Sofia Jennings
February is a great month to travel, whether you're looking for a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, a beach vacation, or a winter wonderland escape. Here are some of the best places to visit in February:
- Miami, Florida: Enjoy the sunshine, warmth, and festivals that Miami has to offer. It's the perfect time to visit Little Havana and stroll through the colourful Cuban community.
- Venice, Italy: While Venice can be cold in February, it's a great time to explore the city's piazzas and palaces without the usual crowds. If you time your visit right, you can also experience the Carnival celebrations.
- British Columbia, Canada: For winter sports enthusiasts, British Columbia is a great choice. Whistler-Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America, offering extensive terrain and a vibrant nightlife. Vancouver, known for its warmer weather, also offers a mix of urban and outdoor attractions.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Experience the Caribbean's biggest Carnival, with two days of vibrant celebrations fuelled by steel-pan music.
- Quebec City, Canada: Join the annual Winter Carnival with daily events, performances, and competitions. Enjoy snow rafting, ice canoe racing, and even a tiki bar inside a geodesic dome.
- Santa Monica, California: Take advantage of the milder weather to explore Santa Monica's waterfront and the Santa Monica Pier without the summer crowds. It's also a great time to visit nearby attractions like the California Heritage Museum.
- Maui, Hawaii: February is the heart of whale-watching season in Maui, offering the thrill of seeing humpback whales migrate from Alaska.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: There's always something exciting happening in Las Vegas, from residencies by top artists to major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
- Rome, Italy: February is the low season in Rome, so you can explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica with fewer tourists around.
- Phuket, Thailand: February is one of the driest months in Phuket, making it an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and snorkelling spots without the risk of showers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry season, warm, sunny |
| Activities | Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snorkelling, diving, whale-watching, surfing, sightseeing, carnivals, festivals, art shows, culinary festivals, parades, historical commemorations, sporting competitions |
| Destinations | Miami, Venice, British Columbia, Hainan, Quebec, Las Vegas, Mississippi, Santa Monica, Maui, Rome, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Turks and Caicos Islands, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Phuket, Jackson Hole, Zihuatanejo, Tromsø, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Stowe, Costa Rica, Santa Fe, Egypt, Maldives, Telluride, Tuscany, Palm Springs, New Orleans, Tuscany, New Zealand, Chicago, Lake Forest, Port Jervis, Banff, Dominican Republic, South Australia, Dolomites, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley, Quebec City, Loreto, Courchevel, French Polynesia, Bahamas, Lake Tahoe, Santa Monica, Maui, Mississippi, Jackson, Zihuatanejo, Port Jervis, Banff, Dominican Republic, South Australia, Dolomites, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley, Quebec City, Loreto, Courchevel |
What You'll Learn
Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival
Trinidad and Tobago is known as the "Greatest Show on Earth", and for good reason. This Caribbean island's Carnival is a vibrant, cultural experience like no other. The Carnival is an annual event, usually held in February or March, in the days preceding Ash Wednesday. It is a celebration of the island's rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 1780s.
The Carnival is renowned for its colourful and exuberant festivities, with high-energy parties, cultural competitions and street parades. The street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday is the highlight of the celebration, with thousands of masqueraders dancing to the sounds of soca music in elaborate, feathered and beaded costumes. The Panorama competition, an international steelpan contest, is another major attraction, with bands of up to 200 musicians competing for the championship title.
The Carnival also has a profound historical significance, originating during the period of slavery. Enslaved Africans, banned from participating in their masters' masquerade balls, created their own celebrations, using their own rituals and folklore. This early form of Carnival is known as "Canboulay" and is considered a precursor to the modern-day festivities.
In the lead-up to the Carnival, there are numerous cultural events and competitions, including fetes (parties), stick-fighting, limbo, calypso and soca competitions, and steelpan contests. The Dimanche Gras, or Carnival Sunday, features a King and Queen Carnival competition, with competitors showcasing their intricate and imaginative costumes.
The Carnival is an immersive, multi-sensory experience, with music, dance, performance, and food. It is an inclusive celebration, attracting visitors from around the world and contributing significantly to the local economy.
If you plan to visit Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival, be sure to book well in advance, as it can take up to six months to secure flights, accommodation, and costumes.
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Venice for fewer tourists
Venice is a beautiful city to visit in February, with fewer tourists than in the high season. The weather is typically cold, with temperatures hovering around 5°C to 6°C, so be sure to pack warm clothing. While there may be some rain, it is usually not significant, and the longer days mean you'll have more daylight hours to explore.
February is the perfect time to wander through Venice's cobblestone alleyways and take in the stunning architecture. You can visit popular sights such as Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge without the usual crowds. The canals will be quieter, making a gondola ride especially romantic. Just remember to bring a blanket to cuddle up in and ward off the chill!
If you're looking for indoor activities, you can explore Doge's Palace or visit St. Mark's Square, where you'll find waiters in fancy tuxedos and rubber boots during the occasional flooding. Keep in mind that some attractions may have shorter opening hours during the low season, and there will be fewer activities available.
Venice's Carnevale usually falls in February, bringing high hotel prices and large crowds. This colourful celebration includes masquerade balls, street performances, and a silent candlelit water parade of gondolas. If you want to avoid the party, plan your trip for before Carnevale starts. However, if you don't mind the festivities, Carnevale is a unique experience and a great way to immerse yourself in Venetian culture.
Venice in February offers a balance of fewer tourists and reasonable weather. With its hidden bridges, beautiful canals, and charming boutiques, it's a perfect destination for a winter getaway.
