At the end of winter, it’s time to shake things up and fill yourself with colorful impressions. February is the perfect period for discoveries, inspiring travels and a change of scenery. In this article we will tell you about vacation ideas for the last month of winter.
Where to vacation at the sea
In February, countries near the equator are best suited for beach vacations. This is the dry season there: most days are cloudless and rains are very rare.
The most comfortable vacation conditions at this time of year are in the countries of Southeast Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, in the south of Vietnam and on the Caribbean coast – Mexico, Dominica, Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas. You can also consider for vacation resorts in Africa and the nearest islands to the continent: Seychelles, Zanzibar. Let us tell you more about a few destinations.
1. Thailand
Daytime temperature: air +32°C, water +28°C
There are three seasons in Thailand: hot (from March to April), rainy (from May to October) and cool (from November to February). February is considered to be the most comfortable time for vacation due to the absence of rain and low humidity.
Compared to December and January, in February the flow of travelers to Thai resorts decreases, which means that you can find better deals on accommodation and excursions.
In late winter, places like this are worth checking out:
- This resort is chosen for its beautiful views, calm sea and good hotels. There are more than fifty beaches with fine sand and azure water. People also come here for the local attractions: 45-meter statue of a sitting Buddha, the national park “Sirinat” with mangrove forests and the temple of Wat Chalong
- The second largest island of Thailand, located in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Its beaches are famous for their soft white sand and clear sea. The island fascinates with its nature: waterfalls, breathtaking views from observation decks, safari park with exotic animals and cozy bays
- Another resort on the Gulf of Thailand and the nearby islands that look like illustrations from advertising brochures. People come to Pattaya for the water parks and museums, as well as to see the carved temple of Truth and the statue of Big Buddha
2. Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)
Daytime temperature: air +27°C, water +26°C
The coasts of Yucatan are washed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The most popular resorts of the peninsula are Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Their beaches are known for soft fine sand of various shades – from almost snow-white to light beige. February is especially good here: there is practically no rain, and breezes from the ocean soften the heat.
Hotels in Yucatan most often operate on an all-inclusive system. But don’t limit yourself to relaxing by the pool. Visit the ancient Mayan cities of Caba, Ushmal and Mayapan. And the most famous archaeological complex is the abandoned metropolis of Chichen Itza, in the center of which stands the 24-meter pyramid of the god Kukulkan, the feathered serpent.
3. Dominica
Daytime temperature: air +32°C, water +27°C
February is one of the best times to travel to the Dominican Republic. At this time the weather is sunny and there are no strong winds. The country also attracts events: in major cities there are colorful carnivals with dancing, music and bright processions. And at the end of the month the Dominican Republic Independence Day is celebrated. Streets are decorated with flags and flowers, folk festivals are held in the squares, and in the evening the sky lights up with fireworks.
But it’s not just the holidays that make February special: during this time, humpback whales can be seen near the island. They come to the Caribbean Sea for mating season. Near the Samana Peninsula, these giants can be seen leaping out of the water.
The beaches of the Dominican Republic are famous for their white sandy shores. If you are looking for calm sea, chic infrastructure and idyllic vacation, choose Punta Cana. This resort is located on the east coast, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The shores are surrounded by coral reefs, the water is calm and suitable for snorkeling.
The most popular resort on the northern Atlantic coast is Puerto Plata. The beaches are as beautiful as those in the Caribbean, but the water is a little cooler and the waves are higher. Therefore, this place is popular among surfers.
4. Maldives
Daytime temperature: air +27°C, water +28°C
Maldives is an archipelago of 1200 islands, which are united in 26 atolls (so called huge coral reefs of ring shape with lagoons inside). Their shores are washed by the warm Arabian and Lakkadiv Sea. There are no big hotels here, instead there are many secluded bungalows. The beaches are strikingly picturesque: soft white sand contrasts with clear turquoise water.
February is considered to be the best time to vacation in the Maldives: it is the peak of the dry season, when the Iruvai – a light northeast wind that brings almost no precipitation – blows.
