Where to go in February for sun? In February, the three safest destinations for sunshine are the French Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Maldives. Guadeloupe has its driest month, Costa Rica is in the heart of its dry season, and the Maldives record their lowest rainfall of the year.
February is, with January, one of the best months for the tropics of the northern hemisphere: the Caribbean, Central America, South and Southeast Asia. It is also a month of winter school holidays in Europe and North America, which push prices up. By contrast, the southern Indian Ocean (Réunion, Mauritius) is in the heart of the cyclone season. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in February: key facts
- Sun and heat: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Costa Rica, Mexico (Yucatán), Maldives, Thailand
- Culture and cities: Egypt (Luxor), Oman, Sri Lanka, southern Vietnam
- Safari: northern Tanzania (wildebeest calving), combined with Zanzibar
- Mild and easy: Canary Islands; for the northern lights, Iceland
- Best avoided: Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Bali (rainy season)
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in February
| Destination | Average high (February) | Average rain (February) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) | 29.1 °C (84 °F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | Beach, hiking |
| Costa Rica (Liberia) | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | Nature, wildlife, Pacific coast |
| Mexico (Yucatán) (Cancún) | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 42.7 mm (1.7 in) | Beach, cenotes, Maya sites |
| Thailand (Bangkok) | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | First trip, beaches |
| Vietnam (south) (Ho Chi Minh City) | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | Mekong Delta, islands |
| Sri Lanka (west and south coast) (Colombo) | 31.6 °C (89 °F) | 77 mm (3.0 in) | Culture, beaches |
| Maldives (Malé) | 31.0 °C (88 °F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | Beach, diving, honeymoon |
| Tanzania (north) and Zanzibar (Kilimanjaro Airport) | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | Safari, beach |
| Egypt (Luxor) | 25.3 °C (78 °F) | 0.4 mm (0.02 in) | Culture, Nile cruise |
| Oman (Muscat) | 26.3 °C (79 °F) | 6.5 mm (0.3 in) | Desert, culture, hiking |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | Mild weather |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | 3.3 °C (38 °F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | Northern lights, winter landscapes |
These figures are averages over several decades: any given year can be drier or wetter. Rainfall totals do not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Where to go in February on a budget
This second table ranks the destinations from cheapest to most expensive, with a rough low-budget cost on the ground per person per day, excluding flights. Flight prices are not shown: they vary too much with the booking date and your departure airport.
| Destination | Low-budget cost on the ground (per person per day, excluding flights, roughly) |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (west and south coast) | $40 to $65 |
| Thailand (Bangkok) | $40 to $65 |
| Vietnam (south) | $40 to $55 |
| Mexico (Yucatán) | $45 to $80 |
| Egypt (Luxor) | $45 to $80 |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) | $65 to $100 |
| Costa Rica (Liberia) | $65 to $100 |
| Oman (Muscat) | $80 to $135 |
| Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) | $80 to $125 |
| Maldives (Malé) | $90 to $170 |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | $110 to $170 |
| Tanzania (north) and Zanzibar (Kilimanjaro Airport) | $170 to $280 |
Guadeloupe
February is the driest month of the year in Pointe-à-Pitre: in the middle of Lent season (carême), the dry season in the Caribbean, the trade winds cool the air and the sea stays warm. Neighbouring Martinique offers comparable conditions, with 77 mm (3.0 in) of rain on average in Fort-de-France (see our guide when to go to Martinique). Guadeloupe is a French overseas region, so the euro is the local currency.
Caveat: this is the busiest time of year, with winter school holidays, and flights are at their most expensive. It is also carnival season: in 2027, Ash Wednesday falls on 10 February, and the « fat days » precede it. The mountainous Basse-Terre stays far wetter than Grande-Terre.
In February in Pointe-à-Pitre: 29.1 °C (84 °F) average high and 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Guadeloupe)?
Costa Rica
In February, Costa Rica is in the heart of its dry season: 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain on average in Liberia, in Guanacaste. The beaches of the northern Pacific, the volcanoes (Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja) and the cloud forests of Monteverde can be visited in good conditions.
Caveat: the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo) follows a different pattern and stays wetter. Prices are high-season prices, and the wind can blow hard in the northwest of the country.
In February in Liberia: 34.4 °C (94 °F) average high and 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Costa Rica)?
Mexico (Yucatán)
February is one of the driest months in Cancún (42.7 mm (1.7 in)). On the Yucatán Peninsula the heat stays moderate, which makes for easy days between beaches, cenotes and Maya sites such as Chichén Itzá, Tulum or Uxmal. Beaches, cenotes and Maya sites in moderate heat: February is among the candidates for the best time to go to Cancún.
