Where to go in February

Wondering where to go in February? From the beautiful beaches of Barbados to the fun-packed theme parks of Florida, here’s your no-fuss guide to where to travel in February 2020.

If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, then February is an ideal time to start. Both Valentine’s Day and the half term holidays fall in the second month making it the perfect time for your next adventure. Whether you want to go somewhere hot for a dose of winter sun, or somewhere cold for some action on the ski slopes, we’ve done the research to discover all of the best places to visit in February.

Koh Samui

Deciding where to go on holiday in February opens up so many possibilities. There’s no denying it’s a dreary month in the northern hemisphere, but southern destinations like Koh Samui serve up plenty of warm and sunny weather. In fact, February is typically the driest month of the year in Koh Samui.

Visit for a Valentine’s getaway and you can spend time with your loved one at all manner of romantic spots – think beachfront dining, sunset strolls and boutique spas that offer relaxing couple’s massages. Alternatively, why not rent your own private villa and enjoy delicious candlelit meals prepared by your own private chef?

Another big event in February is the annual celebration of Makha Bucha which falls on February 9, 2020. On this day, Buddhist monks perform special rituals including a rousing nighttime candlelight procession around the Buddhist temples. Visitors are welcome to observe the activities – it’ a great way to experience some traditional Thai customs.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay you’ll find a great selection of villas to choose from, including beachfront options with their own private pools.

Orlando

A popular destination for the February half term, Orlando offers warm weather and heaps of fun events through February. If you’re visiting in the second week, you’ll be in time for Universal’s Mardi Gras which kicks off on February 9 for two months of nightly parades, live music and authentic Cajun cuisine.

Over at Disney World, Epcot’s Festival of the Arts runs through the month, featuring visiting artists, foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their inner artist. There’s also the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 20-23, open to runners of all ages and offering plenty of fun on-course entertainment.

Other events worth checking out are Elmo’s Birthday Bash at Seaworld on February 2-3, it’s a great shout for families with young kids. The Seven Seas Food Festival (also at Seaworld) begins February 9 for ten weekends of music, food, craft beers and fun entertainment.

Looking for the best deals? Generally speaking you’ll find lower prices during school term time and outside of federal holidays. Early February up until the UK half term is a quieter and cheaper time to visit. However, if you’re tied to travelling in the holidays, you can still bag a bargain at some of the family resorts near Disney.

Bali

No list of where to go in February would be complete without mentioning Bali. Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic trip for two, Bali offers endless charms. February falls towards the end of the wet season in the region so you will get the best of both worlds. Prices are still lower than in peak season and the rain is tapering off so you can get out and take advantage of everything the island has to offer.

Come rain or shine, you needn’t worry when you can enjoy fantastic surfing all year round on Bali’s southern coast. If you prefer overland adventures, check out the island’s many waterfalls which are at their best at this time of year. Similarly, Bali’s natural hot water springs are the place to head for a relaxing soak whatever the weather.

The occasional downpour won’t hamper your days at Bali’s water parks which are open for business all year round. For indoor activities, take a cooking class, catch a movie, go shopping, or soak up some culture at Bali’s many art galleries and museums. All of this is served up in toasty temperatures of around 80F through February.

Tuscany

February is a great month to visit Italy, especially if you’re on a tight budget or keen to avoid the summer crowds. The month of love is right in the middle of the chilly off-season, but those who visit are in for some pleasant surprises.

All across the country, Italians celebrate one of the biggest shindigs of the year – Carnevale. Some of the biggest celebrations take place in Tuscany, where giant marionettes are paraded through the streets and residents throw fruit at each other in the ‘Battle of the Oranges’.

Aside from Carnevale (February 25) it’s a relatively quiet month in Tuscany making it ideal for sightseeing. Head to its capital, Florence, where you will find some of the world’s most recognisable art and architecture including Michelangelo’s David statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery, and the stunning Florence Cathedral. Elsewhere, Tuscany’s diverse landscape encompasses olive groves, vineyards, rugged mountains and golden beaches.

