There’s plenty of choice when it comes to warm places to visit in February. Whether you’re coming to the end of a cold winter, the shine of the New Year has worn off, or you simply fancy a warm weather getaway, tropical islands, and sunny cities await.
From beautiful beaches in the Caribbean to Asian holidays or a southern hemisphere trip to Australia, there’s a vacation for you where the sun is sure to be shining.
Along with incredible beaches, there are plenty of destinations that have a lot to offer in other areas. So whether it’s a stunning city break, an island paradise, or a journey to one of the most ecologically diverse places on earth, start planning your February getaway now.
The Bahamas
Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
Scattered across the sparkling Atlantic, the Bahamas has it all: lovely but not too hot temperatures hitting the 80s, powder-white sand, and easy-going local charm. This archipelago could well be one of the best warm places to visit in February.
Island capital Nassau on New Providence is where most of the action lies: visit the Straw Market for crafts, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay for dishes including the local delicacy, conch, or wander down Bay Street for a rum cocktail.
In contrast, Bimini, the most western spot in the country, is more laid back, making it a favorite hangout of Ernest Hemingway in his day. The Bimini Big Game Club is the place to head for those looking to hear tales of the legendary author’s escapades.
CocoCay, Bahamas
If a “paradise in a microcosm” is more your style, Perfect Day at CocoCay is among the best destinations in the Bahamas. It’s home to ice-white beaches, relaxing cabanas, plunge-worthy pools, and a waterpark packed with slides.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
If it’s beaches you’re looking for in your research for warm weather destinations in February, the Cayman Islands may well just top your list. The largest of this group of three islands is Grand Cayman, and it’s here that you’ll find Seven Mile Beach.
With its huge stretch of soft white sand and those inviting Caribbean waves lapping away at the shore, there’s little wonder it regularly tops lists of the best beaches in the world.
Cayman Turtle Centre, Grand Cayman
That fame comes with the price of being busy in the highest of seasons, so head to the northern end if tranquillity is more your vibe. This northern part of the beach is also home to the Cayman Turtle Centre where conservation efforts help keep the endangered species alive.
Across a small bay from Seven Mile Beach lies another iconic island site, offering some of the best snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Stingray City is a sandbar offshore where rays gather and mill around visitors in the shallow water, hoping for tidbits.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the world’s great cities—and February is a great time to visit. The Australian summer is just coming to an end, which means the highest temperatures are a thing of the past and some lovely low-80s days kick in.
This makes it a perfect time to explore and there’s so much to do here, you could spend a month in the city. Start off with taking in the iconic skyline. Stroll around the Circular Quay area by the Sydney Opera House and marvel at, or even walk over the Harbour Bridge.
The Rocks is a nearby historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy pubs, as well as a weekend market.
Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
Then there are the beaches. Bondi is an iconic Sydney landmark. Just outside of town, it’s where surfers, sunbathers, and café-goers come together on an incredible stretch of sand.
There’s a great walk from here, too. Some four miles long, it winds past Tamarama, Bronte, and other beaches before ending at Coogee Beach.
For something slightly less busy, jump on a ferry to Manly Beach. Here, there are golden sands and a lovely promenade, perfect for exploring with one of the rental bikes on offer.
Cozumel, Mexico
Playa Mia in Cozumel, Mexico
February could well be the ideal time to visit Cozumel. This island paradise off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is mostly dry, the days are sunny, and temperatures are not off the scale. February is still right in the island’s peak season, without the intense heat and humidity of summer.
There are some great beaches here. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is a family-friendly offering blending beachside fun with activities such as cooking classes.
Marine life in Cozumel, Mexico
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, as the name implies, offers a more natural vibe with lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and some top-class snorkeling in Cozumel. While you’re there, climb historic Celarain Lighthouse for some great views.
Elsewhere there’s Cozumel National Marine Park, where world-class diving is on offer, and if history is your thing, there are Mayan ruins to explore in the center of the island. For food, head into town for authentic tacos at eateries such as El Moro or Los Otates.
Jamaica
Bamboo Beach, Jamaica
From the historic colonial-era vibe of Falmouth to the lively towns of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Jamaica is a delicious assault on the senses.
You’ll find lush, green hills, typically Caribbean beaches, inland oases, and laid-back culture, plus seasonally warm temperatures and little rain. Jamaica is without a doubt one of the best warm places to visit in February.
The challenge here is deciding what to do, especially if you’re a lover of the outdoors because Jamaica leaves visitors spoilt for choice.
Blue Hole, Jamaica
There are, of course, Jamaica’s beaches such as Montego Bay’s Doctor’s Cave Beach, as well as the chance to cool off inland with a dip in the Blue Hole swimming spot near Ocho Rios.
Elsewhere, you can float down the Martha Brae River, take in Dunn’s River Falls, or zipline through the canopy around Mystic Mountain. Colonial history runs deep here, as does the local folklore. The best place to get a glimpse of both is at the 18th-century Rose Hall Plantation House, said to be haunted by the sinister White Witch.
