February is a short month, you either love it or hate it. Lots want the cold weather to end, while others pine for an endless winter and all the cold-weather activities that comes with it as well.
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Here’s the top 10 travel destinations in February that covers the whole gamut. Check them out below.
Table of Contents
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
| Average Temperature | 88°F high; 77°F low |
| February Events | Carnival |
There are spectacular views all year around, there’s not really a bad time to visit Rio de Janeiro. However, daytime averages in the mid-80’s makes it perfect weather to sunbathe in one of the city’s many beaches.
For white sand, mountain views and beautiful people, head over to Ipanema Beach. If you want a livelier scene, spend the day at Copacabana Beach with al fresco restaurants and bars dotting the surrounding streets. If you want to get away from the crowds, follow the hidden trail to Praia do Secreto and swim in its crystal-clear tide pools. Surfers, you’ll want to go to Prainha Beach. Don’t want to wear a swimsuit? Go to clothing-optional Abrico.
February is also when Rio de Janeiro hosts Carnival, a week-long celebration many refer to as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Enjoy parades, live music, street parties, performances, dancing, floats, and colorful costumes galore.
Greater Palm Springs, California (USA)
| Average Temperature | 75°F high; 48°F low |
| February Events | Modernism Week Riverside County Fair & Date Festival |
The Greater Palm Springs area has warm temperatures in February, so it’s a nice Valentine’s getaway from colder climates. To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, take in a bird’s eye view of Coachella Valley with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Take a stop when you get to the top at the restaurant, cafe or lounge, or hike deeper into the San Jacinto Mountains.
Some other popular attractions include the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, the Palm Springs Art Museum, the waterfall oasis at Tahquitz Canyon, the Moorten Botanical Garden and Sunnylands, the former winter retreat for the well-to-do Annenberg family.
Being in town during the week of Valentine’s, consider attending Modernism Week, an annual celebration of mid-century design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. There’s also the Riverside County Fair & Date Festival with rides, games, demos, shows and food featuring locally-grown dates.
Perth (Australia)
| Average Temperature | 88°F high; 68°F low |
| February Events | Fringe World Festival Perth Festival |
The temperature is usually in the high-80’s, you’ll want to swim and surf at Perth‘s white sandy shores. However, there’s also loads of things to do in town and the surrounding areas, including DNA Tower for the views, the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens for a quiet walk, the Margaret River region for some wine-tasting, and Rottnest Island for the adorable quokka marsupials.
Some of the occasions that happens in February is: the Fringe World Festival with street performances, visual arts, circus, comedy, dance, film and children’s entertainment, and the Perth Festival featuring music, film, dance, literature and performance art around the whole city.
Saint Lucia (Caribbean)
| Average Temperature | 83°F high; 71°F low |
| February Events | Independence Day |
Barbados in the eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is small but diverse. Additionally, you can see white sand beaches, a rainforest, mud pools, waterfalls, diving, and two iconic volcanic peaks. Furthermore, we have to recommend discovering the island’s chocolate heritage when you come.
If you come around February 22, you’ll witness Saint Lucia’s Independence Day with parades, festivities, and island’s national dish of “green figs” and salt fish.
Madrid (Spain)
| Average Temperature | 54°F high; 39°F low |
| February Events | Gastronomy Festival Carnival |
This place is a little cold in Spain around this time of the year. However, you can get lots of hotel deals and enjoy Madrid’s museums, restaurants, and popular attractions with less crowds. We recommend the Prado Museum to take in the great masterpieces of Goya and Velasquez, as well as Italian and Flemish art. After, you can pick from the Paso del Arte, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia museums nearby. Plus, don’t forget the flamenco and tapas.
Some of the events in Madrid include the Gastronomy Festival where professional chefs share their creations via workshops, exhibitions, and special restaurant menus, and Carnival featuring a parade, masquerade balls, and festivities.
Mumbai (India)
| Average Temperature | 90°F high; 64°F low |
| February Events | Kala Ghoda Arts Festival |
Found in tropical India, Mumbai never gets cool. Be sure to pack light clothes to check out the awesome attractions they have here. We recommend taking in the architecture (Taj Mahal, Gateway of India, etc). Additionally, you can shop in Kala Ghoda neighborhood, watching the sunset at Bandra Fort. You can explore the Chowpatty Beach and the Queen’s Necklace, and visiting the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya museum.
The country’s largest multicultural festival – Kala Ghoda Arts Festival takes place in Mumbai every February. Plus, it comes with visual arts, dance, music, theater, cinema, literature, workshops, heritage walks, urban design, and architecture, food, a children’s section, and a street section for eco-friendly, handmade arts and crafts.
Antarctica
| Average Temperature | 27°F high; 4°F low |
| February Events | Most active wildlife month Southern Lights |
In February, the sea ice in Antarctica has melted, and the summer winds have sculpted the icebergs into beautiful shapes. The second month of the year is when all wildlife is most active – whale sightings are more common, penguin chicks learn to swim and leopard seals are on the prowl. As an added bonus, you’ll catch glimpses of the magical Southern Lights.