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Hainan, China for beach weather
If you're looking for a beach holiday in February, Hainan in China is a great option. Known as ""the Hawaii of China", Hainan is the country's southernmost point and is therefore one of the warmest places in the country during winter.
The island's lovely coastline boasts long, white sandy beaches, with Sanya Bay being a symbol of its natural beauty. The weather in February is dry, so you can expect plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beaches. The average high temperature is 74°F, with the average low being 68°F. The temperature rarely falls below 52°F and can reach as high as 90°F.
Hainan has plenty of resorts to choose from, including the Sheraton Sanya Resort, which has a private beach along Yalong Bay and five swimming pools. The Ritz-Carlton Sanya is another option, with eight restaurants and bars, as well as its own private beach.
For those who enjoy hiking, Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park offers lush greenery and vigorous hiking trails where you can see wildlife ranging from butterflies to wild pigs.
The Buddhist Nanshan Temple is also worth a visit, with its impressive 108-metre-tall Guanyin statue, one of the tallest in the world.
Hainan's cuisine is seafood-focused and is considered milder than mainland China's.
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Quebec for the Winter Carnival
Quebec City in Canada is a great place to visit in February, as it is home to one of the world's largest winter carnivals. The Quebec Winter Carnival is an annual outdoor festival that has been held since 1955, celebrating winter with many decorations, ice sculptures and lights. The city pulls out all the stops for this long-running tradition with daily events, performances and competitions.
The Quebec Winter Carnival has something for everyone, with activities for all ages. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with ice-skating, ice canoe racing, ice climbing, snow rafting, electric ski racing, snow baths and even a tiki bar inside a geodesic dome. For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, there is also a mustache competition, night parades, circus acts and musical performances.
The star of the Carnival is Bonhomme Carnaval, a seven-foot-tall, four-hundred-pound snowman who acts as the ambassador of the festival. Bonhomme has been a part of the celebrations since 1955 and has his own Ice Palace, which serves as a focal point for several Carnival activities. The Ice Palace is a must-see, as it is a chance to meet Bonhomme himself and admire the impressive ice architecture.
The Quebec Winter Carnival also features numerous public and private parties, shows and balls across the city, with many of them taking place outside in the cold. There are also free outdoor public banquets, feasts and restaurants, and various outdoor dance parties at the Ice Palaces. The city's main streets are decorated, and some bars and restaurants set up winter patios.
The Quebec Winter Carnival is a magical winter experience that should not be missed. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Quebec City and take part in unique winter activities and traditions.
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Miami for warm weather
If you're looking to escape the winter blues, Miami is the perfect destination for a sunny getaway in February. With its tropical climate, Miami offers warm weather and plenty of sunshine to lift your spirits during the cold winter months.
Weather Conditions
Miami's weather in February is a continuation of the warm and dry winter season. The average high temperature is 24°C (75°F), while the average low is 16°C (63°F). The temperature rises daily, and you can expect plenty of days with temperatures reaching the 80s°F (over 26°C). The sea temperature is a comfortable 24°C (75°F), making it perfect for swimming and water sports.
February is also one of Miami's driest months, with low humidity and minimal rainfall. The city experiences gentle winds and breezes from the North Atlantic Ocean, keeping the air cool and pleasant. However, UV levels tend to be high, so don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
Things to Do
Miami offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and outdoor activities in February. Here are some highlights:
- Art Deco Historic District: Take a stroll through the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach and admire the architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Little Havana: Immerse yourself in Cuban culture in Little Havana, located between downtown Miami and the airport. Enjoy authentic Cuban food, art, and a vibrant neighbourhood.
- Festivals: February is a peak time for art shows and culinary festivals in Miami. The South Beach Wine and Food Festival is a popular event, featuring top chefs, barbecues, and wine and cigar enthusiasts.
- Boat Shows: Check out the Progressive Miami International Boat Show, where you can admire all things maritime and even take a water taxi to get there.
- Coconut Grove Arts Festival: Held during Presidents' Day weekend, this festival combines local cuisine, fine art, and live performances along Biscayne Bay's waterfront.
- Gay8 Festival: Celebrating the Latino LGBTQ community, this festival takes place on Calle Ocho, Miami's iconic SW 8th Street.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, be prepared for higher hotel prices in February, especially in those located on Miami Beach. Consider staying inland to find better deals. Here are some hotel suggestions:
- Hilton Cabana Miami Beach
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach
- Pestana South Beach Art Deco Hotel
- The Gates Hotel South Beach
- Mondrian South Beach
- Novotel Miami Brickell
So, if you're seeking warm weather and a vibrant atmosphere, Miami is an excellent choice for your February travels!
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Frequently asked questions
The Caribbean is a great choice for a beach vacation in February. The Bahamas, for example, offers tranquil beaches and picturesque islands, along with thrilling adventures like sailing, diving, snorkelling, and fishing.
Paris is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and it's a great choice if you're looking to celebrate Valentine's Day in February. You can explore the city's charming streets, cafes, and gothic architecture, and indulge in its tempting cuisine.
Stowe, Vermont, is a top ski destination on the East Coast of the United States. It offers a mix of high-quality intermediate and black diamond runs across two mountains, Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. The town itself is also charming, with old-fashioned general stores, steepled churches, and some of the best accommodations in New England.
Cairo, Egypt, is a unique and fascinating city that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. February is a great time to visit, as you can explore the Grand Pyramids of Giza, wander the sandy desert by camel, and visit museums without the blistering summer heat.
