Top destinations in February: winter sun, cultural highlights and the magic of the Northern Lights

Contents:

• Destination #1: The Canary Islands (e.g. Tenerife, Gran Canaria) – winter sun without a long-haul flight
• Destination #2: Cape Verde (e.g. Sal & São Vicente) – Atlantic beaches, wind and that genuine ‘winter sun’ feeling
• Destination #3: Madeira (Funchal & island tour) – Active holidays with a ‘spring’ feel in the Atlantic
• Destination #4: Egypt (Hurghada / Red Sea) – Sun, beach and snorkelling in the middle of winter
• Destination #5: Oman (Muscat & surrounding area) – an Oriental atmosphere, contrasting natural landscapes and pleasant temperatures
• Destination #6: Thailand (e.g. Phuket & the Andaman Sea) – perfect weather for swimming, island hopping and street food during the dry season
• Destination #7: Sri Lanka (Cultural Triangle, tea highlands & south coast) – a classic round-trip in the perfect month to travel
• Destination #8: Costa Rica (Pacific Coast & Guanacaste) – dry season, natural wonders and dream beaches
• Destination #9: The Maldives – picture-postcard lagoons, barefoot luxury and perfect weather for swimming in February
• Destination #10: Finnish Lapland (e.g. Rovaniemi or Levi/Kittilä) – Northern Lights nights, powder snow and winter adventures
• 19 brilliant destinations for February

Destination #1: Canary Islands, Spain (e.g. Tenerife, Gran Canaria) – winter sun without a long-haul flight

• Why February: If you’re looking for plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a hassle-free break this winter, the Canary Islands are one of the most reliable options. In Tenerife, temperatures in February are often around 15–22 °C – ideal for spending time outdoors during the day without the summer heat.

• Highlights: Sunny beaches and promenades in the south, much greener landscapes in the north – and, for a change of scene, Teide National Park with spectacular volcanic panoramas and plenty of opportunities for hiking.
• Ideal for: Couples, families and anyone looking to combine a short journey with guaranteed good weather in February.

• Getting there from Switzerland: Particularly convenient: from Zurich, you can reach Tenerife directly in around 4.5 hours (e.g. Edelweiss). Gran Canaria is also regularly accessible by direct flight from Zurich (approx. 4 hours 35 minutes, e.g. SWISS). And depending on the season and flight schedule, there are also direct flights from Basel to Gran Canaria.

• Event tip for 2026: Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife (16 January–22 February 2026) – the perfect time to visit if you want to combine winter sunshine with street parties, costumes and the grand parades. 

Destination #2: Cape Verde (e.g. Sal & São Vicente) – Atlantic beaches, wind and that genuine ‘winter sun’ feeling

Why February: Cape Verde really comes into its own in February: plenty of sunshine, very little rain and pleasant warmth. On Sal, typical temperatures at this time of year are often around 19–25 °C, with a pleasant sea temperature of around 23 °C – perfect if you want to switch reliably into ‘summer mode’ in winter.

Highlights:

• Sal (Santa Maria): Vast, bright beaches, turquoise waters and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
• Water sports: The steady wind makes Cape Verde particularly attractive for kitesurfing and wind sports.
• São Vicente (Mindelo): If you’re looking for culture as well as beaches, head to Mindelo – especially around carnival time, which can be very lively on the islands.

Ideal for: Beach holidays with reliable weather, water sports, couples and anyone looking for ‘Caribbean vibes’ without a time difference.

Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights from Zurich to Sal (SID) – for example, with Edelweiss. SWISS also operates flights between Zurich and Sal (with a flight time of approx. 8 hours 10 minutes, depending on the connection and flight route). There are currently no direct flights to Sal from Basel; you’ll typically need to travel with a stopover.

Event tip for 2026: São Vicente Carnival in Mindelo (13–22 February 2026) – the island becomes a stage, with the main parade on 17 February 2026.

Destination #3: Madeira, Portugal (Funchal & island tour) – Active holidays with a ‘touch of spring’ in the Atlantic

• Why visit in February: Madeira is ideal in February if you want to combine mild temperatures with outdoor adventures. In Funchal, average temperatures are often around 14–19 °C – perfect for walks, day trips and (weather permitting) your first hikes of the season.

• Highlights: Levada walks and viewpoints with spectacular views, botanical gardens around Funchal, plus culinary discoveries ranging from market visits to seafood restaurants along the coast.
• Ideal for: nature lovers, leisure travellers and anyone who’d rather be out and about in February than just lying on the beach.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Madeira is also particularly easy to reach from Switzerland: there are direct flights from Zurich to Funchal (FNC) – depending on the airline, the flight time is around 4:15–4:25 hours (including Edelweiss/SWISS, subject to the flight schedule). There are also flights from Geneva to Funchal. Direct flights to Funchal are also available from Basel (depending on the season and flight schedule).

