Are you looking for the best places to travel in February in USA (and the reset of the Americas) for some February sunshine holidays? Here’s a round up of recommendations from fellow travel bloggers on where they think is the best place to travel February. Why not consider a holiday on an island in the Caribbean in February, or near the Caribbean, with a selection of Mexican holidays in February. The best places to travel in the US in February seem to be destinations in Florida and Hawaii.
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Caribbean in February
The Caribbean in February is peak tourist season and for good reason – the weather is idyllic ranging from the low 70’s to the low 80’s Fahrenheit (22-27 degrees Celsius). Among the best places to travel in February are holidays in St. Kitts, Barbados and Cuba. If you are a real diving enthusiast, you should consider a liveaboard diving holiday in the Caribbean.
Holidays to Barbados in February
If you’re looking for winter sun , you can’t go far wrong with Barbados in February. It’s a great time of year to visit as it’s still in the dry season with plenty of sunshine and temperatures hovering around the high twenties.
Barbados is generally billed as a luxury paradise island with lots of all-inclusive hotels, but you can find some beautiful little independent villas or apartments on the beach.
If you’re looking for turquoise water and pristine white, sandy beaches, stick to the west side of the island. This is also where you’ll see the best sunsets and have the chance to swim with turtles. Inland, you’ll find lush green plantations and sleepy villages. The east coast is a complete contrast to the west with wild and rugged beaches.
Barbadians are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The pace of life is as you would expect on a paradise island. Stop and chat a little. Hang out at the Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday and enjoy the music while eating flying fish and sampling Mount Gay rum. Catch a game of cricket at the Kensington Oval (or a village field!) or have afternoon tea (it was a British colony after all).
Above all, relax and soak up that winter sun in Barbados in February!
– by Jacquie Hale of Flashpacking Family
Cuba Holidays in February
A great place to escape the winter and go find some fun in the sun is in Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba. Cayo Santa Maria is an island on the north side of Cuba on and offers powdery soft beaches, turquoise blue water and warm Caribbean temperatures to enjoy.
Spend your days on the beaches and by the pools relaxing and swimming in the sun. If water activities are on your list of things to do there are so many places to go snorkelling, catamaran, parasailing or diving the waters. Spend your entire day outside including long lunches on the beach and dinner at outdoor restaurant patios, the perfect way to spend a few days in winter!
There is also the option of going to Havana for a day to see the vibrant city life of the country’s capital and all the classic American cars. Cuba offers one of the best places to travel in February in the Caribbean.
– Nicole from The Passport Kids
Holidays in St. Kitts
The small island country of St. Kitts and Nevis doesn’t get mentioned as often as more famous Caribbean destinations like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas. But holidays in St. Kitts definitely deserves to be better known!
St Kitts has every kind of attraction that a person would want to find in the Caribbean in February. And its gorgeous weather makes it the perfect place to visit in February, especially if you come from a colder climate.
If you’re looking to relax on the beach, you can visit the popular Cockleshell Bay on St. Kitts or head to the more quiet Oualie Beach on Nevis. If you’re more in the mood for sightseeing, St. Kitts has the historically important Brimstone Fortress, which is worth exploring for a couple of hours. Or you could ride the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. This train used to transport sugar, but now it escorts tours around the island. Nature fans will love the stunning flowers and trees at Romney Manor.
And whatever you do, it will probably be more enjoyable with a glass of local rum punch! The Fairview Great House even offers tours of the historic home, with rum tasting included.
– by Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours
Travel To Belize in February
For another great midwinter sunshine break, travel to Belize in February. The fantastic weather is what makes this one of the best places to vacation in February. The average daytime temperatures are in the low 80’s Fahrenheit (about 22 degrees Celsius).
Travel to Caye Caulker
Travel to Belize in February, and specifically travel to Caye Caulker which just exudes Caribbean island in the sun. Caye Caulker is a perfect place for a winter sun break. It’s a small island, just 5 miles long with no cars – transport here is just bicycles and electric golf carts and bikes.
