The 10 best places to visit in February 2026

February is a great time to travel, especially if you want to attend some of the year’s most exciting events. Winter sports enthusiasts should set their sights on northern Italy, where the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place throughout the month in venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. And Carnival and Mardi Gras festivities will wrap up Feb. 17 in various places around the world.

Weather-wise, February offers various ideal conditions across the globe: it’s prime ski season in the Northern Hemisphere while it’s late summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s also the dry season for many tropical destinations, making it an ideal time for travel to the Caribbean, Central America and many parts of Asia and Africa.

Here are 10 great destinations to consider for your February getaway.

Northern Italy

Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are the official hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which takes place from Feb. 6-22. Downhill skiing and luge events will occur in the Dolomites, while Milan will host the ice skating events and the opening ceremony. The newly built 16,000-seat Milano Santa Giulia Arena will be the ice hockey venue, while the ancient Roman amphitheater in Verona will host the closing ceremony. Snag tickets to events and competitions here to join the action.

TPG tip: Cortina d’Ampezzo is experiencing a luxury hotel boom right now, including the reborn Ancora Cortina and an upcoming Mandarin Oriental, which is expected to open in 2026. Our eyes are on the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, a 45-minute drive outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo, that is bookable with points through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Select Amex cardholders will also receive perks like daily breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout. Cash rates start at $2,567 per night in February.

Malaysia

Malaysia is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations. In 2025, it gained its sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia, northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is a human-made tropical rainforest established on degraded tin-mining land from the 1920s.

The Penang History Gallery, which opened in April 2025, offers an immersive experience of Penang's diverse history and lesser-known stories, spanning from the British occupation to World War II, the Japanese occupation and the journey to independence.

In an effort to attract more cruise ships, Malaysia has been actively investing in cruise terminal enhancements, including upgrades at Port Klang, a new dedicated terminal in Kota Kinabalu, and plans for a new Pulau Duyong Jetty Terminal in Kuala Terengganu. Most exciting is the brand-new Melaka International Cruise Terminal in Pulau Melaka, Banda Hilir, which is now Southeast Asia’s largest cruise jetty.

TPG tip: The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opened in the Merdeka 118, Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscraper, in August. Rates start from $322 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night in February. The Kimpton Hotel Naluria Kuala Lumpur opened in late 2025. Rates start at $110 per night in February — IHG One Rewards rates are not available yet. Outside of Kuala Lumpur, there is the beachfront Mandarin Oriental The Sireya, located on the Desaru Coast, that opened last year (rates start at $561 per night).

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New Orleans

Officially, Mardi Gras takes place Feb. 17, but New Orleans has numerous parades and celebrations leading up to Fat Tuesday. This year, the days leading up to Mardi Gras fall over Valentine’s and Presidents' Day weekend, so it’s a great time to plan a trip to the Big Easy. The first big weekend of parades begins Feb. 6, and then there will be seven consecutive days of parades starting Feb. 11 and running through Feb. 17. If you’re a dog lover, time your visit to include Feb. 8, when the Mystic Krewe of Barkus holds its parade.

New Orleans has long been known for its vibrant food and beverage scene. In addition to the many casual bars, cafes and restaurants lining the streets of the French Quarter, the city received its first Michelin stars with the famed food guide's debut in the American South in November 2025. Emeril’s — which the famous chef's son E.J. Lagasse now runs — was the only restaurant in the South to score two stars. Saint-Germain and Zasu each earned one star as well. Of course, there's delicious food to be had on nearly every corner, so come ready to eat and drink.

TPG tip: You’ll need a comfortable place to rest up between parties and parades. Thankfully, the city has several new hotel developments: Caesars New Orleans opened in the old Harrah’s Casino after a $435 million transformation at the end of 2024 (rates start from $99 or 12,899 Caesars Rewards credits per night), and the Element New Orleans Downtown will open in the former Bank of New Orleans building in mid-February. Rates start at $123 or 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Colorado Springs

2026 is the United States’ 250th anniversary — and it’s also Colorado’s 150th anniversary. Honor the Centennial State (so named for gaining statehood 100 years after the founding of the country) with a visit to Colorado Springs during prime ski season.

The Monarch Mountain resort debuted its No Name Expansion this season, adding 377 acres of intermediate-to-advanced terrain and 10 new runs on both sides of the Continental Divide, boosting skiable terrain by 50%.

Off the slopes, visitors can experience guided tours of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — a world-class attraction that showcases the entire journey of the Olympic Games. This winter, the museum will offer daily artifact demonstrations, live Olympics coverage on its 40-foot LED wall, opportunities to meet Team USA athletes and other engaging programming throughout the Olympics.

You can warm up with a ride along the award-winning Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and offers a relaxing road trip through eight top soaking destinations. Venture to Cripple Creek, 44 miles west, for the annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival — which runs from Feb. 14-16 and between Feb. 21 and 22 this year — to watch live ice carving of elaborate sculptures and enjoy activities, vendors and more.

TPG tip: Last winter, Allegiant Air added several new direct routes to Colorado Springs Airport (COS) from airports like Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona, John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in Florida.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The weather in Punta Cana in February is pretty ideal for anyone seeking sun and warmth instead of the Northeast’s freezing temperatures. With miles of beaches along the Caribbean, an active international airport and a glut of new all-inclusive resorts, the well-connected coastal city makes for an easy and affordable vacation from most U.S. cities.