• Event tip for 2026: Madeira Carnival in Funchal (11–22 February 2026) – colourful parades, music and an extra dose of joie de vivre in the middle of winter.

Destination #4: Egypt (Hurghada / Red Sea) – Sun, beach and snorkelling in the middle of winter

• Why in February: Hurghada is one of the most reliable ‘winter sun’ destinations in February: plenty of sunshine, pleasantly warm days and ideal conditions for a welcome escape from the European winter. As a rough guide, you can expect temperatures of around 22°C and about 10 hours of sunshine a day in Hurghada in February.
• Highlights: Turquoise-blue water and house reefs for snorkelling, excellent diving spots in the Red Sea, plus relaxing days at the resort – and, for a change of pace, excursions into the desert or to Luxor (depending on your travel preferences).
• Ideal for: Beach holidays with reliable weather, couples, families and anyone looking for sunshine in February ‘without any surprises’.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights from Zurich to Hurghada – the flight time is around 4 hours 25 minutes. Direct flights are also available from Basel and Geneva (depending on the season/timetable), including with easyJet.
• Event tip for 2026: Abu Simbel Sun Festival (22 February 2026) – a spectacular natural and cultural phenomenon when the rising sun illuminates the temple right into the sanctuary.

Destination #5: Oman (Muscat and the surrounding area) – a taste of the Orient, contrasting natural landscapes and pleasant temperatures

• Why visit in February: February in Oman is ideal for combining city, coast and countryside – without the extreme summer heat. In Muscat, temperatures at this time of year often range from around 18–26 °C, making sightseeing, visits to wadis and day trips much more pleasant than during the hot months.

• Highlights: Muscat with its Corniche, souks and modern Arabic architecture; plus day trips to wadis (oasis landscapes), the mountains (views, small villages) or the desert for a genuine ‘1001 Nights’ contrast.
• Ideal for: culture and nature lovers, couples, road-trippers – and anyone looking for sunshine in February but who doesn’t just want to lie on the beach.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights from Zurich to Muscat (MCT); the flight time is around 6:25–6:30 hours (depending on the connection). According to current flight schedules, there are generally no direct flights from Geneva – you’ll usually need to travel with a stopover.

• Event tip for 2026: Tour of Oman – taking place during the week of 7–11 February 2026, this stage race brings professional cycling to the country and combines a sporting atmosphere with stunning landscapes (coast, wadis, mountains).

Destination #6: Thailand (e.g. Phuket & the Andaman Sea) – perfect weather for swimming, island hopping and street food during the dry season

• Why February: February is one of the most attractive months to visit many parts of Thailand: warm, relatively dry and ideal for days on the beach and excursions. For Phuket, February typically sees temperatures of 24–32 °C, little rain (around 25 mm) and around 9 hours of sunshine per day – plus a water temperature of around 28 °C.

• Highlights: Island-hopping and boat trips, relaxing days on the beach, small beach clubs, massages – and culinary delights ranging from night markets to seafood by the water. Those looking for a change of pace can combine a beach holiday with a visit to Bangkok (city, temples, shopping).
• Ideal for: Couples, long-haul holidays with a clear focus on ‘sun and sea’, as well as anyone wishing to combine beach life with culinary delights.
• Getting there from Switzerland: Thailand is particularly easy to reach from Zurich: there are direct flights to Bangkok (flight time approx. 10 hours 45 mins, SWISS). There are also direct flights from Zurich to Phuket (approx. 11.5 hours). From Geneva and Basel, you’ll usually need to change flights.
• Event tip for 2026: Chinese New Year (17 February 2026) – particularly atmospheric in cities hosting large celebrations (e.g. Chinatown vibes, lights, markets).

Destination #7: Sri Lanka (Cultural Triangle, Tea Highlands & South Coast) – A classic round-trip in the perfect month to visit

• Why February: February is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, as warm, predominantly dry weather is expected in many of the key regions – particularly in the Cultural Triangle, around Kandy and on the south and west coasts. At the same time, the east coast is often still more heavily affected by the north-east monsoon, which is why the south and west are better suited for beach holidays.

• Highlights: Sigiriya & the cave temples, Kandy and the lush tea-growing highlands (e.g. Ella/Nuwara Eliya) – and to round off the trip, a few relaxing days on the south coast (e.g. Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle), where plenty of sunshine is often on offer in February.
• Ideal for: Anyone looking for variety in February: culture, nature, train journeys through the highlands, safari options and beaches – all in one trip, without extreme heat.
• Getting there from Switzerland: There are direct flights from Zurich to Colombo (CMB); as a guide, the flight takes approx. 10:05 hours (SWISS). From Geneva and Basel, the usual flight directories do not list any non-stop flights to Colombo; you will usually need to travel with a stopover.
• Event tip for 2026: Independence Day / National Day (4 February 2026) – official ceremonies and parades, particularly in Colombo, with a palpable atmosphere of national celebration.

