Good Countries to Visit in February (2026)

Early in the year to be excited from the very beginning, yet long enough after Christmas and New Year to feel like it's time for a break, February is a brilliant month for a holiday. If you're based in Europe or North America, you may be seeking sunshine and warm seas in Sri Lanka or New Zealand. Eager winter sports enthusiasts might be dreaming of the crisp air and snow-clad slopes of the Swiss Alps, whilst culture aficionados need look no further than Rajasthan, in northern India, or the many marvels of Mexico. Our Gurus have put together a terrific list of top-notch destinations across four continents for couples, families and groups of friends - and four superb hotels in each one. 

Mexico

A once-in-a-lifetime destination for many travellers, Mexico is filled with marvellous cultural sights, fabulous food and stylish small hotels. February falls during the peak season for much of the country, with abundant sunshine, daytime temperatures hovering at around 27°C, and cool evenings for sitting outdoors in hip city bars or on rural estates. We've chosen four of our favourite Mexican hotels, including a pint-sized B&B in Mexico City, atmospheric spots in Guadalajara and Oaxaca, and a gorgeous country house near San Miguel de Allende, to get you started. 

• Octavia Casa in Mexico City has six elegant bedrooms, perfect for romantics and fans of understated sophistication. Think pale, earthy tones, soft linens and handpicked artisanal crafts in rooms and shared spaces — including a lovely roof terrace. Big breakfasts and in-room massages add to the appeal.
• Casa Habita has 37 sleek rooms and suites in Guadalajara's hip Zona Minerva neighbourhood. Grown-up interiors feature lots of glass, brass accents and a largely white-on-white colour scheme. Highlights include the bijou cocktail bar and the plunge pool. Perfect for cool partygoers eager to experience the city.
• Quinta Real Oaxaca is a charming 28-room hotel in central Oaxaca with original frescoed walls and coffered ceilings. There's a swimming pool for cooling dips, a terrific array of mezcal for tastings, and great family suites for trips with little ones. 
• Casa Adela, only 20 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, offers farm-to-table dining, a mineral-rich pool with sweeping rural views, and a soothing spa. With just seven guest rooms, this swish boutique escape fuses contemporary cool with traditional elements including terracotta-tiled floors, woven rugs and rustic wooden furnishings. 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's southern coast is in season from December to March, making it a brilliant destination for those seeking sunshine and great surf in February. The best-known seaside towns, however, can become enormously busy, so we'd suggest balancing your time on the edge of the Indian Ocean with a few nights of laid-back luxury in the hills. Alternatively, venture off-the-beaten track to underrated Kalpitiya or the much quieter east coast, where off-season hotels continue to promise a magical escape. 

• Karpaha Sands, the ultimate luxury glamping hideaway, is nestled beneath the swaying palms of enormous Kalkudah Bay. On a little-visited stretch of Sri Lanka's east coast, this is a superb honeymoon or family holiday choice. Seventeen spacious tents — some with two bedrooms — house big cosy beds, portable speakers and free-standing tubs. There’s a well-stocked games room and a great seafood restaurant. Bliss. 
• Malabar Hill, crowning a verdant hilltop, is nothing short of spectacular. Suites with private plunge pools overlook Weligama Bay or the distant rice paddies, and birds flit between the trees. The heart of the resort is an open-sided Mughal-inspired restaurant-bar serving cracking cocktails and gourmet fare within sight of the huge swimming pool. Serene spa treatments, cooking classes and guided bird watching walks are a delight. A honeymoon highlight just a short drive from the surf at Weligama. 
• Living Heritage Koslanda sits on a former rubber plantation up in the hills. The hotel's re-wilding efforts, kitchen garden and connection to land and heritage are impressive. Suites are built from wood and stone using traditional techniques, whilst tented pavilions have a safari-luxe feel. Hikes are sensational, and the infinity pool is one of the most striking on the island. 
• Luna Laguna, an ochre-painted antique-filled villa on the rarely-visited Kalpitiya Peninsula, has six individually decorated bedrooms with soft linens and well-chosen curios. Savour seafood and curry lunches, BYOB for tranquil evening G&Ts on your private rooftop, and try your hand at kitesurfing on the lagoon before kicking back in the pool. A creative retreat.

Rajasthan, India  

India is famously fascinating, and a country worth returning to again and again. If you're planning a February trip, our Gurus would particularly recommend the northern state of Rajasthan. Known as 'the Land of Kings', this part of India is studded with opulent palaces, and known for its beautiful traditional textiles, printed by hand with wooden blocks. February visitors can expect cooler climes than in the scorching summers, and plenty of colourful festivals.

