If you’re looking to find out where’s hot in February, you can shake off the winter blues (or defrost your finger and toes) at these warm and sunny destinations. From unique seasonal experiences to summer city break escapes, it’s time to pack your bags for warmer shores.
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu’s beautiful beaches are one of many reasons why it’s Hawaii’s most-visited island. If you travel in February, however, you won’t encounter the usual crowds, only temperatures in the low 80s and a host of unforgettable sights and experiences.
Start with a boat ride off the island’s southeastern coast. If you’re lucky, you might spot majestic Northern Pacific humpback whales traveling to Hawaii’s hospitable warm waters to raise their young. For land-based watching, hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, from which you can peer through binoculars and take in the splendid views of Koko Head and Koko Crater. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Moloka’i and Lanai.
February also marks the closing of the big wave season, and the pro surfer competitions on Oahu’s North Shore are among Hawaii’s best. It’s an exciting and fun period on Oahu that includes lots of parked food trucks on the shore and the chance to sample some of the island’s most-coveted culinary treats like poke, loco moco and lau lau.
Stay at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, which boasts sweeping ocean vistas, outdoor pools, and spa services. Daily cultural activities include live local music, ukelele and hula lessons, and native island arts and crafts classes.
2. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert, the largest desert in North America, Big Bend National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers in particular. Its remote location means it remains relatively unexplored compared to other national parks of this size. And with temperatures in the low 60s in February, you can explore its stark beauty — rugged and wild — without breaking too much of a sweat.
There are countless hiking trails, from the Lost Mine and Balanced Rock to Santa Elena Canyon and Emory Peak, each one offering a unique sight and challenge. Or you can take in the scenery cruising down Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in your rental.
Head to the Rio Grande Village, where a short hike along the Hot Springs Historic Trail will lead to hot springs for a much-deserved soak. When the sun sets, these wide skies offer breathtaking stargazing opportunities that will leave you speechless. Bed down at one of the tents or domes at Space Cowboys, and you’ll have front-row seats.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Summer is in full swing in Melbourne in February, and the city host lots of fun outdoor events, festivals, and activities. You can, of course, lounge on Melbourne’s beaches, where the sea breeze keeps things cool, or get to know the city by wandering through galleries, museums, and parks. Or get lost in laneways, stumbling on vibrant street art and gorgeous cafes, bars, and shops.
Stop by the annual Moonlight Cinema at Royal Botanic Gardens or check out the entertainment lineup at the Malthouse Outdoor Stage for the best of local music, theater, and live talks. Queen Victoria Market stays open late during its Summer Night Market event. The Midsumma Festival showcasing Melbourne queer culture is another lively summer event.
Stay at the Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne’s first design hotel, and you’ll be minutes from all the summer excitement that the city has to offer.
Ready to plan a February getaway?
If you’re looking for sun in February, these warmer destinations are just the ticket.
| City | Average temperature in February |
|---|---|
| Auckland, New Zealand | 76°F / 24°C |
| Key West, USA | 71°F / 22°C |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 84°F / 29°C |
| Cairo, Egypt | 70°F / 21°C |
| Singapore, Singapore | 88°F / 31°C |
| Lanzarote, Spain | 68°F / 20°C |
| Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | 83°F / 28°C |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 84°F / 29°C |
| Cancun, Mexico | 81°F / 27°C |
| Phuket, Thailand | 92°F / 33°C |
FAQs
The Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, Antigua, and Barbados are some of the most beautiful and warm beach getaways in February. Or you can discover the beaches of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra in India, which enjoy temperatures in the high 80s this time of year.
Cities in Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona have climates that are mild enough to allow for comfortable exploration. If you venture to Cairo in Egypt, Marrakech in Morroco, or Malaga in southern Spain, you’ll likewise find wonderfully warm temperatures. And summer still reigns in Wellington, New Zealand, and Cape Town in South Africa, and Sydney and Perth in Australia.
Mexico is an all-time favorite affordable beach destination. While most Caribbean islands can get expensive during this period, you’ll still find cheap accommodations in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Caye Caulker Island, Belize.