In terms of accommodation, you will find a wide selection of villas to choose from. From cozy boltholes for couples to large pool homes perfect for keeping the whole family occupied, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Barbados

If you’re wondering where to go in February, Barbados is a top spot for winter sun. By February it’s well into the dry season which sees long days of sunshine with hardly any rain. One of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, Barbados is home to pristine beaches, fantastic nightlife, historic architecture and a beautiful interior dotted with gardens.

The 2020 Holetown Festival kicks off on February 16 for a week of parties, street fairs and military shows. February is also a great month for golf, watersports and discovering the island’s many tourist attractions. In the south you’ll find historic bridgetown and its UNESCO-listed Garrison, while over on the east coast, rocky cliffs and Atlantic beaches offer impressive hiking and surfing challenges.

In terms of accommodation, Barbados offers a diverse range. Some visitors opt to stay in all-inclusive hotels, while those who prefer some privacy may opt for a self-contained villa – these properties come with private pools and amenities as well as the services of a chef and housekeeper.

France

By February, France is still cold in the north but temperatures are slowly creeping up in the south. You should see a moderate amount of sunny days along the French Riviera with temperatures around a pleasant 15C. February is the low season for tourism in the region so you’re likely to find some great deals on flights and accommodation.

The major French carnivals begin in February and continue through the season. Of all of them, the Mardi Gras celebrations in Nice are some of the most spectacular. Also running through February are the winter sales (les soldes) offering fantastic bargains with savings of up to 70%.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 and nowhere in France celebrates it better than they do in the quaint village of St. Valentin. Forget Paris, this town in central France is hailed as the ‘Village of Love’ and hosts an array of romantic celebrations around Valentine’s Day. Share a kiss in Lover’s Garden, pin your love notes on the Tree of Vows, post a letter in Cupid’s Box and swear to be faithful by the Tree of Eternal Hearts. During the celebrations, the whole village is decked out with hundreds of red roses.

The Dominican Republic

If you can’t decide where to go in February then take a look at the Dominican Republic. Daily temperatures are a hot 83F through this peak season month. The perfect winter sun destination, the Caribbean’s second largest island is one of the most beautiful to visit.

Eco tourists will love visiting in February which falls in the middle of the Dominican’s whale watching season. Each year between January and March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm Caribbean waters. They can be seen from certain lookout points around Samana Bay or from up-close on a guide boat tour.

Also worth checking out is the beautiful city of La Romana on the south coast. It has world-class golf courses, fantastic attractions and some of the best beaches on the island. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time at the Altos de Chavon village with its cobblestone streets and 16th-century architecture. The town was actually built in the 1970s by a Paramount Studios set designer and is home to art galleries, a church and a 5,000-seat amphitheater.

Stay at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana and you’ll enjoy total luxury throughout your vacation. Each villa is staffed and features a private pool, stylish living areas and stunning unique touches. You can make the most of the resort’s extensive amenities including a private beach, communal pools, golf courses, an equestrian centre, a spa, restaurants and nightly entertainment.

Cape Coral

February is lovely and warm in Cape Coral with highs of 77F through the month. Located along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, many vacationers find the region more appealing for a getaway than the state’s inner-city destinations.

Cape Coral’s 400 or so miles of waterways are ideal for boating, fishing and watersports. Its Sirenia Vista Park has kayak routes out to Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve where you can spot all manner of birds wading amid the mangroves. There’s also Four Mile Cove, a nature preserve along the Caloosahatchee River with a visitors center, walking trails and kayak rentals.

For shopping head to Cape Coral’s plazas and strip malls located downtown and along the waterfront. The main shopping areas can be found around Del Prado Boulevard, Pine Island Road, Cape Coral Parkway and SE 47th Terrace. Once you’ve worked up a hunger, there are cafes, burger bars, steakhouses and seafood restaurants. For nightlife, Cape has an abundance of laid-back sports bars, live music venues and cocktail lounges.

Accommodation-wise, you’ll find an excellent selection of vacation rentals along the waterfront and within easy reach of the local attractions. Many properties comes complete with private pools, game rooms and private boat docks (with boat rentals available on request).

Jamaica

Looking for places that are hot in February? Then Jamaica is a top contender. This sunny island is one of the world’s top tropical destinations complete with plenty of hotspots for excitement and entertainment. The second month is well into the dry season in Jamaica so expect plenty of warm sunshine and hardly any rain.