Caveat: northerly gusts (the « nortes ») can still cool the air and stir up the sea for a few days. Crowds are heavy during the European and North American winter holidays.
In February in Cancún: 29.3 °C (85 °F) average high and 42.7 mm (1.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mexico)?
Thailand
February is still in the middle of the dry season across almost all of Thailand: 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain in Bangkok, 10 mm (0.4 in) in Chiang Mai, 24 mm (0.9 in) in Phuket. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta) has a calm sea, and the Gulf (Ko Samui) is pleasant again (64 mm (2.5 in)).
Caveat: the heat rises (33.7 °C (93 °F) average high in Bangkok). In the north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), the agricultural burning season can degrade air quality from the end of winter, especially in March and April.
In February in Bangkok: 33.7 °C (93 °F) average high and 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Thailand)?
Vietnam (south)
February is in the middle of the dry season in southern Vietnam: only 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain on average in Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island can be visited in good conditions. The centre (Hue, Hoi An) is coming out of its rainy season, with 63 mm (2.5 in) in Hue. With the centre only just out of the rains, planning a trip to Hoi An for the end of winter means watching the local forecast.
Caveat: the north stays cool and often overcast, with drizzle (21.7 °C (71 °F) average high in Hanoi). Tet, the Lunar New Year, falls in February in some years: transport and accommodation are then packed, and many shops close for several days.
In February in Ho Chi Minh City: 32.7 °C (91 °F) average high and 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Vietnam)?
Sri Lanka (west and south coast)
February is one of the driest months in Colombo (77 mm (3.0 in)) and one of the most pleasant for a full tour: the beaches of the southwest (Galle, Mirissa), the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura) and the tea plantations of the highlands around Nuwara Eliya.
Caveat: the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is not yet in its best season (96 mm (3.8 in) in Trincomalee). The highlands are cool (21 °C (70 °F) average high in Nuwara Eliya). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026), many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year: get advice from your hotel or tour operator before going in the sea.
In February in Colombo: 31.6 °C (89 °F) average high and 77 mm (3.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Sri Lanka)?
Maldives
February is the driest month of the year in Malé: 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain and a little over 3 rainy days on average. The sea is generally calm and underwater visibility is good, in the heart of the dry season.
Caveat: this is high season, with resort rates among the highest of the year, especially during winter school holidays. The south of the archipelago is a little wetter (79 mm (3.1 in) in Gan, on Addu Atoll).
In February in Malé: 31.0 °C (88 °F) average high and 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Maldives)?
Tanzania (north) and Zanzibar
February falls between the short and long rains in northern Tanzania. It is the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area), sought after for safaris. Zanzibar is hot and still fairly dry (51 mm (2.0 in)), so you can finish the trip on the beach. With only 51 mm (2.0 in) of rain, the island is pleasant after a safari: the best time to go to Zanzibar often follows this calendar.
Caveat: it is hot (33.7 °C (93 °F) average high at Kilimanjaro Airport) and the long rains are approaching: they set in from March. Lodges close to the herds are booked far in advance.
In February in Kilimanjaro Airport: 33.7 °C (93 °F) average high and 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Tanzania)?
Egypt (Luxor)
February is ideal for the temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and a Nile cruise to Aswan: 25.3 °C (78 °F) average high and almost no rain. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026), the FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate and to within 20 km of the Egypt-Libya border, and against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai (beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except the coastal areas); the advice also lists Luxor, Qina, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings as exceptions to its warning for the Western Desert. Check the full advice before booking. Warm sea and diving: our Hurghada travel guide explains how to enjoy the coast and reach Luxor.
Caveat: nights are cold (8.9 °C (48 °F) average low in Luxor): pack a sweater for early starts and balloon flights. It is the very high season on the Nile. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin in February (the date depends on the sighting of the moon): some opening hours are then adjusted.
In February in Luxor: 25.3 °C (78 °F) average high and 0.4 mm (0.02 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Egypt)?
Oman (Muscat)
February is one of the best months for Oman: 26.3 °C (79 °F) average high in Muscat and very little rain. The forts of Nizwa and Bahla, the wadis, the Wahiba dunes and Jebel Akhdar combine into one to two weeks. Forts of Nizwa, wadis and Wahiba dunes: our Oman travel guide offers material to build those one to two weeks.
Caveat: nights are cool in the desert and at altitude. Ramadan, expected in February in 2027 (the date depends on the sighting of the moon), changes opening hours: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 July 2026), do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime during Ramadan. Distances are long: plan on a car.
In February in Muscat: 26.3 °C (79 °F) average high and 6.5 mm (0.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Oman (Muscat))?
