Where to Travel on Vacation in February 2022

Shake your tail feathers and join the world's biggest party

Where to go on vacation in February

February brings with it a sense of fun as countries across the Caribbean and Southeast Asia enjoy perfect tropical weather that lends itself beautifully to carnivals and street parties, island getaways and archaeological discovery. It's summer in the Southern Hemisphere which makes Latin America a great place to explore with endless hiking opportunities in Patagonia while winter drapes its coat of snow and frost over the Northern Hemisphere, perfect for frozen wilderness and hunting for the Northern Lights in Iceland and Finland.

If you're struggling to decide where to go in February 2022, take a look at our pick of destinations and experiences that this month has to offer. You'll also find a guide to the top beach breaks in February as well as where's best for wildlife and a range of recommended tours to take advantage of these destinations.

Top Destinations and Experiences in February

Ait Benhaddou ksar - UNESCO sites in Morocco - On The Go Tours
bustling souks and imperial cities

Discover the magical highlights of Morocco

February means winter in Morocco but the desert country is still blessed with pleasant weather, and the temperatures are perfect for exploring imperial cities and browsing the extensive souks of Marrakech. You will want to remember to pack a jacket though, because although the days are still warm, the nights can get incredibly cold, especially in the north and the more mountainous parts of the country, such as Chefchaouen.

Recommended tour: Totally Morocco →

Angkor Wat  - Cambodia Tours - Southeast Asia Tours - On The Go Tours
MYSTICAL ANCIENT RUINS

Exploring the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia

February is a brilliant month to head to Vietnam and Cambodia to explore the remarkable temples of Angkor - it's the dry season, which means sunny days, mostly clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This good weather coincides with the peak travel season; so make sure to plan accordingly in order to see the temples without the worst of the crowds.

Recommended tour: Journey to Angkor Wat →

Photographing the Northern Lights - Iceland Tours - On The Go Tours
Chasing the Northern Lights

Winter fun and magical night skies

February is considered one of the best months to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland, as the country is still in the grip of winter - so sunset arrives early. The snowy scenery is at its most beautiful but the harshest winter weather has normally passed. You'll still have to wrap up warm, but for a truly wintry adventure, February provides a great chance to spot the magical Aurora Borealis before the longer days of summer arrive.

Recommended tour: Land of the Northern Lights →

Gangaramaya temple in Colombo - Sri Lanka - On The Go Tours
Culture and beach

Buddhist holiday in Sri Lanka

Each month the Buddhist population of Sri Lanka celebrates Poya, the day of the full moon. In February it's known as Navam Poya and is marked with a major perahera (religious procession) at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, featuring dancers and musicians. This can easily be combined with a sightseeing tour of the island, as well as time spent on the beaches of the southwest coast.

Recommended tour: Buddha and Beach →

Best City Breaks in February



Aerial view of Reykjavik city with sea and Esja volcanic mountain range in background, Iceland
Wintertime Activities

Reykjavik

Although you'll need to be prepared for chilly weather, February is one of the best months for visiting Reykjavik. Using the city as a base, explore the surrounding winter landscapes, frozen waterfalls and natural ice caves, before warming up in a natural hot spring or the famous Blue Lagoon. February is one of the best months for seeing the Northern Lights and also sees the city illuminated for the annual Winter Lights Festival.

View of the historic Plaza de la Aduana in the colonial center of Cartagena, Colombia
Old Town Charm

Cartagena

February falls in the dry season for Colombia, so this is the perfect time to explore the beautiful city of Cartagena. Set on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena boasts a UNESCO-listed old town surrounded by an impressive 13 kilometres of city walls. Once inside, you’ll discover a maze of cobbled streets, colourful colonial architecture and pretty plazas, alongside excellent restaurants and buzzing salsa bars.

Marrakech djemaa el fna square - On The Go Tours
Sights without the crowds

Marrakech

It's winter in Morocco during February, but don't let that put you off. The country still benefits from warm temperatures and on top of that there will be fewer crowds. This makes February the perfect time to delve into the bustling souks and ancient cultures of Marrakech. From central Djemaa el Fna square, you can explore famous landmarks such as Koutoubia Mosque, or head further afield to the fishing city of Essaouira or the famous kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.

Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City
Cosmopolitan Delights

Mexico City

With virtually no rainfall, February is a great time to visit Mexico’s vibrant capital. The city boasts numerous archaeological treasures and charming colonial neighbourhoods. Yet simultaneously, it is a fast-growing cosmopolitan hub with world-class museums, incredible street art and a host of trendy restaurants where you can try the delicious cuisine that Mexico is so famous for.

Best Festivals in February

Every month of the year holds its own unique offering of special events and festivals. In February this means epic street parties and desert spectacles. Here's our choice of the best festivals that take place around the world.

Fireworks over Tiananmen Square in Beijing

Chinese New Year

Where? China
When? 1st February - 16th February 2022

Dating back centuries, Chinese New Year is one of China's most important festivals, with celebrations lasting almost two weeks. Traditions associated with Chinese New Year include the lighting of firecrackers, gifting of money in red envelopes and decorating the streets with oval red lanterns. Many cities will also host colourful parades with dragon dances to scare away evil spirits.

