Best Places to Visit in February

February is one of those great months. The hecticness of the festive season is behind us, and – for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere – it means the beginning of the end of winter, something many of us look forward to. And, unlike the popular summer months, the cool month of February still boasts the pleasures of travelling in the off-season. Costs are easier to keep down, there are fewer crowds, and yet there are still so many amazing experiences waiting for us around the world. It’s these reasons we love travelling in February, so here are our 5 best places to visit in February this year. 

Coming up in this article:  

• Our Top Destinations to Visit in February 

  • Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales 

  • Verona, Italy  

  • Northern Ireland 

  • Southern Spain 

  • Ring of Kerry, Ireland 

• February Places to Visit FAQs 

Our Top Destinations to Visit in February 

While some people wait for summer to arrive before venturing out on holiday, others thrive touring in winter. It’s their time to shine, with cheaper accommodation, shorter queues, and quieter streets.

Winter is one of our favourite times to travel in, which is why we continue to run many of our small-group tours during this time. It truly is a magical time to explore, from snow-covered landscapes to a warm meal in a cosy pub, we’re obsessed with the quiet beauty of winter. But with so many places to go, even we had to narrow it down for ourselves. And if you’re thinking about travelling in February, here are our top 5 recommendations to make your winter escape that much more magical.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales 

Average temperature: 2°C - 7°C (36 - 45°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Wind swept coastal views 

Rabbie’s Tour: We have several tours to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park 

Coastlines. Coastlines as far as the eye can see. Blues that shimmer like crystals in the light of the sun, a rushing of waves and the cry of gulls to lull you into a peaceful state.  

And there’s more than just the ocean to be discovered. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park may be one of the smallest National Parks in the UK, but it has one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for skylarks, choughs, dormice... perhaps even Captain Jack Sparrow will appear on the horizon. Only kidding (sadly). 

But among this 420km of coastline, there are 200 circular walks and 50 beaches, not to mention endless beautiful nooks and crannies awaiting your admiration. 

Another reason we love Pembrokeshire? They’re a champion of caring for its environment. After all, National Parks are there to ensure that these incredible landscapes are conserved for future generations to enjoy. Being a B-Corp certified company, that’s our mission too. 

And exploring this beautiful landscape in February brings with it the cool sea air, blank canvas stretches of sand, and those iconic shots without hordes of people getting in your way. So, what are you waiting for? Join us on a small-group tour of this slice of heaven this February. 

Verona, Italy 

Average temperature: 0°C - 10°C (32 - 50°F)  

Season: Winter 

Best for: Cosy, romantic vibes 

Rabbie’s Tour: Tours to Verona start in April 

What better time to visit the fair city of Verona than during the month of love? While we’re of the opinion that love should be celebrated all year round, by all types of relationships, there’s no denying the simmering heat of love and affection that warms the month of February like sitting in front of a fireplace with your loved one. 

And since Verona is the city of one of the most famous love stories of all time, it makes sense why lovers from around the world flock to it. There's something alluring about strolling down a quiet cobbled street with your lover, so what better time to visit than in February? Our own Bron went to Verona and fell in love with the quiet streets, striking views and hidden declarations of love scattered throughout. What will you fall in love with? 

Top tip: While a visit to Juliet’s House is a must, don’t miss out on the declarations of love scribbled on the wall of Romeo’s House, or the tucked away Fountain of Love in a quiet courtyard, which makes for a perfect spot to sit and ponder what it means to love. 

Northern Ireland 

Average temperature: Dublin is around 3°C - 9°C (37 - 48°F) but it varies depending on which part of the country you’re in 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Epic landscapes 

Rabbie’s Tour: 3-day Discover Northern Ireland tour from Dublin 

There are some things in this world that are irrefutable. Guinness is best served chilled. It is impossible to lick your own elbow. And Highland Coos are among the cutest animals known to man. 

But there’s one more you ought to know: Northern Ireland has a spirit unlike any other. 

