February is perhaps the most misunderstood month in the travel calendar. Written off as grey, damp and forgettable in northern Europe, it is in fact one of the best-value months of the year to travel well – and smartly.
Christmas premiums are long gone, spring crowds haven’t yet arrived and in many destinations the weather is at its most manageable. For city breaks, it’s the month when museums, ruins and galleries can be enjoyed without elbow warfare. And for long haul, this is the sweet spot for dry-season destinations before the Easter prices spike.
With all that in mind, here are the 18 places at their most radiant in February.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Average temperature: 20 to 23C
February is prime hiking season in Tenerife. The lunar landscapes of Teide National Park are cool enough for long walks across volcanic plains, while the cable-car ride up Mount Teide delivers extraordinary views above the cloud layer.
Down on the coast, it’s warm enough for whale and dolphin watching from Los Gigantes, where pilot whales are often in residence.
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La Laguna is a World Heritage Site, and the eponymously named hotel deftly blends in with its use of stone and teak wood, as well as its palatial courtyard garden.
Once you’ve exhausted viewing the city’s cobbled streets, the rooms offer a welcome sanctuary, and are surprisingly large for the price. The breakfast buffet goes pleasingly heavy on tropical fruits, local cheeses and chorizo.
Doubles from £126, lalagunagranhotel.com.
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Bahia del Duque is the oldest luxury resort in Tenerife, but it hasn’t rested on its laurels. The immense gardens are as beautiful as they’ve ever been and there are five pools, a sensational spa and a whopping 16 different bars and restaurants on site.
Designed to look like a Spanish village in the 19th century, the rooms are traditional but come with ocean views and terracotta floors. Michelin-starred Nub is a prime dining option, which wows with dishes including cod with crunchy sourdough and corn crème brulee. Doubles from £390, thetaishotels.com.
Granada, Spain
Average temperature: 12 to 16C
The Alhambra is blissfully quiet at this time of year. Explore its palaces, courtyards and Generalife Gardens without the crush. Then wander the Albaicín’s steep lanes for views of the Sierra Nevada, which often has snow on the peaks.
Evenings should be spent doing as the locals do – ducking into traditional tapas bars where free plates of nibbles come alongside with your drink.
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A converted 17th-century building in Granada’s Realejo district, Gar-Anat is a boutique hotel with a literary theme that sits within easy walking distance of all the main attractions. Head to the courtyard where there are art exhibitions and a metallic wishing tree you can attach a note to – possibly to wish for a longer stay. Doubles from £83, hotelgaranat.com.
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A 14th-century Moorish palace, the Parador de Granada is one of the most exclusive hotels in all of Spain, with service and style to satisfy even the most demanding soberano. Positioned inside the World Heritage-listed Alhambra complex, the sumptuous rooms come replete with terracotta-tiled floors and Alpujarran rugs. Be sure to book a room in the main palace, rather than the modern extension. Doubles from £311, paradores.es.
Valletta, Malta
Average temperature: 14 to 17C
This compact Maltese capital feels tailor-made for winter walking. Spend a brisk morning exploring St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its Caravaggio paintings and baroque excess.
Then head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for harbour views. It’s only a very short ferry ride from here to Senglea and Vittoriosa, where you can wander fortified streets without the cruise-ship crowds that make it heavy going in the summer.
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Just around the corner from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Casa Asti is an all-female-run hideaway in a 350-year-old townhouse. There’s a gorgeous marble staircase leading to the eight rooms (some with balconies) while the outdoor tables are a great spot to perch while tucking into a Maltese platter of local meats and cheeses. Doubles from £79, casaastimalta.com.
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An Art Deco behemoth and a favourite with our own Royal Family, the Phoenicia sits right by the main gates of Valletta’s historic citadel. From here, your view is studded with lawns, flowers and grand terraces, while the rooms are bathed in shades of blue, cream and white. Breakfast is the finest in Malta, featuring all-but-endless selections of locally sourced fish, hams and honey. Doubles from £280, phoeniciamalta.com.
