February ushers in the change of seasons across the globe and is a fantastic time to travel. Today we bring you a list of some of the best destinations to visit in the month of February.
At this time of the year much of Iceland's natural landscapes and towns are blanketed in snow, and with most of the country averaging between seven to ten hours of daylight each day, it is the optimal time to head there looking for the Northern Lights.
However, despite the climate, Iceland in February is still as accessible most of the year and many exclusively winter activities, like ice caving in Vatnajökull Glacier and Northern Lights hunting take place at this time.
As for The Northern Lights, the best spots to catch them are outside of Reykjavík, which you can enjoy on a guided Northern Lights tour. Ice caving in the naturally formed tunnels beneath Vatnajökull glacier, the largest icecap in Europe only happens between mid-October or November and March every year in Iceland.
Whales, White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, Orcas, pilot whales, and beaked whales are all spotted on tours throughout February. Lava caving is another particularly fun activity during February with people looking for an easier trip heading to either Raufarhólshellir or Víðgelmirand the more daring should look into touring Leiðarendi, which requires passing through tiny spaces and daring paths.
Snorkelling in Iceland in February becomes possible for just about everyone thanks to modern drysuit equipment. Silfra, the most popular snorkelling location is open throughout the year, and it's considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world. Glacier hiking runs holds a special appeal in the month of February, due to the electric blue ice that embraces the glaciers now, and the ice caves that form across them. The most popular glaciers open for hiking in February are Sólheimajökull and Svinafellsjökull, in South Iceland.
Those looking to enjoy other natural delights should head to Iceland’s most popular tourist trails consisting of the Geysir Geothermal Area, the Þingvellir National Park, and the Gullfoss Waterfalls referred to together as the Golden Circle. Afterwards most head to the South Coastdue to the enormous range of landscapes and landmarks which include the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss; the glaciers Vatnajökull and Sólheimajökull; the volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, and Katla; and breathtaking destinations like the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, the spectacular Reynisfjara black sand beach, the plane wreckage at Sólheimasandur, and the icy Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The Lake Mývatn region of North Iceland is a particularly great sightseeing destination in winter, and fans of the HBO Series Game of Thrones may recognise scenes from the north that were shot here. Geological formations protrude from the lake’s frozen surface, and the snow-topped lava at Dimmuborgir, which is known as the Dark Fortress, makes for a fascinating vision, covered in ice. The 90 km expanse of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is oft referred to as ‘Iceland in Miniature’ as throughout the year, one can expect volcanoes, lava fields, stunning beaches, towering mountains, geological formations, fields, and historic villages.
Another reason to visit in Iceland in February is the Winter Lights Festival that occurs on the first weekend of every February and is a celebration of the lengthening of the days and the beauty of the wintery world.
This tropical country is a popular holiday destination throughout the year however February being mostly free of rainfall is the ideal time to explore Sri Lanka with its host of wildlife, cultural and beach options. This also makes it peak tourist and one should prepare in advance accordingly or take a guided tour package to avoid the rush after reaching there. The major cities like Colombo and Kandy are ever-popular destinations, however Sri Lanka offers a host of interesting places to visit in February.
Colombo, the Sri Lanka capital offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the country while Kandy is home to tea plantations, Buddhist sites, and the Royal Botanic gardens.
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Dambulla cave temple and 5th century Sigiriya rock is a must for heritage buffs, while Hikkaduwa is one of the best places for water sports in Sri Lanka and offers activities like snorkeling and surfing. The city of Galle is known for its Dutch-influenced architecture with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort and Dutch Reformed Church and Galle Fort Flea Market being some of the places to visit in Galle.
Mirissa is a small beach town that offers exciting nightlife surrounded by the picturesque waves. Some other places to visit in Sri Lanka include the Temple Of The Tooth to explore ancient architecture, the National Museum Of Kandy, the Udawattakele Forest Reserve which offers elephant safaris and is a meditation centre for monks. The Ella Rock a popular hiking destination, and Paradise Road for the inner shopaholic in us all.
Sri Lanka was declared independent on 4th of February 1948 and every year since then this day has been celebrated with great excitement and grandeur, showcasing the Sri Lankan legacy and culture. Festivities, fireworks and sporting events can be witnessed throughout the country during this time.
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February is the driest and hottest month in the country with sultry, humid conditions that keep building until the clouds burst in March. With the north-eastern ‘kaskasi’ wind, easing off after having reached their peak in January, it’s an excellent time for some dedicated beach time, with minimal chance of an afternoon shower, moderate to light breezes and warm seas.
Although the ‘kaskasi’ wind is slowly settling through February, Zanzibar’s southern and western coasts remain fairly sheltered. The wide, protected beach of Kendwa is ideal for sunbathing and swimming and February is a great time for dolphin excursions off Ras Kizimkazi. Prison Island is famous for the giant tortoises that traverse the island. February is a popular month all along the east coast, with mellower temperatures coming to be and Paje is a popular kitesurfing destination just one among the many which remains popular in February among tourists. For divers, the southern sites are at their absolute best in February, especially the coral reefs of the largest island of the Mafia Archipelago,considered to be one of the best dive sites in the Indian Ocean with the coral reefs of Mafia’s Chole Bay considered truly amazing.
