February in the UK is cold and wet, so a little escape seems more than necessary – and finding the best holiday destinations in February is all about deciding what kind of escape you're after. Whether it means taking a long-haul flight to reach Brazil’s sunny shores or hopping on a Eurostar to Paris for the weekend, there's no shortage of places to choose from.
But the arrival of February also means that we have survived the worst of the winter months and made it to the most romantic time of the year, which equally calls for a celebratory trip in my book. No matter the special occasion, from birthdays and anniversaries to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, I have always preferred a nice holiday to an expensive object.
This month is for swooping loved ones off to cosy cottages with crackling fires and frosty walks, for hopping on short-haul flights for whirlwind European city breaks, or for escaping the last of the bitter cold by heading for warmer climes. From winter sunshine in the Canary Islands and spectacular landscapes in Chile to Carnival celebrations in Venice and Rio de Janeiro, below we've rounded up the best holiday destinations in February 2027. If you're in the market for sun and sun alone, check out our edit of where it's hot in February.
Where is the best place to go on holiday in February?
The best holiday destinations in February depend on whether you're craving winter sunshine, a snowy escape or a cultural city break. For warm weather without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are hard to beat, with Tenerife and Lanzarote offering mild temperatures, beautiful beaches and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Further afield, the Maldives is ideal for a tropical escape, while Rio de Janeiro comes alive with its famous Carnival celebrations. If you'd rather embrace winter, head to Courchevel for skiing in the French Alps, or spend a romantic weekend exploring Paris or Venice.
Where is warm in February and cheap?
February is a brilliant month to travel, whether you're after winter sun, snowy adventures or a romantic city break. Tenerife and Lanzarote offer mild temperatures, dramatic volcanic landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, while destinations such as Malta can also be appealing for a short winter escape. Finnish Lapland is at its best for snow-covered landscapes, husky safaris and the chance to see the Northern Lights. If you're planning a Valentine's Day escape, Paris is always a good idea, while Venice comes alive with its famous Carnival celebrations.
Where is nice to go for three days in February?
For affordable winter sun without travelling too far from the UK, the Canary Islands are among the best holiday destinations in February for travellers looking for winter sunshine without a long-haul flight. Tenerife and Lanzarote enjoy mild temperatures of around 20°C in February, with plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches and accommodation to suit different budgets. Further afield, destinations such as Kerala in southern India can offer good value once you've covered the cost of flights, with warm weather, delicious food and plenty to explore.
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Temperature in February: 7°C high; 1°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from London: just over 4 hours by train
Time difference: GMT +0Those searching for the perfect UK city break should head for bonnie Scotland. Edinburgh is magical in every season, but in winter, the promise of frosty Georgian architecture, bitterly cold garden walks, and plenty of cosy corners to hole up in make it one of the best holiday destinations in February. Plus, it's almost an in-between month – we're not going to argue that Edinburgh is ever tourist-free, but February comes right after the festive merrymakers have dispersed, and before the influx of families comes Easter. It's a wonderful pocket of peace where you're all but guaranteed a table at some of Edinburgh's best restaurants, uninterrupted views of the Castle and crowd-free hikes up Arthur's Seat, and tranquil evenings playing board games and sinking pints at one of the capital's cosiest pubs.
Where to stay: It doesn't get much more quintessentially Scottish than a Gleneagles hotel. The Gleneagles Townhouse is more akin to a member's club than a hotel, wonderfully majestic yet simultaneously tranquil – the prime place to hide away after a day spent pounding Edinburgh's cobbled lanes. It's right around the corner from Princes Street, too, for a spot of holiday shopping, and make sure to stop by The Spence afterwards, to reward your hard efforts with a glass of fizz from the roaming Champagne cart.
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Cairo, Egypt
Temperature in February: 21°C high; 11°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 5 hours
Time difference: GMT +2Cairo is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, but timing is key when visiting this destination – it's no fun trying to understand centuries' worth of fascinating ancient history under the sweltering peak summer sun. Come in February for more bearable temperatures, and spend days exploring the bustling city centre, many museums and sandy stretches beyond. Start with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, before heading to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which fully opened in November 2025 and houses thousands of ancient artefacts, including the treasures discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb. Back in the city, wander through the historic streets of Islamic Cairo, browse the stalls of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or head out onto the Nile for an evening boat trip. Plus, the journey time from the UK is only 5 hours.