Muscat, Oman
Average temperature: 22 to 26C
February is peak season in Oman for good reason: it brings dry, sunny days perfect for visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, wandering Mutrah Souq and driving to Wadi Shab for swimming in turquoise pools between canyon walls. The cooler temperatures also make a night in the Wahiba Sands far more comfortable than later in the year.
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Oman doesn’t really do much in the way of truly budget accommodation, but the Kempinski offers superb value for what you get. Perched on the shores of the Gulf of Oman and just ten minutes by taxi to the Grand Mosque, the Kempinski swerves gaudiness in favour of restrained chic. It has a huge pool, large rooms and a breakfast buffet heaving with fresh pastries and smoothies. Doubles from £240, kempinski.com.
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It’s easy to spend a vast amount of money on an Omani vacation, but you won’t splash out more wisely than checking into the Mandarin Oriental. The rival Chedi resort scoops up most of the plaudits, but the MO feels more distinctively Omani with its design credo.
Located in the uber-wealthy Shatti Al-Qurum neighbourhood, the fountains, marble and chandeliers feel tasteful rather than showy – an achievement in itself. Even the lowest-priced rooms are huge, with magnificent views from the balconies out over either the Hajar Mountains or the Gulf of Oman. Doubles from £348, mandarinoriental.com.
Cartagena, Colombia
Average temperature: 28 to 30C
February is dry season in Cartagena, making it an excellent month to walk the city’s colourful old town. In just a single day, you’ll have time to explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, stroll the ramparts, and take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling and beach time. The humidity is lower at this time of year, too – making city wandering far less sticky, even in the midday sun.
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Right in the midst of the parks, restaurants and bars of the city’s old town, the Townhouse is a relaxed bolthole with staff who know the area back-to-front, and a rooftop bar that’s a palm-fringed delight for cocktails at sunset.
There are two (very small) plunge pools and each room is decorated with colourful murals of Colombian birds. Doubles from £125, townhousecartagena.com.
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The most sophisticated hotel in Cartagena, Casa San Agustin dates back to the 17th century and the rooms are scattered within three interconnected townhouses. Everything here nods with a light touch to Cartagena’s long history, from the curated ceramics and wooden beams, to the library (with complimentary coffee all day).
Restaurante Alma is one of the best in the city, excelling at Colombian-Caribbean dishes such as fish steamed in plantain leaves or marinated in lime and coconut milk. Doubles from £380, hotelcasasanagustin.com.
Seville, Spain
Average temperature: 16 to 19C
February is arguably the best month of the year to explore Seville on foot. The Alcázar gardens are green and fragrant after the winter rains, while the crowds at the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower are far thinner than in spring.
Anyone who has experienced Seville in the summer will thrill at the notion of strolling the tiled pavilions of Plaza de España without the furnace-like heat. That said, it’s still easily warm enough to do some al fresco evening tapas hopping in Triana – though locals may think you’re loco for sitting outside.
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Tucked into a corner of the Jewish Quarter and an easy walk on foot to the Alcazar and cathedral, Hotel Alcantara is a quiet bolthole set around a large courtyard, which offers outstanding value for money.
The brick parquet flooring and ceramic tiles give the hotel a real sense of place, while the rooms are bathed in sunlight, complementing the pale yellow hues. Breakfast costs around £6 extra, but it’s well worth it to eat serrano and drink fresh coffee in the courtyard of a morning. Doubles from £44, hotelalcantara.es.
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The Marriot chain may not be best known for ultra-luxe properties, but the Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of the most sumptuous hotels in their global collection.
Dominating Puerta de Jerez, it was built by King Alfonso in 1929 to house his VIP guests for an equestrian event. All the marble floors, original wooden lifts and immense chandeliers remain in situ from that era, while modern touches are also present in the form of an outstanding gym and sauna.
Restaurante San Fernando also offers contemporary takes on traditional Andalusian dishes; try the suckling lamb with palo cortado sherry, polenta and orange glazed carrot. Doubles from £360, marriott.com.
