FEBRUARY OFF-SEASON TRAVEL

DEEP OFF-SEASON
SWEET SPOT

February presents a mixed bag for off-season travel, often acting as a shoulder season for many desirable locations due to a balance of value and crowd levels. While the Northern Hemisphere largely remains in deep winter (great for winter sports, less so for general tourism), the Southern Hemisphere is at the height of its summer, meaning peak season there.

To find “off-season” value in February, focus on destinations that are:

  • Emerging from deep winter in the Northern Hemisphere, offering better prices before spring crowds arrive.
  • In their dry but not yet intensely hot season in tropical areas, or transitioning towards it.
  • Experiencing summer in the Southern Hemisphere, but with slightly fewer crowds than in January (e.g., a post-holiday lull).

Main Regions Globally and Their Associated Seasons in February:

Northern Hemisphere:

    • Temperate (e.g., Europe, US/Canada): Deep winter conditions, with cold temperatures and snow. This is largely deep off-season for general tourism but peak season for ski resorts and winter activities.
    • Tropical/Subtropical (e.g., Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Middle East): Peak dry/cool season. Warm, sunny, and comfortable. This is generally peak season.
    • Arctic/Far North (e.g., Iceland, Norway, Alaska): Deep winter, with very cold temperatures and limited daylight. This is peak season for aurora viewing.

Southern Hemisphere:

    • Temperate (e.g., Southern South America, Australia/New Zealand): Peak summer. Warm to hot temperatures, long daylight. This is generally peak season.
    • Tropical/Subtropical (e.g., Southern Africa, parts of South America): Peak dry season or warm summer. Warm, sunny. This is generally peak season for safaris and wildlife viewing.