Mnemba, a tiny island just half a mile north-east from Zanzibar Island has reefs just offshore that provide for excellent snorkelling and diving spots and the island is also a nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Pemba is a little-developed island that is home to small fishing villages, historic ruins, and miles of wild coastline with pristine coral reefs, which is ranked among the world's top diving sites. Here you can enjoy water sports, excursions to mangrove forests, sunset dhow cruises and spa treatments. The uninhabited Chumbe Island was Zanzibar's first marine reserve and offers an exceptional underwater experience in the protected snorkelling reef.
No trip to Zanzibar would be complete without heading down to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site and former capital of the main island. There is lots to see around town, including Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), a former sultan's palace. This former slave and ivory port offers a keen insight into the culture, and history of the area and the cuisine here reflects the varied influences of the people who travelled here. A major highlight during February is the Sauti za Busara Music Festival, which takes place in and around Stone Town’s Old Fort annually. The event is spread over four days, as some of Africa’s top musicians entertain the crowds with a mix of African pop, jazz, and local taarab beats. It’s an amazing time to be in Stone Town, but bear in mind that the old quarter is much busier than usual and accommodation can be harder to find if you haven't booked in advance or have a holiday package.
February is an excellent month to be in Zanzibar, but if you struggle with the heat then May to September may be better. Swimming with the whale sharks is still possible off Mafia, but the deeper dive sites are usually too rough for safe access. The kaskasi may be lessening, but sand erosion and washed up seaweed can still be an issue along beaches on the northeast.
February is the tail end of Argentina's high season with fairly long summer days that are perfect for outdoor adventures in Patagonia and for escaping the heat at the Atlantic beaches. Although it is peak season, leading to hefty crowds and prices, it is definitely a great time to visit Argentina.
Buenos Aires, the starting point for any visitor is a great place to spend a couple of days before heading for the Atlantic coast, where the milder temperatures and ocean breezes make for a soothing atmosphere. The Andean desert near Salta, experiences higher rainfall around this time though the showers come in short, heavy bursts and if you are interested in visiting Patagonia, February is one of the best months to do so as long as you don't mind the region's summer winds and somewhat erratic climate varying from warm sunshine to drizzle, harsh rain or sleet, or returning to pleasant sunshine just as quickly. The area often sees high temperatures which is great for activities in places like Bariloche, El Chalten, and Ushuaia.
The entire country is ready for travellers during this time of year, meaning you will have plenty of options for your itinerary but you may prefer to skip the steamy north, and instead choose to head to Argentina's beaches, lakes, and the open swathes of Patagonia. This is a fantastic time to visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and point of entry to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails in the quiet mountains, as well as boat excursions to look at sea lion and penguin colonies and the famous lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan. With amazing seafood and fascinating museums dedicated to maritime history, it's a cultural hub at the tip of Argentina. Cariló is another must-visit upscale coastal town that lies within a four-hour drive from Buenos Aires. Villa Gesell is another nearby destination whose forested parks and golf courses, old fishing piers, and an elevated wooden boardwalk that stretches a mile along the coast make for a fun stay. Mar del Plata lies further south and offers many cultural options to explore.
The sunny weather makes for ideal conditions to go trekking, biking, camping, rafting, and wildlife viewing in Patagonia and Los Glaciares National Park encompasses thousands of miles of wilderness and a number of guided trekking opportunities for those looking for longer stays in the wild. You can choose to cool off with a white-water rafting excursion on the Rio Mendoza or take a speedboat into the thundering cascades of the Iguazu Falls.
February also hosts the Buenos Aires Tango Festival where traditional dance are seen everywhere in the streets of the city and you may even get the chance to take some beginners lessons free of charge.
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Hawaii’s proximity to the equator ensures that the weather remains warm throughout the year and even though February is one of the cooler months you can still go swimming in the ocean.
It is the peak of the humpback whale season, during February, making it a very exciting time to be on the islands, specially if you are staying on Maui, Hawaii’s Big Island, Lanai or Molokai as the largest number of humpbacks sightings take place in those areas. It is big wave season on Oahu’s North Shore making it an ideal time to go surfing there.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival takes place in early February and the Pana’ewa Stampeded Rodeo occurs in mid-February at Hawaii, the Big Island. February is also host to the Maui Whale Festival.
February might be super cold in some parts of the world but in most parts of the UAE including Dubai, it is one of those months that boast extremely pleasing weather conditions. From music-and-food festivals to adrenaline-pumping adventure sports to shopping extravaganzas, a visit to the UAE in February can be absolutely enthralling.
The bright yet mild winter sun coupled with clear skies makes it a great time to head out and explore just destinations but also activities ranging from dhow cruises to desert safaris, skydiving, and much more. One will find a plethora of events and attractions taking place in February including the Dubai Food Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival.
Magnificent tourist attractions such as Dubai's towering Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi's modern Sheikh Zayed Mosque, mark the UAE as an ever-evolving top luxury destination.
However, there's more than skyscrapers, shopping, and sandy shores as the various UAE destinations offer lots of things to try and do. You can delve into the country's Bedouin past on starry desert nights with desert safaris before exploring the many forts that guarded the coastline long before the modernistic high-rises were built. For nature enthusiasts, the vast dunes of rolling sand start right outside the cities, and the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains are ripe for adventuring.