• Villa Palladio has long been a Jaipur favourite. The stuff of design lovers' dreams, this indulgent boutique hotel boasts bold crimson hues, pretty patterned textiles and well-chosen antiques. A gorgeous restored residence on the outskirts of Jaipur with a hip bar and restaurant, as well as a small spa. Exceptional.
• Ratan Vilas has been in the same family for generations. Built by the current owner's great-grandfather in the 1920s, this opulent family home prides itself on offering a warm welcome, delicious Rajathani cuisine and attractive guest rooms with period furnishings and Indian fabrics. Gorgeous gardens make this a tranquil oasis near the heart of Jodhpur. 
• Narendra Bhawan is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Bikaner. Fusing the opulence of turn-of-the-century Rajasthan with state-of-the-art amenities, this reimagined haveli pays homage to Narendra Singhji, whose original haveli once stood on the same piece of land. Gourmet dining, fabulous service, a rooftop pool and lavish guest rooms complete the picture. 
• Overlooking the water in marvellous Udaipur, Amet Haveli is sure to delight fans of traditional Rajasthani design. Think stained-glass windows, handcrafted tiles, wooden antiques and intricate latticework above scalloped arches. There's a swimming pool and lake-facing terrace, as well as a menu of classic dishes to sample.

New Zealand

When it comes to summer in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand has long been a deservedly popular destination. Whether you're dreaming of sailing and swimming, touring top-notch wineries or wildlife watching, this striking country will thrill adventurers and foodies alike. A February road trip between owner-run boutique hotels and B&Bs comes highly recommended, particularly if you can take your time and linger in each town or harbour. Hotels fill up fast during the summer, so it's well worth booking your room at the best places to stay in New Zealand well in advance!

• Arcadia Lodge is a delightful heritage B&B overlooking Matauwhi Bay in Russell, in the Bay of Islands. Characterful whitewashed rooms, suites and a two-bedroom cottage face the harbour and the hills; the Tautoru Studio is especially romantic. Enjoy chef-owner Peter's delicious breakfasts of garden-grown ingredients, and round off days of adventure with NZ wines on your private deck. 
• 14th Lane Urban Hotel, a trendy B&B in Blenheim, has eight attractive guest rooms — many with well-equipped kitchenettes. Big beds feature patterned cushions, and bathrooms boast refreshing rain showers. Opt in to generous breakfasts each morning, and speak to the team about access to nearby swimming pools, winery tours and cycling excursions. 
• Kawau Lodge, is on Kawau Island's North Cove. The eight contemporary rooms face the forest and the sea, and are ideal for couples or groups of friends and family, who can book the whole place and use the smart kitchen. Hone your sailing and kayaking skills, spot endemic birds, or simply soak up the sunshine with a good book on the deck. A rejuvenating choice for explorers. 
• Kinross Vineyard Cottages, set in the Gibbston Valley wine region near Queenstown, have an appealingly relaxed feel, with exposed wooden walls, whitewashed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling views of the vines. The bistro is excellent, as are guided vineyard walks and tastings at the cellar door. One for wine aficionados and ramblers. 

Switzerland

Winter sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, need look no further than Switzerland in February. Expect snow-clad slopes set against beautiful blue skies, fabulous pistes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and a plethora of sensational chalets and luxury hotels. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic weekend away, or a fun-filled trip with friends and family, our Gurus have highlighted four terrific spots in the Valais region. 

• Crans Ambassador has 60 stylish guest rooms with crisp white linens and dark blue tartan details. Contemporary bathrooms — many with tubs — boast mesmerising mountain views, and the roof terrace is terrific for sipping starlit cocktails whilst tucked under sheepskin rugs. The indoor pool is a real treat. Crans Montana's 140 kilometres of pistes (ranging between 1500 and 3000m) will delight keen skiers of all ages.  
• Matthiol Boutique Hotel is a sleek base with 33 rooms near the Klein Matterhorn lift in Winkelmatten in Zermatt. Think alpine chic interiors with roaring fireplaces, velvet upholstery and darkened pine. There's a small spa and delicious regional cuisine at the trendy restaurant for well-deserved feasts after days out on the slopes. 
• Cordée des Alpes, in iconic Verbier, looks from the outside like a classic wooden chalet hotel. Inside, however, are romantic bedrooms with pretty lamps, lovely headboards and exposed wooden walls. The spa is superb, and the award-winning restaurant is reason enough to visit. Pure indulgence. 
• Bella Tola is a historic building in the charming village of St-Luc-Chandolin. The 75 km of ski slopes are ideal for sporty holidaymakers, who can also enjoy a spa with steam room and sauna back at base. Marvel at characterful 19th-century decor, including framed paintings and antique furnishings, and tuck into big breakfasts at Bel Etage, or regional favourites at Restaurant Chez Ida and Restaurant Le Tzambron. 

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include Where's Hot in January.
• Alternatively, check out our list of 20 Top Resorts in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.