The island is a mile inside the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world and is just 45 minutes by water taxi from Belize City.
The motto of Caye Caulker “Go Slow” and that is the perfect thing to do here. Laze in a hammock or cabana on the beach watching the world slowly drift by while sipping a rum cocktail.
There are, however, lots of things do to on Caye Caulker if you want to do them. Snorkel to your heart’s content, check out live seahorses in the reserve here – no expensive trip needed, just a walk to the other side of the island. For more energetic water sports head to the close by and famous Blue Hole, or dive with manatees too.
There’s an outdoor movie theatre showing the current releases 3 times a week and a nightly sunset party at the Lazy Lizard, although everything here is very chilled and laid back – it definitely deserves the Go Slow motto!
– by Sarah Carter at A Social Nomad
Brazil in February
Brazil in February is an ideal time to visit. Brazil will be in the full throes of Carnival, especially places like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia. The weather in Brazil in February is in the high 80’s Fahrenheit (high 20’s Celsius).
When we spent two weeks in Brazil in February, we had near perefect weather when we travelled around the country from the beaches of Rio to the cosmopolitan cool of Sao Paolo to the old world glamour of Ouro Preto.
Vacation in Rio
A vacation in Rio in February means one thing – Carnival! It really was an amazing experience. We went with the children and found Carnival during the daytime to be family friendly and fun. The locals hang out on the beach during the day recovering from the partying the night before. We went to a few evening parties as well as a daytime party for kids. The highlight of Carnival are the parades held in the Sambadrome.
A vacation in Rio especially during Carnival was a bucket list item for us and one that went beyond expectations.
– Shobha George, Just Go Places
Colombia in February
Colombia in February has many great places to vacation in February. The two best places to travel in February in Colombia are Cartegena and Medellin.
Vacation in Cartegena, Colombia
Vacation in Medellin Colombia
If cold and dreary weather gets you down, then a vacation in Medellin, Colombia may be the perfect winter solution for you. Medellin enjoys spring like weather year-round, thus earning it the nickname – the City of Eternal Spring.
December-March is peak travel season. Rumor has it, though, that some of the cheapest airfares to Colombia can be found in February.
There are so many things to do in Medellin. Explore Medellin’s beautiful landscape, and marvel at its greenery and mountainous backdrop. A trip to Guatapé and the Rock of Peñol, which are located outside of the City center, are a must. The views from the summit are incredible (but involve climbing over 700 steps so wear comfortable shoes).
It’s no secret that Medellin is famous for its nightlife. Visit the lively Parque Lleras in El Poblado. It is surrounded by vibrant bars, coffee shops, discos and restaurants.
You can take one of the many, advertised Pablo Escobar tours but Medellin has so much more to offer. Other day time options include exploring fantastic museums such as the Museo de Antioquia, the Casa de la Memoria and El Castillo Museo & Jardins. For more contemporary art, a graffiti tour of Comuna 13 is an excellent option. Take a guided tour, see the graphic artistic talent and learn about the neighborhood’s ongoing transformation.
You can also explore one of the many coffee farms, go exotic fruit tasting or even horse back riding. For a truly unique experience, take a cooking class at Via Cocina – Food Train, a highly recommended, community project run by international chef, Brian Johnston.
-Dianna from Mocha Travel In Style
Guatemala in February
Guatemala in February has delightful weather. For example, Flores has a maximum average daily temperature in the high 20 Celsius (high 80’s Fahrenheit).
Flores, Guatemala in February
If you are living in North America and the piercing cold of February has you wanting to escape the country, take a vacation to Flores, Guatemala. Most of Guatemala is located in the tropics, meaning you will see tropical weather and sun all year round.
My favorite place to relax in Guatemala in February is a tiny island called Flores. Located in the northern part of Guatemala called the Peten region, Flores sits in the rain forest region and receives the perfect weather.
