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The Top 10 Travel Destinations for February 2027

Woman in red dress in front of blue tiled building, Porto, Portugal

By Hannah Douch

Last updated: 27th February 2026

February is the shortest month of the year, yet you can still go big on adventure. Spring is right around the corner, and nothing brightens up the winter days more than going abroad. Maybe you’re seeking a romantic Valentine’s getaway – or you’re all about catching flights, not feelings, during February. Whatever your motivation may be, it’s so easy to fall in love with our top 10 best destinations in February (no Cupid’s arrow necessary 💘🪽). 

Best Destinations in February: At a Glance

  • Best destination for festivals: Brazil
  • Best destination for backpacking: Vietnam
  • Best destination for beaches: India
  • Best destination for nature: New Zealand
  • Best destination for city breaks: Hungary

1. Brazil

Rio Carnival in Brazil at night

Average temperature: 29°C

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: Carnival 🪇

Life of the party? Unable to resist the temptation of a big night out? There’s only one place you need to be in February… And it’s Brazil, baby!

Get ready for the wildest party you’ve ever attended. Rainbow feathers, loud samba beats, glitter everywhere. Parades so big they fill an entire stadium. Dancing until the sun comes up. Welcome to Carnival!

Aside from experiencing Rio de Janeiro at its liveliest time of year, February is peak summer in Brazil. So if you fancy the idea of playing volleyball at Copacabana Beach or island-hopping along the coast, you know what to do. Start packing your bags, because Brazil has your name on it!

Brazil Travel Tip

Carnival is the number one party everyone wants to be on the guest list for. So make sure you book everything far in advance. The Sambódromo stadium is the main event, with tickets required for entry. You can also find lots of street parades over the Carnival season, typically celebrated over 9 days.

Secure your spot on Rio Carnival: our 6-day group adventure where you can enjoy Sambadrome, private beach parties and the big city highlights, shared with new mates.

2. Vietnam

Two travellers stood by colour lanterns in Vietnam

Average temperature: 24°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Budget travel 🎒

Need an excuse to make your dreams of backpacking Vietnam a reality? How about this: February is one of our favourite months for travelling around this iconic country in Southeast Asia, famed for its diverse climates.

For starters, you can enjoy highs of 30+℃ along the Central and Southern coasts, with dry and sunny days on the horizon. Meanwhile, the North is all about escaping into Vietnam’s famous emerald mountain ranges, with a cool breeze filling the air.

So to translate: it’s peak season for any activity. Hiking, beaches, road trips (Ha Giang Loop, anyone? 🚗)... Whatever adventure you need, February is the month to make it happen.

Vietnam Travel Tip

February is typically when Vietnam celebrates Tet, the country’s Lunar New Year and biggest festival of the year. Visiting Vietnam during this time is absolutely surreal, with the streets decorated with paper lanterns and flower shows.

If you’re staying on for longer after a Vietnam tour, why not take it as an opportunity to slow down for a few days and enjoy the unique atmosphere? The big cities are your best bet, as dining and shopping options can be limited outside of this due to many locals travelling home to be with families.

3. India

Group traveller at Amber Fort in Jaipur, India

Average temperature: 24°C

Season: Spring 🌸

Perfect for: Culture 🧡

Spring is in the air throughout India. Balmy days with little rainfall are what February is all about, as temperatures slowly climb for the hot summer months. Although the north can be cool (at least, cool by India’s standards!) at this time of year, it’s still a world away from February temperatures back home. Plus, it’s perfect for sightseeing.

Choosing between North and South is pretty much impossible. World wonders, golden sand dunes and tigers, versus paradise beaches and tropical winding rivers backed by palm trees. How to decide which one is your favourite unless you experience both, right?

India Travel Tip

The first time you visit India can be a culture shock, so embrace it and enjoy each day as it comes. Going on a group tour, even mixed in with some independent travel afterwards, is highly recommended for a confidence boost. You’ll be dipping your toes, instead of diving into the deep end, with an experienced group leader and new friends for company. 

4. New Zealand

Group traveller at lake in New Zealand

Average temperature: 27°C

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: Hiking 🥾

Oh, New Zealand. Name a country more magical than the very place where The Lord of the Rings was filmed - we’ll wait!

February is the height of New Zealand’s summer, making it one of our favourite times of year to get outdoors and see what this country is made of. Sleepy beachside towns, glacier treks and epic mountain hikes are just the start of what makes New Zealand so appealing. Get ready for a February that you’ll be remembering for a long time…

New Zealand Travel Tip

The “North vs South Island” debate is something we hear all the time. Honestly, we love them equally for different reasons. New Zealand’s North Island is all about tropical beaches and geothermal wonders. Meanwhile, the South Island is famed for its fjords, glaciers and whale-watching. Do both if you can!

5. Hungary

Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest Hungary

Average temperature: -2°C

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Thermal baths ♨️

Forget Euro Summer for a sec. Budapest is where you need to be in February. First of all, this is one of the most affordable and quietest months of the year, so it’s a dream for travellers on a tight budget.

Temperatures are typically colder here compared to parts of the UK, so think of this as your final chance for a snowy city break before spring arrives. From fairytale castles to stunning coffeehouses and quirky ruin bars, Budapest has a Gothic charm that just hits different in February.

And as for Budapest’s famous thermal baths? This is prime time for sinking into steamy hot waters and treating yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation in between sightseeing. It’s the best way to celebrate the end of winter!