Where to stay: Put your feet up at the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, a luxurious retreat with a whopping 252 rooms and suites to choose from. Cool off in the decadent Peacock Lounge, or make a beeline for Le Jardin Pool Bar for a pre-dinner aperitif before dining at the chic Mediterranean brasserie.
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Maldives
Temperature in February: 29°C high; 25°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: 10 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +5Never turn down a trip to the Maldives, even in monsoon season (May to November). But if you can choose, February is one of the best months of all to go – when the skies are clear and blue, the days long, dry and not too humid, and the sunshine turns the water a luminous turquoise that’s hard to tear your gaze from. The waters are clear for snorkelling and diving, and there are opportunities to spot whale sharks, manta rays and reef sharks, although sightings depend on the atoll and time of year. South Ari Atoll, in particular, is known for its year-round whale shark population. Check the eco-credentials of a resort before you book: many Maldives resorts have in-house marine biologists and conservationists leading underwater and wildlife conservation initiatives; gardens where they can grow vegetables to supply their restaurants; and initiatives to reduce single-use plastics or reliance on fossil fuels. Kudadoo, for example, is powered entirely by solar energy. With warm temperatures, clear skies and idyllic beaches, the Maldives remains one of the best holiday destinations in February for anyone craving a proper dose of tropical sunshine.
Where to stay: There are dozens of out-of-this-world Maldives hotels; the thing is to find the castaway fantasy that’s right for you, whether you want haute cuisine or high-octane activities, knock-out design or lo-fi Crusoe chic. For a bit of everything, we love Gili Lankanfushi, where all villas sit stilted above one of the most beautiful lagoons in the country. For a contemporary, design-led retreat, Patina Maldives offers holistic treatments, meditation and personalised wellness experiences at its Flow spa, while its collection of bars and restaurants offers plenty of choice.
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Courchevel, France
Temperature in February: 2°C high; -6°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 1 hour 30 minutes flight to Chambéry plus transfer; from around 9 hours by train
Time difference: GMT +1Courchevel is the superstar ski resort of the French Alps. Of its six villages, Courchevel 1850 is the highest and glitziest, drawing a jet-set crowd with its Michelin-star restaurants, super-smart chalets and hotels, posh après-ski – oh yes, and its abundance of snowy slopes for all levels, on-piste and off, with a long season and an extensive snowmaking system helping to keep the pistes in good condition throughout winter. It's brilliant for superstar and beginner skiers alike so makes a great option for the February half term; families may prefer the slightly less high-glamour vibe of 1650. And there's plenty to do beyond skiing, from snowshoeing through snow-covered forests to sledging and long lunches in mountain restaurants overlooking the peaks.
Where to stay: Ski-in ski-out Portetta in Courchevel Moriond (1650) is a lovely rustic-chic alpine retreat. There are lots of dark wood and log fires, a great spa (Bamford and OSKIA treatments, sauna, hammam), an Angela Hartnett Italian-influenced mountain restaurant, and 38 rooms and six loft duplexes, including various family options with extra bunk rooms. If you're travelling in a group, the beautiful Chalet Montanum sleeps nine and offers a true ski-in, ski-out experience – there's slope access from the end of the drive. For a more glamorous stay in Courchevel 1850, book into Fouquet's Courchevel, formerly Barrière Les Neiges. Set beside the Bellecôte piste, this five-star Alpine retreat has 42 elegant rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa, and a dedicated kids' club. After a day on the slopes, head to Loulou for Italian-inspired mountain cooking or retreat to the spa for a well-earned massage.
