For many readers, February can be kind of “meh” — short days, chilly, rainy, snowy, or totally dead in terms of events and flora. But knowing the right places to go during this time offers an escape to the usual February woes by brightening up the month with new experiences and scenery.
The 13 Best Places to Visit in February
From tropical destinations that provide a much-needed winter boost of sunshine to snow sport hotspots and chances to visit world-famous cities with fewer crowds, February can be the perfect month for a variety of vacations.
Whether you’re hoping to stick close to home or venture out to faraway destinations, we’ve got a list of the 13 best places to visit in February to help you start planning!
1. Destin, Florida
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February is one of the least busy and cheapest months to visit Destin, making it a great and affordable vacation option when you’re in need of some February sunshine and warmth.
During February, temperatures in Destin hover in the 60s to low 70s, hitting the lower 40s and 50s at night. Rainfall is minimal with this month being part of Destin’s dry season.
It’s not the ideal time to swim in the ocean or pool (unless it’s heated or indoor), but there are plenty of things to do in Destin during this time of year.
Shopping and events like Mardi Gras and Brunch Fest in HarborWalk Village, hitting the links at Destin’s many golf course, trying restaurants, and visiting museums, aquariums, and theaters offer lots of February-friendly activities.
Note: Mardi Gras is sometimes as late as March 9th, so be sure to check a calendar before you book.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
An unidentified local jazz band performs in the New Orleans French Quarter in February 2016/GTS Productions/Shutterstock
Everyone should visit New Orleans, Louisiana during February at least once. You can almost taste the cajun and creole food, sugar-dusted beignets, chicory coffee, and daiquiris!
February is one of the best times to visit New Orleans, thanks to Mardi Gras celebrations in this walkable city and highs in the 70F-80F range.
Visiting New Orleans in February means you’ll have a chance to take part in Mardi Gras, a huge carnival celebration with parades, food, and parties running for 2 weeks straight.
Even if you visit outside of the Mardi Gras celebrations, music, food, art galleries, museums, amazing architecture, gardens, and more await you in NOLA.
3. Park City, Utah
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Head to Park City, Utah in February to chase away the winter blues with exhilaration of hitting the slopes and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are the main draw in February – it’s the best time of year to visit Park City.
Explore the town’s historic buildings, shop, dine, and visit galleries and museums in the downtown area, and hit up winter festivals and events while you’re there.
Watch the FIS Freestyle World Ski Cup, catch the end of the Sundance Film Festival, or head out to nearby Midway to see the giant ice castles through the end of the month!
4. Mt. Shasta, California
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Mt. Shasta, the largest peak in the Cascade Range of California, offers some awesome skiing and snow sports during the month of February. February also happens to be the cheapest time to visit this mountain-top wonder, so you can plan an exciting winter trip for an affordable price!
By mid-February, Mt. Shasta is cloaked in snow with some of the best winter conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and thrilling climbing/mountaineering.
Mt. Shasta is nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with lots of hiking trails and scenic spots to take great photos and catch memorable panoramic views.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is about 1.5 hours away, while Lassen Volcanic National Park lies south about 1.75 hours away. Both are must-see parks and great day trips from Mt. Shasta!
5. Denver, Colorado
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If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Rockies, February is one of the best times to go. Denver is an ideal destination for breathtaking views and tons of things to do. February is one of the cheapest times to visit Denver as tourism falls into a lull and crowds are almost as thin as the mountain air.
See the snow-capped mountains in their full glory from the Mile High City, go ice skating at Skyline Park or Evergreen Lake, or hit the slopes at one of the best ski resorts near Denver.
Eat and drink your way across the city at top-rated restaurants and bars, visit antique shops and boutiques, stay at historic hotels, and catch some live music.
The Denver Zoo is great fun for the whole family, while a range of art galleries and museums provide plenty of indoor entertainment along with walking tours at the Botanic Gardens.
6. Monument Valley, Arizona
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Head to Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border in February for fantastic camping, scenic views, smaller crowds, and cheaper prices on accommodations and activities.
February is the cheapest time to visit Monument Valley as the area shakes off the chill of the winter and the weather gradually warms to the 40F-50F range. The panoramic views of the stone “monuments” around you make a trip to the Valley truly special in February without sweltering heat.
You can stay at the visitor-recommended View Campground, Arrowhead Campground, or Mustang Valley Campground, but consider setting up camp at Tipi Village. Here, you can stay in a real tipi with amazing views of the sandstone bluffs!
7. Maui, Hawaii
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Maui, or the Valley Isle, is another of the best places to visit in February. Expect warm weather, gorgeously lush scenery, and a never-ending list of things to do in this tropical destination.
Maui is also one named of the 4 best islands in Hawaii to visit and one of the most popular destinations for tourists with some great hotels on the island for all budgets.
While it can be expensive to visit during the prime May-August season, February is actually one of the cheapest months to visit and still warm, welcoming, and packed with activities.
Hang out on the beaches, snorkel and dive, drive the storied Road to Hana, visit lush national and state parks, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood and Hawaiian cuisine in Maui.
8. St. Lucia
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If you’re looking for a tropical island getaway to cure the February doldrums, there’s no better destination than sunny St. Lucia. This Caribbean island boasts warm weather in the 80s (lows in the 70s), little rain, and so many outdoor and indoor activities to enjoy in February.
February is actually one of the best months to visit St. Lucia with some of the best weather and events this island sees throughout the year.
