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Where to go in February
Cool days and sizzling nights
The shortest month packs in a lot, as carnival season crashes in with sequins, spectacle and samba-ing the night away, while Europe braces for the chill, blanketing the month with cultural programmes and getting hygge’d to the hilt.
New Zealand's South Island
Avg. temperature: high 25ºC; low 10ºC
New Zealand’s South Island is a natural wonder from tip to tail: there are frame-worthy mountains, lakes and forests, and wild, deserted stretches of coast. Even its cities, such as Christchurch and Queenstown, lean heavily on the outdoor appeal of their settings. And for all your fresh-air forays, the summer month of February delivers — offering optimal chances for adventures with added sunshine.
Iceland
Avg. temperature: high 3ºC; low -3ºC
After winter’s gloom, Iceland lights up. The sun may be sluggish, but Reykjavik’s Winter Lights Festival puts a shinier spin on things, with illuminations over Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa concert hall and more landmarks. To follow, there’s (heated) alfresco-swimming fun on Pool Night and out-there events till late on Museum Night. If you’re lucky, nature might join in with a Northern Lights show.
Berlin
Avg. temperature: high 5ºC; low -1ºC
Amid all the wurst-munching and blagging your way into Berghain, Berlin — as always — has a lot going on in February. Strike a pose during the second half of fashion week, get chin-stroking for the Berlinale film festival and throw some shapes at Tanzolymp dance festival. You’ll also be able to culture-gorge at the tail-end of Transmediale and join the Valentine’s Day run in the Gardens of the World.
Brazil
Avg. temperature: high 31ºC; low 24ºC
Bucket-lists at the ready: there’s only really one time to visit Rio de Janeiro; and it’s the end of February, to coincide with the city’s legendary (no exaggeration) carnival, AKA the world’s biggest party. It’s also — helpfully for the sunseekers hoping to hit Copacabana or Ipanema beaches — Rio’s hottest month of the year. As well as the dazzling displays on show in the Sambadrome, a rather famous statue awaits.
Denmark
Avg. temperature: high 4ºC; low -2ºC
You’ll need more than a light jacket to tackle Denmark when the temperature drops. But if you can get past the chill-factor, you’ll find warmth in hot mugs of cocoa sipped at stylish cafés, best enjoyed with ganache-topped cakes from the local bageri. In fact, there’s no-one more dedicated to embracing winter than the hygge-loving Danes, so get your glögg — and your coat — on and join them.
Buenos Aires
Avg. temperature: high 28ºC; low 20ºC
Carnival arrives in Buenos Aires in late February, adding splashes of colour to an already intoxicating city, with murga parades, water parties, mate and wine, and endless dancing. Even when carnival isn’t on, some milongas (amateur tango events) don’t start till 1am. Add a vibrant dining culture, fascinating architecture and passionate football fans, and you could say the city shakes a very stylish leg.