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Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Temperature in February: 7°C high; 1°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from London: around 1 hour 30 minutes by train to Moreton-in-Marsh, with onward travel to other villages
Time difference: GMT +0If there’s one thing that can make a British winter appealing, it’s the thought of getting cosy in the Cotswolds. Amid a quintessentially English landscape, publicans pull artisan ales, sipped by roaring fires. Frosty walks ramble past country manors and up green hills topped with Iron Age forts. But while it's home to some of the most beautiful villages in the UK, this isn’t back-in-time England. Clued-in movers and shakers have helped sow an ultra-modern crop of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Cotswolds between the organic spas, antiques stores and tea rooms. Naturally, rates and reservations can be more manageable in winter. Spend a long weekend exploring the honey-coloured streets of Bourton-on-the-Water, browsing independent shops in Stow-on-the-Wold or heading out for a countryside walk before retreating to a cosy pub for Sunday lunch. It's also a lovely choice for a Valentine's Day escape, with plenty of romantic country-house hotels and spa retreats to choose from. Two of the best hotels in the Cotswolds that particularly embody contemporary village living: Soho Farmhouse (copper bathtubs; bottled Negronis), and Lady Bamford’s trailblazing Daylesford farm and estate, where the organic ethos extends to everything from the farm shop and pub to wellness treatments.
Where to stay: The Lygon Arms, located in a 16th-century coaching inn in the middle of Broadway village. The interiors are of the traditional countryside kind and the courtyard rooms and suites are particularly lovely, with views over the landscaped gardens and some offering private terraces. For a private stay, there are several cosy Airbnbs in the Cotswolds too.
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Paris, France
Temperature in February: 9°C high; 3°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 1 hour 15 minutes by plane or 2 hours 15 minutes by train from London
Time difference: GMT +1The City of Love should be an obvious pick in February, but potential suitors are all-too-often put off by the weather. Très grosse erreur. Anyone who knows the French knows they scarper tout de suite in summer, shuttering restaurants, frustrating foreigners and not giving a tiny French fig. Come instead in winter, when the city is back in full swing, visitors are fewer, reservations can be easier and rates often lower. All the best stuff is indoors anyway: cute, candle-lit bistros; echoey art museums; bo-bo (bourgeois-boho) bars. And with Valentine's Day falling on 14 February, there's no better excuse for a romantic weekend of long lunches, gallery hopping and leisurely strolls along the Seine, preferably with a stop at a neighbourhood pâtisserie along the way. South Pigalle – or SoPi – still sizzles as one of Paris's hottest spots, where one of the best-value tables is at Bouillon Pigalle. The queue around the block is worth it – you can still enjoy a three-course meal here for around €20, with a drink bringing the bill closer to €25, practically unheard of at many of the best restaurants in Paris.
Where to stay: Parisians in the know will recommend Château Voltaire, a super-chic bolthole on the rue Saint-Roch. In terms of Paris hotels with a great location, it's hard to beat La Réserve, just off the Champs-Élysées, close to the Grand Palais and the Élysée Palace, with Eiffel Tower views from certain suites. For Eiffel Tower views, consider The Margaux, a Left Bank apartment, subject to availability and confirmation of its current listing details.
Ana Lui
11. Bahamas
Temperature in February: 26°C high; 17°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: approximately 10 hours by direct flight to Nassau
Time difference: GMT −5Swap the white sludge on your doorstep for a bright white beach in the Bahamas. Those in the know head for the Atlantic archipelago in February, when the weather is generally warm and dry, making it an ideal time for a winter-sun escape, for the pristine sands, laidback lifestyle and 18th-century streets tinged with the scent of frangipani. February is also a wonderful month to explore the islands beyond Nassau, from the pastel-coloured colonial buildings of Harbour Island to the Exumas, where turquoise shallows and secluded sandbars make for memorable boat trips. Take advantage of the slower pace of island life with a barefoot stroll across Pink Sands Beach, consider a diving class after a long lunch on Harbour Island or while away the afternoon with a mojito and a novel – what's the rush?
Where to stay: Paradise Island is home to one of the most famous retreats in the Bahamas, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, a 107-accommodation resort with access to the neighbouring Ocean Club Golf Course and a spectacular white-sand beach. Set within 35 acres of tropical gardens inspired by Versailles, the hotel is also home to Dune by Jean-Georges, three swimming pools and a spa with Balinese-inspired treatment villas. For stays in 2027, guests can also book the recently refurbished Hartford Wing ocean-view rooms and suites, with interiors inspired by the colours of the Bahamian coastline.