Rome, Italy
Average temperature: 10 to 14C
The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are all vastly more enjoyable without the baking heat and cruise-ship crowds.
February is also prime time for lingering in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. It can get a little chilly, but you won’t need too many layers in order to relish the walk from the Pantheon to Piazza Navona to Trastevere, the city’s most bohemian ‘hood on the banks of the Tibor.
On a shoestring
Relais Le Clarisse is one of the best-value options in a city where a hotel bargain is hard to find. In the Trastevere neighbourhood, the building dates back to the 12th century and was once a nunnery. Rooms are pretty basic, but the atmosphere is lovely – festooned with exposed beams and terracotta floors.
For breakast, you’ll find a generous spread of pastries, cheeses and cold cuts, served either in the old refectory or the lush courtyard. Doubles from £112, leclarissetrastevere.com.
Blow the budget
High-end hotel prices in Rome are utterly ludicrous; but there’s a middle ground where you can splurge without getting scorch marks on your credit card.
The Singer Palace is an Art Deco beauty with a rooftop bar offering knock-out views of the city. Built in 1930, the building was originally the Italian HQ for the American sewing machine company Singer. Today, the original marble staircase still rises elegantly from reception, while the rooms keep up the chic-retro vibe with vintage furniture and parquet flooring. Don’t miss starting the day with maritozzo buns stuffed with cream from the breakfast buffet. Doubles from £393 singerpalacehotel.com.
Marrakech, Morocco
Average temperature: 18 to 21C
The souks are easier to navigate, Jardin Majorelle is calmer, and climbing to rooftop terraces for mint tea feels like a pleasure rather than a test. February is also a fine month for a day trip into the High Atlas, where snow can still cap the peaks.
On a shoestring
Riad Zamzam offers excellent value for its unique location inside the former home of a local fortune teller and gorgeous roof terrace. Close to the Souk el Khemis market in the north of the medina, this seven-room hideaway is now owned by a British couple, and the décor is a lovingly curated melange of berber carpets and locally crafted lanterns. The rooms are simple but far from frugal, featuring silks, marble bathrooms and king-size beds. Doubles from £60 (riadzamzam.com).
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Two century-old country mansions come together to create the only Relais & Chateaux property in Marrakesh. As you’d expect, it’s a graceful and elegant space, the highlight of which is a gorgeous pool, shaded by orange trees.
Located just outside the medina walls, the Kasbah is only a ten-minute walk from here. You might find it hard to tear yourself from the gardens, rich with the aroma of citrus, or sprawling with a book on the huge leather sofas in the hotel’s salon. Doubles from £595, villadesorangers.com.
New York City, USA
Average temperature: 2 to 6C
OK, so it can get very cold in the Big Apple at this time of year. But February is when hotel rates dip and the vast array of museums come into their own.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA and the Whitney can all be explored without the peak-season queues, while Broadway ticket availability is better than at almost any other time of year.
On a shoestring
Just five minutes’ walk from Grand Central Station, the Renwick really is in the absolute heart of Midtown.
Once a collection of art studios, this is one of the best-value hotels on the island, with the creative aesthetic still rampantly intact in the form of superb graffiti murals that pay homage to some of the talents that once resided here – including Thomas Mann and John Steinbeck.
Rooms are bedecked in black and white with hardwood floors, exuding the feel of a cool apartment rather than a hotel. The bar downstairs has a decent cocktail menu, plentiful bourbon and is a huge draw for the local after-work crowd. Doubles from £120, therenwick.com.
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Quirky elegance is the trope that dominates the Whitby Hotel, created by Kit Kemp and his esteemed Firmdale Hotel group. Located close to Fifth Avenue in Midtown, every item – from the cutlery to the wallpaper – shows an uncommonly talented design flair. Rooms are large by Manhattan standards, with the suites coming with a furnished terrace.
