Best destinations to visit in February in North America
Best destinations to visit in February in North America
February keeps much of North America in the grip of winter, though a handful of warm weather escapes stay just as popular as ever.
Mountain regions remain deep into ski season, with reliable snow and full resort operations running well into the month. The Caribbean coast and Mexico stay warm and mostly dry, keeping them popular choices for travelers looking to escape the cold. New Orleans builds toward Mardi Gras in late February or early March, depending on the year, drawing visitors for parades, music and the citywide celebration leading up to it. Northern cities stay firmly cold, which suits travelers who enjoy snow covered streets, ice skating and quieter sightseeing without the summer crowds. Ski towns in particular tend to stay lively throughout the month, with the season still in full swing.
The destinations on our list for North America reflect that same range, from snowy mountains to warmer coastal escapes.
Lists by region
City in United States
New Orleans
Jazz, Creole Flavors and Mardi Gras Vibes
Krewes like Rex, Endymion and Bacchus send floats rolling through the city for Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday falls between early February and early March. King cakes with a hidden plastic baby appear in bakeries. Live brass bands play on Frenchmen Street late into the night.
City in United States
Savannah
Southern Charm, Moss-Draped Squares
This port city lies on the Savannah River, about 18 miles from the Atlantic at Tybee Island. Highs reach the mid 60s Fahrenheit by late February. Camellias begin to bloom beneath live oaks hung with Spanish moss. Forsyth Park has wide paths and a white fountain.
City in Mexico
Cancún
Sun, sea and ancient wonders
Powdery white sand and warm turquoise water line the 14 mile hotel zone on the Caribbean coast. Highs reach about 82 degrees Fahrenheit in February with little rain. Ferries cross to Isla Mujeres. Cenotes and Maya ruins fill day trips inland, including Chichén Itzá about two and a half hours away.
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
Snow crunches underfoot and bells ring through the air during Winter Carnival, held from late January into mid February. Maple taffy is poured on snow for a sweet treat. Montmorency Falls freezes into a tower of ice. It is 83 metres high. An ice hotel opens on the outskirts.
Town in Canada
Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
The Upper Hot Springs let you soak in steaming water near 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow falls softly around the pool. Skaters glide across frozen Lake Louise in front of a grand hotel. Ski areas such as Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay are close. Days stay cold and bright.
Island in United States
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
The crater of Haleakalā is large enough to hold Manhattan. Its summit reaches 10,023 feet. Peak whale season falls in February, with thousands of humpbacks gathering off the coast. Boats leave from Lahaina and Maalaea. Beaches at Wailea and Kaanapali stay warm all month for swimming.
Country
Guatemala
Land of diverse climates, volcanoes
Maya vendors fill the Chichicastenango market every Thursday and Sunday with woven cloth, masks and flowers. The dry season keeps volcano hikes and lake views clear. Antigua became a UNESCO site in 1979. Tikal's temples rise above the jungle canopy in the north of the country.
Country
Cuba
Tropical rhythms meet historic charm
The largest island in the Caribbean lies only 90 miles south of Key West. February falls in the dry season with highs near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Old Havana earned UNESCO status in 1982. Viñales Valley has limestone cliffs and tobacco farms. Trinidad keeps its cobbled colonial streets.
Country
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
Spanish conquistadors founded Granada in 1524 on Lake Nicaragua. It is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Dry sunny weather lasts through February. Ometepe Island has two volcanoes rising from the lake. Surf towns such as San Juan del Sur stay warm.
National Park in United States
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
Highs near 70 degrees Fahrenheit in February feel a world away from summer heat above 120. Hiking is comfortable on salt flats and canyon trails. Wildflowers can carpet the desert floor in wet winters. Dante's View gives a wide look down to the lowest point in North America.
Country
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
Rum making here dates to 1703 at Mount Gay. The historic Bridgetown garrison joined UNESCO's list in 2011. The dry season runs through February with highs near 86 degrees Fahrenheit and steady trade winds. Calm west coast beaches suit swimming. The rugged east coast draws surfers.
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