Europe stays firmly in winter through February, though the month also brings its own set of traditions that set it apart from January.
Alpine regions remain deep into ski season, with reliable snow and full resort operations running through the month. Venice and several other cities hold carnival celebrations in the weeks before Lent, filling streets with costumes, masks and parades, though the exact dates shift from year to year. Northern Europe still offers strong odds of seeing the northern lights, thanks to long winter nights. Southern Europe stays milder by comparison, and its cities remain quieter than during the summer rush, which makes February a comfortable month for sightseeing without the usual crowds. Smaller towns across the continent tend to feel especially calm this time of year too.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same mix of ski season, carnival traditions and quieter city breaks.
