Where to go on holiday in February

It may be the shortest month of the year, but you can still pack in some epic travel. Here are our favourite destinations for February getaways – from ski trips to tropical getaways.

Even the romantic fanfare of Valentine’s Day can’t keep February from feeling like the dreariest month of the year. The festive season has long since faded, the cold weather howls on, and spring is still only a meagre dot on the horizon. Unless you’re planning on hiding yourself away in a cosy bolthole for two, it’s the best month to escape abroad.

For balmy sunshine and tropical bliss, there are plenty of long-haul winter sun destinations that are just right this time of year. You could embrace the cold and jet off to a winter wonderland for skiing and snow sports. Or, if you’re hoping to take advantage of the off-season a little closer to home, you can still find mild temperatures for outdoor adventures without the crowds. Read on to explore our favourite destinations and travel tips for February.

1 Malaysia

☀ Average February temperatures: Highs: 32°C; Lows: 24°C

Malaysia’s coasts have different seasons, so while it’s still raining on the east coast in February, the west coast is warm, dry and sunny. This makes it an ideal time for exploring the cultural sites in Kuala Lumpur before hopping off to a beach holiday on islands like Langkawi, Penang or Pangkor. It’s one of the region’s driest months of the year, with average temperatures hovering around 30 °C.

Thanks to these idyllic conditions, this is also a great time to do jungle trekking and wildlife spotting on the islands. Langkawi is home to a variety of monkeys and reptiles, and February’s clear skies give you the best chance of spotting the many kingfishers, hornbills, herons and swallows that flitter through the leafy green canopy.

This is also a great time to experience vibrant cultural events. Chinese New Year is usually celebrated in February, and Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a fascinating spot to take in the festivities. Thaipusam, a vibrant Hindu festival, is usually earlier in the month, and celebrations take place mainly in the Batu caves near the capital city.

3 Jamaica

☀ Average February temperatures: Highs: 30°C; Lows: 21°C

It’s no secret that Jamaica is a dream in February, when the days are warm and sunny, there’s lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and the sea is a balmy 27°C. That could explain why it’s high season, which means prices are up and towns and beaches are busier. But it seems a fair trade when you have ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling, hiking and exploring the island’s natural beauty.

February 6th also happens to be Bob Marley’s birthday, and the island spends the whole week celebrating, with live reggae, parades and exhibitions. Marley fans can also visit his private recording studio and museum in Kingston.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, we recommend exploring slightly off the beaten path. Port Antonio, on the north east coast, is known for its natural beauty, while Treasure Beach on the south coast, is known for its laid back beach vibes. Or stay somewhere like Culloden Cove, which is set on its own private and secluded cove.

4 Madeira

☀ Average February temperatures: Highs: 18°C; Lows: 16°C

If you’re less interested in basking on a sunny beach and more excited by the prospect of milder weather for outdoor adventures, Madeira is the perfect mid-haul destination for February. Here, you’ll find fewer tourists, lower costs, and average daytime temperatures around 15-18°C. It’s also the perfect time to experience the vibrant Carnival of Madeira celebration, an annual event that kicks off 40 days before Easter.

While you can expect passing showers, it’s a great time for taking in the natural landscape, with activities like exploring Funchal, hiking the levadas, and visiting gardens. Madeira is also a place where you can spot dolphins and whales all year round (although the best time for seeing migratory species is April-October).

With 6-7 hours of sunshine a day and mild temperatures, this is a great time for trekkers. For the most spectacular sunrise view, hike the Pico do Arieiro – one of Madeira’s highest peaks. If the weather is wet or windy, the Levada do Furado is less exposed to variable weather conditions, passing through laurel forests with often shaded paths.

5 Kerala

☀ Average February temperatures: Highs: 32°C; Lows: 24°C

February is the end of Kerala’s peak season, with pleasant weather and lower humidity, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Temperatures in the cities hover around 25-29°C, with cooler conditions in the hill stations, though things start heating up towards the end of the month.

Many base themselves in Kerala’s cultural heart of Cochin, which is spread across islands connected by a series of bridges and ferries. From here, it’s easy to take a serene houseboat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters, catching glimpses of local life on the water as well as stunning landscapes.

Further inland, you can explore the tea plantations of Munnar and trek through the lush forests of Wayanad, visiting its spice plantations along the way. Or, head south along the coast, and you’ll find long sandy beaches perfect for soaking up the sun at a slower pace. Varkala is known for its laid-back vibe, often compared to Goa, with stunning beaches and a cluster of yoga retreats, hostels and restaurants.

Where to go in …