As winter drags on and the skies look like a gray cheesecloth, finding hot places to travel in February can seem like a quest for the Holy Grail. But don’t toss your mittens just yet—there’s hope! Whether you’re craving a mild-weather city break or dreaming of a chic island getaway, there are plenty of destinations only a four-hour flight from the UK to warm your chilly bones.
For those ready to go all out (because why not make a grand escape during the dreary season?), there are far-flung paradises that look their dazzling best this month. From tropical beach escapes to epic global road trips, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, these hot places to travel in February are your ticket to trading winter’s gloom for sunshine and smiles. Just remember to check government travel advice—you don’t want your grand escape to be a grand misadventure!
Table of Contents
Escape the Winter Blues: 10 Hot Places to Travel in February That’ll Melt Your Frosty Frown!
Tenerife Unveiled: Hot Places to Travel in February That Aren’t Your Average Beach Bum Spots
Forget the Tenerife of your college years—the one teeming with neon bars and questionable English breakfasts. This February, elevate your escape with Tenerife’s swankier side. Picture this: luxurious five-star retreats, posh boutiques, and Michelin-starred cuisine that’ll make you forget you’re not on the mainland. Among the hot places to travel in February, Tenerife stands out with its upscale charm.
On the island’s west coast, the Ritz-Carlton Abama is a gem, boasting two-Michelin-starred MB’s Basque delights and the single-starred Kabuki for a touch of Japanese flair. In the north-west, Hotel San Roque offers an adult-only sanctuary in a lovingly restored 18th-century manor, complete with Charles Rennie Mackintosh furniture, deep bathtubs, and a courtyard pool for soaking up the February sun.
Venture to Garachico, where the romantic vibe is only matched by the fresh cuttlefish at seafront eateries. No beach here, but you’ll find ladders to warm rock pools and colonial architecture that’ll have you swooning.
For a cozy stay, check out this chic Airbnb apartment in a former tobacco factory, or splash out with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Abama. In the world of hot places to travel in February, Tenerife is your top choice for mixing elegance with sun-soaked relaxation.
Koh Yao Noi: That Will Make Phuket Look Like a Theme Park
If you’re yearning for a serene escape from Phuket’s raucous resorts, Koh Yao Noi is your February dream island. A mere 30-minute speedboat ride away, this Thai paradise offers fewer tipsy backpackers and more serene water buffaloes and traditional rubber farms. Picture stunning views of Phang Nga Bay, where dramatic limestone karsts make you feel like you’re in a travel brochure.
For a touch of luxury amidst the laid-back vibe, check into Cape Kudu, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. With its boho-chic style, rattan chairs, bright white rooms, and a pool that looks like it’s dreaming of the sea, this place is a top contender among hot places to travel in February.
ALSO READ: Best Hotels in Phuket: Are These 8 Luxurious Resorts Too Good to Be True?
If doing absolutely nothing sounds like your idea of a vacation, you’re in luck. However, if you must move, try kayaking through mangroves or hopping between islets. For a glamping twist, 9 Hornbills Tented Camp offers safari tents with private pools and lush gardens. Airbnb fans will adore a tranquil villa with sea views and a pool. Koh Yao Noi is truly one of the hot places to travel in February where the hardest decision is whether to nap by the pool or in the garden.
Jamaica: Where Reggae and Relaxation Reign Supreme
If you’re in the mood for a February escape that’s as lively as it is laid-back, Jamaica is your ultimate destination. Known for its bold personality, iconic food, and infectious reggae rhythm, this Caribbean gem delivers perfect weather at a mellow 25°C. February’s sunny days are like a musical hug, ensuring you soak up every vibrant note of the island.
When it comes to where to stay, Jamaica’s hot places to travel in February won’t disappoint. Strawberry Hill, perched in the Blue Mountains, offers a cool retreat with its mountain stream pool and Aveda Concept Spa. Fashionistas and music lovers flock to Geejam in Port Antonio, a stylish hideaway set on a hill. For a splash of luxury, the newly renovated Half Moon in Montego Bay features 400 acres of paradise and two miles of beach.
Rockhouse in Negril, with its cliff-top huts overlooking crystal-clear waters, is a classic that never gets old—just like the legends who’ve stayed there. If you’re traveling with a crowd, Villa Rosa’s got space for 11, complete with a pool, epic sea views, and a gym to work off those jerk chicken indulgences. Jamaica truly deserves its spot as one of the hot places to travel in February, where every moment is a rhythm of relaxation.
Casablanca: Hot Places to Travel in February Where Modern Chic Meets Timeless Cool
Forget what you’ve heard—Casablanca isn’t just the Casablanca of old movies. It’s Morocco’s modern heart, and one of the hot places to travel in February if you’re after a blend of sleek sophistication and cultural charm. With temperatures hovering around a pleasant 18°C, Casablanca offers a break from winter’s chill without the hassle of a long-haul flight.
As one of the top hot places to travel in February, Casablanca’s Art Deco quarter is a treasure trove of architectural delights, with landmarks like the Cinema Rialto standing as a testament to its glamorous past. You can savor freshly shucked oysters at the Central Market, wander through a medina that’s more authentic than tourist-trapped, and indulge in a rooftop café with a view. For a dining treat, Le Relais de Paris is a must-visit, where you can enjoy sea views and a seared duck breast that’s almost as irresistible as Casablanca itself.
When it comes to accommodations, Casablanca’s hot places to travel in February include Hotel Les Saisons, offering a cozy, personalized stay with spacious rooms and large, star-friendly beds. The Four Seasons brings classic luxury to the table, while cute Airbnbs like a light-filled whitewashed studio or a villa with a pool and outdoor dining area provide charm and comfort. Casablanca is definitely a standout among hot places to travel in February, blending modern vibes with timeless elegance.
