Natural wonders are at their best in February, where are you ticking off this year?
Favourable weather in February means it’s a time to tick off a few of the world’s iconic sites like Angkor Wat, the Sahara, the Amazon and the African savanna. Word has it that a few big parties are also kicking off this month (see Carnival). It may be winter for some, but hey, it’s summertime somewhere.
1. Morrocco
Why go? Coolest time to visit the Sahara and it is quieter around the cities
Temperatures: 18ºC (64ºF) high, 10ºC (50ºF) low
Season: winter
Winter in Morocco can mean hiking the snow of Mount Toubkal, venturing into a slightly cooler Sahara, witnessing a quieter side of the Marrakech medinas and, unique to February, seeing the spectacular Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraout. Aside from the higher regions, February is a mild month to visit the typically warm-to-hot areas like Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech – ideal for those not a fan of the heat.
This year, Ramadan takes place from February 28 to March 30. Travellers should be aware that during this period, some restaurants and shops will likely operate at reduced or altered hours.
2. Colombia
Why go? Weather is stellar and there’s a party around the corner
Temperatures: 30ºC (86ºF) high, 20ºC (68ºF) low
Season: dry season
Looking for reasons to visit Colombia in February? Easy. First, it’s one of the last months of the dry season. Second, smaller traveller numbers this month mean fewer people to share the lush Caribbean beaches with. And third, if you’re around when March kicks off, you’ll be in town to join the party of the year, Barranquilla Carnival. So get out the sequins and lean into the beat, you’re in for one massive celebration.
3. Cambodia
Why go? Dry weather and less humidity make it more comfortable for sightseeing
Temperatures: 32ºC (90ºF) high, 23ºC (73ºF) low
Season: dry season
February combines warm temperatures, dry conditions and the end of the school holiday crowds for Cambodia. While this drier time of year is popular among visitors, we’ve made sure to balance the big sites with the small ones. Enjoy bike rides through the countryside, sunrise visits to Angkor Wat, boat tours through the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, moments of reflection at historic sites and time spent laid out on a beach towel. Because, after all, this is a prime month for recreation and relaxation.
4. Kenya
Why go? Less vegetation makes for better wildlife spotting
Temperatures: 29ºC (84ºF) high, 20ºC (63ºF) low
Season: dry season
February is a fabulous month for safaris as the last of vegetation and hot weather means wildlife cluster around watering holes, making them easier to spot. It will be warm this month, but luckily, many of our East and South Africa safari trips end in Zanzibar, so you too can cool off in the water.
5. New Zealand
Why go? Summer fun in the sun
Temperatures: 22ºC (72ºF) high, 13ºC (55ºF) low
Season: summer
Dry and warm weather this month makes for perfect days in the film-worthy scenery that is New Zealand‘s great outdoors. This tucked-away little country is home to some not-so-little landscapes that make for big days out. Duck into caves, watch geothermal geysers, search for kiwis and be taught the Haka on a visit to a Maori village. New Zealand is an adventurer’s dream and February means endless fun in the sun.
If you can dream it, you can probably do it during a New Zealand summer.
6. Central America
Why go? Little rainfall but lots of sun
Temperatures: 28ºC (82ºF) high, 18ºC (64ºF) low
Season: dry
Throughout the Central America region, temperatures will start to get pretty hot around March/April, so if you’re keen on sightseeing alongside beaching, February is a great month to plan a trip. Sightseeing in this part of the world means natural wonders, ancient relics, and colourful wildlife topped off by a little evening salsa dancing or an afternoon dip at a beach – because, in Central America, you’re never more than 200km (125 miles) from a beach.
February isn’t just host to long hours of sunshine and little rainfall, it’s also the month when Guatemala’s coffee harvest season is in full swing.
7. Amazon Jungle
Why go? Better access to the jungle and active wildlife
Temperatures: 22ºC (72ºF) high, 13ºC (55ºF) low
Season: wet season
Although it’s the rainy season, the animals aren’t too worried, as these wetter months can make for better wildlife spotting. You’re likely always going to have some rain in the Amazon, even in the dry season (they don’t call it a rainforest for nothing). However, the high rainfall months tend to bring in some added benefits. First, the Amazon River flows higher, allowing boats to get that little bit further. Second, many plants will be in bloom, meaning many animals, especially birds, are typically more active. Take a journey into the jungle from Peru or Ecuador, or why not go for animal overload with a combination of Galapagos Islands and Amazon trip?
Looking for some other options?
No worries. Check out our recommendations on where to travel in January and March.
Or, have you seen our last minute deals?
