG One Rewards points per night in February.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s railways are getting a glow-up, making train travel the perfect way to soak up the country’s ecologically diverse landscapes. Hop on The Vietage for Champagne, fine French-Vietnamese dining and even a shoulder massage as you glide from Da Nang to Quy Nhon. If you’re feeling ambitious, the new SJourney takes you on a leisurely seven-night ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to explore royal palaces in Hue and lush rice fields in Ninh Binh.
TPG tip: Stay at the Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection in Vietnam’s tallest building. Rates start at $164 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in February.
Scotland
In the heart of winter, Scotland transforms into a captivating wonderland of music and light. Catch the tail-end of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival, running from Jan. 16 to Feb. 2. This global musical extravaganza features more than 300 events spanning genres from folk, rock and blues, intertwined with lively ceilidhs (traditional Scottish gatherings).
Aberdeen’s Spectra Festival of Lightfrom Feb. 6 to 9, casts a magical glow over the Granite City, which becomes a canvas for internationally acclaimed artists’ extraordinary light and sound installations.
You might even catch a natural light show: Northern Scotland shares the same latitude as some parts of Scandinavia, so it’s possible to spot the northern lights if conditions allow. (Considering 2025 is a “solar maximum,” there’s a good chance!)
TPG tip: The Fife Arms is a boutique hotel in Cairngorms National Parkone of seven International Dark Sky Parks in the United Kingdom. During the day, the hotel can arrange outings for snow sports like sledding or skiing; at night, it offers dark sky tours. Rates start at $375 per night in February.
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