As we all know, when February rolls around in the Northern Hemisphere, nearly everyone is so sick of the cold weather that they are willing to pay anything just to get out of it for a week or two. Luckily, the world is filled with cheap and warm areas that are waiting for you. Here are some places that will make your winter escape more memorable.
1. Santiago, Chile
- February avg high: 84F/29C
- February avg low: 54F/12C
- February avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
In the Southern Hemisphere, we have warm days that are bone-dry for the entire late summer, and Santiago is the best stop on any tour of South America. It’s a very large city that includes a bit of everything; culture and beaches are never too far away.
2. Dubai, UAE
- Avg. temperature: 25°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 8.5 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 7 hrs
3. Phuket, Thailand
- Avg. temperature: 28°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 9 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 12 hrs
Phuket is still quite crowded in February, as it’s a longtime favorite sunshine destination for northern Europeans. Even if it’s the most expensive part of Thailand, it’s still quite a bargain by international standards. Phuket is actually a large rainforest, with mountainous islands in the Andaman Sea, and has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches situated along the clear waters of the western shore. There are about 10 different major beach towns, each with its own vibe and price range, so be sure to include this on your itinerary if you are a beach person.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
- February avg high: 91F/33C
- February avg low: 74F/23C
- February avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. By the time February rolls in, the large winter crowds are fading a bit, so it’s still a very good time to visit as long as you are okay with hot and humid days and nights.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- February avg high: 84F/29C
- February avg low: 67F/19C
- February avg precip: 4.6″/11.5cm
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s big, cosmopolitan capital city that actually gets quite hot and wet during the peak of summer. By the time February rolls in it, cools off a bit. Other major attractions include Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house with nearly 2,500 seats, and the modern MALBA museum that displays Latin American art.
6. Cape Verde, Africa
- Avg. temperature: 25°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 9 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 6 hrs
7. Ambergris Caye, Belize
- February avg high: 76F/24C
- February avg low: 71F/22C
- February avg precip: 2.6″/6.5cm
Belize’s largest island, with a rainy season that lasts through part of January, is known for its Caribbean beaches, water sports and scuba diving. Off the eastern shore, the Belize Barrier Reef features famed snorkeling and dive sites like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which boasts an abundance of sea life and the 124m-deep Great Blue Holehas. Ambergris Caye also has a relatively late season of ideal weather, with February acting as its first month. San Pedro is the center for sailing and reef exploration.
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- February avg high: 91F/33C
- February avg low: 73F/23C
- February avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm
Rio is known for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and balneario beaches. In addition to the beaches, some of the most famous landmarks include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer . In February, the city welcomes the Rio Festival, so expect a busy yet warm and festive atmosphere. You will inevitably get some rain in February as well, but usually only in short tropical downpours.
9. Caribbean
- Avg. temperature: 25°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 8 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 9 hrs
10. The Canary Islands
- Avg. temperature: 22°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 7 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 4.5 hrs
11. Boracay Island, Philippines
- February average high: 82°F/28°C
- February average low: 74°F/23°C
- February avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm
Have you heard of Boracay Island in the Philippines? This gorgeous stretch of sand may be a small island, but it is huge in its offering of a variety of activities– from swimming in its pristine blue water, to strolling along the sugary white sanded beach, enjoying the nightlife, making choices on restaurants featuring multi-ethnic foods, and just relaxing in wonderment of the island’s amazing scenery viewed from a range of affordable to expensive hotels. But for most people, it is more than enough to just relax on the sand of White Beach and bask in the summer heat.
12. Cancun
- Avg. temperature: 23°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 7 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 11 hrs
13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- February avg high: 91F/33C
- February avg low: 73F/23C
- February avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm
Locally known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh isn’t a beach city, but there are some very nice and cheap beaches not far away. It does start to get quite hot in February, especially toward the end of the month, so it’s not really a good idea to plan for a longer stay in this huge and sprawling city. If you are in the area it’s a must to stop off here for at least a few days, so it’s good to know that this is also the driest time of year. Check out museums and other landmarks to have a taste of their history and culture.
14. Florida, US
- Avg. temperature: 23°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 8 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 9.5 hrs
15. Gambia, Africa
- Avg. temperature: 26°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 9 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 6.5 hr
16. Perth, Australia
- Avg. temperature: 26°C
- Avg. hours of sunshine: 10 hrs
- Avg. flight time: 19 hrs
17. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- February average high: 72°F/22°C
- February average low: 57°F/14°C
- February avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
Sharm el-Sheikh could be a great place to spend at least part of your February. It is known as Egypt’s best destination not just to chill on the beach, but to also try excellent unique things. The underwater world of Ras Mohammed Marine Park puts this place as the best diving destination among tourists. This Red Sea resort isn’t really warm enough for much sunbathing this time of year, but still the weather remains pleasant, which is warm and dry — more than you can say about most areas around the globe in February.
18. Goa, India
- February avg high: 89F/32C
- February avg low: 69F/21C
- February avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
If you are looking for a cheaper or more pleasant beach resort area in February, then try Goa. A land where a both the traditional and modern worlds meet, this small state with dozens of small beach towns up and down its coast proves that choosing the one that fits you best is at least half struggle. While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to thick forests and a taste of wildlife experience.
19. Luang Prabang, Laos
- February avg high: 88F/31C
- February avg low: 59F/15C
- February avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm
In Luang Prabang, it remains dry and warm during the day and it cools off at night. It gets more popular every year as new tourists are charmed and captivated by its magic. Other attractions are the National Museum, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and etc. This contributes to Luang Prabang being relatively expensive for Laos, but that’s the beauty of the place — In our opinion, it’s all worth it.
20. Siem Reap, Cambodia
- February avg high: 92F/33C
- February avg low: 69F/21C
- February avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm
The best months to visit Siem Reap are November through February since it is still very dry. Of course you’ll be visiting the Angkor Wat temples, one of the wonders of the oriental world, just north of Siem Reap itself. It is also very easy to get around because of the abundance of minivans, motorcycle taxies, and remok (Cambodian tuk-tuk), so visiting the quaint museums and classical music venues downtown will be a breeze.
21. Cape Town, South Africa
- February avg high: 80F/27C
- February avg low: 60F/16C
- February avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm
Cape town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast. The high season for hotels is still in effect in February, when the weather doesn’t really get any better than pleasant and warm sunny days with mild nights. As the month goes on you, are likely to find good bargains mixed in. Enjoy Safari tours while exploring their wildlife, and other attractions which includes wine tasting and lagoon cruises.