The 14 best places to visit in February 2025

Average Feb temp: 13C/57F

Bolivia may not have a traditional coastline, but it does have Lake Titicaca (or part of it, anyway – the border between Peru and Bolivia runs right through the middle). It’s the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest navigable body of water in the world, and it’s home to Isla del Sol, an island with over 80 ruins, most of which date back to the Incas. When I visited, I took a boat from the small town of Copacabana, and explored the rocky, hilly, island on foot (it’s worth noting that no motorised vehicles are allowed on the island). 

Why go now? Copacabana, my base for the trip, is the site of the twice-annual Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which takes place on February 2 and August 5 each year. A blend of Andean and Catholic traditions, the celebration sees the town fill with revellers who perform traditional Aymara dances, eat, and drink beer. If you’re joining in, be warned: Copacabana sits at 3,840m above sea-level, and a hangover on top of altitude sickness is a lethal combination.

Average Feb temp: 12C/54F

Like lots of Mediterranean islands, Malta is generally thought of as a summer getaway spot, but don’t let that stop you from visiting a bit earlier in the year. While it will likely still be jacket weather, I travelled here in February and was blessed with sun for three whole days. But the archipelago has more to it than its climate anyway: there’s an abundance of historical sites here – the Victoria Citadella in Gozo, the Megalithic Temples of Malta, St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, the Gardens of Villa Frere (one of my favourite places on the island) in Pietà to name a few – all of which are best explored when it’s not scorching hot outside. 

Why go now? There are plenty of reasons Malta should be on your radar for its arts and culture, but Il-Karnival ta’ Malta, the mega-fest of masked balls, float processions and late night parties which takes place annually in Feb, is not one to miss.

☀️ Discover the best things to do in Malta

Average Feb temp: 2C/35F

Sure, you can head to one of the other fabulously sunny destinations on this list if you want to escape winter, but if you’re looking to embrace it, there’s hardly anywhere which is more quintessentially wintery than Switzerland. Interlaken is a pretty little spot built on a narrow stretch between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and a great place to base yourself to get properly stuck into some winter sport, whether that’s paragliding, snowboarding, skiing or hopping on a food tour of the town. 

Why go now? February is (obvs) a brilliant time for skiing in Switzerland. Head to Wengen for the ski train to Jungfraujoch (which is in one of our favourite places to ski). 

🏔️ Discover the best things to do in Switzerland

Average Feb temp: 21C/71F

There’s never really a bad time to visit South Australia’s capital—the climate Down Under is generally as agreeable as its inhabitants—but if you can get to Adelaide in February, you’ll experience one of the world’s best fringe festivals. It’s second only to Edinburgh in size and scope, with over 7,000 artists contributing to over 1,000 events spread across hundreds of venues throughout the city. It runs from mid-February to mid-March.

Why go now? Fancy a fest celebrating the very best food, spirits and wine produced in the Adelaide Hills? The aptly named A Taste of the Hills fest will be taking place February 14-15, 2025.

🎪Discover the best things to do in Adelaide

Average Feb temp: 20C/68F

Given Oaxaca is the food capital of Mexico and the metropolitan heart of a state steeped in fascinating indigenous history, it’d be an understatement to say that the city has a lot to offer. February is when temperatures finally start to warm, and the balminess in the air makes for perfect conditions to wander these colour-filled streets. Día de las Candelaria or ‘candlemas’ marks the end of the Mexican Christmas season, so make sure to arrive by February 2, grab some tamales, and get stuck into the celebrations.

Why go now? It’s worth noting that for three days (Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2025), there’s a huge naked fest happening in Oaxaca: Zipolite Nudist Festival. Think yoga, volleyball, beach games and bodypainting, all with people in their birthday suits.

🎊Discover the best things to do in Oaxaca

Average Feb temp: 23C/73F

Sprinkled a few hundred kilometres off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is easy to miss. In fact, when explorers in the Middle Ages stumbled across the ten islands, they found not a soul, so it ended up being populated rather than colonised. Now it makes for a spectacular winter sun escape. Once you’ve had your fill of cocktails on the beach, head inland to explore the incredible volcanic landscapes.

Why go now? Cape Verde Carnival is actually taking place in March this year, but February will see plenty of pre-Carnival prep and events going on around the islands – particularly in Mindelo.

Average Feb temp: 16C/61F

Sprawling across the south-central region of Nepal, Chitwan National Park doubles as a World Heritage Site and is positively rammed with extraordinary wildlife. The king of this particular jungle is the Bengal tiger, and while you’re far from guaranteed to spot one (there are only 100 or so), it is one of the most likely places in the world you can. Other mammals include leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, rhinos and even the odd elephant or two.

