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15 Warm Places to Visit in February, According to Real Travelers

Leave your puffer at home

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Collage of locations included in my list of warm places to visit in February
Alona Horkova/Massimo Colombo/Noel Alvarenga/Colton Stiffler/Getty Images

February is the shortest month of the year, and yet…with average temps around 25 degrees—where I live, at least—it certainly feels like the longest. So, after one rotation through all the winter fun to be had, it doesn’t take too much convincing to get me out of Dodge come the ides of February. But where to? Instead of just booking my snowbird escape on an impulsive whim (been there, done that), I decided to really research the best warm-weather spots, scouring reviews and polling my jet-setting colleagues. So, whether I land on a beachside getaway, cultural immersion or outdoor adventure, these destinations promise sunshine and pleasant weather. Plus, traveling in February often means avoiding peak-season crowds and prices. Want to get away too? Here are 15 warm places to visit this February. Leave your puffer at home. 

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Honolulu is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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1. Honolulu, Hawaii

I’ve been to Maui (incredible), but never to Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital and largest city, where you get the tropical escape synonymous with a Hawaii vacation and a culturally diverse cosmopolitan center you don’t really get to experience on other islands. Start your morning early with a hike up Diamond Head for panoramic views. (Psst: February is ideal for whale watching, so keep an eye out!) Follow it up with a surf on the shores of Waikiki Beach’s inviting and iconic waves. Snack on local poke bowls and shave ice and get in some cultural and historical enrichment with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, Dole Plantation and Honolulu Museum of Art. 

LA is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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2. Los Angeles, California

With its sunny skies and breezy afternoons, Los Angeles makes for a great winter escape. Whether you're strolling along Venice Beach, exploring Griffith Observatory or enjoying some of the best food in the country, the city offers endless activities. “Having grown up in California,” says Marissa Wu, PureWow SEO editor, “I can say without doubt that the one thing I'll always miss is the weather. All you really need is a sweatshirt, or perhaps a matching tracksuit if you're feeling fashionable. As a kid, I spent a ton of time at Disneyland, but as I've gotten older, I appreciate walks on the beach, heading to République for a pastry and sitting in the sun, or ambling through one of Tinseltown's many indie bookshops and random estate sales. Despite a strong conviction that I'll never move back to California, on bleak winter days, I always find myself thinking about it.”

Miami, FL is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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3. Miami, Florida

  • Why We Love It: vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and easy accessibility.
  • Average Daily Temperature in February: 77°F
  • Where to Stay: Novotel Miami (from $293/night); Kimpton Epic Hotel (from $456/night); Miami Villa (from $524/night)

“My friends and I have done a bunch of weekend Miami trips over the past few winters,” says PureWow Wellness Director, Sarah Stiefvater. From scene-y dinners at Casadonna to drag brunches at the iconic Palace Bar, Miami combines relaxation and fun. The mild February weather makes it perfect for boat trips or lounging on South Beach. The month also hosts the Miami International Boat Show and South Beach Wine & Food Festival, drawing foodies and boating enthusiasts alike. Consider staying in neighborhoods like Brickell for luxury high-rises and nightlife or Coconut Grove for a quieter, artsy vibe. Wynwood, known for its colorful street art, is another must-visit area offering trendy cafes and galleries.

Orlando is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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4. Orlando, Florida

“As a northeast native, I love heading down south during the wintertime,” shares Executive Managing Editor—and Disney fan—Catrina Yohay. “February, in particular, is a great time to visit because crowds are low (you'll beat the spring breakers), and the weather is mild, dry and lovely—cool in the morning with it quickly warming up by noon. Since it's considered the off season, you can expect lower surge pricing on park tickets and lightning lanes, and you may even be able to snag some deals on hotel stays.”

Tulum Mexico is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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5. Tulum, Mexico

Getting to Tulum is easiest by flying into Cancún International Airport, followed by a scenic 90-minute drive—and it’s worth it. Especially in February when Tulum brings warm weather perfect for beach yoga sessions and lively music festivals that draw an international crowd. Says jet-setter and Senior Editor Dana Dickey: “Tulum retains its eternal charm as an historic site (the stunning Mayan ruins right on the beachside cliff) that also attracts an international fashion and funk crowd eager to sip tequila while enjoying the breezes on a beachside bar. What's nice about Tulum is you can still opt for one of a bajillion tiny guest houses or stay in an international all-inclusive spot like Dreams. Whatever your option, be sure to make time to go swimming in one of the spring-fed cenotes, which remind me of watery oasis in the jungle instead of desert.” Did I mention Dickey’s a travel writer? She’s a travel writer. 

Mexico City is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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6. Mexico City, Mexico

  • Why We Love It: rich history, world-class cuisine, and mild weather
  • Average Daily Temperature in February: 73°F
  • Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Mexico City (from $368/night); Roma Loft (from $98/night); Casa Rosa (from $184/night)

A true cultural hub, Mexico City offers everything from ancient ruins to modern art museums, and in February, it’s a vibrant mix of sunshine and celebration, with balmy days perfect for exploring its bustling—and I mean bustling—streets and dining al fresco come la noche. Walk through the upscale Zona Rosa neighborhood for the Valentine’s Day energy, or Roma and Condesa for laid-back boutique vibes and tree-lined streets. Time your visit for the Feria del Tamal to dive into a feast of flavors (usually in early February around the Día de la Candelaria) or check out art and music festivals—like Electric Daisy Carnival—that light up the city’s cultural calendar. And how could I not simply mention tacos?