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Oman
Temperature in February: 27°C high; 15°C low (Muscat)
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 7 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +4A seven-and-a-half-hour flight transports you to another place and time – one of heat and spice, epic landscapes and dramatic contrasts – in this most welcoming country of the Arabian Peninsula. Its topography is diverse and dramatic, with adventures of many kinds: go driving over dunes and diving in the marine-rich waters off the Musandam Peninsula; stay at remote Bedouin camps or polished-luxury resorts from desert to beach. Spend a few days exploring Muscat, where the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and the city's waterfront offer a glimpse of Oman's rich cultural heritage, before heading inland to the golden dunes of Sharqiya Sands or the dramatic canyons of the Hajar Mountains. February is the last month of winter in Oman, which means it’s still bearably hot rather than unbearably hot.
Where to stay: In a hard-to-reach cove surrounded by mountains, Six Senses Zighy Bay is one of the country’s original five-star retreats, and for many, still the best hotel in Oman. Its natural adobe casitas are built in harmony with the surrounding desert stone, the restaurants and spa are superb, the creamy-sand beach is footprint-free sublime, and staff can arrange the kind of adventures that are never forgotten. These include guided mountain excursions and dining experiences overlooking the Gulf of Oman, subject to availability. Another impressive option is Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, a wilderness retreat set on the rim of a beautiful canyon. Mornings can begin with sunrise yoga at Diana's Point, the viewpoint named after Princess Diana's 1986 visit, while evenings can be spent enjoying shisha and stargazing from the resort's Al Burj lounge.
Squire Fox
New Orleans, USA
Temperature in February: 19°C high; 10°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: around 10 hours by direct flight from London
Time difference: GMT −6"I don't want realism. I want magic," cooed Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, a play famously set in this romantic, crumbling city. Mardi Gras certainly delivers on that. In 2027, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday 9 February, with the biggest celebrations taking place in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. The iconic Carnival season sees elaborate parades and masquerade balls transform New Orleans into a riotous party town. Don a mask, discard your inhibitions and wander the city amid the music, costumes and colourful floats. After the festivities, crawl out of bed for a meal of gumbo over cheese grits and stroll through the historic streets of the French Quarter to a soundtrack of jazz and blues spilling out of neighbourhood bars. Without the glittering krewes the quaint streets are almost unrecognisable – the discarded beads that litter the pavement act as the only proof that you're in the same place. For a quieter visit, arrive after Mardi Gras, when the Carnival crowds begin to disperse and there's more time to explore the city's restaurants and live-music venues.
Where to stay: Hotel de la Poste – French Quarter, a Renaissance Hotel, formerly W New Orleans – French Quarter, offers a contemporary retreat in the heart of the historic neighbourhood, with a secluded courtyard and outdoor swimming pool. For a more traditional luxury stay, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans occupies the grand Beaux-Arts Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, just steps from the French Quarter. Inside, there's an impressive spa, Southern-inspired dining at M Bistro and live jazz at the Davenport Lounge.
Stefano Scatà
Venice, Italy
Temperature in February: 9°C high; 2°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: around 2 hours by plane from London
Time difference: GMT +1February is carnival time in Venice, which makes it either the very best time to come, or the worst. In 2027, the Venice Carnival runs from 23 January to 9 February, with the final days of festivities falling in the first week of the month. Noblemen clink swords in St Mark's Square, courtesans cloaked in red silk drift down the Grand Canal on plumed gondolas, and gilded masks allow royalty to walk freely among the commoners. What seems like a Canaletto painting comes to life every year when revellers gather for almost three weeks of elaborate costumes, masked balls and celebrations. Those seeking the quiet charms of the floating city will be disappointed, at least until the festivities end, but if you dare to join the huddled masses you'll be rewarded with an otherworldly experience. You can flaunt your finery on the Rialto, attend a lavish masquerade ball in a historic palazzo and wake up the next morning in a luxurious four-poster bed in your very own Venetian palace wondering if it was all a dream. Alternatively, visit later in February, when the crowds have thinned and Venice's canals, galleries and candle-lit restaurants are yours to explore at a more leisurely pace.