Surrounded by the beautiful turquoise Lake Peten Itza, it is the perfect place to relax, watch the sunset, and have a drink or two. The best thing is, if you are ever tired of relaxing and sipping mojitos, there are plenty of places to explore in the area. Tikal ruins, one of the best Mayan Ruins in the world, is only a short bus ride away.
The beautiful and affordable countries of Mexico and Belize are both short distances away from Flores. There are just so many things to do in Flores, Guatemala.
– Sean Lau of Living Out Lau
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala in February
7 Mexican Holidays in February
Travel to Mexico in February and experience some fabulous winter sunshine. For example, Mexico City in February has an average maximum daytime temperature in the late 20’s Celsius (low 80’s Fahrenheit). Playa del Carmen in February has similar weather to Mexico City. Visitors who travel to Cancun or opt for Yucatan vacations will find slightly higher temperatures.
Baja in February
Baja California is one of the best kept travel secrets in Mexico! With over 2,000 miles of gorgeous coastline, affordable food and lodging, and a sparse population, Baja is my favorite spot in the world for a winter beach vacation!
February is the best month to visit Baja thanks to the perfectly warm, sunny days that allow hours of sunbathing and swimming in the crystal clear Sea of Cortez. Or, if you prefer, there are plenty of amazing surf spots along Baja’s Pacific coast!
February in Baja also offers far more than just beach lounging! February is the best month to go whale watching in Baja due to thousands of gray whales migrating to the lagoons along Baja’s Pacific coast. Take a small 10-person motorboat into one of these lagoons to experience an up-close encounter with these incredible gentle giants!
The best way to travel Baja is by car, motorhome, or campervan, as this will allow you to visit the most remote and pristine beaches. Camping is extremely cheap (or free) in Baja, and it’s possible to camp right on the sand at many of the most beautiful beaches!
– by Brittany Wittig of The Rolling Pack
Travel To Cancun in February
I think Cancun, Mexico is the ideal place to go for winter sun in February!
We visited Cancun in February 2019 and it was one of the best and most relaxing holidays we’ve ever had.
I had not visited Mexico before this time but knew temperatures and the amount of sun to expect would be perfect for our white, rain-soaked skin 😉. The sun, heat and tropical breezes of Cancun were a very welcome respite from a cold Canadian winter.
Cancun offers a great mix of activities for visitors. There are world-renowned Mayan ruins to visit, beautiful beaches to relax on, excellent restaurants and entertainment and lots of adventurous activities for those with a yen for excitement.
Transportation to Cancun is easy from North American and European cities as many airlines offer direct flights to Cancun. There are also many tour companies that offer vacation packages to Cancun that can make a vacation much more affordable.
– by Lesley of Freedom 56 Travel
Yucatan Vacations
We love escaping the winter months and jetting off to somewhere warm and tropical. Just off the northern coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lies Isla Holbox, one of our favorite islands to escape to!
We love Holbox because there’s no cars, no paved roads, and miles of breathtaking undeveloped beaches – the ultimate off the beaten path destination. It has a charming little town with restaurants and hotels, with the perfect laid back vibe that will make you feel right at home.
Make sure to discover the amazing street art and local culture in town and explore the glittering Caribbean waters. If you’re feeling super adventurous, swim with whale sharks or take your shot at kitesurfing! You can also rent kayaks, go for a boat ride and explore the Yalahau Cenote. Fuel up at the local establishments, like Rosa Mexicano and Lose Peleones. You’ll never be bored on this awesome hidden gem of an island!
– Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped
Mexico City in February
While the sun might not shine every day in Mexico City, Mexico’s capital does enjoy a glorious climate almost year-round, which is why it’s my pick for the best place to escape for a city break in February.
During this month, temperatures hover around 27C during the day, dropping only to 20C at night. This is perfect sightseeing weather and Mexico City has more than enough to see and do to keep you busy for weeks, if not months.