India-Festivals-&-Events-Itinerary2-Image

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Where? Jaisalmer, India
When? TBA

Set against the massive golden citadel of Jaisalmer in the mighty Thar Desert, this vibrant festival celebrates Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage with extravagant song and dance performances, quirky moustache contests, turban tying competitions and ceremonial processions. Camels also feature highly with camel races, polo and even camel dancing.

Abu Simbel with bright blue sky - Egypt Tours - On The Go Tours

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Where? Abu Simbel, Egypt
When? 22nd February 2022

While the ancient wonders, beautiful Red Sea beaches and warm dry climate are reason enough to visit Egypt in February, the list doesn’t stop there. On 22nd February, the date of King Ramses II's ascension to the throne, you can witness the bi-annual occurrence of the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when the sun’s rays align to illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple.

Rio-Carnival-Brazil-primary

Rio Carnival

Where? Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When? 25th February - 05th March 2022

With the festivities of New Year’s Eve already a month behind us, you may be itching for another excuse to party. Well, lucky for you Brazil comes alive in February for the world’s most famous street party. While Carnival is celebrated throughout the country, the real heart of the action is found amongst the crowds on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, with lively samba parades & dazzling costumes.

Top Romantic Destinations for Valentine's Day

If you want to up the romance stakes this Valentine's Day then why not think outside the box, or even outside the country for that matter. What could be more romantic than whisking your partner off to an exotic, far-flung destination for an unforgettable holiday for two this February?

Maldives_Paradise_Island_ext

The Maldives

Nothing quite says romance like strolling arm-in-arm across a pristine white sandy shore framed by palm-trees with waves lapping at your feet. Or what about stepping out of your overwater villa straight into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean? The scene you're picturing would be the Maldives, an idyllic Valentine's destination for February. If you've got some extra time on your hands consider combining the Maldives with the cultural delights of Sri Lanka.

Recommended Tour:
Sri Lanka + Maldives

Tango in Argentina - Argentina Tours - On The Go Tours

Argentina

The sensual country of Argentina is home to the sizzling city of Buenos Aires, South America's self-pronounced 'Capital of Romance' and the home of the passionate tango. Naturally, a trip here in February is the perfect expression of romance and with lovely warm weather, tempting stretches of coastline, striking landscapes, plus prime steak and delectable wine, you simply cannot go wrong in Argentina on Valentine's Day.

Recommended Tour:
Waterfalls, Wine & Wilderness

Stellenbosch - Africa Overland Safaris - Africa Lodge Safaris - Africa Tours - On The Go Tours

South Africa

The spectacular Garden Route is the perfect escape for lovebirds in search of world-class wine, brilliant cuisine, quiet coastline and dramatic landscapes. Start or end in fabulous Cape Town for the best in urban adventure and make the most of February's glorious weather. With warm temperatures and clear, sunny skies, South Africa is the ideal place to combine culture, scenery and beach. There's a host of great national parks teeming with wildlife, too.

Recommended Tour:
Wonders of the Garden Route

Enchanting Lapland- Finland - On The Go Tours

Lapland

If your idea of romance involves wrapping up warm with a snowy winter wonderland as your backdrop then Lapland in Finland is the perfect destination for you. Here you can spend a night in a glass igloo while the Northern Lights dance overhead. There's also the chance to meet Santa Claus and his animal helpers, so you can get in early with your Christmas wishlist too. Or if you prefer adventure, then why not enjoy a husky sleigh ride over the snowy vistas?

Recommended Tour:
Lapland & Husky Highlights

Ait Benhaddou ksar - UNESCO sites in Morocco - On The Go Tours

Morocco

The sense of the exotic makes Morocco a surprisingly romantic travel destination. Traditional riads offer an intimate and often stylish place to stay with only a handful of rooms characterised by ornamental details and rich-coloured furnishings with tranquil inner courtyards for all to enjoy. In Morocco you can also ride a camel out into the Sahara for a night spent at a desert camp under the stars - what could be more romantic?

Recommended Tour:
Totally Morocco

Hoi An lanterns - Vietnam Tours - Southeast Asia Tours - On The Go Tours

Vietnam

This popular destination in Southeast Asia has plenty of credentials as far as romance is concerned. Firstly, it's home to the unbelievably gorgeous Halong Bay, where you can spend the night on a luxurious junk boat cruising around the karst islands. Then there's the charming riverside town of Hoi An, home to attractive merchant houses, quaint tea stores and peaceful pagodas. It's particularly romantic at night, when lit by colourful lanterns.

Recommended Tour:
Hanoi to Hoi An

Petra by night - Jordan Tours - On The Go Tours

Jordan

Gaze upon Petra's Treasury facade by candlelight while Bedouin music transports you to another time. In Wadi Rum soak up the red desertscape under a sky full of stars and spend the night in a camp, away from distractions. While at the Dead Sea, you can relax in the therapeutic waters and treat you and your loved one to a massage or spa treatment in the surrounding resorts. This is romance perfect for the adventurous couple.