From their panoramic views showcasing indescribable beauty to the warmth of an Irish pub taking you in on a rainy afternoon, Northern Ireland will draw you in just as it has done us, which is why we’d love to take you there this February on our 3-day Discover Northern Ireland tour. Very quickly, you’ll realise just how special this place is. Emotions will be stirred, jaws will drop, and cameras will quickly fill up as you fall for this most fantastical setting. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel nostalgic for a simpler time, when a good pint of Guinness could fix just about anything, and no one was bothered by a sheep traffic jam. And who knows, maybe you’ll find that simpler life when you visit Ireland with us this winter. 

Southern Spain 

Average temperature: 3°C - 14°C (37 - 57°F)  

Season: Winter 

Best for: A kaleidoscope of warmth and colours 

Rabbie’s Tour: Tours to Southern Spain begin in April 

If you’re looking for something a tad warmer, you might just consider taking yourself down to the south of Spain. If we had to pick one word to describe Spain (and that’s almost impossible), we’d have to go with passionate. Spain’s deep-rooted traditions and spirit have a way of turning even the most quiet and humble person into someone with such enthusiasm for life, for food, for drink, for dancing.  

Welcome to Spain. We love it here and can’t wait to get back later in the year. But during winter, you ought not to miss out on the cooler temperatures and quieter streets. Delectable tapas, more-ish wines, opulent architecture... Spain has a way of pouring its heart and soul into yours. 

And just when we couldn’t love Spain more, we discovered the beauty of southern Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. Roman monuments shelter Moorish artefacts, fragrant wines simply must accompany cumin-spiced dishes, and Arabian melodies pair with Latin dances. Bustling squares, Moorish architecture, impossible landscapes... what more could you want when travelling around Spain? 

Ring of Kerry, Ireland 

Average temperature: 3°C - 10°C (37 - 50°F) 

Season: Winter 

Best for: Wild fantasy landscape vibes 

Rabbie’s Tour: 5-day Escape to the South West tour from Dublin 

Escape to the southwest... it just has a ring to it, doesn’t it? A slow smile creeps onto your face as your heart begins to thrum just a little bit harder as the realisation dawns: you’re off on an adventure.  

And there’s something about Ireland’s southwestern region that captivates like no other. It’s a place for those who like their mountains mighty, their music merry, and their memories magnificent. 

Welcome to a land of fascinating myths, celebrated writers, memorable beers and swoon-worthy views. We can’t get enough of touring Ireland, even in winter, because there’s something about escaping into a cosy pub when the weather turns. Something about sipping a Guinness by a roaring hearth and listening to the locals yarn in that thick accent of theirs. 

And you’ve got stories of your own to share, stories from the 179km road that is beloved by many around the world: the famous Ring of Kerry - one of the best things to experience while touring the outskirts of Killarney. But which story will you share with them today? Which of the dozens of photos will you show off first? Which heritage site had the most fascinating history behind it?  

From the lively streets of Killarney (where you got a souvenir or two) to porcelain sand at Derrynane Beach (where you left your footprints), the Ring of Kerry is a world within a world, one that Ireland is proud to call its own. Will we see you there? 

February Places to Visit FAQs   

Tempted for your own winter adventure? We’re sure you will have some questions about it, so let us answer some of the most common questions asked for this time of year.    

Is February a Good Time to Travel?   

As far as we’re concerned, February is an ideal time to travel. The frenzy of the festive season is behind us and the streets grow quieter, making it a cheaper and easier time of year to travel because school holidays kick back in and summer lures thousands more travellers.  

Note that some attractions do shorten their opening hours during this part of the year, so make sure to account for that when planning your trip.  

What Is the Best Short Break for February?   

The best short break in February depends on what you want to do and see, but we have a soft spot for Northern Ireland. Maybe it’s something about having a refreshing drink by a warm fire as you think about landscapes shrouded in winter mist that calls to us... just saying. 

Winter Escapes with Rabbie’s  

One of the best things about travelling with us? Our driver-guides do all the driving. Which means that you can have that pint of Guinness at lunch to help warm the cockles of your heart before venturing back out into the crisp winter landscape. 

More than that, we’re here to tell you the tricks of the local area, or to take a picture of the whole family so that no one is left out. We’d love to join you on your next adventure on a Rabbie's tour.   

Whether you choose to travel in winter, or you opt for another time of year, our driver-guides will be awaiting you with a smile. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for your portion of inspiration and to be one of the first to know about new destinations we’re going to explore.