Zanzibar: The Ultimate Hot Spot for February Sun and Culture
If February’s frost has you dreaming of a sun-soaked escape, look no further than Zanzibar—one of the hottest places to travel in February. With an inviting 28°C, this Tanzanian paradise is perfect for those who prefer horizontal activities, like basking on powdery white sands, swimming in the bath-warm Indian Ocean, or indulging in massages at luxurious beach resorts.
Among the hot places to travel in February, Zanzibar’s snorkeling spots are legendary. Chumbe Island’s reef is a rainbow of fish, making it a must for underwater explorers. For those who like a bit of action, dolphin-watching boat tours offer a splash of excitement, but don’t worry—you can always float your cares away in a pool afterwards.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, explore Stone Town’s narrow lanes, with its Persian bathhouses, Swahili eateries, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace. And don’t miss the Sauti za Busara music festival—four days of African jazz and taarab that’ll have you dancing like nobody’s watching. Zanzibar is undeniably one of the top hot places to travel in February, blending beach bliss with vibrant culture.
New Zealand’s Eastern Seaboard: Hot Places to Travel in February for Unmatched Seclusion
If you’re in desperate need of a break from the bustling crowds, New Zealand’s eastern seaboard is calling your name. As one of the hottest places to travel in February, this stretch of paradise offers unparalleled seclusion and jaw-dropping vistas. February, the tail-end of summer, is perfect for exploring these untouched gems where the ocean meets volcanic headlands in spectacular fashion.
Picture yourself at Helena Bay Lodge on the North Island—where private beaches and woodland trails see more of the ocean breeze than human footsteps. It’s a remote escape with a side of luxury. On the South Island, Annandale Farm on Banks Peninsula is another top choice among hot places to travel in February. Nestled in 4,000 acres of serene coastal pasture, it offers endless ocean views and foraged food that will make your taste buds sing.
For the ultimate in peace and exclusivity, Helena Bay Lodge is a prime base for exploring the quieter corners of the South Pacific. This is how you do relaxation in style, proving that New Zealand’s eastern seaboard is among the best hot places to travel in February.
Kenya: The Hidden Gem Among Hot Places to Travel in February
Kenya might have had a rough patch in the past, but February’s high season is here to redeem it as one of the hottest places to travel in February. Picture this: the Masai Mara’s golden plains bursting with big game and whale sharks gracing the southern coast. Yes, that’s right—two epic adventures in one trip.
For a front-row seat to nature’s greatest show, Angama Safari Camp is your go-to. These aren’t your average tents; they’re suites where you can sip a sundowner while watching zebra and wildebeest engage in their daily stampede across the plains. If you’re craving a Big Five experience with a sprinkle of exclusivity, Laikipia is where it’s at. Check out the luxe Arijiju lodge, where you’ll find the safari vibes just as exclusive as the accommodations.
Rio de Janeiro: Where February’s Heat Matches the Carnival Fever
Ready to party like there’s no tomorrow? February in Rio de Janeiro is hotter than a samba dancer’s hips, and it’s all thanks to Carnival. Picture this: sweltering temperatures of 31°C, beaches packed with dazzling crowds, and streets vibrating with the pulse of samba. And let’s not forget the Rio Music Carnival, where past headliners like Afrojack, Tiesto, and Diplo have turned up the heat even further.
For a stay that screams glamour with a side of “I’m fabulous,” the Belmond Copacabana Palace is where you need to be. Think vintage chic meets flawless service. Prefer a quieter vibe but still want the beach views? The Emiliano, favored by architects and designers, has Ocean Spa Suites with private saunas and massage tubs—because decompressing is an art form in Rio.
So, grab your sequins and get ready for a February that’s as hot as the city itself. Rio’s Carnival awaits, and it’s as wild as it gets!
Gokarna: India’s Secret Beach Haven for the Cool and the Classy
Tired of Goa’s beach-party frenzy? Gokarna, a cheeky little temple town down the coast, offers a tantalizing alternative. With February temperatures hitting a scorching 33°C, it’s practically begging for a dip in its pristine beaches and a lazy day under the sun. This place is where laid-back hippies and luxury seekers collide in harmony—no, really, it’s like a low-key rave with fewer glow sticks.
Enter Kahani Paradise, the villa that redefines “hidden gem.” Perched above the aptly named Paradise Beach, this sprawling retreat boasts antique doors, Burmese teak floors, and a terrace made for alfresco feasts. The spa and swimming pool ensure that relaxation is taken seriously, while the croquet court adds a dash of old-world charm. It’s the only hint of artifice in a landscape that’s lush, green, and just a little bit magical. Gokarna: where paradise is not just a beach but an entire experience!
Miami: Where Art, Parties, and Sunshine Never Take a Break
Miami: where the nightlife is as hot as the February sun (a manageable 24°C, if you must know). Sure, the city is famous for its hedonistic playgrounds, but dive deeper and you’ll find a flourishing art scene—Superblue’s mind-bending installations and the Rubell Museum’s Yayoi Kusama exhibits are proof. And if you think Miami’s food scene is just about tacos and mojitos, think again. Itamae serves up a Nikkei twist that’s bound to tickle your taste buds.
For a stay that blends glamour with a hint of fun, hit up The Goodtime Hotel. Owned by Pharrell and David Grutman, it’s your weekend party hub. Prefer classic elegance? The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, is your retro-chic sanctuary. Miami: where every day is a celebration, and every night, a party!
