Where to go on holiday in February

During February some of the world’s most vibrant festivals are in full swing, such as revelry of the Venice Carnival. It’s also an excellent time to enjoy a little culture – you could journey along South Africa’s legendary Garden Route or visit temples in southern Vietnam before hitting the beach, cocktail in hand. Year-round warmth makes the Maldives a popular destination but the winter months see them at their most idyllic with hot, mostly dry weather and crystal-clear waters which are excellent for viewing marine life. Meanwhile in Tanzania it’s Wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti and temperatures in the Ngorongoro Crater, where black rhino, hippo and lion can be seen roaming more visibly on the crater floor, are an agreeable 23°C. For more inspiration watch our film on the best places to go on holiday in February.

Maldives

Although the Maldives are hot all year round, February is the driest and sunniest month with bright blue skies, highs of 30°C and clear, calm, crystalline waters – meaning visibility for diving and snorkelling is excellent and sunbathing by your overwater villa’s ocean-edge infinity pool is the norm. At Kuoni, each of our chosen resorts sits on its own private hideaway island and our travel experts can help find the perfect one for you.

Read more about the Maldives

South Africa

One of the best parts about travelling to South Africa is that there’s no jet lag, so once you arrive you can slip straight into the holiday, whether that’s a safari trip to one of the national parks, an estate stay in the Cape Vineyards, blissing out on the beach, or driving along the Garden Route. South Africa’s position in the southern hemisphere also makes it a winner for winter sun at this time, with temperatures averaging a pleasant 25°C in Cape Town.

Read more about South Africa

Vietnam

February is a good time to visit South East Asia before the heat of high season hits. Head to Vietnam for culture, history, scenery and total relaxation where it’s cooler in the north and dry season everywhere else. Temperatures between 25-30°C and lower humidity than the months ahead mean sightseeing and trips along the Mekong Delta are much more comfortable.  

Read more about Vietnam

Tanzania

Although July and August are the months to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, February is the wildebeest calving season and therefore a great time to go on safari in the Serengeti, especially as colours of the bush are still prime. It’s also a great time to explore the leafy Ngorongoro Crater where black rhino, hippo and lion roam the crater floor and temperatures reach a comfortable 23°C.

Read more about Tanzania

Costa Rica

In the middle of the dry season, February sees the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall in Costa Rica. This makes it a great time to take in the stunning beaches along the Pacific Coast where many travellers head for Nicoya and Papagayo, two peninsulas with luxurious resort retreats and superb marine life. This is also a great opportunity to explore the national parks, dramatic volcano-scapes and verdant coffee plantations as the January crowds have usually thinned out.

Read more about Costa Rica