There are few daylight hours and cold temperatures in February in the northern hemisphere. After the winter holidays pass, spring seems far away. Instead of letting the winter blues set in, plan an epic adventure abroad to brighten up your spirits.
Costa Rica
The rainforests of Costa Rica are among the lushest and most fecund places on Earth during the rainy season. February is usually sunny and warm, so there’s no need to worry about the weather. Apart from the beaches, there are also hot springs, jungles, and culinary hot spots to explore.
The coastal jungles of Manuel Antonio Park or the laid-back beach towns of Cahuita National Park, such as Playa Manzanillo and Playa Blanca, make up a great trip on the Caribbean side of the island. This time of year, La Fortuna in the Alajuela Province is especially enchanting; you can visit magical waterfalls and hot springs near Arenal Volcano National Park, zipline through the rainforest canopy, and ride a horseback ride through the jungle.
Canary Islands, Spain
During the entire month of December, the world-famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival takes place in Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries. The annual carnival brings music, galas, parades, and extravagant parties to the streets, making it one of the most popular carnivals in the world. The Canary Islands Music Festival, an international classical music festival, brings in internationally renowned performers, composers, and soloists to the islands each year.
If you’re traveling to El Teide, you can hike to the summit, visit the Mercado Municipal Nuestra Senora de Africa, or go to the beach at Playa de las Teresitas, all of which have recently won Travelers’ Choice Awards. The Royal Hideaway Corales Suites or Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden are two luxurious hotels to choose from.
Thailand
In Thailand, February typically means sunny days and temperatures in the high 80s. This is especially true in the mountainous city of Chiang Mai located in the northern region of Thailand. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which takes place on the first full weekend in February, is a good time to see the best of the region. To find a more lively Experience, many travelers stay at one of Chiang Rai’s many guesthouses or inns located closer to town. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quieter stay, consider staying at Veranda High Resort, a tranquil boutique hotel located in the green valleys and mountains of the countryside.
A private Japanese onsen experience with a cold plunge and steam room awaits you at Home Sukhumvit34 in Bangkok, which opened in November 2022. Around the end of the month, Hua Hin, a beach town outside of Bangkok, holds its Annual Food Festival, featuring creative cuisine and cultural events. On the island of Koh PhaNgan, you’ll be able to revel with the best of the best at the Full Moon Party—a beach party that runs all night every month.
Island of Curacao
In February, Curaçao promises a nearly-perfect beach getaway. The weather is warm and it rarely rains, so it’s the perfect time to soak up the sun and relax on the sand. You can explore the colorful historic areas in the capital city of Willemstad and the numerous world-famous dive sites, bursting with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
There are also a number of coves, caves, and caverns to snorkel around in the historic neighborhood of Punda. In the Sandals Royal Curaçao, an all-inclusive resort, or at the Baoase Luxury Resort, an award-winning boutique hotel, you can stay in a seaside bungalow.
Merída, Mexico
It’s prime weather in Yucatán’s capital city of Merída in February—a welcome reprieve from the heat that will soon follow in the summer months. Take cool dips in cenotes—deep underground rivers in partially covered or open-air caves—within the city limits, or in nearby towns like Homún. You can also explore creative street performances in the Plaza Grande or shop for artisanal wares and sample some of the best food of the Yucatán region in dining establishments throughout town.
There are numerous choices, but our votes go to Restaurante Ya-axká, housed in a beautiful stone structure with courtyard dining under the glow of string lights, or Kuuk, with its fabulous tasting menu “full of new flavors,” according to our community. If you’re craving beach time, you can head an hour away to Progresso Beach, a local favorite, or go snap pics of the pink flamingos in Celestun. If it’s your first time in the region, a visit to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza (about an hour and a half from Merída) is a must: it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Morocco, Marrakech
In Marrakech, with its Byzantine souks, intricate mosaic work, lush gardens, mosques, and ancient medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you’ll be less crowded and more temperate in February. Expect sunny days with temperatures around 70 degrees as you explore the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2022 award winner, Jardin Majorelle, a beautifully landscaped garden and museum once owned by designer Yves Saint-Laurent, and ninth-century Palácio da Bahia. Various markets are also available in Marrakech. If you can’t swing a night at La Mamounia Marrakech (a Travelers’ Choice Award winner), the city also has terrific (and more attainable) options, including the Riad Noir d’Ivoire which Tripadvisor reviewers love for its “outstanding hospitality” and “peaceful tranquility.”