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
The Canary Islands remain the most accessible mild escape in February: 21.6 °C (71 °F) average high in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a little more in the south of the island (22.9 °C (73 °F) at Tenerife Sur). The Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival, one of the biggest in Spain, usually takes place in February, depending on the date of Easter.
Caveat: February is one of the coolest months of the year, and the sea is bracing. The north of the islands is cloudier, and a few showers remain possible (33 mm (1.3 in) in Santa Cruz). Crowds are heavy during carnival.
In February in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 21.6 °C (71 °F) average high and 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canary Islands)?
Iceland
If you are not looking for sun, Iceland is an option in February: the nights are still long, which leaves time to watch for the northern lights, and the snowy landscapes of the south (waterfalls, black beaches, glaciers) can be visited from Reykjavik. The Winter Lights festival brightens the capital in February.
Caveat: it is cold (3.3 °C (38 °F) average high in Reykjavik), the wind is frequent and roads can be closed by snow or storms. The northern lights are never guaranteed: they depend on solar activity and cloud cover.
In February in Reykjavik: 3.3 °C (38 °F) average high and 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Iceland)?
Preparing for a February trip
February coincides with winter school holidays in Europe and North America. During those weeks, flights to the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and other sun destinations are at their most expensive. If you are not tied to school calendars, travelling outside peak holiday periods often means paying less for the same weather.
For the Indian Ocean, February is in the heart of the cyclone season (usually November to May in Mauritius, according to the UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026): if you go anyway, take out travel insurance that covers cancellation for weather events and follow the bulletins of the official weather services. For entry requirements (passport, visa, electronic authorisation) and health, check the official travel advice of your own government (for example travel.state.gov in the US or GOV.UK in the UK) before booking.
Destinations to avoid in February
- Réunion: February is the wettest month in Saint-Denis (279 mm (11.0 in)) and falls within the Indian Ocean cyclone season.
- Mauritius: 160 mm (6.3 in) in Port Louis, the wettest month, within the cyclone season, which according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 October 2026) usually runs from November to May.
- The Seychelles and Bali: still in the wet season (251 mm (9.9 in) in Victoria, 274 mm (10.8 in) in Denpasar).
- Cuba: the climate is favourable in February (68.6 mm (2.7 in) of rain in Havana), but the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) advises against all but essential travel to the island because of grid collapses, shortages and flight suspensions. Check the latest advice before making any plans; climate details are in our guide to Cuba.
Toutes nos destinations idéales en février (69)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find sun in February?
Guadeloupe, Martinique, Costa Rica, Mexico (Yucatán), Thailand, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and southern Vietnam are in the dry season in February. Closer to Europe, the Canary Islands have an average high of about 21 °C (70 °F), and Cape Verde about 25 °C (77 °F) with almost no rain (0.5 mm (0.02 in) on Sal).
Where can I go in February during the winter school holidays?
The French Caribbean is a safe bet: February is the heart of the dry season there. Closer to Europe, Egypt and the Canary Islands are shorter trips. In every case, book early: demand is strong across all the sun destinations.
Where can I go in February on a low budget?
Outside the winter school holidays, flight prices often fall. Southern Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand have moderate costs on the ground, at roughly $40 to $65 per person per day (excluding flights), with dry weather in February.
Can I go to Mauritius or Réunion in February?
It is possible, but February is the wettest month and the heart of the cyclone season on both islands. If your dates are flexible, favour the drier period from May to November.
Is it a good idea to go to Iceland in February?
Yes if you want snowy landscapes and a chance of the northern lights, but it is cold (3.3 °C (38 °F) average high in Reykjavik), windy, and roads can close in bad weather.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Le Raizet); Costa Rica’s Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (Liberia); Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, 1991-2020 normals (Cancún); Thai Meteorological Department, 1991-2020 normals (Bangkok); IBST (Vietnam), standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD (Tan Son Nhat); Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology, via the WMO, 1991-2020 normals (Colombo); WMO, 1991-2020 normals (Malé); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Kilimanjaro Airport); Autorité météorologique égyptienne, via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Luxor); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Muscat airport); AEMET via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Santa Cruz de Tenerife); Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands), 1991-2020 averages (Reykjavik)
- Cuba: Instituto de Meteorología de Cuba, 1961-1990 normals published by the WMO (Havana), figures taken from our guide
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures taken from our « when to go » pages, which cover all 12 months
- Indicative budgets: practical fact sheets in our country guides, linked from each destination, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 23 October 2026
- UK FCDO foreign travel advice (GOV.UK): Egypt (updated 4 August 2026), Sri Lanka (21 September 2026), Oman (22 July 2026), Mauritius (19 October 2026), Cuba (updated 25 September 2026)
- How we select and verify destinations: see our page Our methodology
Updated November 2026.