Recommended Tour:
Passage to Petra

Bagan temples and pagodas - Burma - Southeast Asia

Myanmar

Combining beautiful surroundings with an alluring atmosphere that harks back to a bygone era, Myanmar offers plenty in the way of romance. From the watery world of Inle Lake to the gleaming pagodas of Yangon, there's culture to discover and sites to explore. For something special, float above the stupa-filled plains of Bagan in a hot air balloon or journey from Mandalay to Yangon on the Irrawaddy River, aboard a luxury vessel.

Recommended Tour:
Best of Myanmar

Best Beach Destinations in February

It's great exploring every corner of a destination, but sometimes you just need a sun lounger on the beach with a cocktail in hand to top off your holiday. While the Northern Hemisphere is still submerged in the chill of the winter, south of the equator summer is in full swing. The weather across Southeast Asia, Central America and the Indian Subcontinent is perfect for sunbathing, with plenty of beaches to choose from.

Sri-Lanka-Unplugged-Itinerary-Main-Classic-Tours-Sri-Lanka

Sri Lanka

For such a compact country, Sri Lanka experiences a dramatic variety of weather conditions, with half of the island dry and the other wet at any given time. In February the southwest coast is experiencing dry conditions with sunny days and warm temperatures. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy the miles of coastline and palm-fringed beaches, as well as national parks in the south.

Viva-la-Cubana -Itinerary-2

Central America

For many travellers the dry season between December and April is considered the best time to travel around Central America, with pleasant temperatures and largely clear skies. February is a great time to take advantage of the perfect weather, with fewer crowds than you would find over New Year and Easter - peak holiday seasons - and better availability and prices.

Beach in Goa

India

In India the southern region of Goa is pleasantly warm, with low humidity offering the perfect conditions to kick back and relax on palm-fringed shores. It's just after the peak season so you needn't worry about fighting over beach umbrellas. There's another reason to visit as the streets come alive with the revelry of the Goa Carnival, complete with music and colourful floats.

boat

Zanzibar

East Africa experiences two dry seasons throughout the year and February marks the end of the second season, which starts in December. This means it's the last month for a while that offers perfect beach weather with dry, sunny days and cloudless skies. With wildlife spotting still good in Tanzania, it's a great beach choice at the end of a safari adventure.

Best Wildlife Destinations in February

If you're looking for a safari adventure in February then East Africa will be your best bet - the dry season means sparser vegetation, making it easier for spotting the Big 5. Whilst in Uganda, the mountain trails are in better condition for trekking to see the gorillas. Elsewhere, it's a good time to take a jeep safari through Yala National Park in Sri Lanka in search of the elusive leopard and Costa Rica has plenty of wildlife to keep you happy - from nesting turtles on the coast, to the dense interior forests - home to plentiful birdlife.

Amazon Parrot

The Amazon

The wet and warm season in the Amazon is the best time to take a luxury cruise, with higher water levels making more and more waterways accessible by boat. Between January and April, plants drop their fruit, which attracts animal and bird species to the seasonal buffet that litters the ground. Numerous plants are flowering at this time too, which makes it great for photography.

Whale watching in Argentina - On the Go Tours

Argentina

Off the shores of the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina on the Atlantic, orcas begin to arrive for the small nurseries of baby sea lions that populate the region between February and April. Commonly known as Killer Whales, it's not hard to see how they earned this name when they use their incredible hunting skills in what was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1999.

Tiger Cubs in Bandhavgarh NP

India

February to March is the optimal time to visit India's national parks in search of the majestic Bengal tiger. With temperatures steadily heating up, the greenery is starting to thin out across the country so catching a glimpse of that flash of stripes in the undergrowth becomes all the more likely. In neighbouring Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a great location too, home to the rare One-horned rhino.

Nakuru-Flamingos

The Galapagos

The Galapagos are a year-round destination, with endemic species populating the islands throughout the year. Each month brings something to see, and in February it's the sight of flamingos nesting on Floreana Island. It's also the start of the Black-tailed pintails breeding season and the peak of the Galapagos dove nesting season so a great time for bird-watchers to visit.

See more of our Travel Calendar

Holi festival hands and colour image

March

Cherry blossom and castle - Bucket List

April

St Petersburg during White Nights - On the Go Tours

May

Croatia Brac Beach-Croatia Tours-On The Go Tours

June

Turkey-Discovered-Itinerary-Main-Group-Tour-Turkey

July

Exclusive-Adventures-Jordan

August

Soujourn to Sapa

September

Hiking in Himalayas - Himalayas Tours - On The Go Tours

October

Yi-Peng-Lanterns-of-the-Night-Itineraries-Main-Thailand

November

December Holiday Ideas - Lapland - On The Go Tours

December

New-Years-Red-Square-Itinerary-Main-Xmas-And-New-Years-Russia

January