Destination #8: Costa Rica (Pacific Coast & Guanacaste) – Dry season, natural wonders and idyllic beaches

• Why visit in February: In February, many regions of Costa Rica are ‘at their best’: it’s the height of the dry season with plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall – particularly on the Pacific coast. Daytime temperatures there often reach around 30–35 °C, ideal for the beach, excursions and wildlife spotting.

• Highlights: Guanacaste/Nicoya offers the classic postcard scenery: long sandy beaches, warm water, sunsets – plus national parks, volcanoes, suspension bridges and wildlife experiences, all of which can be easily combined into a self-drive itinerary. In February, Guanacaste typically experiences very little rainfall and warm temperatures.
• Ideal for: nature and outdoor enthusiasts, couples and anyone looking to combine a beach holiday in February with ‘authentic experiences’ (rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes).
• Getting there from Switzerland: Non-stop flights to San José (SJO) are available from Zurich. From Geneva and Basel, you’ll usually need to change flights.

• Event tip for 2026: Envision Festival in Uvita (23 February–2 March 2026) – an internationally renowned festival set between the jungle and the Pacific, focusing on music, yoga, movement and community.

Destination #9: The Maldives – picture-postcard lagoons, barefoot luxury and perfect weather for swimming in February

• Why visit in February: February is one of the most popular months for a trip to the Maldives: It is typically warm and relatively dry – as a guide, expect temperatures of 26–30 °C, around 9 hours of sunshine a day, low rainfall (approx. 50 mm) and a water temperature of around 28 °C.

• Highlights: Crystal-clear lagoons, white sandbanks and house reefs right by the resort – ideal for snorkelling, diving and relaxing days ‘between the water and your villa’. Particularly appealing: depending on the atoll, you can focus on the house reef, wellness, all-inclusive comfort or peaceful adults-only islands.
• Ideal for: Couples, honeymoons and anniversary trips, luxury and relaxation holidays, as well as anyone looking for a proper summer break in February.
• Getting there from Switzerland: From Zurich, you can reach Malé (MLE) easily by direct flights – the flight time is around 9 hours 40 minutes. From Basel, the journey usually involves a stopover, as non-stop connections are rarely available.
• Event tip for 2026: Start of Ramadan (expected 18 February 2026) – a special time in the country; depending on the resort, you can expect a quieter daily routine and atmospheric evenings (the date may change depending on the sighting of the new moon).

Destination #10: Finnish Lapland (e.g. Rovaniemi or Levi/Kittilä) – nights of the Northern Lights, powder snow and winter adventures

• Why visit in February: In February, Lapland often shows itself at its most spectacular: stable winter conditions, plenty of snow and long nights – the perfect conditions for a genuine winter atmosphere and (with a bit of luck) the Northern Lights.

• Highlights: Husky safaris or reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing and winter walks, cross-country skiing and ski resorts such as those around Levi – plus sauna sessions and that special tranquillity you can only experience in the far north. If you’re looking for photo opportunities, you’ll find them here practically every minute: snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, pastel-hued twilight.
• Ideal for: winter enthusiasts, couples, families and anyone who wants to experience a ‘picture-perfect winter’ in February.
• Getting there from Switzerland: From Zurich, you can reach Lapland easily by direct flight – the journey to Rovaniemi (RVN) takes around 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Kittilä (KTT) (a good base for Levi and Western Lapland) with a flight time of around 4 hours.
• Event tip for 2026: Sámi National Day (6 February 2026) – cultural highlights, events and a wonderful opportunity to experience Lapland not only as a winter wonderland but also from a cultural perspective.

19 Enchanting destinations for February:

Discover places where the peak season beckons with sunshine and a pleasant climate:

• Brazil – Average temp. 27.7°C, 1 day of rain, water temp. 25°C

• Costa Rica – Average temperature 23.6°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 27°C

• Dominican Republic – Average temperature 25.1°C, 6 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

• Florida, USA – Average temperature 21.3°C, 9 days of rain, water temperature 22°C

• Haiti – Average temperature 25.1°C, 5 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

• India – Average temperature 19°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 27°C

• Jamaica – Average temperature 27°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

• Cuba – Average temperature 22.1°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 24°C

• Cape Verde – Average temperature 22°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 23°C

• Maldives – Average temperature 28.8°C, rain on 2 days, water temperature 27°C

• Mexico – Average temperature 26°C, 0 days of rain, water temperature 24°C

• New Zealand – Average temperature 17.5°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 20°C

• Oman – Average temperature 22°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 24°C

• Panama – Average temperature 27.5°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 27°C

• Philippines – Average temperature 27°C, 2 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

• Puerto Rico – Average temperature 25°C, 7 days of rain, water temperature 26°C

• Sri Lanka – Average temperature 27.7°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 27°C

• Thailand – Average temperature 29°C, 3 days of rain, water temperature 27°C

• United Arab Emirates – Average temperature 20.6°C, 4 days of rain, water temperature 24.2°C