Maldives is especially appreciated by lovers of diving and snorkeling. There is incredible visibility at depth – up to 40 meters, and the underwater world is amazingly diverse: when diving, you can admire flocks of tropical fish, turtles, moray eels and other marine creatures. In February there is a higher chance than ever to meet whale sharks. Despite their fearsome name, they feed on plankton and are considered peaceful giants of the oceans.
Among the most popular dive sites are Banana Reef and the reef off Ihuru Island in North Male Atoll. At the latter you can explore the 1999 wreck of the Rannamaari, home to coral, turtles and exotic fish.
Vibrant festivals and celebrations
A great reason to travel abroad in February is the major festivals. Many countries in Europe and Latin America host carnivals with costume balls and street shows. In Norway and Iceland, the season of watching the northern lights and visiting ice caves is in full swing. In Asia they celebrate New Year’s Eve according to the lunar calendar. And Japan has a snow festival with ice sculptures on the island of Hokkaido. Here are some ideas for a trip.
1. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Daytime temperature: air +30°C, water +28°C
February in Rio de Janeiro is the time of the grand carnival, famous all over the world. At this time, the city becomes the center of attraction for travelers from all over the world.
The carnival begins 40 days before Catholic Easter, so the dates change every year. The central event is a grand parade of samba schools in the Sambodrome, a 700-meter square with stands for 70,000 spectators. Brightly colored fireworks soar into the sky, and world celebrities often join the processions. Tickets for official performances range from R$70 to R$2,700, but street dance shows are free for all.
February in Rio is the height of summer. The water of the Atlantic Ocean warms up to +25-26°C. Ideal conditions to spend time on the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
When you’re tired of swimming and sunbathing, go sightseeing in the city. You can climb to the Christ the Redeemer statue, enjoy the sunset from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or explore the verdant grounds of Tijuca National Park.
2. Venice (Italy)
Air temperature during the day: +5 to +10°C
Venice Carnival is a hallmark of the Italian city on the water and one of the reasons to travel here at this time. It is celebrated for two weeks and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
Every day you can see people in lavish historical costumes and bizarre masks on the streets of Venice. Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge are the biggest gathering points, while street performances, acrobatic shows and concerts take place in various parts of the city.
During the festival, the cost of accommodation in Venice rises 1.5-2 times. Therefore, many travelers prefer to stay in Rimini or Verona, from where you can reach the carnival in just a few hours.
3. Beijing (China)
Air temperature during the day: +1 to +7°C
February is a special time to visit China, when the country is immersed in New Year celebrations. The celebration has no fixed date and depends on the lunar calendar. During the holidays, the sky above the cities of China is lit up with colorful fireworks, the streets are filled with the rumble of firecrackers, and in parks and squares theatrical performances are held. One of the most spectacular is the lion and dragon dances. These performances are accompanied by the rhythms of drums and gongs.
The celebration concludes with a grand festival when thousands of glowing paper lanterns are launched into the sky.
4. Paris (France)
Air temperature during the day: -5 to +1°C
Many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. The French celebrate this date with a special flair. The city turns into a set for a romantic movie. Windows of cafes and pastry shops are decorated with hearts, flowers and candles. On the banks of the Seine, street musicians play quiet tunes, and the scent of fresh roses and hot chocolate wafts through the air.
The Eiffel Tower, illuminated with golden lights, becomes a place of attraction for those who want to confess their feelings overlooking the city. Lovers also come to the famous Wall of Love in Montmartre, where “I love you” is written in 300 languages. And for those who want to make the day unforgettable, you can go on a night ride around Paris by carriage or rent a boat for a trip on the Seine.
Conclusion
Cold February only at first glance seems to be a bad time to travel. In fact, the choice of destinations is huge. Whether you enjoy the warmth of Thailand’s beaches or become part of Rio’s fiery carnival, whatever you choose, your trip will leave you with vivid memories.