Kauai is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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7. Kauai, Hawaii

Remember how I said Honolulu was the perfect mix of city and tropical vacay? Well, if you want to skew hard on the tropical and away from the “city,” Kauai is the answer. Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is a quieter Hawaiian experience, and February, after the winter rains, is prime time for whale-watching, exploring the island’s waterfalls and hiking trails. Lovers of nature should definitely try kayaking the Na Pali Coast or simply post up and relax on Poipu Beach. I don’t say this lightly, but Kauai is a literal paradise.

Willemstad, Curacao is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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8. Willemstad, Curaçao

Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, feels like a slice of Europe in the Caribbean. Its vibrant streets and pristine beaches make it a winter dream destination. February’s dry season ensures perfect beach weather for snorkeling or sunbathing. PureWow Food Editor, Taryn Pire, visited the Dutch Caribbean island and deemed it one of the best-kept island vacay secrets: “Curaçao delivers a less touristy experience than other Caribbean locales because it’s more of a hidden gem, especially for Americans. That means less crowds and tourist traps and lower prices. Nevertheless, you’ll still get to do all the beaching, exploring, eating and partying that you’d do at similar destinations.” And visiting in winter is ideal: “The weather in Curaçao is consistently warm and sunny, but heat and humidity peak from July through October. Come the winter months, temps are just right.” 

San Diego is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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9. San Diego, California

San Diego in February is all about sunny skies and a coastal cool breeze, making it prime time for beach strolls and city adventures—especially for the entire family.  Stay in La Jolla for luxe ocean views or North Park for a trendy, foodie-filled scene. If you’ve got a future Arnold Palmer on your hands, catch the Farmers Insurance Open for world-class golf or, and this one’s my preference, celebrate the Lunar New Year with colorful parades and cultural events around town. “San Diego is basically the same as Los Angeles, but more south and even warmer,” Wu tells me. She also insists that Balboa Park is a must-visit, offering gardens, architecture and museums all in one. Gotta say, I love a multi-purpose attraction.

Bali is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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10. Bali, Indonesia

Bali in February is a tropical paradise with warm days and lush, rain-kissed greenery that sets the stage for an unforgettable getaway. Base yourself in Ubud for a tranquil, cultural vibe or Seminyak for stylish beachside living and thriving nightlife—the point is, from what I’ve read, you can’t go wrong. Visit temples like Tirta Empul or Goa Gajah, take a Balinese cooking class, or stroll through the Sacred Monkey Forest, home to 1,260 longtailed macaques . If you’re visiting toward the end of the month, you might catch preparations for Nyepi (Day of Silence), offering an inside look at Balinese culture.

San Juan, PR is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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11. San Juan, Puerto Rico

A short flight the East Coast that doesn’t require a passport or a change in your wireless plan the logistics of a San Juan trip makes things easy come the frigid winds of February. San Juan is a historic city with lots to see, and for all there is to do in San Juan, you can also spend equal amount of time doing nothing on the beach. Explore colorful streets in Old San Juan, El Morro and the Castillo de San Cristobal, or head inland to explore the El Yunque Rainforest.

Sydney, Australia is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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12. Sydney, Australia

I visited Sydney in February, and even though I’d read a million times that February is summer in Australia…it didn’t quite hit until I was hopping around Surry Hills with an iced coffee in hand. Of course, you can’t miss hanging out at the iconic Bondi Beach or a trip to the Sydney Opera House. We took a ferry ride to the other side of Sydney to hit up a less-frequented beach, but honestly, my favorite part was the shopping. There is so much great shopping to do in Sydney! And the breakfasts are unmatched. My friends and I still think about the cocktails we had at brunch at Bills

Lima, Peru is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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13. Lima, Peru

Why wouldn’t you want to visit Lima, Peru during World Pisco Sour Day, celebrated the first Saturday in February)? Pisco, a Peruvian brandy made from muscat grapes, is a staple of the nation’s drink scene. Plus, unlike the rainy Andes, Lima stays mostly dry in February, making it ripe for tourists to explore its cultural landmarks, beaches and neighborhoods. Stroll along the Malecón de Miraflores, a coastal boardwalk with stunning ocean views, or through the bohemian Barranco, peppered with street art. The Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid, happens to be right-smack in the middle of the city. And if you’re in town for the drinks, no doubt you’ll also enjoy the world-renown culinary scene—ceviche does just so happen to go wonderfully with a Pisco sour.  Salud!

Rio is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is another warm weather recommendation from Dana Dickey. “Rio is an ideal beach getaway in February because, hello, southern hemisphere high summer, with your temperatures in the high 80s. And the entire town has a beach culture, so the wide stretches of sand are used for socializing as much as for sunbathing. The Copacabana Palace is worth the splurge, right on Copacabana Beach, featuring nice tall ceilings and a sexy pool (because while the beach may be great looking, lots of international travelers opt to stick to pool dips).” And this year, Rio’s internationally renowned Carnival starts on February 28, 2025, which means you can miss the major crowds and price jumps or…stay for the action. 

Charleston, SC is one of recommendations for a warm place to visit in February
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15. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston in February is a charming, quieter time to visit this historic city. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, you can stroll through cobblestone streets, explore the historic plantations and gawk at architecture without the typical tourist rush. February also offers a cozy atmosphere for savoring Charleston's renowned food scene, with plenty of cafes and upscale restaurants serving up Lowcountry specialties. This year,  Charleston Wine + Food Festival is happening in early March, but  who said you couldn’t do your own food tour through the city?


DaraKatz

Executive Editor

  • Lifestyle editor and writer with a knack for long-form pieces
  • Has more than a decade of experience in digital media and lifestyle content on the page, podcast and on-camera
  • Studied English at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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