Start your tour of the capital with a trip on the Turibus, a double-decker, hop-on-hop-off bus that will help you get to grips with the enormity of this megacity. Spend some time exploring the Centro Historic, the historic centre, including El Templo Mayor. This, the Great Temple, was the heart of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan but excavation on this major archaeological site only began in 1978. Head to the southern neighbourhood of Coyoacan and pay a visit at La Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo, arguably Mexico’s most famous artist.
Travel even further south and you’ll reach Xochimilco, the last remaining canals and waterways that once crisscrossed the entire Valley of Mexico. Hire a trajinera (a type of Mexican gondola) and sit back in the sunshine while the mariachi bands play.
If you’re looking for some winter sun and culture then Mexico City definitely delivers.
– by Katja Gaskell of Globetotting
Playa del Carmen in February
To escape the winter glum and get covered in winter sun, I totally recommend heading to Playa del Carmen in Mexico! PDC, as it’s known locally, is totally covered in pristine white sand beaches, swanky hotels and, of course, amazing Mexican restaurants!
It’s easy to waste away the days in a daze on the sunny beaches but there are actually loads of cool day trips you can do from the beachy city. Don’t miss spending the morning at one of the Mayan Ruins found nearby (Chichen Itza and Coba are my personal favorites), or grab your snorkel mask and jump on a snorkeling tour of one of the expansive, fish-filled, colourful reefs.
My favorite thing to do do is explore the ancient underworld on an exciting cenote tour – perfect for people who prefer to stay out of the sun but still love the water. They are like giant natural swimming pools with loads to explore. Whatever you choose you’ll be sure to feel much warmer than you would be at home!
– by Crystal Egan at Castaway With Crystal
Rocky Point in February
If you live in the southeastern United States and are in need of some beach time in the winter, Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is a great place to go. It’s an easy few-hours’ drive from Phoenix or San Diego and you can have your Mexico beach fix in no time!
There are some wonderful homes on the beach where you can step right out onto the sand. Enjoy a massage on the beach then explore the tidepools. You can find interesting sea life like sand dollars, starfish, sea cucumbers, and if you’re lucky, a little octopus.
Take an early morning walk to the estuary to watch the sunrise over the water then grab some freshly-baked pastries and tortillas at Cornejo’s Bakery. Or, sleep in then head into town to go shopping for a fraction of the cost in the U.S. in the Old Port and Malecón. Make sure you haggle for the best prices.
Grab a margarita and some tacos at a taco stand while you watch the sunset. Or grab some freshly-caught fish to cook up at the house. Rocky Point can be as active or as luxuriously relaxing as you want and it’s always a great time.
– Sam Glauser of My Flying Leap
Vacations in Tulum
Panama in February
Panama in February has seriously warm temperatures for you winter sun lovers who like it hot. For example, Panama in February has an average maximum daytime temperature in the high 80’s Fahrenheit (low 30’s Celsius).
San Blas Islands, Panama
I love to escape winter by heading to a tropical paradise, and there’s no better place I can think to go then the San Blas Islands, Panama in February. This archipelago is located between Panama and Colombia, surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
The San Blas islands are made up of approximately 365 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited by the indigenous Kuna people. When you reach the islands, it will be just your crew and the belongings you have brought. It’s an amazing experience to have a beautiful tropical island all to yourself.
With no cell phone reception or wifi, days are spent relaxing on the beach, drinking fresh coconuts, or snorkeling in the nearby water where you can find colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and manta rays.
February is an ideal time to visit the San Blas Islands, as this is during the dry season when the seas are calm. The best way to visit the islands is to take a tour from Panama City. There can be done as a two-day overnight trip where you sleep on the islands, or as a 4-day island-hopping adventure that ends in Colombia.
– by Lora Pope at Explore With Lora
The Best Places to Travel in February in USA
The best places to travel in USA in February is invariably in the South. Snowbirds flock to Florida in search of warm places to travel in February in the US. Travel to New Orleans in February for some sun and a lot of fun for Mardi Gras.