Where to stay: Palazzo Cristo, a renovated 16th-century house with original exposed timber beams, Carrara marble, oak parquet flooring and canopy beds, all done in a pared-back palette, a million miles from the usual gilded ceilings and Murano-glass extravagance. Overlooking the Riva degli Schiavoni, a short walk from St Mark's Square, Ca' di Dio is a stylish 66-room hotel with contemporary interiors, peaceful courtyards and lagoon views from selected rooms. For a stay that feels like a best-kept secret, this Airbnb apartment's canal-side balcony makes it one of the most romantic Airbnbs in Europe. For more places to stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Venice.
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Cartagena, Colombia
Temperature in February: 31°C high; 24°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: 14 hours 40 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5A riotous clash of Spanish, Latin and Caribbean cultures, the Colombian seaside city is a feast for the senses, with corn-yellow colonial villas and palm-dotted plazas, citrus-kissed ceviche and potent rum cocktails. True, old Cartagena’s picturesque romance has turned it into a well-known destination. But the locals in its Getsemaní neighbourhood still cling to artsy authenticity: streets here belong to bright murals and vagabond musicians, Champeta dance clubs (Afro-Caribbean beats meet salsa) and hip restaurants (including Di Silvio Trattoria, a neighbourhood favourite since 2011). Ready to dial it down? Rent a boat for the roughly one-hour ride, depending on your destination and sea conditions, to the Rosario Islands, where white-sand beaches and coral reefs offer plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. February sea breezes take the edge off the tropical heat.
Where to stay: Casa San Agustín is one of the loveliest boutique hotels in the old walled city. Three historic houses knocked into one with a pool in the courtyard built around a centuries-old aqueduct, and an upstairs library with deep armchairs and an honesty bar. For a beach escape, guests can also arrange a visit to the hotel's private Acasí Beach on Barú Island, subject to availability.
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Finnish Lapland
Temperature in February: −7°C high; −13°C low (Rovaniemi)
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: around 3 hours 30 minutes by direct flight from London to Rovaniemi
Time difference: GMT +2February in Finnish Lapland might be bracing, but there’s plenty going on here that’s hot. How about hopping aboard the world’s only sauna gondola – a wooden cable car that treats passengers to a steamy ride over the slopes of Ylläs Ski Resort? Or working up a sweat by fat-biking across the snowy trails of Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park (the thick treads help plucky cyclists pedal over snow-covered terrain). Of course, Christmas is high season here, but conditions are every bit as romantic in February, with longer daylight hours and plenty of snow for outdoor adventures. Northern Lights stalkers also have a good chance of spotting those elusive, swirling illuminations – perhaps best viewed from a glass-roofed igloo, where you can watch the Arctic sky from the warmth of your bed. Experiences with the Indigenous Sámi people of Lapland are becoming ever more popular, but be sure your operator is providing a genuine connection with their culture (rather than a ‘show’). Done right, this kind of tourism helps support Sámi communities and traditional livelihoods. Magnetic North Travel, for example, offers visits to a Sámi reindeer-herding family near Nellim, giving travellers an insight into their traditions and way of life.
Where to stay: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. A short drive from Saariselkä, these glass igloos are fabulous. Guests can also choose traditional log cabins, warm up in a Finnish sauna or enjoy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants. On clear nights, the glass-roofed accommodation offers the chance to watch the Northern Lights without leaving your bed.
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Kerala, India
Temperature in February: 32°C high; 23°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: Around 15 hours, depending on connections
Time difference: GMT +5:30If you're dreaming of drifting down Kerala's tranquil backwaters in glorious sunshine, February is an excellent time to go. The tail end of peak season brings generally dry, sunny weather, although popular backwater routes can still be busy. Whether you prefer to hide away on an elegant houseboat or enjoy southern hospitality at a local homestay, it's impossible not to fall for this state's easygoing charm. Spend your evenings lingering over delicious South Indian thalis, exploring the historic streets of Fort Kochi and lazing on Varkala's sandy beaches. Hiring a houseboat to explore the backwaters is undoubtedly a magical experience, but the popularity of the practice has led to some less-than-honourable operations that cut corners and pollute the water. Be sure to research the eco credentials of who you’re going with, and consider combining a houseboat tour with a homestay, which keeps more of your money within the communities you’re visiting.