Galapagos Islands
Sea lion in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a one-of-a-kind destination and as such, if you have only one chance at visiting, February is the ideal time to make the trip.
Temperatures are warm and seas are calm, which is ideal for snorkeling. February is nesting time for many birds and an active time for marine wildlife, too.
The Inner Loop of the Galápagos includes some of the most diverse sights: volcanic formations, large colonies of birds, sea lions with pups, and beaches of glittering black sand.
Highlights are numerous but a few must-dos include the birder’s paradise of Punta Suarez on Española Island and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Isabela Island’s Vicente Roca Point, meanwhile, is famed for incredible snorkeling; you could see sea turtles, sharks, and rays here.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten
You get two countries for the price of one when you visit St. Maarten, as visitors can travel freely between the Dutch and French sides, each of which has a distinctive culture.
The allure of this two-for-one offer is even greater in February when it’s carnival time on the French side and the weather brings sunny skies, warm breezes, and calm seas.
Beaches are plentiful, with Orient Beach on the French side and Maho Beach on the Dutch standing out. The latter has an extra special buzz as low-flying planes skim just above the beach as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport.
Foodies will adore Grand Case on the French side, known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. It has everything from barbecue shacks to upscale restaurants.
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Take a tropical beach destination, throw in some ancient culture, a dash of colonial charm, and some of the best animal safaris in Asia and you get Hambantota.
On the country’s less-traveled south coast, the beaches here are more remote and less busy than those on the west coast, but equally gorgeous. Close by there’s Yala National Park, known for its thriving population of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
The weather’s hot in February, reaching the early 90s, with hardly any cooling bouts of rain. If it gets too hot, the Mirijjawila Botanical Garden provides a perfect shaded escape as well as the chance to study colorful blooms and medicinal plants.
Foodies will love a trip here too, especially for fans of seafood. Try freshly caught prawns and crabs, or feast on popular Sri Lankan food, such as seafood curry.
Aruba
Aruba
Aruba dubs itself “One Happy Island” and this could never be truer than in February. While Aruba has year-round sunshine, February brings out the best in its weather, as this is one of the driest months. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy its world-class beaches and explore the island’s arid inland landscapes.
Eagle and Palm beaches are two of the best to visit, with the former regularly ranking as one of the top beaches in the world, and the latter being a great spot for water sports.
Arikok National Park, Aruba
The island’s wilder side can be explored in rugged Arikok National Park, one of the best places to visit in Aruba. Covering almost 20 percent of the island, it has rugged trails, dramatic rock formations, and a great swimming spot at the Natural Pool.
Make sure to explore the charming capital Oranjestad, too, with its colorful Dutch colonial buildings and vibrant waterfront market.
St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
The crown jewel of the US Virgin Islands is another top Caribbean spot for February thanks to its fine weather, natural beauty, and rich history.
Capital Charlotte Amalie is more than a bustling port town; it’s a treasure trove of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and some great duty-free outlets. Around the island, there are several top-class beaches too.
Magens Bay, St. Thomas
If there’s one to top them all it’s Magens Bay. One of the best beaches in St. Thomas, it’s a mile long and with soft sand and azure waters, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding or simply lounging in the sun. Get there early to find a shaded spot under the sea grape trees.
If time allows, make sure to drop into Smith Bay Beach, also known as Lindquist Beach. A protected area, it’s a great spot for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just offshore.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket Town, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island is the kind of place the epithet “tropical paradise” was made for. Lovely seas, golden beaches, and lush hills abound, and there’s a wonderfully laid-back vibe thanks to its hippy history.
February is the ideal time to go, too. Not only is the weather warm with temperatures hitting the low 90s, but there’s minimal rainfall the sea can reach an almost bath-like 82°F.
The Sino-Portuguese streets of Old Phuket Town is a great place to start any visit with its hip cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. Plus there are great markets to explore and the street food is second to none.
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
By the water, Phang Nga Bay is iconic thanks to its towering limestone cliffs and association with a certain British secret agent. Kayaking around the lagoons here is a must for nature lovers.
Make sure, too, to pay a visit to Big Buddha, an impressive 147-foot-tall statue that offers panoramic views of the island. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and a glimpse into the more spiritual side of Phuket.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Home of Nobel-prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Caribbean coastal setting, Cartagena is a gem of a city, and even more so in February. At this time of year, the weather is a delight, with warm temperatures in the mid-80s, little rain, and seas perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The city’s walled Old Town is like a movie set; a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and balconies draped in flowers. Some of the best things to do in Cartagena include walking along Las Murallas, the city walls, visiting Plaza Santo Domingo, and marveling at landmarks like San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery.
In the many restaurants, try local delicacies like the ceviche Cartagenero, fresh raw seafood with a tang of citrus. When it comes to the beach, the coastline here is dotted with them, but Bocagrande, a short drive from the Old Town, is a great spot mere minutes away.
Grand Cayman
See the best warm-weather destinations in February on a vacation with Celebrity Cruises. Browse our February cruises and plan your vacation in the sunshine.