One of the best places to travel in the US in February is Hawaii. Think glamorous destinations like Honolulu, Oahu and Maui. For example, average daytime high temperatures in Honolulu reach the mid twenties in Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bradenton, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Home to princess castles, Mickey Mouse ears, fresh squeezed orange juice, cascading water parks and riveting roller coaster rides, Orlando, Florida is one of the best places in US in February to catch some sunshine while the rest of the country is bundling up for winter. Besides the obvious visits to the theme parks, Orlando boasts a great local scene to check out. Because we’re blessed with sunshine year round, walking around cute neighborhoods like Winter Park, Lake Eola, Disney Springs, or Mills 50 is a great activity for the entire family.
Orlando is also a great spot to use as a base to explore other areas in Central Florida. Rent a car and drive a quick hour to the east coast to check out places like Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach or the Kennedy Space Center. Head on over to the west coast to explore thriving towns like Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach. But most of all, enjoying the beautiful weather that Florida has to offer makes Orlando a top notch winter destination with something for every kind of traveler.
– by Alex Peters at The Wayward Walrus
Sanibel, Florida
For the past few years, our family has escaped the cold Midwest winters by taking a long weekend getaway to Florida. We soak up the vitamin D and enjoy beaches and museums.
We enjoy shelling and had heard that Sanibel Island was a sheller’s dream with so many shells washing up onto the beach every morning. We were so intrigued that we chose to visit Sanibel as our 2019 winter respite, and we were not disappointed.
Although we were visiting during Spring Break, Sanibel had family vacationers rather than college revelers. Sanibel is laid back, and many people rent bikes to ride around the compact island. We stayed on the beach and enjoyed sunrise shelling and time relaxing at the pool and beach throughout the day.
There were so many great restaurants to choose from for our lunch and dinners. We loved the slower pace and the amazing views. Sanibel is easily accessible from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and a top-notch family location for a winter getaway.
– by Catherine D’Cruz of We Go With Kids
The Gulf Coast, Florida
There is a good reason why snow birds flock to southwest Florida during the “brrr” months. The weather is luscious, the sugar sand is warm and soft, the seafood is fresh and abundant, and—most importantly nowadays—the social media posts make friends back home jealous.
Whether you seek an extended Valentine’s Day holiday on super romantic Captiva Island (try South Seas Island Resort) or a full month in a vacation rental (we love Indian Rocks Beach, south of Clearwater Beach), the southwest Florida Gulf Coast is a prime winter sun escape from the dreary cold and snow.
Experience the best shell collecting in the world, witness phenomenal sunsets (every day!), swim with manatees, kayak amongst alligators and crocodiles (the only place in the world where they live together), or just work on that tan.
– by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Honolulu, Hawaii
Kauai, Hawaii
One of our favorite destinations to soak up some mid-winter sun is the beautiful, lush Island of Kauai. The Garden Island, as Kauai is known, does have a rainy season, which extends through the spring. Because of this, you may experience some showers, but we still think you should keep it on your list.
A stay on the south side of the Island, in Poipu or, possibly, Lihue, will give you the best luck for sunshine. Our recent visit was at the tail end of the rainy season. Although we experienced some rain, the showers were all short-lived. As the locals all told us, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait an hour.” They were right!
There are plenty of things to do on Kauai – swimming, luaus, waterfall hunting, snorkeling, and even helicopter rides! However, as you are planning activities for your Kauai vacation, we highly recommend taking at least one hike. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the abundant plant life, waterfalls, and stunning vistas that make Kauai the spectacular Island that it is. Just make sure to balance that hiking with plenty of shave ice and beach time.
– by Tiffany Burghart of The Stoke Fam
Lanaii, Hawaii
When you think of places where you can escape the cold and retreat to some winter sun, Hawaii undoubtedly makes it to the top of the list. Instead of going to the typical tourist destinations in Hawaii like Waikiki and Maui, consider visiting somewhere a little more off-the-grid: the island of Lanai.
Lanai is the smallest Hawaiian Island that is open to tourists. With a total area of only 140 square miles and a population of 3,000 people, this little island is the perfect place for a sunny winter getaway.