The Whitby Bar is a real destination joint for locals as well as guests, with a typically modern-NY menu featuring Burrata Pugliese scrambled eggs, and buttermilk pancakes with berry compote and whipped cream. Doubles from £665, firmdalehotels.com.
Lisbon, Portugal
Average temperature: 15 to 18C
February in the Portuguese capital is pleasantly warm (though the locals will still be wrapped up in scarves) for tram-hopping through Alfama, climbing to São Jorge Castle for views over the Tagus, and walking the hills of Bairro Alto without breaking into a sweat.
The lower temperatures are also ideal for taking a day trip to Sintra to tour Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira before the peak season tour buses descend.
On a shoestring
A theatrical flourish runs through the Teatro Boutique – a small, characterful B&B straddling Chiado and Bairro Alto. The rooms are individually styled around commedia dell’arte themes, with chandeliers, mirrors and rich fabrics.
The central location puts Lisbon’s best nightlife, fado houses and cafes within easy stumbling distance. Doubles from £56, teatrobbb.com.
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A grande dame reborn, the Bairro Alto Hotel occupies a landmark corner building overlooking Praça Luís de Camões.
Redesigned by Eduardo Souto de Moura, it marries contemporary Portuguese design with classical bones. Ask for one of the elegant rooms with river views, before reclining on the rooftop terrace – one of the city’s most coveted spots for sundowners. There’s a refined brasserie, a serious cocktail bar and a discreet spa for recovery after a day travelling on the city’s tram lines. Doubles from £412, bairroaltohotel.com.
Cape Town, South Africa
Average temperature: 25 to 27C
February is late summer in the Mother City, meaning hot, dry days and excellent conditions for riding the cable car up Table Mountain, hiking or driving Chapman’s Peak, and visiting Cape Point.
The vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are lush, and if you head for some beach time at Clifton and Camps Bay you’ll find it busy, but predominantly with Capetonians soaking up the last of the rays before the windy season takes hold.
On a shoestring
The Grand Daddy mixes Art Deco swagger with playful modern touches. Its headline attraction is the rooftop Airstream trailer park, where vintage silver caravans have been transformed into themed luxury suites with city and mountain views.
The Daddy Cool Bar keeps the social energy high, with DJs and cocktails to entertain guests who tend to be travellers with more quirky aspirations to their Cape Town trip than simply climbing Table Mountain. Doubles from £135, granddaddy.co.za.
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High on the slopes above Bantry Bay, Compass House is a serene, design-led hideaway with knockout Atlantic views. This boutique guesthouse feels more like a private residence, with just a handful of beautifully finished rooms, sleek communal spaces and an infinity pool that seems to spill into the sea.
The interiors are calm and contemporary, all pale wood, glass and coastal light, while the breakfasts are leisurely affairs on the terrace. Try their superb eggs florentine. Doubles from £500, compasshouse.co.za.
Bangkok, Thailand
Average temperature: 26 to 32C
One of the driest and most manageable months of the year in the Thai capital, February is a great time to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho without the infamous monsoon humidity. Take a long-tail boat through the canals of Thonburi, before exploring the Chatuchak or Pak Khlong Talat flower markets without melting – or needing a litre of sunblock.
On a shoestring
Set in a restored teak house on the banks of the Chao Phraya, Loy La Long is a sensuous time capsule of old Bangkok. The handful of individually styled rooms contain four-poster beds, vintage furnishings and wraparound balconies overlooking passing long-tail boats. Breakfast is served on a wooden terrace above the water, while evenings glow with lantern light and the hum of river life. Doubles from £86, loylalong.com.
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A statement hotel in every sense, The Siam is a sprawling, Bill Bensley-designed fantasy of courtyards, antiques and riverside calm.
Set on a private stretch of the Chao Phraya, it feels more like a grand residence than a hotel, with vast suites, private pool villas and superbly curated collections of Thai art and curios. There’s a serene spa, riverside dining and even a Muay Thai boxing ring for cultural immersion. This is Bangkok at its most theatrical and indulgent, ideal for a sense of retreating from the hustle of city life – without actually leaving it. Doubles from £736, thesiamhotel.com.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Average temperature: 24 to 29C
It’s still summertime in February on the banks of the River Plate, but there’s fewer visitors than in the weeks following the turn of the New Year. This is a good month for wandering San Telmo’s antique shops and through the colourful streets of La Boca, before lingering over steak dinners in Palermo.
