Best places to travel in February

Falling within the dry season, February is one of the best months to visit Thailand as you’ll experience little rain and warm temperatures. If you’re looking to dive or snorkel during your trip, we recommend heading to the southwest coast, where the sea’s calmer and there’ll be fewer visitors.

Days begin to heat up further toward the end of the month, and you might experience a few showers if you’re along the east coast. Your stay might also coincide with Chinese New Year, when Bangkok’s Chinatown is decked out in lucky red and the streets are taken over by dragon parades, firecrackers and dancing.

While many flock to Tanzania during its dry season between July and October, we also recommend visiting during February. It’s hot and humid, with a slight chance of showers, but with fewer visitors, you’ll have some wildlife sightings all to yourself.

With the landscape at its lushest, plains game such as wildebeest, zebra and various antelope give birth to their young at this time of year — look out for new-born calves teetering on skinny legs and practising their jumps. These in turn attract predators like lion and cheetah, so you might witness some dramatic action unfold.

With few visitors, good-value hotels and a calendar full of festivals, February can be a great time to visit Italy if you don’t mind lower temperatures. There’s more chance of rainfall than in later months, but sunshine is still possible, and you’ll be able to visit places that visitors flock to in summer without the crowds (though some attractions may have limited opening hours).

Carnevale is celebrated across the country at the beginning of Lent with vibrant pageants, masquerades and confetti, while the two-week Carnival of Venice takes place at the start of the month, when people don masks and costumes for a mass party in St Mark’s Square.

When you’ve had your fill of winter chill, heading to Egypt during February almost guarantees you warm temperatures and sunny blue skies. Without the stifling heat of the summer months, you’ll be comfortable exploring Cairo’s frenetic streets and lively markets, visiting Ancient Egyptian pyramids and tombs while cruising the Nile, and relaxing on the country’s sandy beaches.

February can be one of Egypt’s busiest months, but we can share ways to avoid the crowds, arrange for you to visit lesser-known sites and secure your preferred hotels early.

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is at its driest and brightest during February, and while tropical showers are always possible, prolonged rainfall is unlikely at this time of year. It means you’ll enjoy ideal conditions for viewing wildlife, whether you’re trekking through jungle with a guide in search of sloths and toucans or cruising the Rio Frío on the lookout for monkeys and turtles.

It’s also an excellent time for relaxing on the forest-fringed sand beaches that line the coast — while the best-known stretches can be busy at this time of year, our specialists can help guide you to quieter spots.

While many plan their French Polynesia trips for the driest months of June to August, February is a more peaceful time to go. There’s a wider choice of hotels offering excellent value, and rain showers are interspersed with periods of sunshine.

Conditions can be humid, but with an air-conditioned hotel and the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean to cool off in, it’s easy to stay comfortable. Your visit might also coincide with Chinese New Year, when the islands celebrate with vibrant parades, live music and dancing.