Punta Cana is now home to the very first adults-only, all-inclusive property by W Hotels, W Punta Cana (rates start from $1,146 or 215,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). About an hour’s drive northwest in Miches, the new Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton caters to families (rates start from $902 or 317,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Meanwhile, Hyatt also opened two new all-inclusives in Miches, including the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda (rates start from $492 or 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night) and the family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda (rates start from $366 or 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night).

Related: First look: Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda bring all-inclusive vacationing to a secluded Dominican beach

TPG tip: In early December, American Airlines launched direct flights to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).

Appenzellerland, Switzerland

The under-the-radar ski area of Appenzellerland, located in the pre-Alps of northeast Switzerland, has 10 smaller ski resorts that are ideal for families and those new to skiing. It’s more approachable (and affordable) than popular high-altitude locations like St. Moritz or Verbier.

Not a skier? You can snowshoe, ice skate and enjoy sleigh rides through the countryside. You can also visit Appenzeller Schaukaserei, where you can see how the region’s famous herb-brined cheese is made. Leave time to explore the charming city of St. Gallen, gateway to Appenzellerland, to see the architectural marvel of the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the eighth century and is home to the magnificent Library of St. Gall. At the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum, visitors can learn about the region’s rich traditions and culture, including the Alpine cattle drive, Alpine farming, yodeling and string music.

TPG tip: The luxurious Huus Quell opened at the end of last year, along with a massive spa complex. It’s part of Appenzeller Huus resort group, which also features 10 bars and restaurants, as well as two additional hotels, so there’s something for all budgets. Rates start at $487 per night in February.

Uganda

Uganda is one of the two countries in the world where you can observe gorillas in their natural habitat. February marks the back end of the second dry season, offering ideal conditions for jungle treks and safari excursions.

It’s also a great opportunity to see other wildlife beyond gorillas. In the savannah parks, there’s less vegetation, which helps with visibility, and animals tend to gather around watering holes for easy spotting. Additionally, national parks in Uganda are less crowded than those in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania. And while Uganda’s infrastructure is a little less developed than Rwanda’s, it’s generally the more affordable option for gorilla safaris.

Uganda Airlines began flying to Europe in 2025 with a direct flight four times a week between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

TPG tip: The Gorilla Forest Lodge reopened last summer after undergoing a major renovation, while Volcanoes Safaris Kibale Lodge opened in July 2024, completing a circuit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. It recently launched a new 10-night gorilla and chimpanzee trek.

Mendoza, Argentina

If you’re sick of the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly temperatures, head down south to Argentina, where it’s the tail end of summer.

The grape harvest season — "la vendimia" in Spanish — strikes in late February and early March in Mendoza, making it an ideal time for a visit to one of Argentina’s most famous wine regions to tour wineries and vineyards and see the action up close. Stop into the many tasting rooms found in Mendoza and the surrounding regions of Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley for sips of the region’s malbecs, bonardas and torrontes.

TPG tip: The area is unlikely to have any brand-new hotels until 2027, when an Unbound by Hyatt property is scheduled to open. However, the Awasi Mendoza, a 25-year-old lodge surrounded by 55 acres of vineyards, has recently become a member of Relais & Chateaux (rates start from $1,180 per night).

Rio de Janeiro

The world-famous Rio Carnival will take place Feb. 13-21, and the event schedules will be packed as usual. Special Group Samba School Parades will take place Feb. 15-17, featuring the best and most famous samba schools. The Children’s Parade is Feb. 20, and the Champions Parade — with the winner of the special group parades and the five runners up — is Feb. 21. But, of course, there are tons of unofficial street parties (“blocos”) before, after and during the official dates.

If you come to Rio for Carnival, it’s also probably worth extending your trip to go to Sao Paolo at the end to catch Bad Bunny perform Feb. 20 and 21 at Allianz Parque.

TPG tip: While many Rio hotels book up quickly, there are still some rooms available on points last time we checked, including at Courtyard by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (rates start from $448 or 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), the Residence Inn by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (rates start from $547 or 17,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) and the Hilton Barrio Rio de Janeiro (rates start from $116 or 31,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Guatemala

Because Guatemala is near the equator, it has wet and dry seasons rather than cold and hot seasons. February lands squarely within the dry season, making it an ideal time to visit.

Guatemala offers a blend of culture, history and natural beauty. To start, there’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site and former colonial capital of Antigua, and the majestic Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by Mayan villages. Tikal National Park, situated near the Belizean border, is home to some of the most incredible Mayan archaeological sites. For more ancient wonders, see the impressive Mayan masterpieces in Quirigua.

In 2025, Guatemala gained several new routes connecting it to the U.S. Last May, Avianca launched daily service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA), while JetBlue began daily service in April from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to GUA. American Airlines also introduced three weekly flights from Chicago's O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to GUA in November.

TPG tip: While you likely won’t spend much time in Guatemala City, you may need to when you arrive and leave. For that, book a room at The Westin, Camino Real, Guatemala (rates start from $191 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Outside of the capital, check out Good Hotel Antigua, a member of Design Hotels (rates start from $116 or 22,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). Near Tikal, book a room at Bolontiku Boutique Hotel and Spa, an SLH Hotel (rates start from $275 or 65,000 Hilton Honors points per night).