Where to go in February

Melbourne

Voted the most liveable city multiple times, this artistic, modern city has a laid back charm that comes alive in the evening.

Weather

Temperature: min. 16°C, max. 27°C
Dry month with average 3.9cm rain
Clear and sunny most days, bring a light jacket for the evening
Melbourne is famous for being four seasons in one day, so layer up and always bring an umbrella just in case

Season

Australian summer, meaning peak season

Good for

Kids of all ages, foodies, mix of city and countryside

What’s there

City full of hidden laneways and tucked away vintage shops, miles of beaches and acres of parks, lots of cycle routes for sunny bike rides, boat rides along The Yarra, art galleries, the best coffee and brunch scene in the world, day trips to the countryside in Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road

What’s on

Midsumma Festival, White Night, Lonsdale St Greek Festival

Flight time from UK: 21h 40m

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand biggest island offers a good chance of perfect weather in February. Quieter and a little cheaper than January but still peak season, the townships will be busy as will the roads and beaches.

Weather

Temperature: min. 23°C, max. 32°C
Driest month with average 3.05cm rain
Sunshine most days, relatively low humidity

Season

End of the Thai ‘cool season’, February is peak season for tourism

Good for

Kids of all ages, sun chasers who love the beach, watersports

What’s there

Calm sea, ideal for swimming and diving, incredible beaches, lots of restaurants from Western to local food, island hopping to nearby Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui

What’s on

Phuket Old Town festival, when it falls in February you’ll see Chinese New Year festival

Flight time from UK: 14h 40m

North and South Islands, New Zealand

Although the two islands that make up New Zealand have vastly different terrains and weather, February marks the end of summer/start of autumn, guaranteeing some lovely, warm days perfect for watersports and outdoor activities.

Weather

Queenstown (south) min. 10°C, max. 22°C
Auckland (north) min. 17°C, max. 23°C
Driest month

Season

End of summer and still peak season, lovely weather with less crowds then January and December

Good for

Older children and teens who won’t mind being in the car or campervan, adventurous families

What’s there

A mix of beaches, city, countryside and smaller islands to visit. New Zealand is the home of extreme sports but if you prefer soft-adventure there’s hiking, kayaking, swimming, sailing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, scenic driving. Expect amazing wildlife

What’s on

Arts and culture festivals, Rugby Sevens in Wellington, Wellington Summer City with around 90 free events throughout summer
Great season for watersports

Flight time from UK to Auckland: 24h

Montreal, Canada

Thanks to La Fête des neiges, Montreal’s annual snow festival, this French-Canadian city becomes a winter activity hotspot during February and it’s close enough for a February half-term break. There’s plenty for families to do, from igloo building to snowshoeing.

Weather

Temperature: min. -12°C, max. -4°C
A mix of snowfall and deceivingly bright winter sun

Season

Off-peak season

Good for

Kids of all ages, as long as they’re wrapped up warm

What’s there

An animated city with an innovative food scene, quirky neighbourhoods, and cultural festivals

What’s on

La Fête des neiges, outdoor ice-skating rinks, the Polar Hero Race, Montréal en Lumière lights festival, the Lachine Canal cross-country ski trail

Flight time from UK: 7h 10m

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you want a quieter, more budget-friendly holiday to Rio, we’d recommend November. However, if you want to tick off a big bucket list item, Rio de Janeiro celebrates Carnival in February.

Weather

Temperature: min. 24°C, max. 33°C
Some chance of rain

Season

Right in the middle of peak season because of the incredible hot weather and a famous festival season, including Carnival

Good for

Older kids and teenagers will be best set to enjoy the busy scene in February across the city and beaches

What’s there

A colourful city and beach scene, including the famous Copacabana beach, and the iconic Christ The Redeemer statue. Get involved in a rich culture and treat yourself to some local culinary delights

What’s on

City, beaches, food, art and culture, wildlife

Flight time from UK: 11h 45m

Venice, Italy

Venice is a fairytale city with beautiful sites to behold around every corner. Carnival (or Carneval) starts in February and runs for two weeks. The city will be packed with people on the weekends but it’ll be a bit more manageable during the week; it’s all worth it to see the spectacle of the original Carnival.

Weather

Temperature: min. 1°C, max. 8°C
Fog is usually quite heavy on the streets, which can mean fun canal rides and a magical atmosphere

Season

The weather can still be bitterly cold in February but on the plus side, cruise ships have left so you won’t have to fight those extra crowds to see the sights

Good for

Teens and older kids would probably get the most out of it – the city can get very busy, so it might not be the best location for really young kids at this time of year

What’s there

Sample local seafood, make sure you visit the beautifully curated Peggy Guggenheim Museum and don’t forget Piazza San Marco

What’s on

Venice Carnival is the world’s oldest and its kids’ event programme is always thrilling and beautifully well-planned

Flight time from UK: 2 hours

Goa, India

Discover a calmer sort of seaside fun with temples, shrines and World Heritage sites amongst the white sand and blue Arabian sea.

Weather

Temperature: min. 20°C, max. 31°C
February is one of the driest months of the year, with an average of 0.1mm of rainfall over one rainy day – enjoy your holiday with peace of mind that you’ll be free from sudden rains and floods

Season

Goa’s best for beaches so the time to visit for sunshine, swimmable seas and cooling breezes is between mid-November and mid-February

Good for

Families wanting to soak up the sun and take in a couple of heritage sites. Perfect for a winter sun February half-term trip

What’s there

Don’t miss the Anjuna Market or Old Goa, World Heritage Bom Jesus Basilica, the romantic Indo-Portuguese mansions and the collection of convents and churches

What’s on

The Dudhsagar Waterfall is a must-visit during your holiday in Goa, as one of the tallest waterfalls in India. History buffs won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Reis Magos Fort

Flight time from UK: 12 hours

Gran Canaria

Often overlooked in the rush to Tenerife, Gran Canaria is not to be forgotten with its great beaches and beautiful landscapes; the ideal winter sun holiday.

Weather

Temperature: min. 15°C, max. 21°C
Average sea temperature is 19°C
There can be rainstorms during February but these are only short at around 30 minutes long and they shouldn’t interrupt your holiday

Season

February is one of the best times of the year to visit Gran Canaria for holidaymakers who love clear blue skies and sunshine but aren’t big fans of the bustling crowds and high temperatures that the peak summer months of July and August attract

Good for

A February half-term break that’s off-peak but sunny
From water sports to outdoor adventure, Gran Canaria caters for all the family

What’s there

Scuba Dive and have the chance to see everything from barracuda, octopus and cuttlefish to turtles, angel sharks and rays. If you’d rather stay above the water, explore the sea by boat; you won’t be disappointed either away

What’s on

Enjoy classical music at the Festival de Musica de Canarias with orchestras from all over the world or experience Canarian culture at the Almond Blossom Festival. The annual Carnival of Las Palmas – one of the biggest and most colourful Mardi Gras celebrations in Spain – is also on around this time

Flight time from UK: 4h 45m

Where to go in February