Hungary Travel Tip

Although Hungary is part of the European Union, it does not use the Euro. Instead, Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian Forint (Ft). Having some cash on hand is highly recommended, as is registering for an international debit card that stores multiple currencies, like Wise, so you can save on foreign fee transfers.

6. Nicaragua

Mountains and lake in Granada Nicaragua

Average temperature: 27°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Volcanoes 🌋

If you cannot stop daydreaming about Central America, we have one more country that will sway you to say yes. Meet Nicaragua, nicknamed the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” after its unspoilt paradise scenery. It’s easy to fall in love with Nicaragua, from tropical jungle to deep sapphire lakes, especially when February promises dry heat that makes exploring a dream.

Nicaragua is one of Central America’s least-visited countries, yet every backpacker who comes here cannot stop raving about it. Especially because Nicaragua is where you can go volcano boarding… Yep, this adventure sport is even crazier than it sounds, and so fun!

Nicaragua Travel Tip

Practising a few Spanish phrases goes a long way here. Whether it’s going to the locally recommended spots in town or spending the night at a traditional homestay, part of what makes Nicaragua so appealing is how off-the-beaten-path it is. There’s your motivation to keep up that Duolingo streak!

7. Cambodia

Travellers watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Average temperature: 28°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Famous viewpoints 🌅

Cambodia has everything you need to make your February one to remember. Rosy pink sunrises at ancient temples. Buzzing nightlife. Quite possibly the dreamiest beaches you’ve ever seen… I mean, seriously, where do you even begin when exploring a place as beautiful as this?

You’re still in the dry season, although crowds have quietened following the Christmas and New Year’s rush. Get ready for balmy days and soaking in the winter sunshine. If Cambodia isn’t already at the top of your bucket list, it’s about to be!

Cambodia Travel Tip

Lightweight, breathable layers are key. Even though February is one of Cambodia’s cooler months, temperatures can still get pretty hot compared to what you may be used to in the UK. You will also want to bring something, like a scarf or sarong, to cover your knees and shoulders for that much-awaited Angkor Wat visit!

Still trying to decide what you may need to pack? Our ultimate What to Take guide covers all the essentials and nice-to-haves for your travels.

8. Kenya

Group traveller on safari in Kenya Africa looking at elephants

Average temperature: 31°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Safaris 🦁

Wondering what Kenya’s best-kept secret is? February is one of the most amazing times of year to go on safari, though you hardly hear any travellers talking about it. Listen, we get the temptation to wait until July when the Great Migration begins… Who doesn’t want to catch a glimpse of East Africa’s most iconic natural wonder?

Here’s the thing. February is when temperatures are high and dry, with only the occasional rain shower. In other words, it’s perfect for early morning or late afternoon game drives! You can also see lots of baby animals at this time of year, as this is peak calving season. 

Kenya Travel Tip

We highly recommend packing a reusable water bottle that has a built-in filter. Aside from saving money, Kenya’s national parks actually ban tourists from taking in single-use plastic bottles to conserve the wildlife.

9. Egypt

The Pyramid of Giza Egypt Camels

Average temperature: 21°C

Season: Winter 🌤️

Perfect for: Ancient ruins 📜

Egypt in February is dreamy. There’s hardly any rainfall, with blue skies and dry heat in the early 20℃s. You couldn’t ask for more perfect conditions to explore Egypt’s wealth of archaeological sites, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the famous Valley of the Kings. 

As for River Nile cruises? Even more enchanting at this time of year. Tropical palm trees sway with a gentle breeze in the air, as golden sunlight is cast all around you. Sunsets here are nothing short of pure magic.

Egypt Travel Tip

Ramadan can often fall during February. This is still a fantastic time of year to visit; however, it’s important to keep in mind that many tourist sites and shops may operate on shorter hours, with fewer café or restaurant options available during the day. 

On our Egypt tours, your group leader will accommodate this and suggest alternatives wherever needed. Please note that non-Muslims are not expected to follow the rules of Ramadan, only to be respectful of the local religion in Egypt. 

10. Italy

Carnival Masks in Venice Italy

Average temperature: 5°C

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Festivals 🎭

Think Brazil is the only country that knows how to throw a Carnival? Think again! Because if you’ve ever dreamed of attending a masquerade ball, we know exactly which Italian city you should be flying to in February… Venice is a fairytale, and in Carnival? It’s next-level.

The Venetian Carnival could not be more different from Rio, but it’s just as exhilarating in a whole other way. You’re about to be transported back in time as Venetian traditions take centre stage, from outrageously vibrant costumes to canal boats adorned like floating parades. Possibly the craziest thing you’ll ever attend, and you’ll love every second of it.

Italy Travel Tip

Venice’s masquerade balls during Carnival are famously difficult to secure tickets for - although it’s worth reaching out to the booking office in case there are any last-minute cancellations. 

Still, there are so many other ways you can immerse yourself in all things Carnival. Enjoy daily free costume shows in the square, or keep an eye out for the after-parties (which is when the fun really begins). You can even hire an outfit for yourself if you fancy dressing up for the occasion!

Still Undecided?

Chat with a travel advisor Gap 360

Fancy more inspiration for where you could travel to in February? Our friendly travel experts have got you covered. It’s super easy to book a 1-to-1 call for free advice; simply visit our Contact Us page for more details.


Now is the time to make all your desires of travelling the world a reality. Check out our 200+ group tours today, so you can swipe right on that perfect adventure. 🔥

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