Botswana
| Average Temperature | 87°F high; 67°F low |
| February Events | Afternoon thunderstorms Baby wildlife Birds in full breeding plumage |
February in here is characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon. But don’t let that scare you away. The thunderstorms that roll through bring amazing rainbows which are great for the background of your photos. Plus, prices are up to 40% cheaper compared to the peak season.
During this time, all the wildlife have babies – zebras, wildebeest, antelopes. Which means the predators are more conspicuous as they search for their prey. February is also the time when migratory birds show off their full breeding plumage and all their splendid colors.
Myanmar
| Average Temperature | 99°F high; 75°F low |
| February Events | Mahamuni Pagoda Festival Pindaya Cave Festival Kayik Khauk Pagoda Festival |
This is one of the best times to go to Myanmar, especially if you get there in the first half of the month before the weather gets sweltered. You can take long boat rides through the canals and floating villages at Inle Lake. Plus, you can visit the men and women hand-crafting cigars, woven scarves, wooden boats, and silverware.
Go to Mandalay and Bagan with their ancient temples and beautiful rolling landscapes. You can watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon, walk through the Hsinbyume Pagoda surrounded by lush green forests, or visit the archaeological ruins of Shwesandaw Pagoda.
If you want to go to the beach, we recommend the white sands and turquoise-blue waters of Ngwe Saung or Ngapali. The water is pleasantly warm and you can go snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, and more.
The second month of the year is also festival season, with the Mahamuni Pagoda Festival in mandalay, the Pindaya Cave Festival near Inle. Plus, the Kayik Khauk Pagoda Festival across the river from the Yangon.
Peru
| Average Temperature | 63°F high; 38°F low |
| February Events | Fiesta de la Candelaria Carnival |
Most people avoid Peru in February because of their rainy season. However, the country has a diverse climage that varies from region to region. Plus, it’s really warm and sunny in the North where all the best beach resorts are. If you don’t mind a challenging and muddy trek, February is the best time to go to Machu Picchu. You can trade in a dry hike for quieter access to the ruins without the crowds.
Additionally, there’s the Candelaria Festival, a religious celebration in the Lake Titicaca area, and Carnival in Cajamarca.
Best Credit Cards to Redeem for Flights
We have outlined several great destinations in this post. What would make visiting them even greater is you didn’t have to pay for the flight itself. Here are several co-branded airline credit cards to consider for redeeming for flights.
 The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. With Status BoostTM, earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases. This card does come with a $550 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Seems hefty but perks like being able to check your first bag free on Delta flights -that's a savings of up to $240 per round trip for a family of four. In addition, you can enjoy a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card & enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost and bring up to two guests for an exclusive rate of $29 per person per visit. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers 40,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. You can earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. This card comes with a $250 Annual Fee, but for each round trip Delta flight, you can check your first bag for free and save up to $240. In addition, there is no foreign transaction fee. You'll also get fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. |
 The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 35,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. You'll earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery, and at U.S. supermarkets; 1X mile for every eligible dollar you spend on purchases. Earn now. Travel when you're ready. After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, you will receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to inspire your next travel. There is a $99 annual fee, however, there is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (See Rates & Fees). Now, you'll get a savings of up to $240 per round trip for a family of four by being able to check your first bag free on Delta flights. |
 The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers up to 80,000 points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Earn an additional 30,000 points after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 9 months. In addition, you'll earn 7,500 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary & get $75 Southwest® travel credit each year. You'll earn: • 5 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases. Earn between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month. • 2x points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases & Rapid Rewards® hotel/car rental partner purchases; • 1x point on all other purchases. Some perks include receiving 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available, savings of 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more! This card carries a $149 annual fee and no transaction fees. |
 The UnitedSM Explorer Card offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn 2X Miles per $1 spent at restaurants, hotel stays, eligible delivery services, & purchases from United; 1X miles for all other purchases. Perks of this card include: • Getting up to $100 Global Entry / TSA Pre✔TM Fee Credit • Get your first bag checked for free (up to $140 savings per roundtrip) when you using your Card to purchase your ticket • Get priority boarding perks & visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary This card does come with a $95 annual fee, however, the annual fee is waived for the first year. |
 The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite MasterCard® offers 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year. You'll earn 2X AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. This card comes with $450 annual fee, however, there are no foreign transaction fees. You can also save when traveling - first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation. On top of that, you'll get an Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you. |
The JetBlue Plus Card is the best rewards card for JetBlue frequent flyers. It offers bonuses on restaurant and grocery store spending, fast track to Mosai elite status and a few other travel benefits.
They offer 40,000 TrueBlue bonus points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days. We value these points to be worth around $520.
Top Destinations by Month
Here’s a recap or look ahead for the top destinations of all the months in the calendar year. You can build up those points and miles now.
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in January
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in February
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in March (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in April (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in May (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in June (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in July (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in August (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in September (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in October (coming soon)
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in November
- Top 10 Travel Destinations in December
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