Where to stay: Coconut Lagoon, a beautiful heritage resort on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, is accessible only by boat. Its traditional Kerala bungalows and villas have been reconstructed from historic wooden homes, some more than 150 years old. Spend your days exploring the backwaters, unwinding with Ayurvedic treatments or simply watching the boats drift across the lake.
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17. Senegal
Temperature in February: 26°C high; 18°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: Around 8 hours, depending on connections
Time difference: GMT +0Senegal has always danced to its own beat – usually the beat of a booming sabar drum – and attracts adventurers with its delta wildlife, spicy street food and thriving contemporary art scene. Gloriously golden beaches have also turned it into an unexpected surfing hotspot and February is one of the best months to catch some big waves. While it's tropical and hot all year round, this month sees very little rain, pleasantly warm days and plenty of sunshine – your typical Senegalese winter. In Dakar, explore the city's galleries and bustling markets before taking a ferry to UNESCO-listed Gorée Island, whose historic streets tell the painful story of the Atlantic slave trade. Further south, the Sine-Saloum Delta offers an entirely different side of the country, with mangrove-lined waterways, fishing villages and islands best explored by boat. Even a short trip guarantees life-changing experiences.
Where to stay: Sobo Badé hotel in Toubab Dialaw is a characterful seaside retreat with a strong creative spirit. Set in a fishing village south of Dakar, it brings together art, music and nature, with creative workshops, yoga sessions and cultural excursions available on request. For something more luxurious, Terrou-Bi in Dakar combines the convenience of a city hotel with the pleasures of a beach resort. Overlooking the Atlantic, the five-star property has a private beach, a 34-metre swimming pool and a spa, while its La Terrasse restaurant serves locally inspired dishes with sea views.
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Chile
Temperature in February: Around 16°C high; 6°C low (Torres del Paine)
Season: Summer
Travel time from UK: 14 hours 30 minutes to Santiago
Time difference: GMT−3 (mainland Chile); GMT−5 (Easter Island/Rapa Nui)Nowhere is the world quite so multi-dimensionally mindblowing, so humbling in its majesty, as Chile. It’s a vast land of two time zones and epic proportions – towering volcanoes, endless deserts, dramatic mountains reflected in pristine glacial lakes. Its clear skies and great uninhabited expanses – Patagonia, Atacama, the Andes – make the night sky an awesome spectacle like no other place on earth. February still offers opportunities for stargazing in the Atacama Desert, although summer cloud cover can make conditions less reliable than during the drier months. As the last month of summer, it’s also still mild enough for hiking and horse riding in the staggeringly beautiful Torres del Paine and other national parks, with long daylight hours making it one of the most popular times to explore Patagonia. Be prepared, though, for the region's famously unpredictable wind and weather.
Where to stay: Explora lodges are contemporary, low-slung and gloriously miles from anywhere, in Torres del Paine and Patagonia National Park. Each offers guided explorations tailored to its surroundings, from hiking through Patagonia's dramatic landscapes to discovering the desert's otherworldly scenery.
David Loftus
13. Sri Lanka
Temperature in February: 31°C high; 23°C low
Season: Dry on the south and west coasts
Travel time from UK: Around 10 hours 30 minutes direct to Colombo
Time difference: GMT +5:30February is one of the best times to explore Sri Lanka's south and west coasts, when the weather is generally warm and sunny, the seas are calmer and the beaches are at their most inviting. From palm-fringed shores and lush tea plantations to ancient temples and wildlife-filled national parks, this island nation packs an extraordinary variety of experiences into a relatively small space. If you're up for the adventure, the best place to begin is in the bustling commercial capital, Colombo, then head down the coast to the colonial town of Galle, sampling some mouth-watering seafood along the way. Take time to explore Galle Fort's atmospheric streets, lined with historic buildings, independent boutiques and cafés, before heading further along the coast for a few days of beach-hopping.