Dolphin and whale watching, swimming in the ocean and relaxing on the beach, water sports and activities, and a full range of restaurants and shops bustling with activity will be your February reward here.
Consider staying at one of the best all-inclusive resorts in St. Lucia during February for as little as $1,425 for a 5-night stay for 2!
9. Barcelona, Spain
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From sandy beaches and vibrant Spanish culture to jaw-dropping architecture and drool-worthy food, Barcelona is easily one of the best places to visit in February.
The weather is cool this time of year with highs around 60F, making walks through this historic city very pleasant (but bring a jacket). Sightseeing is the name of the game in Barcelona during February.
Come to see the Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, striking Gothic cathedrals, and avant-garde buildings. Fresh and tasty seafood, pasta, and rice dishes will demand your attention while in Barcelona in February, so take time to eat your way across the city.
Since February is in Barcelona’s low season, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, shorter lines, and better views of the city along with cheaper prices on rooms, flights, and attractions.
10. Maldives Islands
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The Maldives are one of the best places to visit in February, offering tropical scenery and warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s during what can be a dreary month in other places.
There’s a reason it’s named the #1 desired honeymoon destination! You’ll find amazing resorts in the Maldives and options for every budget on the 200 inhabited islands here.
Over 60 world-class diving destinations are here, with 3,000+ thriving coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a diverse abundance of marine life swimming around the islands.
February is one of the best times to visit the Maldives (from January to April) and offers clear, sunny weather with little rainfall as part of the dry season.
11. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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The Great Barrier Reef is off the coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea. It’s the largest coral reef system in the world and can be seen from space!
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef presents you with some of the world’s best diving, snorkeling, and marine life viewing opportunities on the planet. Over 1,500 species of fish and marine mammals call the reef home, including tiny colorful schools of fish to massive tiger and whale sharks.
February is the cheapest time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, with fewer tourists arriving as the rainy season picks up. The extra rain makes the coastal area beautifully lush and green.
Temperatures are warm in the upper 80s on average with high levels of humidity, but if you plan to spend your trip diving, snorkeling, and swimming, you won’t be too uncomfortable.
12. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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Nestled in lush, tropical Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio – one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and home to all the scenery, wildlife, and activities you dream of for a Costa Rican vacation in February.
February makes the perfect time to visit Manuel Antonio as part of Costa Rica’s high season with great weather in the lower 80s, little rainfall, and tons of things to do.
The town is just north of the popular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can spot many species of monkeys in the rainforest canopy, sloths, crocs and caiman, iguanas, birds, and more.
Oh, and the town is famous for Manuel Antonio Beach, one of the 12 best beaches in Costa Rica!
Go zip lining, take a sunset cruise, dive and snorkel, go surfing, hike through the rainforest, get to know the culture, try new foods, and take guided tours to explore the area while learning something new.
13. Venice, Italy
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Venice, Italy is one of the best places to visit in February with the annual costumed Carnevale taking place this month and lots of things to do for visitors.
It’s chilly in Venice at this time of year, but amazingly low crowds translate to shorter lines, less waiting at restaurants and bars, and more availability at hotels.
Bundle up and take a famous gondola ride through the canals, visit the shops, try Venetian and Italian dishes, and get in touch with the historic culture and architecture while you’re here.
If you arrange your visit outside of the Carnevale dates, you’ll find that February is one of the cheapest and least busy times to visit Venice!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still have questions about the best places to visit in February? See what other users wondered and learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
Which destination is best for February?
Destin, Florida is one of the best February destinations in the U.S. It's not too far away, offers pleasant weather with little rainfall, and plenty of activities and attractions for families.
Not digging Destin? Our list of the 13 best places to visit in February extends far beyond a Destin vacation and includes mountainous ski spots, destinations known for natural beauty, and cultural hotspots around the world.
What states are cheapest to visit in February?
February tends to be cheaper to visit in states that aren't known for winter sports and scenery. The East coast, Southeast, and West coast can be cheaper in February because they're not experience peak weather or tourism.
What are the top 5 warmest states in February?
The top 5 warmest states in February are Hawaii, Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas. These states experience highs anywhere from the 80s to the upper 60s during the month of February.
What is the warmest beach in the US in February?
The warmest beaches in the U.S. in February are in South Florida and Hawaii. The Florida Keys, Miami, Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale all experience highs in the upper 70s and low 80s in February.
In Hawaii, February temperatures are highest in Oahu and The Big Island (Hawaii) with highs in the low 80s at the most popular beaches.
Who has the best weather in February?
Countries on or near the equator and those in the Southern Hemisphere tend to have the best weather in February, which is the dry season for most of these places.
On our list, places like the Maldives, St. Lucia, and even Costa Rica in the Northern Hemisphere offer excellent weather in February.
Plan a Winter Trip to the Best Places to Visit in February
From locations right here in the U.S. to faraway destinations that offer something a little more exotic, planning a great winter trip starts with looking at the best places to visit in February.
Experience lively celebrations, tropical weather and scenery, snow-capped mountains and skiing, or stunning architecture and cultural wonders in the 13 places that made our list.
It all starts with considering your potential trip budget and the type of trip you’re hoping to plan. You’ll be able to find a place that checks all your boxes and provides a wealth of new experiences that offer a welcome reprieve from the February blues.
It’s totally possible to enjoy the trip of a lifetime in February – use our list to start researching the destinations that are the best fit for your trip!