Walk off your sirloin with an evening post-prandial stroll around Puerto Madero, where you’ll still feel warm after dark.
On a shoestring
A modern eco-minded bolthole in Palermo Hollywood, Palo Santo champions clean lines, sustainability and light-filled spaces. The rooms are airy and contemporary, many with private terraces or garden views, while green walls and natural materials soften the urban feel.
The rooftop pool and terrace provide a leafy escape from the city heat, and the restaurant Charqui focuses on fresh, seasonal Argentine produce with dishes including slow-cooked ojo de bife (rib eye) with Andean potatoes. Doubles from £158, palosantohotel.com.
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An opulent throwback to Belle Époque Buenos Aires, Algodon Mansion is a former townhouse transformed into a lavish, all-suite retreat. Located in upscale Recoleta, it offers grand proportions, marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs and discreet, old-school service.
The rooftop pool and terrace add a modern flourish, while the wine bar and fine dining nod to the owners’ Argentine vineyard heritage. Doubles from £340, algodonhotels.com.
Kyoto, Japan
Average temperature: 6 to 10C
Cold but beautifully clear, February in Kyoto means the graceful Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is at its most photogenic. You won’t see any cherry blossom at Fushimi Inari’s torii gates or the rock garden at Ryōan-ji, but the good news is you won’t have crowds to bother with either. Snow occasionally dusts the temple roofs at this time of year too, making a city stroll followed by some hot sake an ideal way to spend a winter’s afternoon.
On a shoestring
A contemporary design hotel in central Kyoto, Node blurs the line between gallery, social hub and boutique stay. The rooms are sleek affairs with warm woods, concrete finishes and curated art installations throughout the hotel.
Downstairs, the restaurant serves up some contemporary takes using local ingredients, such as omi roast beef with bittersweet vegetables and Kyoto ‘mochi’ grilled pork. Doubles from £185, nodehotel.com.
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Once the mountain retreat of a Japanese imperial prince, Yoshida Sanso is an exceptionally rarefied ryokan experience set in the wooded hills above the city.
With just a small number of traditional tatami rooms, it offers impeccable kaiseki (haute cuisine) dining, serene gardens and deeply attentive service. Sliding screens, futon bedding and seasonal cuisine place guests firmly in the rhythms of classical Japan. Contemplative and discreet, this is a retreat made for slowing down and experiencing Kyoto through its most refined traditions. Doubles from £635, yoshida-sanso.com.
Jordan
Average temperature: 12 to 18C
February is excellent for walking Petra’s magnificent Siq and climbing to Ed Deir (‘The Monastery’), without succumbing to heat exhaustion.
The Dead Sea remains warm enough for floating, and Wadi Rum is cool enough for long desert hikes and jeep tours. Be aware that the evenings can get chilly under the desert skies, but days are unbeatable for exploring.
On a shoestring
A large, well-established resort on the shores of the Dead Sea, the draws here are the mineral-rich waters, therapeutic mud and expansive spa facilities. The rooms are spacious and modern, many with sea views – although without a huge amount of character.
In a country with very few true budget options, this is one of the most dependable places to experience the Dead Sea at close quarters. Doubles from £114, marriott.com.
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Deep in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Feynan Ecolodge is one of the region’s most celebrated sustainable stays. Run in partnership with the local Bedouin community, it operates largely without electricity, relying on candlelight and solar power to create a magical, low-impact atmosphere.
Rooms are simple but beautifully crafted, and evenings glow with hundreds of flickering flames. Activities include guided hikes, stargazing, cooking classes and even trips down the ancient local copper mines. Doubles from £185, ecohotels.me.
Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, USA
Average temperature: 18 to 22C
This is peak season for a Californian desert break. The Joshua Tree National Park looks its most striking for hikes among the boulder formations and spiky yuccas, while Palm Springs is in fine fettle with its mid-century architecture tours. There’s also the potential for a dose of poolside lounging, without the summer’s brutal heat.
On a shoestring
A mid-century icon, the Riviera is pure Palm Springs Rat Pack-era glamour, with a playful, party-ready edge. Think bold colours, cabanas, sprawling pools and a social scene that leans more into a decadent pool-party than quiet retreat. The rooms and suites have myriad nods to retro style, while the slew of in-house bars and restaurants keep the energy flowing. Don’t miss a cocktail with mountain views at the Starlite bar; we love their Moonlit Night creation, made with Botanist gin and Solerno blood orange liqueur. Doubles from £135, rivierapalmsprings.com.
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The author, potter and designer Jonathan Adler’s riot of colour and creative flair defines the Parker – a legendary desert resort set in lush, manicured grounds. It offers tennis courts, multiple pools, a standout spa and rooms and villas that mix mid-century references with bold patterns and playful luxury.
The Counter Reformation bar is an essential experience here, offering one of the best wine lists in California, with superb savoury nibbles to match. Doubles from £488, parkerpalmsprings.com.
Venice, Italy
Average temperature: 8 to 12C
February strips Venice back to something close to normality, where there’s even a fair chance that the person sitting next to you in a café (as along as you avoid San Marco Square) might be an actual Venetian.
St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are all calmer, and wandering Cannaregio’s backstreets feels like a pleasure rather than a scrum. You’ll want to wrap up warm, though – and drink your spritz indoors.
On a shoestring
Tucked away in the Castello district, Hotel Sant’Antonin offers that rare Venetian commodity: a peaceful private garden. This family-run boutique hotel feels like a local’s home, with the elegant rooms featuring terrazzo floors, rich Venetian fabrics and luxurious linens. The location is a belter too, offering easy access to the Bridge of Sighs and the Church of San Zaccaria. Doubles from £67, antoninvenice.com.
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Occupying a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice is Venetian luxury at its most rarefied. Frescoed ceilings, gilded salons and museum-quality art create an atmosphere closer to a private palace than a hotel. The rooms and suites are some of the biggest in the city, while the secret garden offers a tranquil escape from the canal’s bustle.
Service is discreet and deeply personalised in true Aman style. Don’t miss a trip to the music room while you’re here – it contains a grand piano that was once played by Chopin. Doubles from £944, aman.com.
Dubai, UAE
Average temperature: 20 to 25C
February is peak outdoor season in the UAE’s most popular city. It can still get pretty toasty in the middle of the day, but it’s perfectly comfortable to walk around the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood if you rise early. Slow down in the afternoon by taking an abra, a traditional wooden boat, across Dubai Creek to explore the old souks. If you still have the energy, then there’s the option of a desert safari – though you might be lured by a sun lounger on the beach at Jumeirah.
On a shoestring
Damani Lodges is a desert escape that blends contemporary resort comforts with a sense of seclusion from Dubai’s high-rise spectacle. This is Gulf state-style glamping – so expect pools, spa elements and curated experiences.
If you tire of the air-conditioned shopping malls, this is where to head for a few days of archery, axe- throwing, mountain biking and even zorbing down the dunes. Vintage glamping camper for two from £109, visithatta.com.
Blow the budget
And, finally, our most experience choice. Jumeirah Al Qasr is part of the Madinat Jumeirah complex and delivers full tilt Arabian fantasy. There are sweeping waterways, grand architecture, private beaches and richly decorated rooms here with guests arriving by traditional wooden ‘abra’ boats.
The service is ultra-polished, the Lebanese meze at the in house Al Nafoorah is some of the best you’ll find outside Beirut and everything is engineered for spectacle and comfort.
Should you splash the cash, be reassured in the knowledge that even at this price, this is still far from the most experience hotel in Dubai. Doubles from £1,100, jumeirah.com.