But just because Lanai is small, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a ton of amazing things to do. Visit the magical landscape of the Garden of the Gods, also known as Keahiakawelo. Spend the day at the practically untouched beach of Polihua Beach. See a real-life shipwreck at Shipwreck Beach. Or take a little stroll to Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock.
– by Sarah at Borders and Bucket Lists
Travel to Maui in February
By the time February rolls around, sun is needed! An incredible spot for a winter break and to enjoy the sunshine is in Maui. I mean who doesn’t love traveling to a tropical destination in the winter?
While all of Maui is beautiful, the west side of Maui is the best place to be. Kaanapali and Lahaina are known to be sunny year-round so it’s the perfect escape to see the sun!
Maui offers so much to do from driving the famous Road to Hana, watching the sunrise above a dormant volcano, ziplining and of course, snorkeling. Maui can be a tourist trap, but there’s a ton of ways to travel to Maui on a budget, too.
Bonus: February is peak whale-watching season in Maui. The whales love to dive the channel between Maui and Lanai. So you can sit on Kaanapali Beach and watch the whales frolic in the distance.
If you want a sunny spot in the middle of winter, Maui is a great place to go!
– by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
Oahu, Hawaii
While the island of Oahu in Hawaii is lovely all year round, a winter visit in February is hard to beat.
With average temperatures ranging from a low of 17 degrees celsius and a high of 25 degrees, February falls into the dry season for Oahu so they get rain maybe 4 days in the month. The water temperature meanwhile, is cold to them but if you are travelling from other parts of the globe you might find it pretty pleasant. It’s still perfect for being outdoors without having to hide inside from the heat of the day.
The island offers a plentitude of water activities, from parasailing to cruises and surfing to swimming with wild dolphins. This 7 day Oahu itinerary offers a little bit of everything.
On those days where the sun does get too much, Hawaii is famous for its bargain shopping. Outside of Waikiki the Ala Moana shopping centre is huge, but for the real bargains take a trolley to the Waikele outlets.
– Holly Kent at Globeblogging
Travel to New Orleans in February
Travel to New Orleans in February and you get the fun that is Mardi Gras! The weather is mild and in the low 60’s Fahrenheit (mid teens Celsius).
We found New Orleans and Mardi Gras to be a lot of fun even though we did not venture anywhere near the wild party scene! I know that sounds surprising but if you avoid the zoo that is the French Quarter, Mardi Gras is surprisingly fun and family-friendly.
There is plenty to do when you travel to New Orleans in February. The city is in full swing and you can engage in swamp tours, riverboat tours and plantation visits.
-Shobha George, Just Go Places
Puerto Rico in February
South Padre Island, Texas
So, it is February, close your eyes and dream that you are enjoying the sandy, white beach, calm ocean waters attracting migratory birds and sea turtles and your feet wet while you watch the beautiful sunset.
While the rest of the nation is shivering in deep winter staying indoors, Texans enjoy their winter beach vacations to build unforgettable memories to cherish forever.
South Padre Island (SPI) is a hidden gem, a perfect beach getaway for sun-seekers during winter. With more than 350 years of history, the island was a resident place of native Karankawa Indians.
The island has surprisingly longer days (11-12 hours of full daylight) in February with less chance of rainfall (only 10%) paired with romantic weather (59 low-72 high F) making it a warm winter destination and not many tourists during this time is the perfect icing on the cake.
Cross the Queen Isabella Causeway and wander into the tropical getaway which is known for its breathtaking sunsets, pristine areas on the beach, sandcastles, a boardwalk through the dunes for bird watching, wildlife, surfing, museums, a stroll along Lagune Madre Nature trail, Isla Blanca Park, Dolphin Cruise, Camping and special events.
Other winter getaways in Texas include Galveston, San Antonio River Walk, Big Bend National Park, Falcon State Park, and Hiking Trails in Austin.
– by Simi at A Lovely Place To Land
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