The island comes alive in February with numerous celebrations in honor of Bob Marley’s birthday. For reggae fans (or anyone looking for fun in the sun) this is a great month to travel to Jamaica. The event is marked with an entire week of festivities including music concerts, street parties, art exhibitions and all kinds of other activities. On February 6 (Marley’s actual birthday) visitors get free admission to the legendary musician’s former home, now the Bob Marley Museum in Hope Road.

February is also a great month for getting out and about before the major summer heat hits. You can sunbathe on beautiful beaches, hit the shops or visit famous tourist attractions like Dunn’s River waterfall and the Blue Mountains coffee plantation.

Another big draw is the wide variety of places to stay in Jamaica. On the north coast there’s Ocho Rios, one of the islands’s liveliest regions with lots of nightlife. Then there’s the laid-back beach town of Runaway Bay. Montego Bay has beaches, river rafting an jungle safaris. While Negril on the east coast in home to famous Seven Mile Beach.

Aspen & Snowmass

If you’re looking for somewhere to travel in February, Aspen and Snowmass are in full swing at this time of the season. The skiing and snowboarding conditions are fantastic, and the towns offer plenty in the way of shopping, dining and nightlife.

You can make Valentine’s Day super special with an exhilarating dog-sled excursion through the beautiful Rocky Mountain peaks, followed by dinner and drinks at one of Aspen’s 100+ restaurants and bars.

For something a little different to typical skiing activities, cross-country skiing is a fun alternative. Catch some incredible views of the surrounding scenery while you take advantage of the 60+ miles of free cross-country skiing trails in the area. Alternatively, take a guided ride on a snowmobile and visit grand local attractions like Maroon Bells, Independence Pass and the White River National Forest.

Miami

Florida’s most hip city is at its best through the second month. The advantage of visiting in February is that the Spring Break rush is still a few weeks away so your vacation won’t be hampered by the party crowds. Temperatures hover nicely around the 70s through February so you can easily spend your days at the beach, although there’s plenty going on all over the city.

Super Bowl LIV 2020 will be hosted at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on February 2. It has been ten years since the big game was last held in the city, but it’s coming back and promises to be better than ever. There will be parties galore, including the famous Maxim’s Super Bowl Party on Virginia Key and Shaq’s Fun House Cruise out of Port Miami.

Also happening in February 2020 is the Miami International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium Park. This internationally renowned event draws crowds year after year and features a massive collection of power and sailing boats and products. Climb aboard the latest models, buy the coolest accessories, attend a boating seminar or sign-up for something more hands-on.

If boats aren’t your thing then head over to Coral Gables Festival of the Arts for a weekend of artsy happenings (starting February 8). For sports fans, there’s the Miami Marathon on February 9 which takes you though some of the city’s most scenic spots. If you aren’t ready for the full marathon or you’re looking for a warm up before the main event, try the Lifetime Tropical 5K at Tropical Park the day before.

Destin

Stunning beaches, great shopping and world-famous fishing are just a few of the things that define the Emerald Coast city of Destin. Located in northeast Florida around 400 miles from Orlando, it’s a great destination to visit in February.

So many fun and exciting events are happening in the region in February 2020. There’s the Annual Gumbo Festival on February 15-16, featuring live music, family fun and the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast. Also, put on your dancing shoes for the Winter Concert Series at Harbour Village, held every Sunday through the month with plenty of live music from favorite local bands.

As is that’s not enough, the Destin Mardi Gras is taking place in February 2020. This family friendly event sees the good times roll with a packed itinerary of parades, live music, food and entertainment.

Away from the parties are dozens of beaches including Henderson Beach State Park which has miles of sand dunes,  nature trails and picnic spots. Wayside Park is known for its popular fishing pier, and Miramar Beach has a boardwalk lined with colorful shops and friendly eateries.

Tempted to book a vacation in February?

If you’re booking a vacation in February and you’re looking for top-notch accommodation check out our wide range of luxury vacation homes. Simply browse through our Orlando villas and condos, then use the filters to select the number of bedrooms and any other amenities you’d like to add. Once you’ve found your perfect home, you can book online safely and securely.