Why go now? February is one of the best times to visit Chitwan, because of the climate and because of the species of wildlife that’ll be kicking about. Like what, you ask? Well, the place welcomes around 600 species of birds, but some notable winter ones are Northern Pintails and Bar-headed Geese.

Average Feb temp: 24C/76F

Laos has a hard time being noticed, with its three neighbours (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) relentlessly clamouring for your attention. But that’s precisely why we love it. Laos is modest, quiet and unassuming—just like the people living there. But once you peek behind the curtain of unaffectedness, you’ll discover a place of almost unimaginable beauty and depth. February is a perfect time to visit what is, in many ways, an ideal country.

Why go now? On Wednesday February 12, Magha Puja, a Buddhist holiday, will be celebrated in Laos. It commemorates Buddha’s first sermon and the gathering of 1,250 disciples (two major events in Buddha’s life) with processions (Vien Tien) and gift exchanges. 

Average Feb temp: 20C/68F

Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Well, we’re delighted to confirm it is. Especially in February, when the skies are blue and the temperatures balmy. Stretching approximately 300km west to east from Whitsand to Storms River along the southern coastline of South Africa, the Garden Route makes for one of the world’s best mini-road trips. So named for its incredible biodiversity, the region is packed with perfect beaches, pretty towns, azure lakes and lots and lots of greenery.

Why go now? Given the gorgeous weather and long days, February is a good time to embark on some hike such as the Eden to Addo Great Corridor route. All the money raised from contributions goes towards the conservation of the area.

🍃 Discover the most beautiful places in South Africa

Average Feb temp: 1C/34F

Budapest is lovely, and you should totally visit. Generally speaking, this is a highly walkable city, with its grand, tree-lined avenues—as wide as motorways but without the traffic—but it’s perhaps best known for its ruin bars and thermal baths. The former will make hipsters feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven, and the latter are perfect for the winter months—nothing cleanses the sins of the night before like a dip in the thermal springs. It’s like your head is in a freezer with the rest of your body being in a... well, bath.

Why go now? What’s more romantic than celebrating V-day in the thermal baths, eh? Last year, couples were able to book private sessions at Szechenyi, so keep an eye on their website.

🏰 Discover the best things to do in Budapest

Average Feb temp: 25C/77F

Could there be a better ‘up yours’ to February than carting yourself off to the Caribbean? No. The answer is no. It is the best time to visit: sea temperatures are at a ludicrously pleasant 26C/79F, and the outside air peaks at a perfectly manageable 29C/84F. As for where to visit specifically, it is hard to go wrong in Cuba, Jamaica, St Lucia, Dominica and Antigua. Or, for that matter, the Grenadines, Aruba, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

Why go now? The Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is when Trinidad Carnival is held every year, from February 26, 2025. Gorgeously colourful costumes and calypso music are on the cards, but there’s more info here.

🏝️ Discover the best things to do in Jamaica

Average Feb temp: 26C/78F

The door to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) was firmly shut for several decades due to political strife, but in recent years it’s become very much ajar, and you should snap up the opportunity to slip in and have a look around before the rest of the world cottons on. Unmissable sights include Bagan (an enormous ancient Buddhist complex, best seen from a hot air balloon at sunrise), Mount Popa and Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Much of Myanmar’s top attractions are outdoors (or at least best viewed from the outside), and February offers the perfect weather for exploring.

Why go now? Maha Muni Pagoda Festival takes place in Mandalay and marks the end of Buddhist Lent – Buddha’s statue will be covered in a thick layer of gold, and there’ll be candles, dancing, and lots and lots of rice. 

Average Feb temp: 24C/75F

Ethiopia is an absolute wonderland for bucket list enthusiasts, and balmy February temperatures present an ideal time to see what it’s all about and to remind yourself that there’s far more to this country than painful moments in its history. Take the Simien Mountains, for example, a trekking paradise if ever there was one. And then there’s Lake Tana, dotted with islets and ancient monasteries. Ever seen an active volcano? Erta Ale awaits. And don’t even get us started on the wildlife. 

Why go now? Ever seen a half marathon around a lake? No? Well now’s your chance – the Sofi Malt Lake Hwassa Half Marathon will be taking place on Feb 9.

Average Feb temp: 22C/72F

This South American jewel has plenty going for it, but the main draw is Angel Falls, which thunder off a 979m ledge, making them the world’s highest. The wider Parque Nacional Canaima, where they can be found, is a treasure trove of other natural wonders. And that’s just the start. Rain is rare in February, while temperatures in the mid-20s/70s are not.

Why go now? Feria del Sol in Mérida is a bullfighting festival which happens annually and has been going since way back in 1969. If you’re after some fun insight into traditional Latin culture and heritage, head here.