Where to stay: Design fans will love The Villa Bentota by KK Collection, a former colonial-era ancestral home remodelled by celebrated Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and since renovated under KK Collection's management. With two swimming pools and tropical gardens, it's a stylish base for exploring the southwest coast, with Bentota's sandy beach just beyond the railway line.
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Valletta, Malta
Temperature in February: 16°C high; 10°C low
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: 3 hours 20 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1Malta is the Mediterranean's sunshine island – blessed with around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, even in February the island skims temperatures of 16°C – a welcome escape from the British winter, even if you'll still need a jacket for the evenings. February is also Carnival season, with celebrations taking place from 5 to 9 February in 2027, when elaborate floats, costumed dancers and marching bands fill the streets of Valletta and neighbouring Floriana. Over on Gozo, the village of Nadur hosts a famously eccentric, spontaneous carnival of its own. Beyond the festivities, this is a wonderful time to explore the island without the summer crowds: lose yourself among Valletta's sand-coloured Baroque buildings, admire the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens or hop on a ferry to the historic Three Cities. And while the sea is still chilly, the island's coastal walks and café terraces are all the more inviting on a sunny winter afternoon.
Where to stay: At 66 Saint Paul's, a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo in the heart of Valletta, you'll find individually designed rooms, a courtyard café and a diminutive rooftop plunge pool with panoramic views over the city. Or book into Domus Zamittello, set in a restored 16th-century palazzo on Republic Street, where elegant rooms and suites combine historic grandeur with contemporary comforts.
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Rio de Janerio, Brazil
Temperature in February: 31°C high; 24°C low
Season: Summer (rainy season)
Travel time from UK: Around 11 hours 30 minutes direct
Time difference: GMT−3Thanks to its world-famous Carnival celebrations, Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly among the best holiday destinations in February for travellers who prefer their holidays with a little more energy. It's widely regarded as the biggest carnival in the world, with a history stretching back centuries. Samba schools from across the city compete against each other in all-night-long parades at the Sambadrome; but the party rages on outside of the stadium, too – at blocos that take over the beaches and shut down the streets throughout the Carnival season. In 2027, the main samba school parades will take place from 7 to 9 February, with the spectacular Champions' Parade following on 13 February. Expect elaborate costumes, towering floats and the irresistible rhythm of samba spilling across the city. Between celebrations, cool off on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, or take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping views across Rio's coastline.
Where to stay: Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, is the city's classic grand dame, a beachfront, Belle Époque hangout with the city's buzziest poolside scene. Overlooking Copacabana Beach, the landmark hotel has been welcoming guests for more than a century, with glamorous rooms and suites and a celebrated swimming pool that makes an enticing retreat between Carnival festivities.
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Canary Islands, Spain
Temperature in February: 22°C high; 15°C low (southern Tenerife); 21°C high; 14°C low (Lanzarote)
Season: Winter
Travel time from UK: Around 4–4.5 hours
Time difference: GMT +0When much of Europe is still wrapped up against the winter chill, the Canary Islands offer a welcome dose of sunshine without the need for a long-haul flight. Just off the coast of northwestern Africa, this Spanish archipelago enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year, with February bringing pleasantly warm days, plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and far fewer layers to pack. On Tenerife, swap the beach for the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, where Spain's highest mountain rises above rugged volcanic terrain. The island's sunnier south is perfect for lazy afternoons by the water, while its greener north offers charming villages and spectacular hiking trails.
Lanzarote, meanwhile, feels almost otherworldly, with the blackened lava fields of Timanfaya National Park, the vineyards of La Geria and the extraordinary architectural legacy of César Manrique. Spend your days exploring volcanic landscapes, wandering through whitewashed villages and lingering over fresh seafood by the Atlantic. The sea might still be a little chilly for swimming, but February's mild weather makes exploring the islands' volcanic landscapes particularly appealing.
Where to stay: On Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is a sprawling five-star retreat on the island's southwest coast, with lush gardens, several swimming pools, a spa and access to the golden sands of Abama Beach. Hotel Fariones in Puerto del Carmen combines contemporary design with a prime seafront setting. Originally opened in 1966 as the island's first hotel, it was transformed into a five-star property in 2020 and now offers tropical gardens, sea-facing rooms and direct access to three beaches.