8 Perfect Vacation Destinations to Visit in February

Miami doesn’t cool down much, making it the perfect jaunt for east coast snowbirds in the winter. But it becomes even more of a tempting destination in February when flight prices are among the lowest they’ll be all year. The city also hosts a variety of events this month, including Art Wynwood, the Miami Yacht Show, and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Hainan is known as “the Hawaii of China” for its tropical climate, making it a perfect destination to escape the winter blues. A February visit also ensures that you’ll be able to celebrate Chinese New Year in the country. Be prepared to eat your way through the celebrations at multiple hawker stands.

February is one of the most ideal times to head all the way up North if you’re trying to see the Northern Lights. You won’t have to battle the crowds that come to Lapland around Christmas and you can take advantage of lower prices. But the nights are still especially long, giving you a pretty good chance of catching the incandescent phenomenon.

Rio is a top-notch choice for winter travelers looking to escape the cold. The beaches remain hot from December through March and the city is vibrant with energy. Depending on the year, you may even be able to catch the spectacle that is Brazilian Carnival.

Hawaii is magnificent as it changes through the seasons but travelers who prefer to spend their time out on the water should book a trip for February. Whether you hop on a board or just like watching others shred, February is big wave season in the water. If you head a bit further out, you’ll likely be able to see humpback whales on migration.

February is a near-perfect time of year for Singapore. It’s the end of monsoon season but it’s also just before the start of the busy travel season. You’ll likely be able to snag a great deal on a hotel while avoiding nasty weather.

In February, Zanzibar gets hot and dry, making it an ideal tropical escape for anybody looking to sit on the beach and absorb some sun. Scuba divers and snorkelers have particular reason to head out in February as the water along the coast is especially clear this time of year. But you’re forgiven for just wanting to sit on the white sand beaches and do nothing but enjoy the weather.

Snowbunnies will find peak skiing conditions in Alta in February. If your favorite slopes are those with deep powder, this is the time of year to visit. Alta is consistently ranked among the top ski and snowboarding destinations for the month, typically receiving hundreds of inches of snowfall every year.