Top destinations to explore in February 2024

Though February is the shortest month, it offers ample opportunities for travel. In 2024, a leap year, you'll have an extra day to seek out new adventures. The biggest challenge will be choosing your destination.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway after the holiday rush or an exciting start to the year, there’s a dream destination waiting for you. Here are some of our top picks for February travel.

What are the top cultural travel destinations in February?

Louisiana, USA

Why visit now? Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant heritage of the Bayou State.

February in New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, an extravagant celebration filled with music, dancing, parades, and indulgence, attracting crowds (and higher prices) to the Big Easy. While Mardi Gras is celebrated statewide, this month also offers a chance to explore the more complex and thought-provoking aspects of Louisiana’s history in a pleasant climate ideal for exploration. Two curated trails highlight the state’s African American Heritage and Civil Rights Movement, featuring significant sites from Shreveport in the northwest to New Orleans’ French Quarter in the southeast. Embark on a road trip to uncover these historic gems, starting south from New Orleans into the gator-filled swamps of the Barataria Preserve, then along the River Road, where you can visit grand plantation homes en route to the capital, Baton Rouge.

United Arab Emirates

Why visit now? Experience a blend of sun, sand, shopping, and cultural adventures.

The UAE invites exploration in this pleasantly mild month, with daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Don’t confine yourself to the resort beaches of Dubai: discover sandy gems like Black Palace Beach, Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, or Dibba in Fujairah. Embrace the cultural scene by visiting the historic center and forts of oasis city Al Ain; delve into 10,000 years of history at the expansive Mleiha Archaeological Site; and explore the exceptional museums and galleries of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, including the Louvre and the Guggenheim.

Bolivia

Why visit now? Join the vibrant celebrations during one of South America’s wildest fiestas.

Head to Oruro, Bolivia in February and prepare to get drenched. This is not just due to the rainy season (though expect downpours); it’s Carnaval week, featuring a massive water fight and grand parades led by the Diablada, or “Dance of the Devils,” alongside many other vibrantly costumed groups. Other towns in Bolivia, such as Tarija and Santa Cruz, also celebrate Carnaval in spectacular fashion.

What are the top destinations for wildlife and nature travel in February?

Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Why visit now? Follow wolves and lynx through the snow-covered wilderness.

Late winter marks the breeding season for wolves and lynx in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. This is the perfect time to track them through the snowy expanse of Piatra Craiului National Park, guided by a local expert who can teach you how to interpret tracks and follow the movements of these elusive hunters as they seek mates.

Michoacán, Mexico

Why visit now? Witness millions of monarch butterflies taking flight in the Oyamel fir forests of Michoacán Province.

On a sunny February morning in Michoacán, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sight as massive clouds of monarch butterflies fill the sky. Each winter, up to a billion of these remarkable insects migrate thousands of miles from northeastern North America to the milder regions of Mexico, particularly in the Oyamel fir forests of Michoacán, where areas are now designated as the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. For the densest gatherings of monarchs, visit the El Rosario or Sierra Chincua areas.

Tanzania

Why visit now? Witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeest grazing.

February is an excellent time to explore northern Tanzania, as vast herds of wildebeest traverse the plains while zebras graze on the short grass of the southern Serengeti, replenishing their energy before giving birth, typically occurring in early to mid-February.

What are the top destinations for food and drink travel in February?

Montréal, Canada

Why visit now? Warm up in Québec’s culinary hub.

February in Montréal may be chilly, but the city embraces its winter climate with a vibrant dining scene. To fuel up for the cold, indulge in local favorites like Montréal bagels, smoked-meat sandwiches, and the iconic poutine. The city’s culinary landscape is increasingly diverse, offering flavors from around the globe, including Korean fried chicken, Haitian griot (fried pork), and Syrian kibbeh.

Mendoza, Argentina

Why visit now? Discover the bodegas of Mendoza, Argentina for robust malbecs set against stunning backdrops.

February is the perfect time to explore the heart of Argentinean wine country. Here, vineyards blanket the hillsides, heavy with ripe fruit in preparation for the March harvest. The atmosphere is festive, with nearly 900 bodegas open for tours, tastings, and celebrations. The charming city of Mendoza, filled with leafy plazas, makes for an ideal home base.

Singapore

Why visit now? Discover the culinary delights of Singapore at the bustling hawker centers.

In Singapore, warmth is a year-round guarantee, with average temperatures consistently around 27°C (81°F). February is particularly dry, and if you visit after the Lunar New Year (a national holiday), the crowds will be lighter. The main draw, however, is the food. Hawker centers offer exceptional meals at affordable prices in canteen-like environments, while upscale restaurants continue to improve. Don’t miss out on dishes like chili crab, spicy rendang curry, and a variety of unique Nonya dishes.

What are the best adventure travel destinations in February?

Caribbean Colombia

Why visit now? Unearth a forgotten city nestled in coastal mountains.

For nearly 400 years, a series of ancient plazas and terraces lay hidden beneath the jungle in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This settlement, known to Indigenous peoples as Teyuna (meaning “Mother Nature”) and today as Ciudad Perdida – the “Lost City” – was rediscovered in the 1970s. The site is accessible only by a four- to six-day, 51km (32-mile) round-trip trek through dense jungle, culminating in a climb of approximately 1,200 stone steps from the Buritaca River – a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. February offers particularly pleasant conditions for visiting Colombia’s Caribbean region, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to December and January, plus refreshing breezes that provide relief from the tropical heat.

Wyoming

Why visit now? Hit the snowy slopes of Wyoming before warming your chilly fingers and toes by the region’s geothermal geysers and hot springs.

When snow blankets the Cowboy State, something magical occurs. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the Teton Mountains resort of Jackson Hole, known as “The Big One” for its steep, thrilling terrain and excellent powder (best from January to February). Further north, a different kind of adventure awaits in Yellowstone National Park. In winter, the bustling park transforms as roads close, leaving exploration to snow coaches, snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. Geysers and hot springs exhale steam into the frosty air, while wildlife gathers in thermal areas for warmth.

What are the top destinations for relaxation in February?

Cambodia

Why visit now? Cambodia enjoys a perfect blend of dry weather and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for exploration.

Unwind on the golden shores of Sihanoukville, explore the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, and take your time discovering the monuments of Angkor: February brings dry and delightful weather throughout Cambodia. It’s warmer than the early dry season (October to January) but not yet scorching, making this perhaps the best month to explore the expansive, UNESCO-listed Angkor complex.

St. Lucia

Why visit now? Combine romance with relaxation – and maybe indulge in some chocolate – during this cooler, drier month.

Among Caribbean getaways competing for the title of “most romantic,” St. Lucia boasts several standout features: luxurious resorts that overlook stunning white-sand beaches kissed by the warm, turquoise Caribbean waters, along with a rich history of cacao plantations that have reignited a passion for chocolate in recent years. February, with its cool and clear air, is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its most sensual delights.